1988 - February - The Church - Starfish

Bruce presents the fifth album by Australian rock band The Church. It would be their breakthrough album for international success. After starting as a new wave band in 1980, The Church drifted into a little alternative, a little psychedelic, a little goth - some would call it dream pop. The lyrics and music are both a little dark and wistful, a result of their recording far from home in Los Angeles, and pouring their feelings of being in a strange place they didn't really like into their music. Arista was their new label for this studio album, and despite the homesickness of the band, their work in LA paid off with a great album.
Destination
This is the first track on the album and describes a dystopian totalitarian bureaucracy. "It's not a religion, it's just a technique, it's just a way of making you speak. Distance and speed have left us too weak, and destination looks kind of bleak."
Reptile
The second hit from the album is a song about a bad relationship. "Go now, you've been set free. Another month or so, you'll be poisoning me with your lovely smile."
Under The Milky Way
This is the first and biggest hit from the album with a great 12-string acoustic foundation. The title is inspired by a music hall in Amsterdam that is in a former milk factory. The name of the hall is Melkweg, Dutch for "Milky Way."
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
“With A Little Help from My Friends” by Joe Cocker
This was the theme song from "The Wonder Years" TV series.
STAFF PICKS:
“Tunnel of Love” by Bruce Springsteen
Brian's staff pick is off the solo (minus the E. Street Band) album from The Boss. The tunnel of love is an amusement park ride in Asbury Park Boardwalk, and is a metaphor for the ups and downs of a relationship.
“Rhythm of Love” by Yes
Wayne's staff pick takes a prog rock turn with a Beach Boys harmony feel. All roads lead to Yes, in this case off their 12th studio album "Big Generator."
“Devil Inside” by INXS
The Australian group had a huge album in "Kick", and Rob's staff pick is one of the hits off this album. "The future uncertain, but certainly slight." HBO used this song on the trailer for the fourth season from "A Game of Thrones."
“It's The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)” by REM
This fast talking hit off the 1987 album “Document” channels Bob Dylan's stream-of-consciousness approach from "Subterranean Homesick Blues."
LAUGH TRACK:
“You Talk Too Much” George Thorogood & the Destroyers
We go out this week on George Thorogood's comedic rant about a girlfriend who just won't stop talking.