Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
21 years later...still a classic, April 4, 2000
I was three years old when this album came out...needless to say I don't remember its initial release. I do, however, remember being 16 or 17 years old and hearing it for the first time. Even in the early 1990's songs like "Back on the Borderline," "Stand in Line," "Section 5 (Bus to Bondi)" & "No Reaction" still had a lot to say and plenty of bite...even alongside the incredilby bitter and angst ridden "Seattle sound" (Nirvana, Soundgarden, Alice In Chains, etc.) that was sweeping the world. As I'm sure you've all noticed the Oils are the only one of the bands mentioned in this review to still be going (and going strong I might add via "Redneck Wonderland.") Its plain and simple, any band that rocks this hard and has this much to say can't help but be a cultural force with staying power. Unlike many bands that spawned around roughly the same time all over the world (U2 in Europe & R.E.M. in the USA) that were involved in "political action/music," Midnight Oil is the only one that's held true to their original vision without developing delusions of grandeur and "rock star syndrome." Not only has the band been spokesman of the oppressed, they've never done it in a pretentious self-serving way...and their music is still wonderful after 20 years. Looking back on albums like this and "Midnight Oil" (from 1978) its nice to see the raw steel that's become the finely crafted sword that is Midnight Oil! I think about how much these songs mean to me as an American, and I can't imagine the potency they must have for Australians that understand all the specific local references. Peter Garrett's intelligent lyrics and biting vocals are the perfect medium for the message. Combine that with the twin guitar attack of Rotsey/Moginie (two of music's finest I might add...incredibly creative without being showy) and Rob Hirst's pounding backbeat and you have a well oiled machine (no pun intended.)
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
"I've finally decided I'm here to stay.", May 25, 2000
Midnight Oil's second album, while as rough and unpolished as most of their early material, is in my opinion one of their best recorded works. I find it far superior to their debut (a disappointment in my view), and while it lacks the maturity and finished touches that would be fixtures of the Oils from "10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1" onwards, "Head Injuries" has a simple charm. It rocks hard and fast, with the surfie hedonism typical of Midnight Oil's musical and geographical roots, although this is not to say there are no social or political messages that would be a distinctive feature of the band in years to come. "Cold Cold Change" and "Koala Sprint", the two surf themed songs, both hold environmental undertones - particularly the latter's haunting outro, a simple combination of arpeggiated guitar and eerie keyboard sounds. "Stand in Line" is a cry against socio-economic injustice, with a brilliant instrumental middle followed by Peter Garrett at his most guttural - low whispers and loud screams. "Back on the Borderline" and "Section 5 (Bus to Bondi)" are short (and brilliant) rock classics while "Profiteers" is a masterpiece. Its slow fade in is ominous; loud and intense guitar work and a martial beat accompany Garrett's affected vocals, combining to create a paranoid and oppressive atmosphere. "Is It Now?", the final track, is a lyrical mystery. Abstract and meaningless (or probably very meaningful) words show that Midnight Oil are as capable of subtleties as they are of wearing their hearts on their sleeves. This album is also a testament to the professionalism of Midnight Oil as musicians. They don't grandstand their musical talents - they just get on with it. This album is timeless. It's hard to believe it was released in 1979; but Midnight Oil are their own band, not the product of any trend or wave in music that occurs every few years. In the year 2000, this album is as important, and as enjoyable, as it was 21 years ago.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Breakthrough, November 16, 1998
By A Customer
HeadInjuries came out sometime in 1979. Before you say, 'that must sound bloody old!', have a listen to it. HeadInjuries was the album that started the reputation past North Narrabeen and the Sydney Northern Beaches. Just look at the cover, does Peter Garrett look like he has something to say? You bet he did, and the youth of Australia were waiting. 'Cold Cold Change' is like the finest Shiraz you will ever drink, it has got better and better, to the point that tonight on the way home when I threw the CD in I thought, 'how can this recording be 20 years old ?'. Well it is, and to find out how much the punters love this album go to a concert, well in Oz anyway, and listen to the roar. This is the album that really set the fires burning, 'No Reaction', 'Bus to Bondi'. Geez, if you don't stomp the foot to this then your just missing out. Go buy it now, and ask yourself 'Is this really 20 years old ?', and I bet you say: impossible.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
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4.0 out of 5 stars
The Oils are Awesome
This is their first album, at least to my knowledge. It's raw, and they have not yet found their signature sound that would first crystalize on 1983's "10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2,...
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Published 16 months ago by S. McNamara
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4.0 out of 5 stars
Reviewer's Mistake
Petar, "10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1" was not Midnight Oil's debut album. That would be 1978's "Midnight Oil".
Published on July 29, 2005 by William Lyons
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is Midnight Oil's 
