To me it's kind of a travesty the way the Church was ignored in this country. I was amazed when they did finally have a single with "Under the Milky Way" in 1988, but as the Modern English did before them with "I Melt With You," they are now {{cringe}} 1-hit wonders here in the states.

I was introduced to the Church in 1985. A boyfriend of mine in college had a copy of Remote Luxury, which I fell in love with.

The members of the Church for this album were the original lineup: Steve Kilbey on bass and vocals, Peter Koppes on rhythm guitar, Richard Ploog on drums, and Marty Willson-Piper on electric guitar. All are Australian except Marty, who's originally British.

Heyday was released in January of 1986, to some college chart success. It was classified either with the new psychedelic movement coming from Australia at the time (read: Hoodoo Gurus) or that coming out of L.A (read: The 3 O'Clock or The Rain Parade). The Church have always sort of scoffed at the psychedelic moniker they were assigned, and actually poke fun at it on the cover of Heyday, with their paisley shirts and the Indian rug behind them.

1. The album begins with "Myrrh", an evocative tale reeking of mid-east travels--chiming guitars and a determined beat make it a FANTASTIC driving song.

"Emerald haunt in overdrive
nightmare descent into Jericho city...
Camel dust heralds our arrival...
new Christ beneath the drumkit moon..."

2. Next, "Tristesse," which means sadness in French, if you're curious. Melancholia is their strong suit. Here, it is perfectly framed.

3."Already Yesterday" is a bit faraway and contemplative... it mentions places like Avalon and Babylon. It incorporates a choir for the bridge, very nicely I might add.

4."Columbus" is interesting to try and decipher:

We don't possess a single empty tear or furrowed brow...
Oh Columbus, I wish that they could see us now..."

Its lilting guitar provides beautiful swooshes in between verses.

5. "Happy Hunting Ground" is an instrumental, and as close as I've heard to an adult lullaby. Caution-- do not listen to this song while on the road, as it has an effect like Sominex! A lightly thumping tribal beat with sweet guitar codas played over...it really does conjure up a woodland glen filled with small Bambi like creatures.

6. "Tantalized" follows this, bringing the listener jolting back to reality. It was a minor college hit for these guys. The video is set at an amusement park with skewed dreamy views of the lights and the carousels and other rides. It has a pounding beat (also nice for driving music) and the trademark Church chiming guitar with a sensuous and incredible guitar solo by Marty Willson-Piper.
And a little different for the boys...horns!

Typically dreamy sort of Church lyrics:

"Til the day comes when you realize...
otherwise you never care...
Pandora's box reveals a new surprise...
Can't wait to see your eyes...
now you've been tantalized...."

7. "Disenchanted" shares more lovely melancholia...Steve Kilbey commiserating as he consoles a friend.

8. "Night of Light" is lovely, and lushly layered. It conjures up visions of white Christmas lights for me...white Christmas lights adorning a huge cake of vanilla fluff. This song is practically orchestral in its majesty. The strings are wonderful.

9. "Youth Worshiper" has never really stuck with me as many of the other tracks do. Chim-y and Church-y, but not as memorable.

10. "Roman" offers glimpses into the decadence of the Roman Empire with dreamy Church lyrics and complex arrangements.

If you can, see if you can find either of these 2 tracks. They were "bonus tracks" on the cassette version, but not included on the CD, for some reason.

"As You Will"- rhythm guitarist Peter Koppes' song. Trust me. This is about all you want to hear. I bought one of his solo efforts about 12 years ago and was SORELY disappointed.

"The View"- electric guitarist Marty Willson-Piper's song. It's simple and lyrical, and says a lot within a short song. His guitar, as usual, is fantastic. He's one of my favorite musicians working today.

"Wake you've been asleep--
Go attack your life...
The paint is peeling
It's great to save what's yours"

Needing a nice flashback to the 80s amidst all the sound-alikes out there now? Give yourself a breezy afternoon, open all the windows and pick up a good book. This is the perfect companion for a lazy day and a cup of tea.

IF you enjoyed "Starfish", you should definitely expand your collection. (Do some shopping in used bins and you can probably find one at an independent shop near you)


Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Reading or Studying