INXS - Shabooh Shoobah

In 1982, Australia's INXS knocked the flinty edge off of their hard rock sound, added a dance beat and stepped off the big island and onto the world stage. In the process they created a blueprint for the rest of their career, with singles like "The One Thing" and "Don't Change" preparing newfound fans for their impending superstardom. The sexy Michael Hutchence was still developing his Mick Jagger strut here, but he was hardly lacking any natural charisma. The power of his voice, coupled with the Farriss brothers' songwriting savvy and fraternal rhythmic punch, was already evidenced on album tracks like "Soul Mistake," "Spy of Love," and the pretty "Jan's Song." --Michael Ruby Amazon.com

 25 Years Later and it's still a gem!
INXS storm the U.S. with this release. OK, maybe not storm but this was the breakthrough that created the buzz on college playlists nationwide. To me, it is still their best effort. Shabooh Shoobah lays the foundation for what is to come. Whereas later releases such as KICK and X pushed them more into the mainstream with their chart topping singles and established them as a songwriting machine, SHABOOH SHOOBAH was simply a deeper and more creative release. One spin of this classic and you'll instantly be taken back to the innocent years of INXS. Each track is a classic in itself. The ONE THING and DON'T CHANGE are the standout hits but Black & White, To Look At You, Jan's Song and the others stand the test of time.

If you don't have it, get it. I NEED YOU TONIGHT may have been the breakthrough song that established them as worldwide superstars but I think they all sound dated with a later listen. Pop on Shabooh Shoobah. It's timeless. March 27, 2007

 Shabooh Shoobah Definitely Worth Buying
I had actually bought Listen Like Thieves first. And then, I decided to check out some of their earlier music. Shabooh Shoobah was the second cassette I bought. And, was I glad I did. I think Don't Change is the best song on here. The One Thing, and Black and White, are great also, as well as To Look At You. Michael's timeless voice, as well as the bands great sound, are one reason why you should add this to your collection. January 25, 2007

 they didn't save their best for last
it's right here on this CD . if ever a 24 year old release screamed to be remixed for the digital age this is it. WHY HAS THIS NOT BEEN DONE.
As a drummer, I find this record to be just fascinating. The One Thing? I usually skip it and start with 'to look at you' . Old world new world is just scintillating. tell me you expected those last two bass notes to hit you when they did.
This is brilliant music, they just obviously put so much thought into these arrangements . the passion just oozes from this record.

all the critics went wild over 'men at work' back in 82, but truth be told, this is a better album. I just wish they'd remix it. September 15, 2006

 never too early
the inxs sound was startin' to take shape that would latter come up with a handful of classic albums "kick" "x" "elagantly wasted"
like another reviewer quoted "this is where my obession with inxs started" and i can't agree anymore this a monsterous album with the hooks and lines to sink a giantatic fish
this album spewned two hit singles "the one thing" "don't change" both of the songs have classic video's with hutchence
perfecting his good looks and charisma that is relivent in the live perfomance that were too follow
this album features a classic under-rated track "golden playpen"
it's a wonderful track with a edge..
michael hutchence and co start to let the world hear the sound that would rule the airways for the next 13 years
January 29, 2006

 THE START OF MY OBSESSION
This is the first INXS music I ever heard. It was not at all like anything else I'd ever heard. Over the years, I have dusted off my old cassette and given it a listen. Like an old friend you haven't seen for some time, it is familiar yet there is something new to notice each time you listen. Don't Change is the standout on this CD for me. It is the anthem that epitimizes INXS over the years. Since the resurgence of INXS music following the RS: INXS show I sum up my feelings on hearing INXS songs again on the radio after so many years with a line from Don't Change, "I found a love I had lost. It was gone far too long. . . ." January 25, 2006

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