OF SKINS AND HEART [AKA: THE CHURCH]
The Church
•Prog Related
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3.19
| 24 ratings | 5 reviews | 4% 5 stars
|
Studio Album, released in 1981 Songs / Tracks Listing 1. For A Moment We're Strangers (3:52) - Steve Kilbey / vocals, bass, keyboards
Artwork: Michelle Parker and to Quinino for the last updates Edit this entry |
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THE CHURCH Of Skins And Heart [Aka: The Church] ratings distribution
(24 ratings)
Essential: a masterpiece of rock music(4%)Excellent addition to any rock music collection(29%)Good, but non-essential (50%)Collectors/fans only (12%)Poor. Only for completionists (4%)
THE CHURCH Of Skins And Heart [Aka: The Church] reviews
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Collaborators/Experts Reviews
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Founding Moderator
PROG REVIEWER
In the whole not a bad album, but if you are looking for some progressive rock stuff it's better look for something else.
PROG REVIEWER
Never the less The Church had the charts in mind when they created "Of Skins and Heart", and they didn't fail as their single of "The Unguarded Moment" shot to number 1 on the Australian singles chart and is regarded by many music critics as being of the best singles by an Australian band during the 80's. Although carrying a 80's sound, The Church's music is subtly different to that of other 80's pop bands. The Church's music even at this early point of their career their music had a progressive touch to it brought upon by textured atmospheres created by guitars and keyboards.
This style of atmosphere is most visible in "Is This Where You Live", it also incorporates some psychedelic influences, healthy song length and a reasonable guitar solo which makes it the best song on the album as far as I'm concerned. "Of Skins and Heart" is the type of album that grows on you gradually, after a first listen you may, like me render in complete and utter garbage, then one day on a strange impulse you'll listen to it and after several listens will continue to grow on you. While not as in depth or as impressive as their later pop based albums like 'S�ance' or 'Starfish,' "Of Skins and Heart" is really worth getting if you're wondering what to purchase. Everything on "Of Skins and Heart" is generally at an okay three star level, with some songs being a little better or worse.
1.For a Moment We're Strangers (3/5) 2.Chrome Injury (3/5) 3.The Unguarded Moment (3/5) 4.Memories in Future Tense (2.5/5) 5.Bel-Air (3/5) 6.Is This Where You Live (3.5/5) 7.She Never Said (2.5/5) 8.Fighter Pilot (3/5) 9.Don't Open the Door to Strangers (3/5) Total = 26.5 divided by 9 (number of Songs) = 2.94444 = 3 stars Good, but non-essential
So, as I said earlier a good, enjoyable listen which overall is user-friendly to all people who aren't familiar with progressive rock. I'd recommend "Of Skins and Heart" to anyone who wants to start exploring a unique band whose career is an journey to follow. This is one great thing about The Church, exploring their music is like an adventure, trust me, start the voyage.
PROG REVIEWER
The music being proposed here can be compared to the very debut of "XTC" for instance. Fine vocal parts, intelligent rhythmic and so much fantasy! I quite like that mix (in those remote days, as well as nowadays).
Another reference could be the great "Fisher-Z". Same catchy and poppy approach, same funny sound, same funny beats. Unless you have a very, very progressive approach to progressive rock, this album doesn't hold any song which has anything to do with our beloved genre. But the whole is just so pleasant!
Another reference which comes up to my mind are the incredible Dutch band "Gruppo Sportivo". Same humoristic sense, same craziness, same good old feel. This is a great album to listen to if ever you would like to discover how some great band from the early eighties were sounding like.
It was only a pity that "Church" was truly anonymous. And to find them on PA was quite a surprise! But a good one. There are no weak moments in here; but of course you shouldn't look for any prog moment either: this is a pure and straight forward new wave album. And believe me: I have listened to quite a few of those ones.
The early "Ultravox!" fans (as I am) will definitely be passionate with a track as " Is This Where You Live": upbeat, melodic, sweet. In one word: gorgeous. One of the highlights for sure.
I understand that it is quite difficult to understand this album from a prog point of view but the music played is rich, creative as the one of the early "Roxy" or "Be Bop Deluxe" or "Split Enz". Amazing really. If ever you like this mood, I can only recommend you the debut of the bizarre and super "Devo. Are we not Men?".
To some extent, the great "Doctor Of Madness" are to be remembered as well during the moving "Don't Open?".
In all, this is a very good album but it holds no prog elements. Four stars.
PROG REVIEWER
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