For Week Ending:
4 November 2023

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.

Arist Information
INXS (a phonetic play on "in excess") were an Australian rock band, formed as the Farriss Brothers in 1977 in Sydney, New South Wales. For 20 years, they were fronted by Michael Hutchence, whose magnetic stage presence made him the focal point of the band. Initially known for their new wave/pop style, the band later developed a harder pub rock style that included funk and dance elements. After Hutchence's death on 22 November 1997, INXS made appearances with several guest singers, and toured and recorded with Jon Stevens (Noiseworks) as lead singer, beginning in 2000. In 2005, members of INXS participated in 'Rock Star: INXS', a reality television series that culminated in the selection of Canadian J.D. Fortune as their new lead singer. Irish singer-songwriter Ciaran Gribbin replaced Fortune as lead singer in 2011. During a concert on 11 November 2012, INXS stated that the performance would be their last, although they did not announce the band's permanent retirement. The band have won six Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) awards, including three for "Best Group" in 1987, 1989 and 1992; the band was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2001. INXS has sold over 50 million albums worldwide, making them one of Australia's highest selling music acts of all time.

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!

Arist Information
Faith No More is an American rock band from San Francisco, California, formed in 1979. Before September 1983, the band performed under the names Sharp Young Men and later Faith No Man. They officially announced its breakup on April 20, 1998. The band has since reunited, conducting The Second Coming Tour.