*** INXS

ELEGANTLY WASTED

(Mercury)

Don't kick the dirt over these Aussies yet. This CD finds INXS backing away from the alterna-rock sound of hits like "The Devil Inside" and the cheeseburger funk of "What You Need" toward more traditional R&B arrangements (like the splendid title track) and touches like slide guitar and acoustic balladry ("We Are Thrown Together," which also sports some Middle Eastern flourishes). But the group have retained the big rhythmic stomp necessary to rock -- and do it hard when they please. Great dynamics, leaner instrumentation (more subtle keyboard playing than before), and Michael Hutchence's least histrionic vocals ever help to bring out all the details of their smart songcraft. This is a strong, simple pop outing worthy of respect. And listening.

-- Ted Drozdowski

(INXS play the Orpheum Theater this Friday, September 19, at 7:30 p.m. Call 423-NEXT for tickets, or visit the Orpheum box office.)