Search - Church :: Of Skins & Hearts

Long before Milky Way, The Church brilliance began here

S. Johnston | Sydney, Australia | 09/10/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"In 1980 Sydney unleashed several huge bursts of new talent. In that year The Sunnyboys released their amazing single "Alone With You" and INXS began their world conquering career with "Just Keep Walking". Into this rich environment The Church launched their mammoth 2nd single "The Unguarded Moment", one of Australia's most memorable 80s singles. This superior pop song continues to send jangles down my spine to this day, on its own it justifies owning The Church's fine 1981 debut album "Of Skins And Heart". Listening to this album nowadays reveals just how well The Church's early music has aged. They were lucky to be recognised early by EMI and thus well-known producer Bob Clearmountain added his touch to this watertight set of edgy guitar pop songs. Along with the high of "Unguarded Moment", my other highlights would be the pulsating edge of "Memories In Future Tense", the crying guitars of "She Never Said", and the final track (of the original LP), the hypnotic "Don't Open The Door To Strangers". This re-mastered version features extra B-sides and video making it a solid buy. "Of Skins And Hearts" may seem to lack some of the latter Church's trademark mood which began emerging on "Blurred Crusade" (and was further refined on "Seance" and "Heyday"), but as a new band The Church showed early evidence of unique cohesion in this seminal work. For those unfamiliar with The Church this is as good a starting point as any: get familiar with this fine band by starting at the beginning."

Good Album

Christopher Fryer | United States | 11/03/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first heard this band when I saw the video for The Unguarded Moment. The lyrics helped me get through some hard times when I was a teenager. I have a couple of hits collections but this is the only studio album I have ever owned by The Church. I think the American version is better than the Australian version. Instead of Chrome Injury (good song), She Never Said, and Fighter Pilot - Korean War the American version had Too Fast For You, Sisters, and Tear It All Away (great song). But the "box" cd has all of these songs and a few videos. There is nothing flashy as far as musicianship goes, but the songs are well written with catchy guitars and good vocal melodies. One of my favorites!

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Simply a classic

Kenneth G. Monroe | Latham, NY USA | 03/22/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This recording is on my desert island list (along with The Blurred Crusade). It is an absolute must for any fans of The Church."