X - INXS

New Year was always a big deal in Clavering in Hartlepool - there was an open door policy so it was a great way to get free drinks and take a snoop around someone else's house. Quite often we would find ourselves in the living rooms of complete strangers drinking their kindly offered whisky and chatting about.... well anything really. After a couple of drinks we would take our leave and then head off in search of the next venue. As the night progressed we would get further and further away from our usual stomping ground. Admittedly, particuarly as the night wore on and we wore out, things had the habit of going awry. After one particular long night, for example, DB opened his front door the morning after only to find Mr B sleeping on his step.

"I did try to knock but I couldn't find the door", he offered by way of an explanation.
"Hhmmmm", came the sarcastic reply.

I can't recall whether it was the during the same evening, but at one point the same person was nibbling away merrily on snacks he'd liberated from my parents living room;

"These nuts and things are are really nice", he remarked through enthusiastic munches and asked," what are they?"
"That'll be the pot-pourri mate", I replied adding, "I don't think you are supposed to eat it, but at least your breath will smell nice!"

This approach to social celebrations lasted a good few years but as the 90s became the 00s people got increasingly wary about inviting strangers into their homes. Either that or they were sick of people drinking them dry, eating their snacks and falling asleep on the stairs. So it was ideal timing when one of our friends moved up to Edinburgh to study - we could combine a visit to see him with New Year and sample the party atmosphere that we had heard so much about. I'm not sure how it came to be; whether we invited ourselves or were invited, but the trip north of the border became an annual event and a highlight in our calendar.

DB usually took on the driving duties and supplied the music that would accompany us; rock and pop blasting our of the Ford Sierra speakers as we travelled into the frozen north. And this is where 'X' comes in. I have vivid memories of watching the green fields of Northumberland turn white as we approached the border whilst listening to the sunny guitar rock-pop of INXS and their album 'X'. Apart from 'Kick' I'd kept them at arms length but this album was growing on my. By the time we reached the outskirts of Edinburgh I was hooked. Well fifteen play-throughs would do that!

Although not as good as 'Kick' there are some great tracks on 'X'. I'm not convinced by the running order though - why isn't 'The Stairs' the closing track instead of being tucked away in the middle? Anyway not that it matters with others such as 'Suicide Blonde' and 'Disappear' it's a super rock-pop album.

Eventually the Edinburgh trips came to an end - they just got too popular, busy and a little over commercial. The final trip resulted in torn trousers, lost shoes and a crush. And not in a good way. But while they lasted they were great fun and perfect end and start to the year.