INXS - The Years 1979-1997 (2002)

[Rock]

A great compilation can showcase every strength of an artist, and it is a testament to the musicianship and song writing skills of many bands that they can even fill a double album with classics. The original INXS are one of those bands, and with the 41 one tracks on the album (in chronological order) you can follow their journey - hit after hit. The earlier years are covered by new-wave styled classics like 'Just Keep Walking' and 'Stay Young', and we move through their classic years with charting songs like 'Don't Change', and 'I Send A Message' until we find the late 80s mega hits of 'What You Need' and 'New Sensation'. The second disc is full of the band's 90s outputs, and although it could be argued that their albums weren't a strong by that period, the singles on display here remind you that they were still a force to be reckoned with. 'Bitter Tears', ' Taste It', and 'The Strangest Party' all being great examples of where the mature band landed toward the end. All in all, a great compilation that reminds us that INXS were worthy of all their successes, and what a great talent we lost when Michael Hutchence left us.

Faith No More - The Real Thing (1989)

[Alternative Rock]

I'm wracking my brain about how I came to be playing this record at full tilt in my parent's lounge room when no-one was home, in 1989. Growing up in the country, there was no radio exposure. Must have been my Hot Metal mags that lead me to them. Well, what can I say about this classic release? It introduced the world to the vocal extremes of Mike Patton (from Mr. Bungle fame). It has everything. From your classic alt-rock anthem that is 'Epic' - the first track, shifting to the in your face, fasted paced 'Surprise, Your Dead', quirky 'Zombie Eaters' and the moody title track. It's a heck of a soundscape from the 5 of them. Even, yes OK, 'Roddy Bottum and his keyboard work which hangs it all together. If you get a chance to watch their live sets back in the day, you see the characters that bring us such a unique sound. Bordin with the dreads, the camp Bottum, Patton looking as though he has walked off as an extra in a Miami Vice recording, down to the coolest looking guitarist at the time in Martin. Big hair, red sunglasses with a cigarette hanging out of his mouth. Oh did I mention the incredible cover of 'War Pigs'? Love this release! Love this band!