The Church - Hindsight 1980-1987 (2LP) - VG+/VG+

"Hindsight 1980-1987" is a compilation album by the Australian rock band The Church, released in 1988. This collection serves as a retrospective of the band's early years, capturing the essence of their formative period and showcasing their evolution from a post-punk outfit to a more refined, atmospheric sound that would define their later work.

The album spans the years 1980 to 1987, a crucial period for The Church, during which they released several albums that helped establish their reputation both in Australia and internationally. "Hindsight 1980-1987" includes tracks from their first five studio albums: "Of Skins and Heart" (1981), "The Blurred Crusade" (1982), "Seance" (1983), "Heyday" (1985), and "Starfish" (1988). This compilation is particularly significant as it highlights the band's development and the gradual shift in their musical style.

One of the standout tracks on the album is "The Unguarded Moment," a song from their debut album "Of Skins and Heart." This track was a breakthrough hit for The Church in Australia, and it remains one of their most iconic songs. Its jangly guitars and catchy melody are emblematic of the band's early sound, which drew comparisons to other post-punk and new wave acts of the time.

Another notable inclusion is "Almost With You," from "The Blurred Crusade." This song showcases the band's growing confidence and their ability to craft lush, melodic soundscapes. The album "The Blurred Crusade" itself was a critical success and helped solidify The Church's place in the Australian music scene.

"Hindsight 1980-1987" also features "Electric Lash" and "Constant in Opal," tracks that demonstrate the band's penchant for atmospheric and introspective songwriting. These songs highlight the lyrical depth and sonic experimentation that would become hallmarks of The Church's music.

The compilation is not just a collection of hits; it also includes lesser-known tracks and B-sides that provide a more comprehensive view of the band's early work. This makes "Hindsight 1980-1987" an essential listen for both longtime fans and newcomers interested in exploring the roots of The Church's sound.

Critically, "Hindsight 1980-1987" was well-received, with reviewers praising the selection of tracks and the insight it provides into the band's development. The Church's ability to blend jangly guitar pop with more atmospheric and psychedelic elements is evident throughout the compilation, and it serves as a testament to their influence on the alternative rock scene.

While "Hindsight 1980-1987" itself did not win any major awards, the period it covers includes the release of "Starfish," which would later become one of The Church's most successful albums, featuring the hit single "Under the Milky Way." This song brought the band international acclaim and remains a staple of their live performances.

In terms of cultural significance, The Church played a pivotal role in the Australian music scene of the 1980s, helping to pave the way for other alternative and indie bands from the region. Their music has been influential in shaping the sound of alternative rock, and "Hindsight 1980-1987" captures the essence of their early contributions to the genre.

Overall, "Hindsight 1980-1987" is a valuable compilation that offers a window into the early years of The Church. It highlights their growth as musicians and songwriters and underscores their lasting impact on the music world. For anyone interested in the evolution of alternative rock or the history of Australian music, this album is a must-listen.