The Church (the band)

I have been a huge fan of the Church since discovering Starfish in some Arlington, TX bookstore back in 2003. That album was obviously their most popular. Every track is damn good and the dualing guitar melodies on that album are as underrated as any criminally underrated statement.

I then found Of Skins and Hearts at the Magic Schoolbus Shop (or whatever it's called) in New Orleans for practically a $1.50. That was the first major release by The Church and it may be their best as far as the ROCK it contains.

Recently, I have downloaded a lot of their other old stuff and ordered some CD's. The Blurred Crusade, Heyday, and Priest=Aura have all recently come to my house via Amazon. My toddler goes to sleep at night to any/all of them. All are just the perfect mix of psychedelic, atmospheric, "stargaze" rock with a mix of up-tempo to the dreamy, slow downed state.

I cannot think of another band that has largely been ignored by the U.S. (only two albums ever charted; 1 single made the top 20) that has a more impressive catalogue. The band has changed drummers a few times and recently lost guitarist Marty Wilson-Piper. Peter Koppes left on two small hiatuses back in the 90's. Steve Kilby still sounds great on vocals. But to sum this post up, this is one of the greatest musical treasures out there and it's a shame that 80 percent or so of the Music Board regulars likely have heard anywhere from 1-5 songs by them as opposed to the over 200 they created through imports, EP's, and killer albums.

Anyone else a fan? if you're not aware of them, please check them out. I'd rate their top 5 albums as:

1. Starfish (1988)
2. The Blurred Crusade (1982)
3. Priest=Aura (1992)
4. Of Skins and Hearts (1981)
5. heyday (1985)