This is the best kind of second-echelon punk record. While nothing else here is up to the standard of the first Generation X single ("Your Generation," a nasty mock of Pete Townshend's ancient anthem), the whole album is far too much fun to have been accomplished for the sake of mere posturing. Generation X is as skillful as any punk-rock band at appropriating resources from other genres and...

Maybe they weren't the brightest and best, but for a while Generation X seemed like a sure thing among British bands, New Wave division. Though disparaged in their country's hyperthyroid music press, the group's singles sold well, and their concerts were practically riotous. Dyed-blond singer Billy Idol attracted female teenypunks who'd outgrown the Bay City Rollers, and Generation X' energetic...