INXS Celebrates 40 Years of ‘Listen Like Thieves’ with Unreleased Michael Hutchence Demos
Get ready to relive the magic! INXS is celebrating the 40th anniversary of their iconic 1985 album, 'Listen Like Thieves', with a super deluxe reissue campaign. But that's not all – the celebration includes the release of never-before-heard demos featuring the unmistakable vocals of the late, great Michael Hutchence. This milestone anniversary is reigniting nostalgia and appreciation for the band's enduring legacy.
The reissue, spearheaded by executive music producer Giles Martin, promises a fresh take on the classic album. According to a recent SuperDeluxeEdition unboxing, the 3CD+LP super deluxe edition includes a remastered version of the album, along with a treasure trove of demos, outtakes, and live recordings from their Royal Albert Hall performance in 1986.
A Time Capsule of INXS's Creative Process
Among the unreleased gems, a candid studio moment captures Hutchence's charisma during early takes of the hit track "This Time." INXS saxophonist Kirk Pengilly shared with The Daily Telegraph that compiling the tracklist was an emotional experience, revealing, "I did get emotional with this, because there were some out-takes of the banter between us all...So this is pretty special, a real time capsule."
Inside the 'Listen Like Thieves' Era
Philip Mortlock, the Creative Services Manager at WEA Records (now Warner Music Australia) during the 1980s, played a vital role in shaping the visual identity of 'Listen Like Thieves' and its accompanying singles. He recalls the band's unparalleled work ethic and their commitment to excellence, both in the studio and on the road. Mortlock emphasizes that 'Listen Like Thieves' was the entrée to the extraordinary success that followed with the album KICK.
The Legacy of Michael Hutchence
The release of these demos serves as a poignant reminder of Hutchence's talent and charisma. His untimely death in 1997 left a void in the music world, but his voice and the band's music continue to resonate with fans worldwide.
'Listen Like Thieves' propelled INXS to international stardom, reaching number 11 on the US Billboard chart and achieving double platinum status. Tracks like "What You Need," "Kiss the Dirt (Falling Down the Mountain)," and the title track became instant classics.
What's Next?
The 40th-anniversary reissue of 'Listen Like Thieves' provides a unique opportunity to rediscover the album and appreciate the creative process behind it. The inclusion of unreleased demos offers a glimpse into the band's dynamics and Hutchence's raw talent.
Are you excited to hear these unreleased Michael Hutchence demos? Will this reissue introduce a new generation to the magic of INXS? Share your thoughts and memories in the comments below!