Subtitled - The Complete 'Deluxe Years'. Two complete early albums plus a heap of exclusive rarities! This generously compiled 43-track, digitally remastered double CD set combines the band's first two albums, 1980's INX... more »S & 1981's Underneath the Colours (both out-of-print in the US), with non-album singles on Disc 1. Then Disc 2 presents 20 rarities including 14 previously unreleased tracks - demos from band archives, live cuts, a soundtrack song & 90s re-recordings of Aussie-only hits. With sparkling sound, 32-page color booklet & track by track commentary from band members, this splendid release is a must for the INXS aficionado & all music fans alike. Raven/EMI. 2002.« less
Subtitled - The Complete 'Deluxe Years'. Two complete early albums plus a heap of exclusive rarities! This generously compiled 43-track, digitally remastered double CD set combines the band's first two albums, 1980's INXS & 1981's Underneath the Colours (both out-of-print in the US), with non-album singles on Disc 1. Then Disc 2 presents 20 rarities including 14 previously unreleased tracks - demos from band archives, live cuts, a soundtrack song & 90s re-recordings of Aussie-only hits. With sparkling sound, 32-page color booklet & track by track commentary from band members, this splendid release is a must for the INXS aficionado & all music fans alike. Raven/EMI. 2002.
CD Reviews
Comprehensive CD Set
EJP | Madison, WI USA | 12/04/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Just recently purchased this two disc set and I have found it to be a simply unsurpassed culmination of INXS' first recordings from Australia. It's a very insightful look into how the band grew and developed into the band they are today. This is a must have for true INXS fans, to get to know their roots."
Stay Young a must have for any INXS er!
P. C Zeller | Scottsdale, AZ United States | 07/10/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"At first I hesitated from buying this CD because of the $. Growing up listening to Shaboo, Swing, Listen like, and Kick I never heard their early stuff until now. This is a must have CD if you even kinda liked INXS. The first disc is the best with "Doctor" jumping right out of your speaker. The sound quality is superior with the digital remastering. This CD really lets you know the band and how they grew up thru the years. The booklet is great with all kinds of cool photos and articles of how they rocked the Aussie pubs and clubs. They had a really sharp early sound which I never knew they had until I listened to this disc. I have a ton of respect for these guys and love their music now more than I did growing up in the 80's. They were way ahead of their time and it is a sad story that Mr. Hutch is no longer with us. Go get this disc! 5 star all the way!! Love and Peace!"
Buy this instead of Switch!
xsiveone | Chicago | 02/04/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you're a true INXS fan, this is a must have! I have INXS' self titled debut as well as Underneath The Colours on vinyl, but they don't include a lot of these rarities which are included on this double disc.
This is a supurb compilation that really illustrates how the band got its start and how the band evolved. I know that it's expensive, but it's worth every penny. If you're tight on cash, save your money by not buying Switch with JD Misfortunate and buy this instead! You won't regret it!"
Early days
John Sposato | Syracuse, NY, USA | 10/06/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Before "Kick". Before "Rock Star". These are the beginnings of Australia's greatest band since AC/DC.
DeLuxe refers to an Australian label distributed by RCA. INXS came out of the pubs and signed to the fledgling label. They eventually caught on at home. The two studio releases would be released worldwide once they got international deals and a larger following a little later.
This album combines their first album, "Underneath the Colours" (which I have on the original Aussie LP), "INXSive", and previously unreleased material. Half of this collection has never been released in the Americas, which entices diehard fans, for which is package is intended.
The live tracks capture the band when they played clubs and bars and not stadiums and arenas. Many tracks here eventually fell off their setlist."