INXS – Kick

Without a doubt, this was one of the best records that charted heavily during the Eighties and it was really great hearing these tunes on the radio, and it was everywhere. Even TV, with Kick videos on heavy rotation, and do you know what? It was a delight as Kick is loaded with great material from start to finish, this is great Rock, it was assesible for pop chart fans but was also full of great Rockers also, giving the record more appeal than usual for a Rock album.
I find it curious these days that this record has been somewhat overlooked. Do the critics become more guarded and cynical if Rock has mainstream appeal? Is it because Michael was a heartthrob? I was at college at the time and all the girls, hells bells! even the teachers where mad about him.
Should music not be judged by what hits your ears?
I was really shocked when I heard music critics' on the radio giving INXS a real mashing, saying stuff like dated Funky Rock, Rolling Stones wannabes!! ? and other comments of that nature, I just couldn't believe it, I really felt that this was unfair for a top class ultra talented band with a dynamic, charismatic and likeable front man.
INXS kept the quality taps running back in those days, and there hits where a breath of fresh air and I really believe that Kick needs to be reappraised once again as an absolute classic record.
I was delighted however when Bono, on a big budget TV show really sung the praises of INXS, and he really highlighted for the viewers that INXS where one of the all time great bands and he sincerely lamented the loss of Michael as an irreplaceable loss to music. It was really great hearing Bono say words to that effect proving that the radio critics totally got it wrong making careless and daft remarks.
Another great reminder of how great INXS where is to watch, INXS Live At Wembley Stadium, Michael was on fire as a front man and had the audience eating out of his hands.
INXS where not an overnight success, they worked very hard to get to the crossover quality of Kick, and I'm sure a career highlight of topping the bill and filling Wembley would also have been a source of pride for the band.
Further digging will be very rewarding and satisfying, as they released many records before and after Kick.
My advice is to check them out, and the last time that I looked, Kick was very reasonably priced on vinyl, surely this will not last forever, so it's a no brainer to pick up a copy.
This little review however is for the cassette and it has a marvellous sound and a high quality chrome reel, which I always find reliable and very reassuring. It also has a distinctive bright red feeder timer reel, this combined with the total transparency of the shell looks awesome in the ghetto blaster as you can see everything moving in harmony.
The inlay sleeve has full lyrics, a bit small to be honest, so keep the glasses handy. I most also mention the photos of the band, you can really tell that they where more like a family, and up for a laugh.
If you do not have any INXS, this is a great starting point. Try to track down the Wembley performance also, and if you are an INXS diehard, you will just love this handsome cassette release.

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