

The Church – Starfish (1988): Starfish was the breakthrough album for the long-lived Australian rock band called the Church that features psychedelic flourishes, Byrds-style Rickenbacker guitars, and thoughtful, introspective lyrics. “Under the Milky Way” (one of my favorite 1980’s songs) was a major hit in the U.S.; and another song on the album, “Reptile” is perhaps even better. The album serves as a showcase for the Church who evolved past their acknowledged 1960’s rock influences to arrive at their own distinctive sound.