ONE HIT WONDERLAND: "I Touch Myself" by Divinyls

[@MYCHANNEL-hv1pq]

I actually told the joke about all Australians knowing each other at the pub last night, Chris Hemsworth literally choked on his beer laughing.

[@RenaldyCalixte]

Was Hugh Jackman there too?

[@daverichards9141]

Nicole Kidman choked on her fosters giggling.

[@RenaldyCalixte]

@@daverichards9141 Nicole Kidman is Australian?

[@philwilson4167]

@@RenaldyCalixte If you were Australian, you would know

[@ballsrgrossnugly]

@@daverichards9141 Fosters is duck piss. No real aussie drinks that ass water!

[@markverrin9256]

I'm Ausie. Margot is great chick btw, she's a hugger and loves dogs. She gets nervous every Friday around Hugh Jackman at the 'weekly every Australian person ever get-together'

[@EmpressTiffanyOfBrittany]

Also known as The Green Place Furiosa Remembered Wrong.

[@colmivers]

Mark Verrin 😂😂😂

[@bradypostma5167]

Every Australian ever meets in the same Denny's location. Several tables are still empty.

[@EndlessEnigmaPart3]

@@bradypostma5167 And they all gather to call Tony Abbott a twat.

[@duffman18]

@@EndlessEnigmaPart3 while he sits there eating raw onions with the skin on

[@ariwl1]

My theory as to why this song didn't upset too many people originally: exclusivity. Yes, she touches herself and enjoys it immensely, but she only thinks about one person when she does it. Whoever "you" is they are the one and only person she wants to be with. So she gets to be a little sexy, but society's ok with it because she's not sleeping around.

[@rysonsynic]

that's a pretty solid theory. hard to test but yeah, i could see that.

[@ACETYGRA]

Plus the song has a more happy upbeat feel to it. It doesn't come across as dark and dirty like Madonna's "Justify my love" did. A very sexual song that came out around the same time that caused far more controversy during the height of the AIDS epidemic. This song seems just a little naughty but in a more playful and sassy way.

[@Bedinsis]

Another factor is probably that people too young to know what masturbation is are still familiar with the word "touch", so it's not like it teaches anyone some naughty words.

[@roguishpaladin]

I remember magazine coverage of this song - it was perceived more as titillating than corrupting. Todd's theory about Madonna being perceived as more controversial was spot on.

[@JMimsey]

I think it's also far more upbeat and happy than Madonna's work. She always swung more towards the dramatic and tragic.

[@julz_7773]

To start, the Guitarist Mark is my uncle, at 14 he ran away from home to Melbourne to start a band, Grandad thew a fit and ordered my Dad to go drag his ass home. At 16 he did it again, this time to Sydney where he stayed. He spent years playing locally in Sydney before meeting Chrissy. They were a hard working touring band, 10 months a year on the road for a decade. I'd see them as a kid around xmas. As a small kid I thought they were married so I'd call her Auntie (they'd tease and bicker with each other constantly). She was actually very shy and introverted, they did date each other early on but not for very long. I think by 1990 they were exhausted from the constant travel and wanted to re-invent themselves musically. In Australia the music video got banned on TV for being to risque which I think help further promote it. Personally I think their early 80's work is their best, with this song being a nice explanation mark on great music career.

[@DaysieRose]

That's awesome!

[@louisduarte8763]

So if this means you're Australian, I'm going to test Todd's theory: What's Hugh Jackman like, as a person?

[@roaringviking5693]

I think you mean "exclamation mark". :)

[@zzodysseuszz]

@@louisduarte8763as an Australian, I have no fucking idea. I’m from Queensland, I group up near where Margot Robbie did and I’ve never heard of her before her acting career in my entire life

[@evenflow5491]

Dude pleasure and pain is a banger to end all bangers

[@wariodude128]

"The Divinyls: They touched themselves. They also touched all of us." Todd in the Shadows, August 31, 2016.

[@Flowtail]

wariodude128 Well technically, he said it earlier-this is just a recording, after all. And it may be even earlier, since who knows if this is the original upload Besides, we should also consider-**is hit by brick** “SHUT UP NOBODY CARES”

[@Flowtail]

Drogon haha, I’d originally wrote a long thing about the difference between the narrative Todd presents in his videos and the actual process of making his videos, but I realized “wait.. nobody cares” so I deleted it and made fun of my analytical tendencies instead-seems like it worked, two thumbs up is better than most of my comments do

[@kerthgersen3163]

Up to four now! Next stop...A MILLION!! Well, actually, five, then six, you know...but in a couple centuries...errr...a couple dozen centuries...

[@MrKenichi22]

wariodude128 Excellent Quote

[@garyhundsrucker7771]

MrKenichi22 yeah,it bummed me right out after laughing all the way through all his other vids!I saw her in concert in the 80's and they gave me an upgrade on my seating placement so I was right down front to see her and it was like she was singing right to me personally at a couple points of that night!I had several heath issues that hit me in 2013 so I could relate a little too well!

[@djangomarkov7948]

Everytime Todd starts to nod when he ask "Did they deserve better?" It feels like the end of a kids sports movie, where they didn't win the game but they gave it their all. And then when he finally speaks that magic word "yeah" I can practically hear the team erupting in cheers and laughter and tears! And I just can't help but crack a proud little smile

[@djangomarkov7948]

+Warren552011 um.....ok? I'm not really into pop anyway.....

[@lindadote]

Warren552011 .......oh this whole “One hit wonders” thing amuses me (bemuses me actually) but it’s also unfortunate that a band with so much excellent material should ever be viewed as such, people (outside Oz) really have no idea what they’re missing. Elsie has always been my favourite number too but there’s certainly no shortage of great Divinyls songs.

[@mariaquiet6211]

"All Pretty Things Are Gonna Die" is their last song. Sad but it rocked like a defiant morbid motherfucker.

[@aliceborealis]

@@lindadote But at least they're being viewed, which is more than most bands ever get. I'll look deeper into their catalog because of this video and your comment!

[@Spikn]

As an Aussie, I'm actually shocked to hear these guys are only a One-Hit Wonder in the U.S. I still hear a bunch of their songs on the radio frequently

[@MrsBazzy]

Yep far from one hit wonders. Chrissy is an icon! Science Fiction always my fave

[@angelabarnes7588]

He's wrong. "Fine Line Between Pleasure & Pain" was the first hit they had in the US...I was a DJ & it was on heavy rotation because it was a "hit", meaning it was top of the charts.

[@zoomosis]

@@angelabarnes7588 #76 on the Billboard Top 100, #12 on the Billboard Rock chart, according to Wikipedia ...

[@angelabarnes7588]

@@zoomosis see? Top 40!! There ya go!

[@Flowtail]

I've heard that all Australian radio hosts are trapped in the 1980s or so

[@VersaceJesus]

An Australian friend of mine went to L.A on holiday, and ran into Hugh Jackman in a sporting goods store. He was the only other Australian they met while overseas. And my girlfriend's parents are friends with Margot Robbie's mum. You can play 6 degrees of Kevin Bacon with literally any Australian.

[@Jabbersac]

nice try, but Kevin Bacon isn't Australian

[@benparker2321]

6 degrees of Hugh Jackman

[@scattysafari7742]

Todd that 'Australian sound' you refer to definitely has a name. It's known as 'Pub rock' as the bands tended to earn their chops playing pubs,clubs and the RSL (our veteran's clubs.) It's where that hard guitar baseline comes from.

[@larissabrglum3856]

I knew there was a name for it! Courtney Barnett is someone carrying on the tradition.

[@santiagobauza4257]

@@larissabrglum3856 It was also given the name dolewave, referring to a more relaxed and DIY sound

[@VersaceJesus]

The Wiggles started off as a pub rock band called The Cockroaches before they became children's entertainers

[@campfortson4387]

It originated in England mainly however

[@Epidian]

​@@campfortson4387By Americans.

[@bwagner23]

I am apparently in the kind of mood to find myself crying to that "breast cancer" version of "I Touch Myself", so thanks for that.

[@DestinyKiller]

At least I wasn't the only one to tear up to it, thank you

[@sacrament182]

It's funny you should mention that all Australians know each other, because my Dad and Uncle went to School with Chrissy in my old home town of Geelong. My Uncle was in her class.

[@sacrament182]

Yep, well Belmont primary, they didn't mention high school, but she did move around a lot in her teenage years, but she was probably there for some of it.

[@sacrament182]

Yes, Roslyn road primary is on the corner of Thompson road and Roslyn road. But I didn't know she lived on Eton Road, my grandmother lived on Eton road. I know it well, now that's crazy.

[@Matrim42]

So, what's Margot Robbie like?

[@Meijimack]

Six degrees of separation - simples.

[@rebelguy9487]

Strewth!

[@christopher.tomins2001]

As an Australian, it is strange to see an act like the Divinyls be considered a one-hit wonder.

[@VNYLDEN]

I never considered them a one hit wonder. In a matter of fact their earlier work was by far better than “I Touch Myself.”

[@TorquilBletchleySmythe]

@@VNYLDEN yes, they have a catalogue of fantastic music, I Touch Myself was a late and substandard release. Science Fiction, Boys in Town, Sleeping Beauty, In My Life and Good Die Young were all superior in lyrics and instrumentation, and a better reflection of this band's talent

[@VNYLDEN]

@Brian Meskanen Don’t forget Pleasure and Pain.

[@TorquilBletchleySmythe]

@@VNYLDEN I considered that a gateway song to Touch Myself. In my opinion it was uncharacteristically repetitive and bland compared to their other work. I mean no disrespect, but I feel it was an album filler and geared for the controversy it would cause.

[@devong1838]

@@Me4-gc8qs bruh shut the fuck up we're not dumb we have different charts

[@RolandDeschain1]

In her later years Chrissie Amphlett became a big musical theatre star. She was doing huge productions right up until her death.

[@RowanWarren78]

I wish this comment was at the top.

[@micko11154]

I worked on shows with both Divinyls (many times) and The Pretenders in the 80's. Divinyls are nothing like The Pretenders live. The Pretenders are more mellow and sedate while Divinyls were hard edged, fast and freakin LOUD!!! A classic Aussie pub-rock band!

[@dontbefatuousjeffrey2494]

YEAH!!!

[@TimmyTickle]

Couldn't help but feel a bit of Aussie pride when the Rage logo popped up on the screen

[@musicalneptunian]

Raaaaaaaaaaaaaaaageeeee!

[@EmeraldZion]

Legendary show

[@annburlingham4563]

an an american, having both my aussie husband and his mother burst into the theme song new year's eve a couple years ago.... it was quite a moment. also i noted the cold chisel logo on the drum set. hey now, todd, you missed something!

[@TimmyTickle]

@@annburlingham4563 That wouldn't have been relevant to the video. You are right though...many Americans who are into Aussie bands need to take a deep dive into Chisel's discography

[@littlechalkie8030]

RAGE RAGE RAGE

[@Slapfunk79]

I got to see the 2006 tour in Perth, Chrissy was really showing the effects of her battle with MS and struggled to get through the show but still nailed the vocals. She personally deserved much better.

[@eamonndeane587]

You Said it...

[@honeyham6788]

Wait, not a single joke about how "I touch myself" is owned by VIRGIN Records? REALLY?

[@mrmister7774]

...your joking?

[@Shapes_Quality_Control]

I saw that too ;D

[@lapislazuli9465]

File that under "Todd's missed opportunities."

[@TheBlueArmageddon]

What I am more surprised about is that there are no comments here saying "OH LOOK, ANOTHER TITS VIDEO, HUEHUEUHEUHEUHE"

[@FelisTerras]

That joke was old already when the single debuted...and yup, I remember that year

[@10INTM]

Some viewer: "We don't all know each other! I'm reporting this to me member of parliament!" *Sticks head out window where guy is feeding pigs* "Ay, Gus, I got something to report to ya!'" *Few seconds later* Parliament member: "That's a bloody outrage, it is! I'm gonna take this all the way to the prime minister!" *They run next door where a guy is relaxing in an inner tube in a pond* "HEY! MISTAH PROIM MINISTAH!"

[@Robert_B_445]

Three years late but I can’t resist.... Oright fellas, what’s the good word?

[@aninnocentmannerism2314]

900 DOLLARYDOOS? TOBIAS!

[@Rachara]

And the guvnah?

[@gusgould4420]

ANDY!

[@WitchyWhale]

I can't think of this song without thinking of that one scene in Austin Powers.

[@RiderNexus]

It's Ironic that last weekend, I showed a friend the first movie and a few days later, this popped up

[@missmoanypants]

YES!

[@s.bakyhnh1756]

+RiderNexus Ironic? Yes. Like rain on your wedding day.

[@RetroGamer10]

Same

[@FalconPain]

Also, I can't listen to "Make Out Alright" without thinking of Madonna's "Beautiful Stranger", which was definitely featured in an Austin Powers sequel.

[@yotamshitrit6820]

"We have a this music video about a woman touching herself we want you to direct" Bay: "Shoot it like it's porn"

[@Wired4Life2]

Yup, sounds like Michael Bay.

[@bullmonty764]

I think at one point he also wanted to shoehorn in some explosions but Chrissy went against the idea.

[@EmpressTiffanyOfBrittany]

THE EXPLOSIONS ARE A METAPHOR FOR MY- I MEAN YOUR ORGASM

[@exquisitecorpse__]

"We have a movie about a kid's show starring giant Robots." Bay: "you know what to do."

[@imveryangryitsnotbutter]

7:27 - "There's no good euphemisms for [female masturbation]". -- ONE GOOGLE SEARCH LATER -- Okay, Todd, I've compiled a list of phrases that you might be interested to learn. *ahem* Paddling the pink canoe, curtain twitching, buffing the bonnet, kneading the love muffin, polishing the pearl, tickling the kipper, flicking through the purse, caressing the crease, checking for squirrels, driving miss daisy, diddle the skittle, indoor fishing, double clicking the mouse, flicking the bean, Sainsbury's self checkout, seasoning the taco, sitting on the washing machine (thank you, Scrubs), squiddy fiddler, feeding the pony, buttering the biscuit... oh, and my favorite, exploring the cave of infinite wisdom.

[@Metroid4ever]

Marching the penguin. Ya-ya-ing the sisterhood. Finding Nemo. Thank you Dr. House.

[@freshFerdinand]

In Germany we only have one euphemism for female masturbation: "to clean Hell"

[@sonokawaray]

Okay, "checking for squirrels" is probably my favorite euphemism for a biological activity since "making bears."

[@PleaseNoKnees]

Sainsbury's self checkout??? Waitrose at least, geez.

[@TheMrMojoRisin67]

Dialing the rotary phone.

[@SneedyKetler]

“Pleasure & Pain” got SOME airplay here in the States. RIP Chrissie!

[@dontbefatuousjeffrey2494]

An amazing song. As is "Boys In Town". Still gives me chills, along with "Science Fiction".

[@JHashcroft]

I expected "The Divinyls" to be the name of a female soul group from the 70s.

[@8bitdiedie]

...who get screwed over by their record label and decades later make a movie about their career that no one cares about, but despite this have a lot of their song sampled by DJs for house tracks. Just seems to fit ya'know.

[@representationmetaphorique]

+8bitdiedie that is oddly accurate

[@Toph7777]

+8bitdiedie Please write movies

[@kendra_t]

That's exactly what I thought when I read the name

[@sebastianq.7884]

I thought "Divinyls" would be the name of a rapper who put out a song in the late 90s-early 00s that was something between Sir Mix-A-Lot's "Baby Got Back" and Khia's "My Neck, My Back", some hybrid between novelty and hardcore.

[@WiwuX]

Euphemisms! Double-clicking the mouse Playing with kitty Paddling the pink canoe Lip service

[@vengorge]

Flicking the bean

[@famuel2604]

As an Australian I actually recognise a bunch of these songs. I remember she was on a music game show once, and she talked about how her exaggerated sexual persona came about because she was really anxious and introverted on tour

[@TotoDG]

What show was that? Rockwiz? Spicks and Specks? Or something else?

[@julekmeister]

Not only this song wasn't banned anywhere, but a few years back in Poland it was used in a mineral water commercial. I don't know if the creators didn't know english or what, but when I first saw it I was stunned.

[@Agostina999]

her outfits in that video are so killer omg I want them!

[@phantomstrider]

Ohhh I remember this song! Nowadays I can't help hearing Weird Al's version whenever I hear it. Which is... less subtle lol

[@ps-br6yi]

Owned by Virgin Records lol

[@JasonBeam7]

Yo Strider. Cool seeing you on a Todd video.

[@DaltonLunday2103]

I guess Todd’s theory of all Australians knowing each other is true 😂

[@woodywyatt557]

Hey strider nice to see a youtuber I like commenting on a video of another KZbinr I like

[@andyonionade581]

Wait what’s the weird al one called I can’t find it?

[@FSEThompson]

Y'know growing up in Australia I heard this song all the damn time, and bc I was so used to hearing it, it wasn't until surprisingly recently that I actually y'know LISTENED to it and realised what it was about. I feel like there are a lot of blatantly sexual songs that just end up part of our childhoods and we never even notice it lol.

[@BiggieTrismegistus]

Songs have been featuring blatant sexuality for a long time. Like "Mickey" by Toni Basil, which has the lines: "So come on and give it to me any way you can/Any way you wanna do it, I'll it take it like a man". The Beatles' "Drive My Car" has nothing to do with automobiles. Hell, "Travelling Riverside Blues" by Robert Johnson has the line "you can squeeze my lemon till the juice runs down my leg" and that record is from 1937.

[@lindadote]

BiggieTrismegistus ........quite right and of course, Led Zeppelin “borrowed” the lyrics from Robert Johnson for The Lemon Song.

[@patricklauer4452]

Friedrich Sarah E. Thompson same here

[@idkman3583]

Friedrich Sarah E. Thompson One thing thing that makes me laugh is how my clas used to giggle at the word sexy in RIP and just completely miss the line “I want you to call me daddy even though you ain’t my daughter”

[@duffman18]

@@lindadote and Robert Johnson wasn't the first one to use those lyrics either. It's a long standing tradition in blues to "borrow" lyrics from each other. It's a communal genre

[@einootspork]

I'm sorry, but the line "You need to go to love school" is just so bad that I snorted when I heard it.

[@zaneseibert]

Love Grammar must be taught in Love School

[@TheArchivis]

+Zane Seibert P in the V except after C...men.

[@TheHeroOfTomorrow]

And Calculus: You+Me=Us.

[@TheArchivis]

You+Me can also equal Someone Else if you're (un)fortunate.

[@Allerdyne]

I thought the same thing. Like, they couldn't think up a better rhyme?

[@NewGoldStandard]

The moment you said Michael Bay, I knew the "explosion joke" was coming and I still laughed out loud. Well done.

[@sdpnz]

Extra fact: They appeared in the soundtrack for the "Super Mario Bros." movie in 1993, covering "Love is the Drug".

[@cloudyswildride]

shit that's a throw back!

[@MatthewHarrold]

In 1988 I watched The Divinyls live, Chrissie chased the crew around the stage with a giant foam axe and sword, performed a mock execution of the sound guy, and generally annexed the stage crew as extras in her tongue-in-cheek massacre. She was a great stage presence. Nice video ... I challenge the premise ... (one hit wonder) ... but I'm only Australian.

[@Ozae88]

2:28 I just noticed that Todd goes: "A..." "2..." "3..."

[@MrHendrix17]

I was expecting him to pick a different numbering scheme for 3 and was sorely dissappointed.

[@Rachara]

@ Nobody got the D in this one.

[@Contributron]

The precursor to A24.

[@allforthenukie]

Divinyls and Midnight Oil are one in the same, in that they deserve far greater international recognition than they currently receive

[@TMC1982Part2]

Todd did say that Midnight Oil were victims of "Nirvana killed my career" in that the entire perspection of what alternative music was to the common or casual listener was changed overnight. Also, Midnight Oil were sort of like an Aussie version of Rage Against the Machine, in the sense that maybe they were way, way too angry and confrontational in their music. What I mean is that, they never seemed to ligthen up and have some fun every now and again. This according to Todd, is in no small part why RATM burned out just prior to the start of the Bush 43 administration.

[@Heroball299]

Midnight Oil were way too political to make it in the US.

[@dlvnmedia]

i always loved The Divinyls and was so devastated when she died. i even loved the later stuff. Thank you btw for doing what you do, I was feeling terribly this morning and found your channel by accident, it has perked my spirits hearing someone talking openly and honestly about bands like this or Falco and Alien Ant Farm. So thank you.

[@Cliffdog01]

This vid is exactly why I am subscribed to Todd. There are probably thousands of critics that can be angry and rage at everything, also lots that can be positive. However, there are very few that can really show passion for the art that they are showing (tv, movies, music) and can give the feels to their audience. I hope you keep doing the inspiring because they are by far my favorite.

[@KayleeCee]

I don't recall this being too controversial either. I remember seeing the video on VH1 in the early 90s (the cable provider in the town I lived in didn't carry MTV). Hell, my conservative Catholic mother even bought this album.

[@Vicky_C87]

There's so many great one hit wonders you could do. Here's my picks: Melt with You- Modern English. Jump Around- House of Pain. Your Woman- White Town. A Thousand Miles- Vanessa Carlton. Pictures of You- The Last Goodnight. All the Things She Said- Tatu. Sugar Sugar- The Archies. Big City Life- Mattafix. What's Up?- 4 non blondes. One of Us- Joan Osbourne. Torn-Natalie Imbruglia. Apparently Midnight Oil was also a one hit wonder in the USA. That could make for an interesting episode- Peter Garrett became a politician. Anyways, love the show. Keep up the good work :)

[@MartyBellvue]

OmG IF TODD DOES TATU ILL DIE I LOVE TATU

[@ranbummerz729]

vanessa carlton isn't a one hit wonder

[@noideac]

If he wants another (technical) one hit wonder from Australia he could go with Silverchair's "Tomorrow".

[@TackyRackyComixNEO]

He's said before that he never plans to do "What's Up" by 4 Non Blondes.

[@Tenebyss]

Midnight Oil is not a one hit wonder over here thank god (Forgotten Years and Blue Sky Mine both hit number one on the alternative charts and they overall had six songs in the top 20 on the rock charts )

[@grecomic]

I remember Pop-up Video claiming the video was filmed at a convent... and that the convent more carefully screened musicians who rented their building space after that!

[@saygah7706]

Hmm as an Australian, I would say Pleasure and Pain is one of their most played songs here, I'm surprised that didn't chart in the states because literally I hear it all the time on our classic hits radiostations, certainly a lot more than I touch myself...

[@swineherd_]

It did chart, just pretty low at #76.

[@jordanrodrigues8435]

Scratching the record, flicking the bean, tickling the tic tac, topping the taco, and let's not forget about the classic just plain jilling off.

[@helenl3193]

Several comments mention jilling off, but I've never come across it before. Do you mind me asking where you are based? I'm curious if it's a regional thing.. Or maybe I'm just getting out of touch! Nah, it's regional, right?! 🤞😅🤞

[@Caligula666x]

​@@helenl3193inverse of jacking off. Jack and Jill. I like counting the money in the ol ham wallet myself.

[@christiandevey3898]

“Post apocalyptic Australian wasteland” so basically Australia now

[@cassandralyris4918]

Cyndi Lauper's She Bop and Madonna's Get Into The Groove were both about solo adventuring. It's more common than anyone seems to have noticed.

[@Ryda124]

This was uploaded while I was watching his last video... I clicked off and saw there was something new. Wow, timing

[@Objectorbit]

I've had that happen before on other youtubers. It's a special kind of magic.

[@djwerewolf2431]

same here

[@SonofMrPeanut]

Similar story here. I was watching Eve of Destruction at the time.

[@josemunoz152]

Same

[@Robbo766]

I can appreciate Todd saying that ''Make Out Alright'' is what he thinks Australian rock would sound like, but as an Australian, I think I got a bit of authority to say that Australian rock is a pretty big trove of talent that extends beyond what Men At Work or Divinyls had to offer. I think the epitome of Australian rock as a distinctive style with particular traits can be heard through the 80's output of The Saints, Paul Kelly, Hunters And Collectors, V. Spy V. Spy and a few others I just can't recall. Those artists had a thing that was a tad more typical of that Australian approach than ''Make Out Alright''. Then there's Aboriginal rock (Warumpi Band, Coloured Stone), general mainstream Oz rock (Midnight Oil, Divinyls, Men At Work, Cold Chisel, INXS, Icehouse), and the Australian post-punk that moved to England because most Aussies just didn't give a shit about them (Go-Betweens, Triffids, The Birthday Party/Nick Cave's bands/projects, Laughing Clowns).... That said, I have been humbled by a few American podcasters who have proven to know more about Australian rock than I do, and have sprouted out names and scenes that I knew nothing about, so I won't do the defensive Aussie stance of ''what the f*ck to the yanks know about us?'' kinda crap, because clearly some do know more... Great video... and yes, Divinyls should have gotten more out of their efforts.

[@Caffeine_Club]

Their song 'Boys in Town' is an underrated 80s gem. My favorite track by them. Definitely check it out 👍

[@chrissennfelder7249]

Without the video I never would have discovered this awesome band, I especially dig their first few albums. Thanks, Todd!

[@sayastra]

"Rub one out" - the slang you seek.

[@OH_MY_DOGGG]

This stuff is crossing over into nostalgia. I am actually talking about this episode of todd in the shadows. I do remember when this song came out. Thanks Todd

[@CanadaWaxSolvent]

That bass line! I think in 1991 people were just in denial about the bluntness of this song.

[@vulpinedeity3379]

I don't think anyone took it seriously enough for it to be controversial.

[@davesnothere2879]

"when I feel down I want you above me" classic.

[@GrayLanternPPA]

That intro was the most fun I've seen Todd playing piano.

[@julieporter7805]

I wasn't crazy about the song when it was released but I have since gained an appreciation for it. Fun Fact: If you've seen the movie 80's movie The Legend of Billy Jean which is particularly known for Pat Benatar's song "Invincible," the Divinyls had some songs on that soundtrack. "Boys in Town" plays during the opening credits and "Heart Telegraph" plays during the beach scene. I love that PSA. It gave the song new meaning.

[@dropbearattack]

Although I am a male musician, I pledge to you all that I will commit myself to undertake the necessary research with all my female counterparts, and write an entire album insightfully dedicated to the art of flicking the bean. I feel that it's my duty.

[@chernobylcoleslaw6698]

Thank you for your service!

[@terrarising]

I love the line at 5:43 "Clearly, she had the charisma, but could she 'pull it off?' "

[@CastorQuinn]

Just to give you some idea of how well respected they are in Australia: when you listed the Divinyls as a One-Hit Wonderland subject I fully expected the video to start with you explaining how actually they weren't a one-hit wonder. The Divinyls being a one-hit wonder is inconceivable to an Australian of my age. They were omnipresent. Touch Myself was the last thing they did, not the first. In 2016 you can forget how there was a time when America, England and Australia were three completely different markets.

[@IsaacIsaacIsaacson]

in 2024, the idea is a distant memory. Unfortunately for the worse. Australia's music scene is basically extinct now :(

[@JamesJimmaHarding]

As an Aussie, it's actually quite extraordinary hearing an American talk about our bands and singers like they almost never existed outside of one song that made them big overseas, while they were putting out hit after hit here and are such a major part of Australian pop culture

[@adorabell4253]

Can you imagine how I feel as a Canadian realizing that 90% of our so rent never made it across the border?

[@defvii]

In regards to the mentioning of the "Aussie rock" sound that you heard, it has a name, "pub rock". Kind of died off by the time divinyls broke up, but you can still hear it's influence in modern acts such as The Smith Street Band.

[@TheDoctorwhovian2]

I'm glad you mentioned that PSA about checking for lumps. It played in cinemas and got a lot of exposure in Aus, and was honestly the main way I heard that song at that point in time.

[@TheStapleGunKid]

Russel Crowe isn't an Australian. He's from New Zealand.

[@oswaldfigglebottom]

Both of them don't exist so they're the same place

[@samhay4143]

Doesn't Todd have that Kiwi bro who turns up on the vids sometimes? I figured that was a "lol wind up the Kiwis" line.

[@老人圣诞-d8t]

@@oswaldfigglebottom hilarious and original 😂😂😂

[@oswaldfigglebottom]

@@老人圣诞-d8t I suppose you're from Australia, you government agent!

[@老人圣诞-d8t]

@@oswaldfigglebottom yeah tbh you're right

[@baron_von_brunk]

This video kind of gives me a funny feeling -- like when I used to climb the ropes in gym class.

[@YouaNumbahOneRacist]

SHCWING!

[@user-nd7ts7bp6g]

I hate the fact that I know what this is a reference too

[@reallynotyourbusiness1659]

Early 80's rockin the pub scene was their time in the sun...the hits were a bonus.

[@120chester]

Charley Drayton played on the “Love Shack” recording, but that clip of the drummer is actually Zack Alford who toured with the B-52s for a number of years.

[@aiberlane3390]

Hmm, I never thought of the fact that someone with an autoimmune disease couldn't use chemo. I guess it makes sense, but it's sad, especially since my mother has Multiple Sclerosis. Anyway, it's very sad Chrissy died so young. She had a lot of talent.

[@devinthierault]

I have an autoimmune disease that was treated with chemo

[@NidorinoAlliance]

Respect to Todd for filling this review full of short snippets of basically all of their best songs (especially my personal favourite, Sleeping Beauty). I hope it gets people curious about the Divinyls (which I still maintain is one of the best cheesy band names ever). Fun Fact: A company called Rubellan Remasters has been remastering and reviving all of their albums recently starting with their debut, which is good since their stuff is impossible to find outside of aussie used CD racks. It’s just been cool seeing people pay their respects to this band.

[@johnwade7760]

"Tossing some shrimp on her barby".. don't be so hard on yourself, that was gold.

[@akrodriguez3056]

Hailey Seinfeld, love myself...that is really upbeat and you don't realize what it is about until you're singing the words.

[@albinocavewoman]

Guilty pleasure? Loud and proud, that song is awesome!

[@SethMarcell]

I really appreciate all the thought you put into these videos. Keep it up!

[@rimmijohnson3361]

"Monocles stayed resting comfortably on people's faces" Todd cracks me up, I swear.

[@foxesofautumn]

As an Australian it’s a surprise to see the Divinyls covered as a one hit wonder but thanks for covering them :)

[@TheMAM]

"The Divinyls. They touch themselves." Lol. "They also touched," Wait... Todd no, NO! "All of us." *facepalm*

[@floydlooney6837]

Todd is a corn farmer

[@SpyHunter89]

OMG I just realised the humourous irony that the Divinyls put out "I Touch Myself"... on Virgin Records. Huh, get it? Virgin? ...I'll see myself out.

[@SpyHunter89]

Also, I just played their album on Spotify, and yes, "Love School" actually does have the line "I don't want anybody else" on record. Not just for the video. Although, if there is yet another version without it, let me know.

[@sophiea2640]

I was shocked to see this is a one hit wonder in America. They're still getting radio play in Australia!

[@tvguts]

SO glad you used the nightcore version for the outro, lol. one of my favorite nightcore tracks of all time.

[@patjacksonpodium]

This is a weird thing to say but I have to admit that I've always found the chorus to "I Touch Myself" to be one of the most heartbreakingly beautiful melodies I ever heard.

[@carpepesci]

This song came out when I was just the right age to appreciate how seductive Chrissie was in the video. I was very happy it received continuous play on MuchMusic (Canada's MTV). Big, big fan.

[@ewancuthbertson8019]

This song was referenced in a Buffy episode and I didn't realise that it was an actual song.

[@jamestheronchapman]

This guy is great. Thanks for never asking me to smash the subscribe button. (I subscribed)

[@subreel12000]

note: though Charley Drayton played on the Love shack song, it was Zack Alford in the video for the song

[@dontbefatuousjeffrey2494]

note: though this dude basically dismissed Chrissie's career she was a solid gold bomb of rock awesomeness. Just listen to her back catalogue.

[@Ventilator313]

Todd you make me so happy, just the entire concept of you. Keep doing you, buddy (y)

[@Wicked_Dreamer]

Did you know that Randy Jackson (American Idol) and Benmont Tench (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers), along with Amphlett's future husband Charley Drayton, played on Divinyls' 1991 album?

[@SilverShade1008]

Great video Todd. Always loved this song and had no idea about this kickass band's rich history.

[@ceramicholiness]

"Ya-ya'ing the sisterhood" will always be my favorite euphemism.

[@goawayleavemealone2880]

😂

[@PNWRideAlongs]

Out of all the awesomeness Todd does, One hit Wonderlands are my favorite.

[@levi1929]

Two points of contention: 1) Euphemisms- flicking the bean, rubbing one out,playing with my toys, just to name a few 2) Telling a lady you touch yourself thinking about her CAN be very flattering with the right language. I have received nothing but positive responses when I’ve embarrassingly admitted this to ladies in my life. I love the show, never change, even if you’re wrong

[@Deviantygr]

Pretty sure I know what the WRONG language is... Have examples of "the right language"...??

[@levi1929]

@@Deviantygr I’d be happy to seduce you sometime and you can take notes 😂

[@christineriutzel]

I live for Todd. All I look forward to on KZbin is for Todd. I love Todd.

[@Logan912]

It's interesting to me how a song like "Whip It" can have so many layers. It wasn't even intended to be the lead single from Freedom of Choice until it got played in dance clubs and found its way onto radio. It takes inspiration from both Communist and Capitalist "can-do" propaganda which Jerry Casale used to satirize American optimism, and Mark Mothersbaugh intended it to be sort of a pep talk for Carter out of fear that Reagan would win the election. Devo jokingly assumed the reason it got popular is because people thought it was about masturbation and BDSM. So, they later made the music video as a sort of a way to pay tribute to that joke.

[@robertbollard5475]

DEVO were always political. A bunch of them were actually present at the massacre at Kent State. Interesting fact is that the other Chrissy (Hynde) was there as well and was a friend of one of the girls who was killed. So it's not only Australians that all know each other (says the bloke whose grandfather was Errol Flynn's Latin teacher)!

[@robf6105]

I met the DiVinyls at a now-defunct amusement park called Rocky Point, in Rhode Island. Rode the roller coaster with them. Surprisingly, this was at the height of the "I Touch Myself" success. Christina and Mark were so nice. That whole album is really good, btw.

[@emperorcupcake]

I was like, wait, I remember that "Human on the Inside" song, that must have been a hit! ...Oh, it was the Pretenders cover that was a hit. Damn. These guys did deserve better.

[@southaussie87]

As an Australian I was hoping either this or Midnight Oil would be your first One Hit Wonderland about an Australian act. Great review Todd, love your work.

[@camcaffin8475]

Pleasure and Pain + Boys in town were absolutely huge in Australia to, they were a pretty good band and she had an insanely good voice when she used it!

[@Aramanth]

_The Divinyls_ self-titled album is still one of my favorites today! Love that you compared the two Chrissies!! I always felt that!!

[@DocSkribblez]

Tweet's "Oh My (Oops)" is another song that focuses on lady self-love

[@atomicdancer]

Their 1988 song "Back to the Wall" was featured in A Nightmare on Elm Street 4 - it's pretty good too!

[@JohnLouisBishop84]

"Boys in Town" was used in 1985's "The Legend of Billie Jean," which had its own hit theme song in Pat Benatar's "Invincible."

[@ally3324]

i’m suprised ‘boys in town’ isn’t well known overseas

[@plkijnuhb9890]

I just discovered your channel through the weird KZbin recommending algorithm, and holy shit this is gold. I love your style of humor, and I'm surprised I didn't find it sooner. Keep it up, man!

[@magik4353]

I hope one of the requests he got was for Life is a Highway.

[@magik4353]

+EbberDeeMills Huh? I'm pretty sure Tom Cochrane is still alive.

[@kmzstube]

i was recently thinking the same thing.

[@magik4353]

Another person I'd like to see on One Hit Wonderland is Sheb Wooley. Besides his one pop hit, "The Purple People Eater", he is also credited with the Wilhelm scream, and I wonder what else he did before dying back in 2003.

[@Tigercat919]

Tom Cochrane is actually a one hit wonder twice - once with Red Rider, once as a solo artist. Pretty unique.

[@kmzstube]

i had no idea he was in that.