Lead Singer on the Story of an EERIE Rock Hit that Shook the Late 80s | Professor of Rock

Up next, one of the most haunting songs of the 1980s Under the Milky Way by The Church. Lead singer and writer of this classic song Steve Kilbey tells us what influenced the song and if you guessed a million times, you would never come close to what the answer is. The story of this mysterious 1988 hit from their gold album Starfish next on professor of rock.
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#80s #Rock #Vinyl
Hey Music Junkies, Professor of Rock , always here to celebrate the greatest artists and songs of all time, make sure to Subscribe below if you love the music of the golden era, the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s Don’t miss exclusive interviews and stories of the rock and roll era. and look us up on Patreon to be a part of curating this grand history.
singer bassist Steve Kilby formed the Church in Sydney Australia in 1980, along with ; Peter Koppes and Marty Willson-Piper on guitars, and Nick Ward on drums. The band released their debut album Of Skins and Heart the next year which featured their first radio hit the Unguarded moment. Their second album the blurred Crusade was released in 82 which took the band into a different direction after the new wave flavor of their debut. Leaning to the left of the dial with a psychedelic slant. It charted in australia, but Their american label, capitol records refused to release it.
They pressured the band to write more radio friendly songs. Capitol wanted the band to sound more like their other australian band, label mates the Little River Band, the group was livid but did some more recording, but the label didn’t like it any better and dropped the band. Those new recording were actually released as an EP in Australia called Sing Songs which hit the Australian charts. They had the opportune to open for Duran Duran, but after just 5 shows the band quit after they felt that the audience was indifferent. They were a very strong willed band, they knew what they wanted. This passion and unrelenting vision would pay off over the next several rebases as they broke through internationally and built a following and critical favor. in 83 they released the album seance which featured the hit Electric lash,
Heyday followed in 85 which all built up to their major international break through Starfish… Starfish came out in April of 88 and would give the Church their first gold album in the US as well as their first top 40 hit. the #24 hit under the milky way which also went to #2 on the mainstream rock charts. This put the Church on the map in the US as for the first time in the band’s history they played more show in the states than outside of it, 94 shows in all. Starfish opened that door. the album was produced by LA session musicians Waddy Wachtel and Greg Ladnyi. The title was inspired by Steve Kilbey's nickname for his friend and musical partner Donnette Thayer who actually signed with that name in letters show would send to Kilby while he was on the road . Music video were shot of the singles Under the Milky Way and Reptile and played in rotation on MTV and on their program 120 minutes. Even decades later, Under the Milky Way is still one of the most haunting and shimmering slice of dream pop of it’s era or any era for that matter.

[@ProfessorofRock]

What was the best of album of 1988?

[@johnbyrnes3790]

for me it was ...and justice for all

[@joej6041]

Operation mindcrime!

[@camiloespinoza1874]

Iron Maiden: Seventh Son of a Seventh Son

[@arildoyen8705]

This is a tough one but I'm going underrated with Living Colour's Vivid.

[@brianbailey6230]

Bon Jovi - New Jersey Roxette - Look Sharp

[@alexegoavil7590]

I’m a metal head at heart but under the Milky Way is one of the best songs in the history of recorded music. The album starfish is equally unique and superb

[@tonguepetals]

This song exists in the space between the living and the dead. There’s a strange sense of finality juxtaposed with transformative beginnings. It’s like dying light set to music. It’s always had a deep ominous feel to it. The finality of a casket lid being closed, the button press on a crematory, the soft jolt as the hearse hits the highway. This song also holds that shimmer of hope, the “one day it won’t hurt so much; or “you’ll see them again some day.” That cold consolation that we convince ourselves is enough. I’m probably the only one insane enough to have thought this deeply about this, but, yeah. That’s this song.

[@andrewcanady6644]

Very creative and beautiful interpretation. Appreciate that. ☯️

[@rhondarandall4500]

BEING a singer songwrier i totally get it, that you can write a song that becomes SO big, and yet it may not be written from a place of deep but rather from a place of ethereal and mystic Like a daydream. THE SOUNDS that are created are more important than the words IMO.Under the milky way Has always been one of my top Australian songs.👍💗🤩💓

[@r000tbeer]

"Under the Milky Way" is one of those very rare songs that you wish would never end.

[@kevinlakeman5043]

I'm only too glad when it does.

[@normkicks7181]

Good song. Great song for driving at night on the interstate. If you don’t like this song...you’re something quite peculiar

[@brentwalker3300]

Bingo.

[@JoeVideoed]

I would say that about the whole album.

[@JJStetson]

It’s an endless loop on KZbin

[@darkbeach72]

I remember being introduced to these guys as a kid, late at night on MTV and it just felt so otherworldly. Like a lot of the stuff on 120 minutes. This strange melancholy band, just oozing with detached coolness. I loved them instantly. Feels like yesterday. Now I'm 50 and I'm taking my 2 daughters to go see these guys in Seattle. Time moves by so quickly.

[@joeyday576]

"Under the MIlky Way" is right up there with "Life in a Northern Town" and "I Melt with You" as my fave songs from the 80s.

[@rjkral]

Oh wow yes indeed those other two songs are PURE MAGIC!!!

[@mrhoffame]

GREAT list my friend :)

[@lisaprescott8959]

LOVE Life In A Northern Town. I had such a crush on Nick Laird-Clowes, lol.

[@joeyday576]

@@lisaprescott8959 Something I thought was weird. A few weeks ago I watched the Whitney Houston documentary "Can I Be Me" and saw that Nick composed the incidental music for it.

[@DHarri9977]

You may as well include "Lovesong" by The Cure on your list.

[@kathymabry4016]

A really eerie song was "Voices Carry" by Till Tuesday and the story behind that song is very eerie.

[@baneverything5580]

See the live version from the Ritz on KZbin. Wear headphones.

[@kathymabry4016]

@@baneverything5580 Wow, I did listen to the "Live At The Ritz" version and it made sense because, I have heard a couple of different stories behind this song. One of course is the abusive relationship but, I have also heard one that the words were originally This is Carey, about a guy named Carey who, was also evidently abusive, due to his illness and wound up in a mental institution and finally succumbed to suicide, which this seems to suggest. At one point he says "shut up," " shut up, I 'm going to jump" Anyway, at the end she says I just wish he would let me go, which implies she is haunted by him or, perhaps his suicide.

[@robinmcclure6984]

I remember the singer explaining the song. It was about the older guy using and abusing her and her like others wondering why do you insist on still wanting me around just so that you could mentally and physically abuse me. A lot of men and women have experienced that and that song was spot on.

[@robinmcclure6984]

The Voices Carry song is the song I'm talking about

[@mercurialpierrot7073]

Yes!

[@kevingreaux7133]

Peter Murphy's "cuts you up" also has a haunting feel to it.

[@MrBuc128]

Agreed

[@RichM0410]

You are soooo absolutely correct on that. 👍

[@ck2d]

Both baritone singers, puts a chill up your spine.

[@boxingfan5742]

Indeed. I still get that wonderfully haunting feeling when listening to it today.

[@BuckMulligan63]

Great call on that.

[@socialmediaroadtrip]

I saw the church on the starfish tour at the University of Kentucky Lexington in 1988… Amazing show that really inspired me as a songwriter musician. To this day I think starfish is one of the greatest albums ever. It still holds up as cutting edge

[@LordHasenpfeffer]

I live about 10 minutes from the UK campus and will probably be playing "Starfish" again within the next day or two after reading so many other people's comments about it here. Sometimes life makes you think you're the only one who still remembers... until a video like this comes along.

[@ambiousmaximus3]

“ Drive “ by The Cars was kind of eerie to me as a child . “ Silent Running “ by Mike and the Mechanics gave me the same feeling. I didn’t discover the beauty of “ Under the Milky Way” til’ I was a teenager

[@ladydiaspora807]

Yes Drive always gave me chills,but so did learning to fly by pink floyd

[@theplanetruth]

Yeah, agree.

[@alanlo-557]

"Silent Running" has held a renewed fascination for me more recently. After enjoying it as mostly "background enjoyment" song, I was curious to delve deeper and ponder it some. It's about a time traveler from the future warning us about soon-to-unfold events- rare air for popular music!

[@blahdelablah]

Dive by The Cars is a great song. Another eerie song from the 80s is Ghosts by Japan.

[@cosmicvixxonalice6795]

Have you seen the video to "Drive"? Adds to the vibe for sure. You're right about "Silent Running" too.

[@cs292]

When I was in Desert Shield/Storm in the Saudi Arabian desert I would put my night vision goggles on and then look at the stars and listen to my Church tape....it was awesome cause you could see endless stars.

[@calmblueocean7243]

Wow !! I can just imagine that! Instead of just being like a flat sheet of night above you, I bet you could really see the infinite depth of it all! The Church would be the perfect soundtrack! Peace, be well ✌

[@dropkickninja5379]

That has such a visual description, and thanks for you’re service.

[@graemeogle4492]

Wow!!! That would’ve been awesome.

[@Aster_Risk]

I was born January 16, 1991 which was right as Desert Shield was about to end and Desert Storm was starting. My father was there in Saudi Arabia in the Army. He didn't get to be there when I was born. He's told me stories, of course. But I still always try to picture what it was like for him as 24 year old guy far away from his family. I like the idea that he could have had a beautiful experience like that too. Thanks for commenting. :)

[@kellylovesheather]

Thank you so much for your rockin service ❤️🇺🇲

[@jerryturner2310]

Bob Seger's "Turn the Page" (from the 70's) always had an eerie, haunting sound and lonely image.

[@DNR5586]

Under the Milky Way was on my playlist while driving to North Carolina for Thanksgiving and Christmas during the late '80's and early '90's. Listening to this while driving through the Nantahala Gorge at night was perfection!

[@twinrivers6200]

Watch out for Bigfoot/Dogman

[@kevinraimond7658]

I worked with Arista records in the late 80s and promoted Starfish. This is the most brilliant album that nobody seems to know about. A lot of great songs. Very deep.

[@t.o.408]

That's so cool! I always thought Arista was kind of a weird label for The Church, just based on the other artists signed to Arista at the time. I think they were on Sire Records (in the US) before Starfish, which seemed a more natural fit. All 10 tracks on Starfish are incredible. Antenna is probably my favorite, but ask me tomorrow and I might say North, South, East, and West is my favorite. Two days from now it might be Reptile... anyway, you get the picture... they are all great.

[@kevinraimond7658]

@@t.o.408 I started with Arista and being that I was more of a Rock guy, I wasn't in love with their roster of Artists. I had heard that they had considered releasing Spark as a single but since it was Piper on vocals for whatever reason it didn't happen. You're right, the entire record is great.

[@charlescarroll5981]

That's pretty awesome. Yeah, I had the thick cube of post-it notes promoting Starfish that got sent out to college radio. We were way psyched about this record.

[@aerynsunx]

*raises hand* I know! I know! 😄

[@kc329191]

This is one of my all time favorite songs. The Church’s Star Fish album left an indelible mark in my growing up.

[@jeffcobb2734]

I wrote a poem one time for a friend of mine whose sister had died in a tragic traffic accident. I felt so bad for her, and I wanted to do something more substantial than just offer a hollow condolence. So I sat down to try and compose a poem. I sat quietly and just put myself in this certain frame of mind....and the words just flowed from me. It literally wrote itself. I am convinced to this day that the poem already existed ....somewhere. I simply just tapped into the presence of God, and it was given to me as a gift to convey to my devastated friend who was grieving horribly over her loss. She later thanked me and told me that she would go back and re-read the poem whenever she was having a particularly bad day. But I could barely take any credit for it, because I almost felt like it didn't belong to me. Adam, in the same kind of way, I am continually amazed how giving and unpretentious the vast majority of these great artists are about their wonderful music. Sometimes they seem as puzzled as everyone else is about how they came up with it. They just tapped into it like all great artists do.

[@marshalljackson9796]

I adore this song. I always have. I never saw it get the respect it deserved until now. Thank you PoR.

[@alanarakelian5021]

"Reptile" from the same album is mesmerizing and hypnotic. Fantastic song. Nothing else sounds like it.

[@StepUPNJ]

Every song on the album is amazing!

[@jimmymags6516]

Great reco , I just watched it on KZbin and I had this feeling that your recommendation is similar to the way they wrote under the milky way . We find random thoughts we write random thoughts and they invoke feelings and memories that make life worth living .

[@bonesjackson81]

Thats my favorite tune. Amazing.

[@gfm1496]

And covered by Smashing Pumpkins.

[@chrisamerriman]

Reptile is so amazing! My favorite song by The Church.

[@fearhim2]

Steve Kilbey’s voice, singing and writing is timeless! The Church is like no other band. 💚

[@llmiller8062]

I AM RIGHT THERE, HES A BRILLIANT DUDE.

[@Chapps1941]

@@llmiller8062 I'm almost there with you.

[@caiofons]

The funny thing is that it seems Kilbey tries to be psychodelic but there always a gothic feeling in his songs.

[@jayt6454]

I personally wouldn't describe it as haunting. If I had to describe it, it would more dreamlike. It evokes an emotion that I don't think I could ever really describe to someone else. That's what I love about great songs like this. They take you on emotional journey

[@reneoliva8685]

I just discovered this song 3 days ago and I can't get enough of it, just ordered a cd. Very haunting and amazing.

[@hdmccart6735]

How did you go? Like the album?

[@MaxJustice100]

As soon as I heard Under the Milky Way I was blown away , bought Starfish that week , another great band from that perfect musical decade we call the 80s.

[@brendaleverick3655]

I love it too!

[@drunkvegangal8089]

I bought it cold. Had "Heyday" already and when I saw a new release by The Church I grabbed it. Laying on the floor of my studio apartment having just set up my new stereo. "Destination" blew me away. Still have the vinyl. Still spin it too!

[@moobutt]

The Church is criminally underrated.

[@bustergoldenrod]

One of the best live bands I’ve ever seen, amazing gig.

[@201950201950]

The song brings back so many memories of my childhood back in the 80s. It also reminds me of a few years. When I first sang it at karaoke. It was my girlfriend's birthday party we were in her friend's backyard. The evening was warm the night was quiet it was perfect.

[@theresae6071]

I graduated from high school in 1988. This song for me is about that time coming to an end. The sense of melancholy that comes when you know things are never going to be quite the same.

[@deniseflygirl]

I got my 1st speeding ticket to this song. I had just started dating this guy. We were out with a group of friends drinking beer & playing pool. I had just finished dropping off the last of my friends home & headed home myself when Under the Milky Way came on the radio. I started driving a bit fast while enjoying the song...when red & blue lights appeared in my rearview mirror, Lol. Oh well. 😆

[@urbanphil0s0phy]

That's a sick story and you have great taste in music. Under The Milky Way is in my top ten favourite songs of all time. There's a super cool acoustic version on KZbin with piano and harmonica. So good.

[@studogable]

Good story, mate. The first time I heard Walk on the Wild Side, I was stealing a car.

[@MikeB3542]

"Welcome To the Boomtown" by David + David deserves some love...solid mid-80s track

[@saiyansomething73]

I regret that I can only hit the like button once to your comment. Absolutely a great and overlooked song!

[@kevinlakeman5043]

That's a really good album in general.

[@deanbarker243]

This made its home in my car's cassette player for months. The whole album is great!

[@jennifertimlin1371]

That song got so overlooked.

[@mv-wb9qm]

I also liked Heroes and Being Alone Together. That whole album was good.

[@ontogeny6474]

The deep, dark and interpretive is what's missing today. We need more Church in our lives.

[@80sJayOfficial]

Under The Milky Way is indeed a dark gem but I'd have to say that A Forest by The Cure is a pretty haunted 80s track also. Love your channel.

[@froggy8030]

Or Lullaby

[@theresae6071]

Totally agree on The Forest.

[@electricheadboy]

Both really good. I listened to A Forest so many times in the 80’s alone. Have you heard Pornography by The Cure? It’s something else, not a dud on the album!

[@jordannaser9549]

@@electricheadboyVery dark but great album

[@electricheadboy]

@@jordannaser9549 definitely!

[@nicholascarroll1225]

I love how the song was used in Donnie Darko.

[@AbidingDude420]

Absolutely. Fit perfectly. Beautiful movie too.

[@Capt.Gagan.Boparai]

Never heard this song..now listening on repeat..wow..!!

[@LabworksVapes]

One of the most underrated bands to come out of Australia, I grew up listening to these guys in going to their gigs thank you ever so much for shining a light on these amazing artists.

[@marcioluissampaio2240]

For me Under the Milky way is one of the greatest songs ever. My fave aussie band

[@TheKeymaster316]

It’s just one of those songs that has a lyric in it that everyone can relate to. It’s a marvel of songwriting that we will truly never understand. For something so beautiful to be written in just a few minutes and be so relevant over 30 years later. Great interview by the Professor as always!

[@5150-for-music]

"Under the Milky Way" by the Church is my number 1 favorite song of the 80s!! Thank you so much for doing this video Professor.

[@malpadgett]

I love this song. It makes me proud to be Australian. I never get sick of listening to it. Thanks for featuring it, Professor!

[@kennopalus]

I thought the song " Love My Way " by the Psychedelic Furs was more of a haunting song than this one . Yeah, I know it sounds kinda David Bowie 'ish but , still , that song puts me in a certain mood whenever I hear it .

[@AjaxandOreos]

Agree. Ghost in you, also. ❤️The Furs.

[@32mybelle]

Nothing wrong with Bowie, he is very underrated.

[@kennopalus]

@@32mybelle Didn't say there was

[@jeffreymartin2130]

"Let it stay forever now."

[@jonhamilton5789]

Love Will Tear Us Apart by Joy Division. Now that haunting.

[@GIJoeFactotum]

This video inspired me to make a Spotify playlist. The Church - Starfish was one of my go-to CDs that I would slap into the player when I needed to derez after a long day. I was in the military and stationed at Ft. Bragg in 87-89 and there were five go-to albums that had that same kind of mystical haunting vibe. They were: -Love and Rockets - Earth Sun Moon -Guadalcanal Diary - 2X4 -Pink Floyd - A Momentary Lapse of Reason -The Call - Into the Woods and last but not least... -The Church - Starfish I always enjoy the videos. Keep up the great work Professor.

[@burnout3722]

I look forward to new videos every day! Being a young teen in the 80's were some of the best times of my life! Thank you Professor for helping me relive them!

[@HwoarangtheBoomerang]

Man. This guy is deep. This was a great interview!

[@HubertofLiege]

And genuine

[@amwilson2551]

One of the best SK interviews I’ve ever seen/heard. When he isn’t consumed by the chip on his shoulder, his thoughts and commentary can be endlessly entertaining. Great job, prof.

[@philsherrer]

The Church do have a great sound, however I believe Echo and the Bunnymen may have provided some inspiration. The Bunnymen are an criminally overlooked band, providing a unique sound, perhaps a little before their time.

[@pookiepookie8669]

Thank You!

[@StepUPNJ]

Agree they did some great stuff.

[@Bobsend]

Add to that the fact that The Church are crap compared to Echo and the Bunnymen, Under the Milky Way and Reptile are their only two decent songs, the rest are trash.

[@StepUPNJ]

@@Bobsend That's ridiculous. Listen to Starfish 10 times and I guarantee you will change your ..ah.. tune.

[@rickycoleman8841]

Love echo and the bunnymen . bring on the dancing horsemen

[@reelgirl8544]

I haven't seen it mentioned in the comments (yet) but I can't be the only one who thinks The Cure's Lullaby should get a respectable amount of votes.

[@electricheadboy]

Great song! I like all their stuff, really.

[@joejackson9172]

Absolutely agree about Lullaby

[@paulasusan63]

Yes! Good stuff!

[@ejneenan9329]

Kilbey and The Church have been one of fave bands since S&H, and mostly because they really never strayed from their/Steve's DIY approach and aesthetic. Blurred Crusade and Heyday are still two of my cherished records from that golden era. I consider myself among the few fortunate who have opened for The Church and Steve both solo and with my band during that era. He remains an influence. Now, despite Peter and Marty moving on, the bands music is more "now" than ever before, as The Church refuses to become another bygone era tribute band unto themselves. Hypnogogue is brilliant and their live shows are as well. Thanks for this great interview about the little song that did!

[@glenwoodfin]

This song got by me without taking hold. Now, I'll never forget it. The authenticity of the songwriter is fresh air. The Professor of Rock always elevates the conversation.

[@barrytipton8564]

Singing this song is a coping skill of self-soothing that I have found invaluable. I reccomend it to anyone dealing with a stressful situation.

[@Imhomeinspections]

Under the Milky Way is my all-time most favorite song ever. And the whole album is great. Thank you for this episode!

[@arianaorton3658]

I got this album on vinyl along with Lion and the Cobra by Sinead O’Connor as part of an intro package to Columbia Records when I was in college. Had never heard either one of them when they arrived. It was one of those “I guess I’ll try this” moments as I was going through the stamps of available albums. If you know what I’m talking about, you’ve been here awhile. I remember being blown away by Starfish and listening to it endlessly as I was winding down for the night in my tiny rented studio house that had been converted from a single car garage. Under the Milky Way has always had that dream like quality to me, the sort of stream of consciousness about nothing and everything that runs through your head as you drift off. Now I know why. That’s what it is. I had three giant feather mattresses that my dad had loaned me, that I had to pick up and fluff to make this giant pile of bed every night, and then my cat Laszlo (yes, after Laszlo Hollyfeld from Real Genius) and I would jump into it and snuggle and fall asleep with Starfish or Lion and the Cobra on the turntable. That’s how that part of my life feels to me now. Snippets of memories, random thoughts, warm images, the sound of purring in my ear as we fell asleep.

[@cisumsevolbor]

I was 17 when this became a hit. I thought it stood out easily. The gloomy, melancholy mood, the tasteful snare sound and snare drum notes/emphasis, the unique voice with a genuine delivery, sort of apathetic but thoughtful. I wondered about what other songs they’d have, as a follow-up, and wondered what could actually BE a congruent enough follow-up since Milkyway is so... I mean, it would be a miracle to build another bridge next to the Golden Gate Bridge of San Francisco. It’s just a really strong song that sheds light on that one dark corner we all seem to have.

[@chriswoods662]

ya, It was never really followed up..., I became a lifelong fan in 1988...they had metropolis1990 which was close?...but all their songs are really cool and they make the music for themselves

[@moose6509]

WHAT. A. TUNE. Great interview Adam. I feel sympathy with those who don´t know this gem. A criminally under-rated band who are still going strong.

[@kobolslastgleamingdragon3732]

I used to listen to this song on repeat while coming down from a binge until I would finally fall asleep. It got me through some seriously dark times.

[@troywilliams6849]

Perfect song for that...I'm happy for anyone who lived through their drug yrs...but if I'm going to be real..I had some great times while I was knee deep in it..keep rocking

[@veerchasm1]

Starfish is my all time favorite album. It sounds new everytime I hear it

[@mirtikaschultz3282]

A wonderful, haunting, atmospheric song that gives me such a strong feeling of nostalgia for my twenties.....happier times for me (now a widow) when my drummer hubby and I enjoyed so much wonderful music. And Steve, he's still HANDSOME. :D

[@xaviergutierrez8786]

The falling asleep and having all the thoughts going through your head - when he said that, I completely got it. That has been my thoughts on this song. Great song.

[@sw6493]

Bought this on vinyl when it came out in 88. Was a Church fan already at that point but this album, to me, was next level for them. One of the best albums of 80s New Wave/alternative bands.

[@AzDesertFoxx]

Ah, one of my favorite 80s songs!! Still great after all these years.

[@user-kk4zw5jo4t]

Had a feeling you might've been talking about this song. I remember hearing it for the first time as a teen, being transported to this mysterious half-place... it invoked in me this strange yearning for a time, or a memory, that I'd never had. Very odd. Still gives me goosebumps to this day when I hear it

[@TonyPucci11]

Thanks for turning your spotlight on one of the best bands, one of the best albums, and one of the best songs of the last 40 years. Having seen and met The Church several times, I can now say there’s now one degree of separation between myself and the Professor of Rock!

[@todddickinson3262]

Hands down the greatest channel on the internet! Thanks for your passion Professor!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thank you so much my friend. My Pleasure!

[@thereissomecoolstuff]

@@ProfessorofRock So true. You work your tail off for us. Daily content is so hard. Thank you...

[@suemommie]

Agreed... Professor of Rock and Rick Beato have given me a new appreciation of music in ways I have never considered.

[@miker00I]

I feel that is a recovery and recognition for the music that was so rich and different than the monotony sounds of the days. This channel is a delight and a discovery. Thank you so much!

[@kelliegarrett8466]

@suemommie Rick Beato’s enthusiasm is INFECTIOUS...and that hair!

[@The_Dominic]

It's one of the many 80s songs that I just never get sick of listening to... it's always been great, from it's release to now

[@waynebrown8513]

Driving through the California desert at night back in the 80’s. This song came on the radio. It was hauntingly beautiful. Has been a favorite ever since.

[@coptermonk]

One of the '80's songs that endures the test of time. So much emotion involved and great nostalgic memories. It always gets turned up on my radio.

[@christianhelwig]

Killer interview. The Church are way cool. Still have 'Starfish' on cassette!!! BOOM

[@gregkemp1389]

Phil Collins " In the air tonight" by a country mile.

[@tonyt8805]

Sometimes, when this place gets kind of empty Sound of their breath fades with the light I think about the loveless fascination Under the Milky Way tonight love this song 🔥😎🔥

[@brianpattison4603]

I had heard this song always liked it but never knew who it was. As I drove cross country when I was in the Corp I was exposed to music not being played in my home town. Great stuff Professor 👍

[@davecarroll4163]

A brilliant song from a brilliant band. Steve Kilbey is one of the most prolific artists over the past 40 years. The Church have never put out a bad album. I still see them everytime they come through town. Another great interview, Adam!

[@blackstonepros]

That acoustic guitar in the intro is a beckoning doorway into the corners of the mind.

[@mysticwolf75]

The Church are my favorite band since I first discovered them in 1992. And I discovered them quite by chance. Their new album was out titled "Priest=Aura" and I read a review describing "ambient shimmering soundscapes and lush atmospheric guitars" and that intrigued me enough to buy it, even though I had never heard them before. I bought the album and it blew me away on the first listen! I had never heard anything like this before (or since, really). I was completely mesmerized. A few months after that, a classmate in high school sold me his copy of "Gold Afternoon Fix", which I also ended up really liking, and finally, in June 1993, I bought "Starfish", and finally heard "Under the Milky Way ". "Starfish" became my 2nd favorite Church album (although it became 3rd after "Forget Yourself" in 2003). I continued to collect the rest of their back catalog, as well as all the solo projects and side projects by various members of the band, and have followed them ever since, buying every new release as they came out. In 2003, I even bought one of Steve Kilbey's original paintings, "Self Portrait - Skeptic Glance", which I still have hanging up. I finally got to see them live in 2009, when they actually came to Buffalo, NY for the first time ever I think, during the "untitled #23" tour. They put on an excellent show - I wish I could find a bootleg, because the rendition they did of "You Took" went into the stratosphere and went on for about 20 minutes! After the concert, I got to meet all 4 band members and got all of them to sign my poster (Peter and Marty were still in the band then). I also got my picture taken with Steve Kilbey, which is also still hanging up, along with the signed poster! I talked with him briefly as he signed the poster and CD, and told him I owned one of his paintings. I was so nervous, my brother told me I was shaking (he came with me to the concert, and I was so glad). It certainly was a once in a lifetime experience. I did see them live again for my 40th birthday in 2015, but they only opened for The Psychedelic Furs (who also put on an excellent show) and I didn't get to meet them that time. The last time I saw them live was in 2016, where they performed the full "Blurred Crusade" album. Again it was an awesome show, but I didn't get to see them after the show that time, either. Unfortunately Peter has since left the band, leaving Steve as the sole founding member, but their 2 most recent albums, "The Hypnogogue" and "Eros Zeta and the Perfumed Guitars" are worth checking out. Finally, one other great cover of "Under the Milky Way" was done by a local (Buffalo, NY) dream pop/shoegaze band a few years back called Tearwave. They released 2 great albums on Projekt Records that are worth checking out, but I thought their cover of UTMW, from their second album, was very well done.

[@djh65]

Very cool! 🎶

[@bernybuongiorno4573]

Another band that I've never investigated properly. I love "Starfish". I really need to hear more. Steve Kilbey is a legend.

[@TonyPucci11]

It’s a deep, deep rabbit hole. Good luck. 1986s HEYDAY is a great place to start, as is 2002s AFTER EVERYTHING NOW THIS. But, that’s just one opinion, they have over 25 albums...plus the solo records...

[@carlmarks8170]

The Church's entire catalog is worth a deep dive if you like guitar music: The Blurred Crusade is my favourite... But they're all good: Seance, Heyday, Gold Afternoon Fix, Priest=Aura, Hologram Of Baal, etc, etc...

[@vsander09]

Start with Heyday if you already know Starfish

[@MichaelJohnson-dt5zr]

A haunting song I've always liked is " Silent Running " by Mike and the Mechanics👍

[@brooke5395]

While we live it now.

[@Cali_Girl1]

Still LOVE and listen to that song!

[@MichaelJohnson-dt5zr]

@@Cali_Girl1 talk about 80's nostalgia...excellent song🤠👍

[@kalibex]

Always thought it sounded like something from a movie soundtrack.

[@veritastriumphantchurch776]

The best, and a great video to go with it. People may scoff, but Christians see it as a preview of the rapture

[@llg3pe]

Instead of error or dreamy, I always called songs like Under The Milky Way, Nights in White Satin, I’m Not in Love, Comfortably Numb, etc., as being hauntingly beautiful.

[@MatheusSouza-li4jf]

The Church is my favorite band of all time! Starfish is great, but this song just scratches the surface. Everyone should check their catalog of songs

[@ejneenan9329]

100% agree!

[@smilingontime]

Im in the mood to clear my living room and dance to loud music alone... Cue up reptile by the church ....i thank you kindly..

[@sarinvx]

Awesome song

[@imck8071]

Overkill by Colin Hay (Men at Work) had similar feel to me.

[@metsfaner]

I remember being very upset that 'Overkill' did not reach #1 here in the U.S. Would have given Men at Work 3 consecutive #1's off their debut album. Much better song then that silly 'Down Under'.

[@LuckyFlesh]

I had the exact same thought. Especially that version of him playing live with Choir! Choir! Choir! kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXS9fHSuedSIrac

[@jimbailey5681]

'Overkill' is on the second Men At Work album, 'Cargo'.

[@claireweir5524]

Thanks, just discovered Colin hay, going to look that up

[@DHarri9977]

The acoustic version is really cool as with the original he did a bit on the TV show Scrubs, Colin Hay, playing it on a bench outside the hospital throughout one particular episode till the very end one of the Dr's. takes his acoustic guitar and smashes it. The song grabs your emotions the way he sings it, a fabulous tune.

[@marshallwright2613]

I would play this song over and over, it has the hypnotic bittersweet quality of bliss, a blend of resolve and suffering.

[@robertspears2532]

Yes, a great, unique song, that never gets old, and always feels special. Thanks for showcasing it and sharing the interview!

[@robertcapek2425]

Talking about haunting songs - I Remember When I Loved Her by The Zombies always gives me serious chills.

[@Sagaoas]

Kilbey is such a fascinating character. I'd love to hear the rest of your interview.

[@zaphods2ndhead193]

I have always love The Church, especially that album. That song hit me right in the gut from the first listen. Instant connection.

[@MaximusThree]

The feeling this song gives me every time I hear it is strangely undefinable. A mix of melancholy, nostalgia and a sense of a world that only lives in my memories.

[@psywizard880]

I absolutely love this song! He’s got a voice like no other!

[@RBS_]

....Wow-ZA, The lead singer of The Church aged REMARKABLY well!! ...He looks like what George Michael could've looked like!! ...'Under The Milky Way', INDEED!! ...HA-HAA!! ...I knew The 'Prof' was gonna cover this Song / Band, he had no CHOICE!! ...THE Proto-type band, setting us up for 90's Alt Rock, yet, another Great Post, Prof.!!

[@polopopolo2197]

Under the Milky Way. I keep coming back to the song 36 years later. It’s trying to give me an answer to a question I’ve had about who I am and why I did the things I did, but I never quite find the answer yet I keep coming back to this song.

[@danieltbassable]

One of my favorite songs ever. Thank you MTV!!

[@susanschneider8324]

I think "Twilight Zone" by Golden Earring is an eerie song.

[@cosmicvixxonalice6795]

OMGosh I love that one. It does paint quite the scene.

[@keithhartman9946]

Golden eerieng

[@kathybouziane5269]

@@cosmicvixxonalice6795 Always like that song esp driving down the highway....

[@charlesmoore456]

What about "Twilight Zone" by RUSH?

[@sirarterian]

was thinking this might be what the video was at first, but I like this song as well

[@Will-sh8kl]

The entire The Hurting album by Tears For Fears was haunting to me. Pretty dark too.

[@joeschmoe442]

Not to mention they wrote mad world

[@daraichel]

One of my all time favorite songs of the 80’s. I love how you and the artist break the songs down instrumentally and lyrically. I’m also amazed at how many artists say how easy some of the most iconic songs came to be. Thank you for your work. You do an outstanding job and your knowledge and love of music is unparalleled. Keep up the great work!

[@judithgoulding8046]

Fascinating interview...on Steve's hauntingly beautiful classic. Such amazing vocals. Love that song and the band's unique sound.

[@donsmith1198]

I thought “Eye in the Sky” Alan Parsons project was the most eerie song I heard.

[@kirkjohnson9353]

When this song came out I was newly introduced to fishing. I would drink a load of wine and crawl around in the city park late at night looking for 'night crawlers' while singing this song and others off of the album. Hearing the song takes me instantly back to those fond memories.

[@circuitsandcigars1278]

I Robot by Alan Parsons Project is my fave along with the song Lucifer. So many songs by them

[@mrhoffame]

THANK YOU!!! That song freaks me out too lol.

[@jd-no7rw]

That one and The Wreck of the Edmond Fitzgerald by Gordon Lightfoot tie in my mind. I honestly don't really remember this song.

[@rodyodo]

For me the Scorpions "Wind of Change" is the eeriest song. Maybe because I grew up during the cold war era, and I remember when the Iron Curtain came down.

[@todhamilton5055]

He seems like humble genuine fellow, laconic AF, great interview!

[@threecampbells]

Has been one of my favorite songs from my past. It is one that never gets old and the talent of the band with the great vocals always leaves me feeling good on a warm sunny day.

[@MsHazza73]

I really appreciate this interview, Steve is a deep thinker and it’s so reflective in the music. I’ve heard this song countless times but now it takes on a new meaning. Thank you Professor, for highlighting The Church 💪🏼🇦🇺❤️

[@4h0w1e6]

My younger brother had more high-brow/goth tastes than I did in the 80s, and I was exposed to a lot of good stuff through him. I remember he listened to The Church and this was a great song.

[@eddya7894]

Such an underrated band! Yeah, "UNDER THE MILKY WAY" is ubiquitous on pretty much every New Wave or 80s Alternative compilation album. But other than that gem, it seems like no one knows any of their other songs. So many great tunes. And "REPTILE" is one of my all time favorites!

[@jeremyc9593]

"Reptile" is great. I grew up in this era, but somehow never heard of the band until around 2005 when I caught the Reptile video out of the blue on VH1 classic. Been a fan ever since.

[@theblurredcrusade.2557]

Quite obviously The Church have been my favourite band for 40 years, I was living in London in 88 and saw them at the Town And Country Club, my best friend who commmited suicide a year later was with at the gig, he left London and went back up north and I never saw him again, so this song always haunts me, and the lyrics "wish I knew what you were looking for" resonates eternally 🤗💞🤗

[@fju1107]

I first heard "Under the Milky-way " in 1988 as a 14 year old skater punk in NYC. Instantly loved the song and the album and played it continuously. The Church became one of my favorite bands to this day. Starfish is in my top 5 desert island records list.

[@johndymowski6844]

Cant forget B- Movie, "Nowhere Girl" Another haunting song...

[@Gordalmighty63]

Haunting is right! "Myrrh" is another of their tunes that also blows me away.

[@sr0917]

I thought you wrote "Myth" and thought Beach House. Come to think of it "Milky Way" and "Myth" sound like distant cousins.

[@mysterbear]

Starfish is a great album, and Under the Milky is a true dreamsong.