Michael Hutchence
One Way (Boss Sonics/Deko)
10" Picture Disc
Man, talk about an unexpected treat. It's been so long since we heard INXS frontman Michael Hutchence's voice on a "new" song, and this 10" single features two recently unearthed gems.
“It’s been nearly 30 years since Michael and I first spoke on the phone,” recalls producer Danny Saber (Madonna, Rolling Stones, U2) about the first time he spoke to the revered INXS lead singer and ultimate rockstar Michael Hutchence. “I could scarcely imagine then, three decades later, I would be writing about the release of his ‘lost’ songs found in a vault or that there would even be a need to remind the world of his greatness… but that’s where I find myself.”
Yet here we are. Both "One Way" and "Save My Life" feature Hutchence's trademark sultry croon. Written by Hutchence and Saber, and produced, performed and mixed by Saber, they sound immaculate and, therefore, kinda bittersweet. What riches could Hutchence have blessed us with had he not died so tragically young?
“The release of ‘One-Way’ has exceeded any expectations I dared to have,” says Saber. “The love and support from the fanbase and press alike has been beautiful. Michael would have especially loved how it has been embraced by so many in the Alternative and Underground communities."
Meanwhile, the picture disc 10" looks superb
Foreigner/Styx
Renegades & Juke Box Heroes (Trigger)
Limited edition silver LP
To celebrate their 2024 tour together, hard rock giants Foreigner and Styx released this limited edition split LP. Essentially, it's four of each bands' better known tunes, on one handy dandy album.
For those who are attending the tour and are new to the bands, it's probably useful. For those who are long time fans, there's no way they don't already own these tunes. But at the same time, who cares? The silver vinyl is gorgeous, and it makes for a lovely souvenir.
"Featuring such classics as 'Too Much Time On My Hands,' 'Cold As Ice,' 'Renegade,' 'Juke Box Hero,' and more, nothing sounds more like the soundtrack of summer than FOREIGNER’s and STYX’s biggest hits. This must-have collector’s album, available as a picture disc or in elegant silver vinyl, features both bands’ greatest hits and was mastered for vinyl by Ted Jensen at Sterling Sound with lacquers cut by Joe Nino-Hernes."
Yeah, it is really pretty. And of course, the music is superb. On the Foreigner side, "Juke Box Hero" is still a total banger, while "I Want to Know What Love is" is one of the great power ballads.
As for Styx, "Too Much Time on My Hands" and "Renegade" have stood the test of time. What though, no Mr. Roboto?
