INXS Announces May 2025 Deluxe 40th-Anniversary Edition of 'Listen Like Thieves'
INXS's seminal 1985 album Listen Like Thieves is set to receive a deluxe 40th-anniversary reissue, scheduled for release on May 9, 2025. This exclusive edition promises to be a treasure trove for audiophiles, featuring a brand new 2025 stereo mix by Giles Martin and Paul Hicks, who meticulously revisited the original masters to rebuild the album's sound from the ground up. Moreover, Martin has crafted a Dolby Atmos mix, offering an immersive listening experience that brings new depth to the classic tracks.
The reissue will be available in several formats, including an SDE exclusive blu-ray—#37 in the ongoing SDE Surround Series—and a limited edition 3CD+LP deluxe set. The blu-ray not only includes the new mixes but also houses 15 stereo bonus tracks. These comprise extended remixes, B-sides, and eight live recordings from a previously unreleased 1986 concert at London's Royal Albert Hall.
For those keen on delving deeper into the band's creative process, the deluxe edition's second CD is particularly compelling. It contains 19 unreleased demos and outtakes, offering insights into the development of songs like "What You Need," "Kiss The Dirt," and "Listen Like Thieves." Studio dialogues and candid moments captured during the recording sessions add an intimate layer to the collection.
The third CD features the full Royal Albert Hall performance, recorded by the BBC on June 24, 1986. This live set captures INXS at the height of their powers, delivering electrifying renditions of their hits in one of the world's most iconic venues.
From a technical standpoint, the focus on high-fidelity audio is evident. The inclusion of the Dolby Atmos mix signifies a commitment to providing listeners with a state-of-the-art sonic experience. The decision to offer the new stereo mix on both CD and vinyl caters to enthusiasts who appreciate the nuances of different formats.
It's worth noting that the original 1985 mix of the album is not included in this reissue. Instead, the emphasis is on presenting the music through the lens of modern mixing techniques, potentially unveiling details and textures previously unheard.
This limited edition release has a pre-order window closing on February 24, 2025, and given the exclusive nature of the blu-ray, it's poised to become a sought-after item. For fans and audiophiles alike, this reissue represents a unique opportunity to experience Listen Like Thieves anew, celebrating the enduring legacy of INXS with enhanced sound and previously unheard material.
