Random Pan/Michael and all... happy New Year.
I'm glad to see the threads we've been creating on each of the band's
releases attracting much input, especially of late.

Michael, your thoughts and/or analyses are intriguing and, well thought out.
"I have also found GAF to be more effective than Starfish
in terms of indoctrinating others to the Church cause."

Please, see more than cynicism in my response to this but,
I believe the reasons for this are simple enough- 'GAF' is probably one of
the band's more 'accessible' releases. It is quite 'main-stream' IMO musically.
In fact, I think it's much more middle-of-the-road in musical terms
than 'Starfish'. For one that's followed the band from day one though,
it moves away from what I perceive as what was 'main-stream' as
far as Church material was. I know there will be many to remind me
that that was then and this is now- I know that, but I'm recalling how
I felt at the time and, perhaps unfortunately, still do about 'GAF'.

Joffa wrote "After achieving success with Starfish it could have been so easy to go
into the studio and use the same formula to cash in on the success."

Joffa, I really disagree with you on this!
I believe they DID use the same formula or, more specifically,
ARISTA used the same formula. They certainly TRIED to. The problem
was that the ingredients had changed since 'Starfish'. Let's not
go into the list of problems surrounding the making of 'GAF' but,
the band's enthusiasm was certainly one ingredient that wasn't there
at the time. IMO, 'GAF' is what resulted from a mechanical effort by
ARISTA combined with a 'they want more songs... ok, here is more songs'
attitude by the band.

No, as I've posted, 'GAF' is not as bad as perhaps you all think
that I believe it is. Indeed Camel, 'Laughing', Fading Away' and
'Essence' are great tracks. I just don't think this album reflects
truly what The Church are all about.
And I suppose, that's what most fellow Wombers' disagreement with
me is all about.

Later all, Fraulein.
Bliss comes first as a jangling flood ...