MusiQ
XRay Spex - Identity
Review by Karli Iskakova
XRay Spex's 1978 album Identity is a punk classic that still resonates today. The band's frontwoman, Poly Styrene, delivers powerful vocals that tackle themes of consumerism, gender roles, and societal pressures. The album's opening track, "Identity", sets the tone with its catchy guitar riffs and Styrene's biting lyrics. "I Am A Poseur" is another standout track, with its satirical take on the punk scene.
The album's production isn't polished, but that's part of its charm. The raw energy of the band is captured perfectly, with the guitar, bass, and drums all coming together to create a sound that's both urgent and rebellious. The saxophone on "Germ Free Adolescents" adds an unexpected element to the album, and shows XRay Spex's willingness to experiment with their sound.
Table of Contents
Download
Filename: xray-spex-identity.rar- MP3 size: 7.4 mb
- FLAC size: 84.2 mb
Tracks
| Track | Duration | Preview |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | 2:23 | |
| Let's Submerge | 3:24 |
Video
x ray spex identity 1978 video complete
Images
Catalog Numbers
- INT 563
- 1C 006-61 573, INT 563
- 9781787602168
- EMR-20589
Labels
- EMI International
- EMI, EMI Electrola
- Omnibus Press
- EMI
Listen online
- ouvir online
- lyssna på nätet
- lytte på nettet
- online luisteren
- ascolta in linea
- kuunnella verkossa
- online anhören
- écouter en ligne
- escuchar en línea
Formats
- Vinyl
- 7"
- 45 RPM
- Single
- Promo
- Pink
- Limited Edition
- Reissue
- Pink Box Set
- Numbered
- Solid Centre
- Test Pressing
Companies
| Role | Company |
|---|---|
| Marketed By | EMI Records Licensed Repertoire Division |
| Record Company | EMI Records Ltd. |
| Phonographic Copyright (p) | Mobjack Ltd. |
| Copyright (c) | Poly Styrene |
| Printed By | Delga Press Limited |
| Pressed By | EMI Records |
| Lacquer Cut At | Finyl Tweek |
Credits
| Role | Credit |
|---|---|
| Performer | Hurding, Airport, Dean, Styrene, Rudi |
| Producer | Falcon Stuart, X-Ray Spex |
| Written-By | P. Styrene |
| Lacquer Cut By | Greg Moore |
Notes
- 4-prong push-out center. On the side B label, the track duration is printed directly to the right of the track title.
- On labels: ℗ 1978 Mobjack Ltd. Made in Gt Britain.
- On sleeve rear: © Poly-Styrene. Marketed by EMI Records Licensed Repetoire Division
- 4-prong push-out center. Released in a lightweight card picture sleeve in matt finish.
- On labels: ℗ 1978 Mobjack Ltd. EMI Records Ltd. Made in Gt Britain.
- On sleeve rear: © Poly-Styrene (Re: lyrics). Marketed by EMI Records Licensed Repetoire Division
- Track durations on A & B side labels is printed under the "45 RPM ℗ 1978 Mobjack Ltd." to the left of the spindle hole. Not to be confused with Identity which has track durations to the right of the title on both sides or Identity which has A side track duration under the "45 RPM ℗ 1978 Mobjack Ltd." to the left of the spindle hole and B side duration to the right of the title.
- "G T" in runout side B is stamped vertically so could be "T G"
- Also released on black vinyl.
- Textured sleeve.
- Some copies include an "Information Service" insert.
- Issued as part of a book boxset 'Dayglo! The Poly Styrene Story': Special Edition by Celeste Bell and Zoë Howe this box-set is limited to only 250 copies worldwide – It contains a number of exclusive items, including rare pieces reproduced from Poly’s archive by her daughter: INCLUDES: a specially re-released 7” single (‘Identity’/‘Let’s Submerge’) on pink vinyl in a brand new sleeve, a print of a classic Pennie Smith B/W photograph, a Poly Styrene tote bag, Poly’s handwritten ‘concept of X-Ray Spex’ note, an ‘Identity’ card, Poly’s handwritten lyrics for ‘Oh Bondage, Up Yours!’ and ‘I Am A Cliché’, Poly’s handwritten sheet music for ‘Identity’ and ‘The Day The World Turned Dayglo’, three classic button badges, Poly’s hand-drawn draft artwork for the Translucence solo album cover, Poly’s hand-drawn illustrations, with signature, three rare record press releases and two flyers for classic X-Ray Spex gigs (The Roxy etc.) & the excellent book itself in 1st edition hardback!
- Sold by indies only.
- Orange labels with red EMI logo.
- 4-prong push-out center. On the side B label, the track duration is printed under the "45 RPM P 1978 Mobjack Ltd." to the left of the spindle hole.
- Solid centre version
- White labels with black lettering.
- German test pressing, comes in original cover and white labels with stamped Cat.No and note: "Unverkäufliche Musterplatte"
Barcodes
- Matrix / Runout (Label A-side): INT 563A
- Matrix / Runout (Label B-side): INT 563B
- Matrix / Runout (Runout A-side, stamped, variant 1): INT 563 A-1
- Matrix / Runout (Runout B-side, stamped, variant 1): INT 563 B-1
- Matrix / Runout (Runout A-side, stamped, variant 2): INT 563 A-1 RP 2
- Matrix / Runout (Runout B-side, stamped, variant 2): INT 563 B-1 AD 1
- Matrix / Runout (Runout A-side, stamped, variant 3): INT 563 A-1 1 CH
- Matrix / Runout (Runout B-side, stamped, variant 3): INT 563 B-1 1 GD
- Matrix / Runout (Runout A-side, stamped variant 1): INT 563 A-1 0
- Matrix / Runout (Runout B-side, stamped variant 1): INT 563 B 1 G T
- Matrix / Runout (Side A runout etched / stamped variant 2): INT 563 A-1 1 T
- Matrix / Runout (Side B runout etched / stamped variant 2): INT 563 B-1 1 G R
- Matrix / Runout (Side A label): INT 563A
- Matrix / Runout (Side B label): INT 563B
- Matrix / Runout (Side A runout, stamped): INT 563 A-1 CI
- Matrix / Runout (Side B runout, stamped): INT 563 B 1 CI
- Matrix / Runout (Side A label): 1C 006-61 573 A
- Matrix / Runout (Side B label): 1C 006-61 573 B
- Rights Society: GEMA
- Label Code: LC 0542
- Matrix / Runout (Etched): Side A: OP58113 A
- Matrix / Runout (Etched): Side B: OP58113 B GREG@FT
- Matrix / Runout (Runout A-side, stamped): INT 563 A-1
- Matrix / Runout (Runout B-side, stamped): INT 563 B-1
- Matrix / Runout (Stamped in run-out area A-side): INT 563 A-1
- Matrix / Runout (Stamped in run-out area B-side): INT 563 B-1
- Matrix / Runout (Side A label): INT-563-A
- Matrix / Runout (Side B label): INT-563-B
- Rights Society: JASRAC
- Matrix / Runout (Side A runout): 61 573 A 1
- Matrix / Runout (Side B runout): 61 573 B 1
About XRay Spex
UK punk band formed in 1976. After singer left in 1979 to pursue other interests the band auditioned for a new singer and changed their name to .
X-Ray Spex was re-formed in 1991 for a short while but had a rather indifferent reception, but then re-formed again in 1995 and has played live every now and then since.
Name Vars
- X Ray Specs
- X Ray Spex
- X-Ray - Spex
- X-Ray Specs
- X-Ray-Spex
- Xray Spex
- Xûì¤û¹Úï¹
- eX-Ray Spex
Members
- Lora Logic
- B.P. Hurding
- Paul Dean
- Mari Elliott
- Pauli Ohairt
- Red Spectre
- Jack Stafford
- Steve 'Rudi' Thomson
Summary by Karli Iskakova
Comments
It's sad, but Wisdom preaches lose Identity as soon as you are unfortunately born.
BoMb was here ☠️
Best ever
Let’s face it, most punk was bloody awful, BUT, there were a few bands that really did some astonishing stuff. I can think of few better Polly and co.
Poly was the queen of punk for me , just the real deal
RIP Poly non ti dimenticheremo mai ♥️?
she is amazing .... but I hope her daughter is ok.
Now this is a fucking tune of a generation you had to dress right to be part of the punk scene my arse I was 13 years old I knew I loved the music and now as a 57 year old I still love it unlike all the fucking posing fuckers who just went with whatever came along next from bondage trousers to frilly fucking shirts and listening to shite like spandu ballet and the utter nonsense of Duran Duran songs that ment fuck all to me then and still in my latter years mean even fucking a lot less now
⅖,
R.I.P poly....
RIP Polly. ???
Loved the band !
Unbelievable sounds dam years fly
Come on you people. This video, Poly Styrene and X-Ray Spex, this song Identity and whoever posted this on YouTube, deserve at least one million likes, you unhealthy bastards!
Poly our queen of punk !!!! RIP to this strong woman ✨✨✨
Are there any other Punk / Northern Soul crossovers?
Wow I didn't know young Queen Elizabeth played punk rock!
