Search - Church :: Deep in the Shallows: Classic Singles Collection

Exactly What I Was Looking For -- An Excellent Retrospective

Jason W. Bellenger | Byron Center, Michigan, USA | 10/11/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I had my eyes on this collection for a few months before I caved in and added it to my cart. In fact, I've had my eyes on a compilation from The Church for a few years now after reading a number of excellent reviews for the band. "Under The Milky Way", their lone U.S. charting single, is, unfortunately, probably the only track that American fans will remember this band for. After all, it is the single that introduced me to the band many years ago. I wasn't sure that that band had much more to offer until I stumbled upon "The Unguarded Moment" accidentally in 2006, not realizing that it was a recording that hailed from 1981, the same year that I was born. It sounded so fresh!



After doing a bit more research and downloading I soon realized that this Australian band had much more to offer! I discovered the "Reptile" video on YouTube and got hooked on that guitar solo. Soon I had "Ripple" and "When You Were Mine" stuck in my head, which led me to purchase this compilation and discover even more music. What better way to start with The Church than this excellent 2007 double-disc retrospective from EMI Australia?



Other reviewers have pointed out how great it would be to discover this band for the very first time right now. I'm not familiar with all their work yet based on what I hear on this release, I'm looking forward to hearing much more. Tracks such as "It's No Reason", "Antenna", and "Electric Lash" have already become favorites only after a few listens. The interesting thing about The Church is that their music doesn't seem to age -- most of the tracks from the 1980s and 1990s sound like they could have been recorded in 2007. Lead vocalist, Steve Kilbey, has such a distinctive voice, giving The Church a unique sound of it's own.



I'm surprised that nobody has commented yet on the audio quality presented on this release. These tracks have all been digitally remastered and sound brilliant! While the liner notes do not credit any mastering engineer, these songs have never sounded more crisp and clean, especially the early recordings, which have been given a previously unheard punch and clarity. In fact, this is one of the best remastering jobs I've heard from music of this time. Thumbs up to EMI Australia for putting out another excellent sounding collection.



Highly recommended!"

Best Greatest Hits Collection of the Band

T. Lewis | FL | 08/27/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This remastered two disc set includes the songs AND the packaging that this underrated band so richly deserves. From the opening feed back of 1981's "She Never Said" to the pop closing shimmer of 2006's "Easy", the listener will be overwhelmed at how truly great this band was and still is to this day. And you would be hard pressed to find any other band in history whose career spans 25+ years yet the later songs are just as good as the ones from their "heyday". Ususally these two disc retrospective collections are garbage for the last half of the second cd. But this is not the case for Deep in the Shallows. Wouldn't be fun to be young in 2007 and stumble onto this collection, knowing nothing of the band and its prodigious back catalogue.!"

Great disc, but...

Roger Steel | Hudson, Ohio | 01/15/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Don't get me wrong folks, The Church have been one of my favorites since I happened upon them opening for The Violent Femmes in '85. I think I may have heard only one song of theirs, Electric Lash, before that show. I was awestruck after their set and have been hooked ever since.



"So why only 3 stars?" you may be asking. It's incredibly difficult to capture The Church's prolific recording career and intense live shows in one package. If you truly want to appreciate The Church, this package (or any greatest hits/best of) is not going to do it for you. Since these guys were never hit machines, you need to listen to all of their records to truly understand them. Even better, see a show. They don't get to the US very often but their quasi-acoustic tour of a year or two ago was stellar. They're getting old, gray and a little heavy but still cook. Their recorded material will seem somewhat sterile compared to the whirlwind they create on stage.



So if you have a wad a bills burning a hole in your pocket, consider the following: 1) buy all of their recently re-mastered works. The sound quality is excellent and all come with bonus tracks and videos. Start at the beginning and work your way to the present. 2) buy some/all of their solo recordings. Steve, Peter and Marty all have significant solo catalogs. Their solo careers tend to mirror their Church contributions (droning Steve, jangly Marty, wall-of-sound Peter) so identify the one you like the most and buy a solo disc or two of theirs. 3) buy some of the works that they contributed to. Steve, for instance, has had several interesting side projects (Jack Frost, Isadore, Hex, Gilt Trip to name a few). Marty is currently in Noctorum which have a couple of great discs out. Peter just released a best of from all of his projects and Tim works with a number of groups.



Hey, if you're looking for a snapshot of The Church, this disc will work for you. Trust me in that it only touches the tip of the iceberg though. If you're new to The Church, use this to wet your appetite. Hopefully, you'll be able to see The Church as far more than the band that sang "Under The Milky Way" and will be intrigued enough to buy their entire catalog. In my opinion, there's no middle ground with this band. You'll either know them as the UTMW band or own every thing they've ever done. I'm the latter and proud of it. Oh, and did I mention you have to see these guys live? If you're lucky enough to see a show, buckle up my friends."