Search - INXS :: INXS Squared: The Remixes

Please, Give me A Break!

David D. McFarland | Oceanside, California United States | 09/02/2004

(2 out of 5 stars)

"This collection is missing the better remixes. They should have dumped the more recent remixes for tracks off the Promotional INXS Dekadance cassette/vinyl only (I have it on CD though too, Shhhh) from australia with tracks like "Melting In the Sun" & "Original Sin" & others or the US version on vinyl only (Also have a CD version of it) which has "The One thing" extended. The bottom line is put out a solid remix collection or forget it because INXS early remixes were far superior recordings. I professionally collect INXS & take it from me. For the hardcore INXS fan there is nothing really here. The average fan might like to hear it for the differences. You be the judge. Later"

Please, give me more

Olivier Jacques Alexis | London UK | 09/18/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Given that it's not a sit-down listen, you have to hear it on the move, on the dancefloor, on your mp3 (thanks, sweet sister C!) to really connect, this is an electrifying collection which testifies to Inxs' own musical diversity, and the diversity of response they inspire. Beats range from raw and radical--the blatant synth blurts of renamed 'Precious Heart' tear 'Never Tear Us Apart' apart with devastating urgency, Basement Jaxx atomise 'Everything' to radioactive effect---to ambient and melodic--Morales' vacant wandering take on 'Disappear', and for me the album's peak, 'Bitter Tears', perfectly meshing quicksilver flute and guitar shadings give Michael's impassioned vocal a pulsing atmospheric in which to soar. Irresistible, just incredible! Again, there's more hedonisic experimentation here than thoughtful reinterpretation, but having said that, Paul Oakenfold's immaculately wistful 'Suicide Blonde' seems to distil the 'sad moment' at the heart of that (previously) itchingly libidinous song, while at the other end of the scale 'Tight' is more dancey than ever, punched up by Casual Casual's rap insert and some slinky riffing. For anyone who wishes there could have been more original lineup Inxs albums to get off on (sadly not to be, though all hail the new Inxs!) the major payoff is to hear Michael singing again in new company and soundscapes, the clarity is amazing and you see/hear/feel new colours, nuances, emotions. Yeah yeah, if you listen too hard remixes can sound arbitrary and shallow, but variety is the key here and overall the album has balance and intelligence, opened and closed by Leadstation's feisty retreads of two late great and significant songs, the angry 'Don't Lose Your Head' and achingly vulnerable 'Searching'. If only. The original recordings will always take precedence, but that is no reason not to take this trip."