zebop

In a sense they might be better off now then they were during the "Elegantly Wasted" days. I'm kind of great to still see them after Michael's death and all.

DRG

True. Had Michael Hutchence not died and had INXS simply been on hiatus all these years, I'm not sure there would honestly be as much buzz for a new album right now.

zebop

There is buzz in fact, JD and INXS made Yahoo's Buzz Log. I wonder how long JD had to type...

atlantamoi

I was out of the country all week and managed to avoid finding out who won until tonight.

I have to say that I have lost complete respect for INXS. Complete and total respect gone.

atlantamoi

Buckets... right there with you. They could have chosen almost any other singer from the last six (save Mig) and I'd be curious to see what happens. As it is, I'm just sad and have absolutely no interest in what they do. I'm scratching my head how anyone other than a preteen girl is satisfied with this outcome.

HE Pennypacker

I am more than satisfied, I am elated by this outcome. As far as I am concerned, J.D. was the best for this band. After THE VERY FIRST WEEK I had hoped it would come down to Marty and J.D. As the show progressed, however, it was clear to me that J.D. just made more sense for this band. Marty didn’t do ANY of the classic INXS songs justice. Don't get me wrong, I think he is a great singer and know he will do well in the future, but to me, INXS songs should be done a certain way, & Marty didn't do this. His style is more suitable for a band like 3 Doors Down or something. After viewing INXS w/ J.D. yesterday on two TV programs it is even more evident to me now that he fits where this band wants to go. Clearly they didn't want to go in a different direction (in which case I would have been glad with Marty or even a female) considering their latest such as "Easy, Easy" & "Us" is quintessential INXS. I saw INXS a couple years ago when they toured the U.S. with Jon Stevens, I already feel that J.D. will be a better lead singer. Now, there are times when J.D. tries to emulate Michael Hutchence, but so what? Being a long-time fan of INXS I am not insulted by this, last time I checked Hutch KILLED HIMSELF. He let down his fans and his band. Therefore I do not find it disrespectful in any sense of the word what INXS or J.D. Fortune are doing.

tasha99

It was down to Marty and JD for me, too, early on. I liked Marty's version of "Don't Change" and "Suicide Blonde" (actually like the first half of his version of "Suicide Blonde" better than MH's), but I agree that JD is better for their back catalog and the band in general.

Jadzia

I think "Pretty Vegas" proves that JD is the right man for the job. That song rocks and should invigorate INXS's career. JD not only fits into INXS, but he also has the creativity and musical chops to breathe some new life in the band.

Seeing JD perform "Pretty Vegas" with INXS on the talk shows was just miles better than "Easy Easy", which INXS wrote alone. I think the fact that he was able to collaborate with INXS and come up with such a good song only proves what a good fit he is.

atlantamoi

This is part of my problem. JD certainly is like Hutchence more than any other singer on that show. But he's a miniscule version talent-wise. I don't see it. I think they've embarrassed themselves going that route with this particular guy. At least with Marty they wouldn't have had to try and live up to a fantastic lead singer of the past as much. As for "Pretty Vegas" I feel they've already gotten off on the wrong foot. It's a stinker.

Joeboo835

Actually, in this month's People magazine, the Band, INXS said that Marty reminded them the most of Hutchence, and they picked JD because "Michael would have wanted us to go that route" or something like that.

Grimm1

At this point isn't it a little bit too early to say what kind of talent JD is or isn't? I'm willing to wait and see what they come up with together. Maybe the chemistry will be right on....or maybe it just won't work...but there's no need to predict their failure at this point.

HE Pennypacker

My thoughts exactly. I actually enjoyed seeing the new INXS on the Ellen and Craig Ferguson shows. The band sounded tight and J.D. exuded the quality that made me like him since day one of the ROCK STAR program.

People were predicting the COMPLETE FAILURE of this project since DAY ONE. I for one thought the reality portion of the entire endeavor was a success.

If people don't want to see or listen to the new INXS w/o Hutchence FINE, don't. But to completely dismiss the band as being a failure with their new member is absurd. Hutch may have brought in most of INXS’ popularity, but when it came down to actually MAKING the music, other still living members of the band were involved. I still feel these guys have something to prove...I'll say this much, I will not in the VERY LEAST BE SURPRISED if INXS' new album is a hit. And if it ain't, oh well...at least they tried. They'll never lose this LONG-TIME fan.

nazz

Has anyone else noticed a distinct similarity between Pretty Vegas and We Gotta Get Outta This Place by The Animals?

HE Pennypacker

I don't know if anyone still cares, but INXS' new album can be heard in FULL here:

http://www.vh1.com/artists/az/inxs/1153858/album.jhtml

I was very pleased by the album. Aside from the horribly clichéd and just plain BAD "Hot Girls," I found every other track to be very good. Especially "God's Top Ten," a duet featuring Suzie, and "Never Let You Go." JD's voice held up surprisingly well on every track, he has already surpassed all my expectations. It'll be interesting to see how this album does both critically and commercially come next week.

Tommy Ceez

I stole this from benedict in the Music talk forum, but since this place generates more traffic, here you go..


BTW, Only Rockstar: Alice in Chains would kick more ass

http://tmz.aol.com/article2?id=20060211114309990001

pinata242

Bring it!

Tommy Ceez

The fact that 'Pretty Vegas' is all over the radio (sat radio at least) and is used in promo's for Las Vegas might have something to do with changing that tune

Gil Jawetz

There will be none of the emotional resonance, however. RS:INXS was largely about the band healing from years of mourning. RS:VH is basically Eddie saying "we need a new punching bag." Should be entertaining, regardless.

Tommy Ceez

Im not so sure that I was tuning in for emotional resonance...unless you count the emotions that were resonating in my pants when Brook Burke was on-screen

Gil Jawetz

I'm not saying it was Steel Magnolias. But that was a factor in the show, whether you bought it or not. Van Halen is more like "NEXT!"

pinata242

I tuned in out of curiousity, not being an INXS fan. I stayed for the performances. I actually know VH songs enough to find myself more personally invested. Not that I'd go see the new VH either way The wife really dug Marty Casey, so there's always the next one of him to look forward to. I'd bet I'm in the majority of casual fans with only a passing familiarity with the music/bands.

Jadzia

Yeah, Van Halen has already changed lead singers like underwear. I'm not sure it will be as fun watching them pick their new "lead singer for this album".

Plus, they just seem so much older compared to INXS. I know the INXS guys were no spring chickens, but they seemed like hipper dudes to have a younger lead singer.

Cusm

I will probably not watch this one. I like Inxs and tuned in for that. I have not cared for VH since Dave left and since then I have really got a strong dislike for the Van Halen brothers. And like others have said, this will be their 4th lead singer, 5th if you count Dave's brief reunion.

Jadzia

I'd rather see Rock Star Drummer: Spinal Tap

rkndkn

I thought the whole thing worked out excellently for INXS. Saw them in Vegas, and the crowd is in love with them with J.D. They just have a terrific, brotherly camaraderie.

I'll watch the next season whether it's VH or someone else just because it's more my type of music than "Idol".