4th Of July

The song 4th of July by X, featured on their 1987 album See How We Are, carries a raw emotional weight that resonates with listeners, as the Zoo Freaks tuning into THE ZOO radio station would likely feel. Written by guitarist Dave Alvin, who briefly joined X after leaving The Blasters, the song captures the quiet despair of a strained relationship set against the backdrop of a working-class Independence Day. In an interview with Songfacts, Alvin revealed he deliberately omitted a third verse to leave the song’s ending ambiguous, allowing listeners to decide whether the couple stays together or parts ways. He noted, “It’s getting the point across. They’re either breaking up or they’re staying together,” emphasizing the power of leaving the story open-ended. Fans on social media, particularly in comments on Songfacts, have shared how lines like “We gave up trying so long ago” hit hard, reflecting the song’s ability to evoke personal connections to love and loss.

Another layer of trivia comes from the song’s recording history. Initially, Alvin recorded 4th of July with The Blasters in 1986, produced by Nick Lowe, but tensions arose when Lowe suggested Alvin sing lead instead of his brother Phil, the band’s frontman. The Blasters’ version was never released, and the song found its home with X, where John Doe’s vocals gave it a distinct, haunting quality. Alvin later shared in the same Songfacts interview that Lowe’s advice—“I can’t sing either, but I’ve somehow made a living doing it”—inspired him to pursue singing himself. The song’s cultural footprint extends beyond music, appearing in the end credits of The Sopranos episode “Live Free or Die” in 2006, a nod to its enduring emotional depth. However, fans looking to stream it might be disappointed, as Billboard reported in 2022 that the track is absent from major streaming platforms, possibly due to licensing issues, making vinyl or CD versions cherished by Zoo Freaks.

X emerged from the vibrant Los Angeles punk scene in 1977, becoming one of its defining acts. Formed by vocalist Exene Cervenka, vocalist/bassist John Doe, guitarist Billy Zoom, and drummer DJ Bonebrake, the band blended punk’s raw energy with rockabilly, country, and poetic lyricism. Their early days were marked by gigs at iconic venues like The Masque, where they honed their sound amid a community of misfits and artists. According to their official bio on xtheband.com, X quickly gained a cult following for their unique chemistry—Cervenka and Doe’s harmonized vocals, Zoom’s razor-sharp guitar riffs, and Bonebrake’s driving rhythms. Their debut album, Los Angeles (1980), produced by The Doors’ Ray Manzarek, cemented their status as punk pioneers. Despite lineup changes, including Dave Alvin’s brief stint in the mid-1980s, X remained a force, releasing their first new album in 35 years, ALPHABETLAND, in 2020, proving their lasting relevance.

Fans can connect with X through their official website, where tour dates and merch are regularly updated. Their social media presence is active on Facebook, Instagram, and X, offering glimpses into live performances and band milestones. For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, fan communities thrive online. The X - The Band (Official Fan Group) on Facebook is a hub for enthusiasts to share memories, discuss albums like See How We Are, and post rare photos. Another fan-driven space, The X Room, serves as an unofficial archive with discographies, interviews, and forum discussions, perfect for those spinning 4th of July and craving more band lore. These platforms keep the spirit of X’s punk legacy alive, much like the Zoo Crew’s vinyl-spinning sessions at THE ZOO.