Keeping it in the 80s for one more day. That decade gets a pretty bad rap, musically — Flock of Seagulls and all that — but as with any decade there are tons of gems to be found.
Take INXS, whose infectious brand of sparse but danceable funk can be heard in modern bands as trendy as Spoon. Yes, INXS has released an album as recently as 2005, but for me their defining sound will always be tied to the mid-80s albums Listen Like Thieves and especially Kick.
Kick is one of those classic albums that I almost never play — I recently gave Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours as another example. Time passes and new sounds take over my stereo and a fabulous work like this goes unappreciated for months at a time. It’s too bad. I’ll be sure to grab it next time I’m stocking the CD case.
INXS did put out one more great album (at least one that I’ve heard) in 1992’s Welcome to Wherever You Are. It didn’t spawn many hits but it has a great sound and is definitely worth checking out.
Don’t have to tell you
I love your precious heart
I, I was standing
You were there
Two worlds collided
And they could never tear us apart
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
I, I was standing
You were there
Two worlds collided
And they could never…ever…tear us apart
Meet Me In Montauk 
I was a pretty big fan of INXS in the late 80’s. Once Huthcinson died, however, I lost track as, apparently, did the rest of the world.
Listen Like Thieves is a great album, as is Kick, but, while I like this SOTD selection, the most infectious song on Kick was really the lead off single Need You Tonight. That song just oozes sex appeal (Am I right, ladies?)
‘Devil Inside’ does as well.
Ummm… this was my senior prom theme song. (Sigh….) I loved Kick and listened to it A LOT back in the day.
Yes, Dana, you’re right. And no contest winner could ever do to that song what Michael Hutchence could.
Another song I also really liked from that album was Mystify.
By the way, I LOVE 80s week! Keep ’em coming!
Kerrie, I agree that Mystify is another standout on that album. Never cared for the chorus of Devil Inside, but liked the sound and feel of the verses.
Loved INXS. Loved 80’s music. Yes, “Need You Tonight” was, along with “Addicted to Love” and “Kiss,” a very sexy 80’s song. And I’m with Kerrie – keep the 80’s music coming. We get great music and nostalgia š
Wish I could make you 80s-philes happy, but the next couple of songs in the queue are not from that decade. I’ll revisit it, though.