A Huge Step Forward

Midnight Oil's self-titled debut barely hinted at what was to come. HEAD INJURIES is a much better example of what the early Oils were capable of. The arrangements are extremely tight. The interplay between Moginie's and Rotsey's guitars is magnificent and much closer to what fans would come to expect on later classic releases. The SONGS are also fantastic, possibly the best set the group would come up with before DIESEL AND DUST. Because the Oils followed their instinct to exsperiment wildly throughout the early- to mid- 1980s, this CD can be seen as the true prelude to DIESEL AND DUST, as the songs are quite straight-forward and guitar-driven.



This is also the album where the group first elaborates on its polical views. Most of the best tracks, such as "Cold Cold Change," "No Reaction," "Stand in Line," and "Is It Now?" are fueled not just by monstrous guitars, but also politically-charged angst. It is a recipe that Midnight Oil would use to great effect throughout their long and storied career.



A definite must-own for anyone who likes Midnight Oil.

Improves with every listen

I didn't used to think much of this album. I thought it had a few strong tracks with some filler. Songs like "Koala Sprint" and "Is It Now," for example, never impressed me. But now I've come to the conclusion that every song is brilliant. I don't see how I couldn't have liked them before. It's a significant improvement over the debut.

Quite good - In the Top 5 of MO albums

Though sounding different from most of the MO albums, Head Injuries is surprisingly good. It has somewhat of a hard rock sound to it, and is progressive at times.

Cold Cold Change is fairly good, and a video of the song is included on the 20000 Watt RSL DVD. Back on the Borderline is included on CD version of 20000 Watt RSL. Other notable songs are Koala Sprint, No Reaction, and Stand in Line. A blistering version of Stand in Line is included on the DVD. It's impossible to watch/listen to that song without getting caught up in the energy and power of the band/concert. Best heard with volume up.

Production-wise, Head Injuries does sound a bit older than most of the MO albums, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. You can really hear each of the five musicians well. This would be in contrast to the smooth, polished production of say Blue Sky Mining.

There is some great guitar work on this album too. Peter Garrett sounds like a different singer at times, probably reflecting showing his early influences. There are bits and pieces of singing in the style of Elvis Costello, XTC, and the Ramones.

Buy this album.