X released the 1980 album Los Angeles, produced by former Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek.
Manzarek produced the album after becoming interested in the emerging Los Angeles punk scene. His involvement connected X's raw, fast songs with the earlier psychedelic rock tradition represented by The Doors, although the finished record remained firmly rooted in punk and rockabilly.
The album's songwriting came mainly from vocalist Exene Cervenka and bassist John Doe, whose lyrics combined literary imagery with stories of city life and troubled relationships. Billy Zoom's guitar and DJ Bonebrake's drumming completed the band's classic early lineup.
Because Manzarek was known primarily for keyboards, listeners sometimes expect prominent keyboard parts on the album. His role was producer rather than a member of X. The album remains important because it helped define the sound and identity of the original Los Angeles punk community.