17,000 4 INXS

Hilburn may choose to dismiss INXS as a “better than average arena rock band” but to put them in the company of sleazy pop monsters like Bon Jovi and Whitesnake is not only insultingly narrow-minded but downright slanderous.

The thrust of INXS’ popularity is based on its fluent funk-rock sound--and approachable ideas--not some calculated modern-trend fashion show a la hot-and-bothered showmen Jon Bon Jovi and David Coverdale.

The band has blown out the barriers that divided definitive rock and dance music and disproved the notion that a solid dance album has to consist of apolitical, mindless garble.

Bands like U2 and R.E.M. still outshine these Aussies with their overpowering conviction, but INXS overwhelms its audience so convincingly that you can’t take your rock ‘n’ roll sitting down.

Maybe Hilburn just needs a dance lesson.

JIM GLEDHILL

Brea