New CDs from Depeche Mode and INXS

They're back! Eighties favorites Depeche Mode and INXS both have new CDs out with full-fledged tours/media blitzes. Favorites, for a time, at MTV and now gaining back momentum, the return of the old guard is here!

Both bands have a number of things in common: started in very early '80s, gained success, fame and fandom early on, had a roller-coaster career, hit double digits of released albums, and are now going strong once again.

Depeche Mode has a pretty good review of their new and 12th CD, Ultra, in Mr. Showbiz with RealAudio files of "Barrel of a Gun" and "Useless". Their "new wave" sound of yesteryear has now turned into "electronica" for the people who don't want to say "new wave." But that's cool -- as long as they keep going, DM has stayed close to their roots with this new release. They still have remained together despite line-up changes and Gahan's public problems.

Another '80s dilemma (unfortunately) almost stopped DM releasing this new CD -- singer Gahan's addiction to drugs. So far, he has said he's beaten it and will continue to do so. And it looks like the legion of followers believe him! 

The DM Fan Site  has all the passion and ferver of a completely devoted DM fan. You'll find everything there: links, info, tour dates, appearances and more. There is a official site at Mute Records, a section of their label. It is much more straightforward without a fan's passion. There are many many (and many infinity) more and in several different languages.

INXS are currently doing major media to celebrate their 10th album, Elegantly Wasted. Still fronted by singer Michael Hutchence and the Brothers Ferris, INXS is still railroading through the '90s. True, in the '80s they favored more style and sexiness, but the music was still great.

Their Mr. Showbiz review wasn't quite as thrilling as DM's, but it was a solid review nonetheless. It also has RealAudio files of "Elegantly Wasted" and "Thrown Together". INXS has gone into a pop-funk genre, but there's still pop in there somewhere. And that still meets the definition of cool in my book.

There is an Official INXS site and also a newsgroup alt.music.inxs. A fan produced site, An Excess of INXS also has an impressive array of info, links and TV/Radio appearance and tour dates. So go, see them on tour and celebrate the 80-ishness into the 90-ishness of these two great bands that helped define the Decade of Nostalgia.

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