This picture is a little misleading because I am actually listening to the music through my computer speakers.

I wanted a picture that fit well with the theme though, so I decided to take this. When I can't use my desktop speakers, I don't mind wearing these headphones. They are a set of Sony MDR-7505 Studio headphones.

That's right, professional grade headphones like they use in the studios for only $100 USD. I'd pick these in a heartbeat over the more expensive brands out there like Beats, etc.

Sadly, this model is discontinued, but I still love using them when I need to be a little more discrete in my office. Sometimes blaring gangster rap in the middle of the day just isn't appropriate through regular speakers.

Anyway, on to the music...

source Wikipedia

INXS (pronounced "in excess") were an Australian rock band, formed as The Farriss Brothers in 1977 in Sydney, New South Wales.[1][2] The band's founding members were bassist Garry Gary Beers, main composer and keyboardist Andrew Farriss, drummer Jon Farriss, guitarist Tim Farriss, lead singer and main lyricist Michael Hutchence, and guitarist and saxophonist Kirk Pengilly.[3] For twenty years, INXS was fronted by Hutchence, whose "sultry good looks" and magnetic stage presence made him the focal point of the band.[1][3] Initially known for their new wave/pop style, the band later developed a harder pub rock style that included funk and dance elements.[1]

For some reason that I can't begin to fathom, I always seem to forget the awesomeness that is INXS. Whenever I listen to them I am always pulled in by the raw emotion that exuded from Michael Hutchence.

Though he wasn't in as many big name bands and his genre was a little different, I really feel that Hutchence could be that generations equivalent of Chris Cornell.

If you have been following me, you know that I really dig singers with unique voices. I also really appreciate bands/musicians that tend to write the bulk of their material themselves. Taking his own life much too young at 37 Hutchence reminds me of some of the artists @verhp11 has covered and the fact that fame and fortune doesn't always bring happiness and can't fill the void many of us struggle with.

I think a lot of us are familiar with the hit songs they had on the radio in the late 80's and early 90's, but only recently have I started to listen to some of their earlier stuff going as far back as 1980. Though their "hit years" produced some of my favorite songs, there is something about their earlier stuff that I know will have me digging deeper into it.

Some of the early songs I have listened to so far have hints of The Clash and other similar bands in my opinion. If you have access to Spotify, they have a INXS Collection, 1980 - 1993 that you should really check out.

The Stairs

I love the story this song tells of two people living in the same building "sharing the same spaces", but being strangers. I am sure there is a much deeper meaning intended. Unfortunately we may never know. Sadly, my go to site for stuff like this Song Facts is pretty light on INXS songs.

Never Tear Us Apart

There are two lines that really stand out to me in this song. Actually, they are right next to each other and the power of the lyrics always gives me reason to pause and be in awe of how great INXS was.

We could live
For a thousand years
But if I hurt you
I'd make wine from your tears
I told you
That we could fly
'Cause we all have wings
But some of us don't know why

There is something about INXS that kind of reminds me of U2 and maybe that is part of the reason I like them so much.

Shine Like It Does

I actually own the Listen Like Thieves album on vinyl and this is probably my favorite song off of it. Sure the hit "What you Need" is on there, but I feel this song stands out above that one. It is a bit faster than the other two I mentioned, but not quite as fast as other hits like "Suicide Blond".

If you get a chance, do some digging into INXS. I think you will find at least one song that you like. If you are feeling really ambitious, start at 1980 and listen for the gradual evolution of their music from there into the 90's. I think you will find yourself saying "oh yeah, they sang that" quite frequently as well.

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