Simple Simon (song)

"Simple Simon" is the debut single by Australian rock band INXS, released in May 1980 via Deluxe Records.^[3][4][5][6]

"Simple Simon"
Single by INXS
B-side	"We Are the Vegetables"
Released	May 1980
Recorded	1980
Studio	Trafalgar Studios (Annandale, New South Wales)[1]
Genre	New wave[2]
Length	2:32
Label	Deluxe
Songwriter(s)	Garry Gary Beers, Andrew Farriss, Jon Farriss, Tim Farriss, Michael Hutchence
Producer(s)	Martin Hannett
INXS singles chronology
"Simple Simon" (1980) "Just Keep Walking" (1980)

Background

The title track was co-written by five of the group's members, Garry Gary Beers, Andrew Farriss, Jon Farriss, Tim Farriss and Michael Hutchence.^[7] The B-side, "We Are the Vegetables", was co-written by A Farriss, J Farriss, T Farriss, Hutchence and Kirk Pengilly. This title refers to an early band name, the Vegetables, which they used when performing in Perth in 1978.^[8]

Besides Australia the single was released in France (via RCA Victor). It was not included on the band's first album, INXS, which was issued in October 1980 but appeared on a compilation album, INXSIVE, in 1982.^{[citation needed]}

The song is heavily influenced by ska and punk styles.^[9]

Track listing

1. "Simple Simon" (Garry Gary Beers, Andrew Farriss, Jon Farriss, Tim Farriss, Michael Hutchence)^[7] – 2:32
2. "We Are the Vegetables" (A Farriss, J Farriss, T Farriss, Hutchence, Kirk Pengilly)^[7] – 1:53