Thanks for the rec, I never even knew that anyone did covers of their earlier material. It’s usually Under The Milky Way and nothing else. Gonna check it out.
Hey man---thanks for responding. And for sharing the article. Just got through reading/listening in real time to most of the selections! Great article! I know I'm in the minority here, but I wish The Church would have returned, even briefly, maybe for a couple of records --or even just a few songs--to the less abstract, surreal, less overtly psychedelic and moody stuff they hung their hat on in the late 90s and 2000s-2010s. I mean I love their psychedelia, but by devoting themselves so uncompromisingly to that vibe, they shortchanged themselves (and fans) to that earlier songcraft that you highlighted in your piece.
Really loved this piece. What makes it work so well is that your knowledge of The Church never feels performative, it feels lived. You write with real affection, memory, and conviction, and that gives the whole post both authority and heart. I especially liked the personal moments woven through the analysis, particularly “A Month of Sundays,” because that is where the piece becomes something more than a guide to songs. It becomes a reflection on what it means to live with music over time.
Seeing them this summer. Only Kilbey by this point but I caught them a couple years ago (with Koppes still in the band) and it was great. More Church posts, please!
“To Be In Your Eyes” is an all-timer. Really happy to see it on this list! A lot of people are about to find one of their new fave songs by the band.
Asteroid No4 did a great cover of it as well:
https://theasteroidno4.bandcamp.com/track/to-be-in-your-eyes
Thanks for the rec, I never even knew that anyone did covers of their earlier material. It’s usually Under The Milky Way and nothing else. Gonna check it out.
Kevin, thanks for the heads-up on the Asteroid No.4 cover! Going to seek it out as soon as i write this!
Of course! I hope you enjoyed it.
Asteroid #4!
Hey man---thanks for responding. And for sharing the article. Just got through reading/listening in real time to most of the selections! Great article! I know I'm in the minority here, but I wish The Church would have returned, even briefly, maybe for a couple of records --or even just a few songs--to the less abstract, surreal, less overtly psychedelic and moody stuff they hung their hat on in the late 90s and 2000s-2010s. I mean I love their psychedelia, but by devoting themselves so uncompromisingly to that vibe, they shortchanged themselves (and fans) to that earlier songcraft that you highlighted in your piece.
Really loved this piece. What makes it work so well is that your knowledge of The Church never feels performative, it feels lived. You write with real affection, memory, and conviction, and that gives the whole post both authority and heart. I especially liked the personal moments woven through the analysis, particularly “A Month of Sundays,” because that is where the piece becomes something more than a guide to songs. It becomes a reflection on what it means to live with music over time.
Thanks always Howard that means a lot
You’re welcome. This is some amazing work.
I’m thinking the La’s must have been pretty heavily influenced by Tear it all Away, or maybe just straight up theft!
I can hear it. And now that you mention it can’t unhear it.
Lovely write-up about my favourite band
Glad to hear that Stefan. I hope you subscribe and keep coming back. I have years of Church writeups left in me.
I saw them on the Starfish tour where Tom Verlaine opened. Amazing. Their later period songs are great, too: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYd6OcfDvh4
I saw them on the same tour. The first of May live shows of theirs I saw.
Peter Murphy co-headlined but played first.
After his set was over and all the goths left Steve Kilbey said “ This must be the largest retreat of the Goths since the fall of the Roman Empire…”
Constantinople and Shadow Cabinet are fantastic. Just noticed that all of their albums are now available on Qobuz.
I know right? Frigging amazing and timeless. I hear those songs and I’m like they should have been huge man!
Seeing them this summer. Only Kilbey by this point but I caught them a couple years ago (with Koppes still in the band) and it was great. More Church posts, please!
It’s my pleasure. I just happen to love so many great bands that came out of that country.