[TR24][OF] INXS - Shabooh Shoobah - 1982/2013 (Rock)

Garry Gary Beers – bass guitar
Andrew Farriss – guitar, keyboards
Jon Farriss – percussion, drums
Tim Farriss – guitar
Michael Hutchence – vocals
Kirk Pengilly – guitar, saxophone, vocals.

After several indifferent releases, INXS strode confidently onto the world stage with 1982’s Shabooh Shabooh. Just about everything about this confident, sometimes daring album works, from its oblique lyrics to its dense yet luminous production. Michael Hutchence exudes charisma as he preens, teases and intones his way through these tracks. INXS locks into primal grooves on “The One Thing,” “Old World New World,” and “Soul Mistake,” throbbing and undulating with cold, lethal grace. “Here Comes” and “Black and White” twitch with a case of the New Wave jitters, while “Spy of Love” moves within a cloud of icy atmosphere. The jaunty “Jan’s Song” hints at a Jamaican dub influence. The album’s clincher is “Don’t Change,” a surging modern rock anthem propelled by Andrew Farriss’ powerhouse synthesizer. Shabooh Shabooh is rhythm-driven, yet manages to flex enough muscle to transcend the confines of the dance floor. It ranks among INXS’ most convincing and provocative releases.