Generation X - Kiss Me Deadly
#47
By Rob Haneisen
January 23 1981
GenX
Kiss Me Deadly
Genre: New Wave, post-punk rock
Allen’s Rating: 2.5 out of 5
Rob’s Rating: 2.5 out of 5
Highlights:
Dancing with myself
Untouchables
Triumph
I recently saw a photo of a weathered but fit-looking Billy Idol posing with a young child in his arms. Smiling for the photo, as any proud grandpa would holding his grandchild. Yes, Billy Idol is a grandfather and we are all officially old.
It’s difficult to see that photo and then imagine the state of mind of a very young Billy Idol in 1980 recording his last real album with the band that started his rock career. Generation X became GenX when the band membership changed up due to, among other issues, drugs. It’s obvious they were not all in full command of their faculties for the duration of this album released in 1981.
There are a few gems on this record. I absolutely love “Dancing with Myself” for its driving bada-bada-bada bassline and smarmy urgency. It’s no wonder Billy Idol rerecorded it on his first solo album. “Untouchables” sounds like it could easily be placed on the soundtrack of any John Hughes 80s teen rom-com and “Triumph” punches up the tempo just enough. The rest of the album really sounds like a collection of tracks you’d find on a b-sides collection. They sound more like ideas and attempts, rather than songs. And they mostly miss.
The production is also a bit lacking, unless you call adding big echo effects on Idol’s singing production. His voice definitely sounds more delicate and untested than the snarling yowl he perfected on “Rebel Yell.” I guess he still had some growing up to do.
A word about Punk. This is not punk music. GenX may dress the part at times or start down a punky path, as they do on “What do you want”, but it’s just not deserving of that genre. Billy Idol’s solo material was similarly non-punk despite his leather and spiky hair. That’s not to say it’s bad – I really like some of his songs - maybe you could stretch and call it punk-influenced, bratty-sounding rock. I’m cool with that. “Kiss Me Deadly” has a New Wave vibe to it as well but it is surf I’d rather not ride on most days.
https://open.spotify.com/album/67Ee6sSx28m3wFS6EUZGpB?si=duJ6WZ3yRD-HoWtbi9MGyA
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