INXS Shabooh Shoobah

We made a crazy video at home in Australia for The One Thing. We fed valium to a few cats and had them running around a table while we had a feast with sexy models and Playboy centerfolds, ripping apart a turkey. Next thing we knew we had a top 40 hit in America and were opening for Adam Ant. ~ Tim Farriss*

October 13, 1982, INXS released their third album and first world-wide release with Shabooh Shoobah. Face it, most of you have never heard of this album. Unless you are either a serious INXS fan or live in Australia. This album would bring Gary Gary Beers, the Farris Brothers (John, Andrew, and Tim), sax legend Kirk Pengilly, and Michael Hutchence to US shores and into video mainstream. The One Thing, Don’t Change, To Look at You, and Black and White were the albums singles, with Don't Change being the song that would put this Aussie band in the ears and hearts of the world. 

Lyrically maturing since Underneath the Colours, but not fully developing the sound that defined them for year until those pre-Kick vibes on Listen Like Thieves, Shabooh Shoobah delivers the music of a band still finding itself. It's sexy, 80's, and uniquely INXS. 

The One Thing

This incredible seductive video would introduce the masses to the sensual prowess of Michael Hutchence. The song is close to the INXS that most are used to of the late 80’s. The keyboards are toned down, but the guitar is spot on and Kirk soars on the sax. It’s a top song for many INXS fans.

To Look at You

This is my ultimate and all time INXS song. It’s a sexy song with haunting 80’s keyboards and one of the best lines of any INXS song --- fairytales and I love you.

Spy of Love

Remember, the 80’s was home to some creepy videos. This song about being a magical love spy has video with a literal take on the title. Michael is smoking in a creepy trench coat, Andrew Farris is wearing a bowler hat and balancing some glass Labyrinth-like object in his hand. Catchy tune, creepy video. Oh, did I mention there is a weird moment that reminds me of the Land Down Under video sing-along scene. 

Fun fact, this song inspired the onomatopoeia that is the title of the album.

Soul Mistake

The “I’m never going to learn” love song fraught with regret and some seriously good lines: 

In this meeting of the soul 

My feelings are unknown

I learn with no regret

I'm getting what I get.

Here Comes

You want the 80’s in a song? This is it? The mysterious electronic keys and lots of echoes make this song about the questions, answers, and mysteries of love. 

Black and White

The vibe goes back to INXS’ first single Simple Simon.

Golden Playpen

This song is proof of Michael’s gifted lyric writing inspired by his love of poetry and books. It’s not a prophetic song, it’s about sex, having fun, and some odd dancing chair man.

Jan’s Song

The first of a few times INXS gets political. Jan is clearly an activist. The song is Clash-y with those familiar 80’s vibes.

One World New Order

Pseudo political/cultural message of listening to what existed millennia before us. Gotta remember, the 80’s were flashy, gaudy, over the top, save the rainforests times.

Don’t Change

While INXS saw many of their hits off their sixth and seventh albums, Kick and X, this song continues to be an anthem for the band. This is such a positive song with a driving beat

Cash Box reviewed the "Don't Change" single saying "churning rhythms and swirling guitars provide a straight ahead forward thrust for singer Michael Hutchence's philosophical pronouncements.

^{*Rob, Tannenbaum; Marks, Craig (2011). I Want My MTV: The Uncensored Story of the Music Video Revolution.}