Right out of the Vaults

Cut in 1992 this one qualifies as a vault recording, it isn't timeless, it isn't destined to be a classic. INXS, from Australia, hit all the right buttons in the late 80's and petered and fizzled out into the 90's.

The album packaging did prove that over the years the band did learn how to all dress like each other in snazzy matching outfits for photo shoots.

"Welcome to Wherever You Are," was the Fixx making "Ink," the Cars making "Door to Door," Van Halen doing "Van Halen III," you know...the beginning of the end. "Welcome to Wherever You Are," granted has enough listenable material that you won't immediately go out running to your local Hastings to try to sell it dirt cheap or stick it in the pile of garage sale recordings right next to worn copies of Air Supply, Barry Manilow, and Bread. INXS became commercial...they were tainted by success. Maybe that was more than lead singer Michael Hutchence bargained for. Fame can be a daunting thing. Commercialism alone doesn't make a band start to pump out uninspired drivel but if heads aren't on right it can lead to it. Though the collective musicians of INXS seem to be talented enough that "Welcome To Wherever You Are," doesn't delve to the drivel level. Nevertheless the band members picked up the road signs, mapped it out on Mapquest, and yep with this CD they were heading to drivel city, USA.

The album starts out interestingly enough with a Sitar-singed, "Questions." Follows it up with some hit top-40 radio play ditties in "Heaven Sent," "Taste It," and "Not Enough Time." But by the time they reach the big horns bouncy, "Baby Don't Cry," all inspiration has ran dry. "Wishing Well," has an interesting bass line, but the rest of the album is same 'ole same 'ole.

Look elsewhere if you are starting out with INXS. Shaboo Shabah or Kick might be good places to start. The band did make some good music, unfortunately too little of it can be found on "Welcome to Wherever You Are."
--MMW

heaven sent

I was struck by how many of the reviewers before me felt the same way I do about this album: it rocks! This is actually one of the first rock albums I ever heard (I was 9 at the time). So, I suppose it's entirely possible that my infatuation with it could be explained by this (like the whole maternal imprinting idea). I tend to think not, though, since I was also forced to listen to a lot of michael jackson at the time, and now I recoil every time I hear, see, or read about him.

Anyway, this album was very well done, from the writing to the performance and production. The music overflows with creative ideas from the eastern feel on "questions" to the brass on "baby don't cry", and the hints of latin on "strange desire". Additionally, INXS have perfected their original style on this album. The grooves are infectious; if you're not going crazy dancing or singing along to the music, you're without a doubt tapping your feet. Of course I need to say my bit about Michael's vocals. They're irresistable! His voice simply exudes cool on this album. Every time I listen to it I go through a short Michael-envy phase. Without a doubt, the other members' passionate performances are also critical to the essence of the album. This is a brilliant piece of music that should not be overlooked.

Welcome To Wherever You Are

Welcome To Wherever You Are received critical praise and acclaim prior to its worldwide release in 1992, and the album debuted at #1 in Britain.
The album is very solid. It's a brash and daring step beyond the attractive, upbeat formula of Listen Like Thieves and Kick.
Welcome is very adventurous. It is sometimes boisterous, other times inherently erotic, often even lovely.
Questions and Heaven Sent kick off the album, and lead into Communication, one of their best songs yet.
Not Enough Time and Baby Don't Cry are both wonderful, and
All Around really rocks.
Then there's also Strange Desire, and Taste It - a couple more of my favorites.
Taste It was inspired by a freak accident that caused Michael Hutchence to lose his ability to taste.
Beautiful Girl is very beautiful -- one of their prettiest songs ever recorded.

Lead vocalist Michael Hutchence (1960-1997) did have many friends in the music industry -- including U2's Paul "BONO" Hewson. Bono actually recorded some vocals to help complete the Michael Hutchence solo album, and since Michael's death, Bono has dedicated many of his live performances to the memory of his friend, Michael Hutchence.

Rest In Peace, Michael.