Jean... happy holidays!
To quote you, "They had found their niche... ".
That's really what mystifies me about 'GAF'.
'HAD' found their niche- yes, in 'Starfish'.
One would think the boys themselves would have recognized
this and carried on in somewhat the same vein of tone and music.
Of course, subjectivity must pervade any discussion of music,
but I think it's FAIR to say that 'GAF' isn't anything like 'Starfish'... in any way.
It is true that no two consecutive Church releases SEEM to be
in the same vein, but what makes 'GAF' stand out in its mediocrity
is that it followed a release which which opened so many doors
of potential for the band. BUT, it's almost as though they did
not realize this.
Jean, Erzkine... obviously the 'Ploog' problems had much to do
with how things turned out, as well as other issues which
you've alluded to that I was unaware of.
Is 'GAF' truly as bad as I'm suggesting? Of course not!
Could the band have lived up to expectations after 'Starfish'?
What expectations, and WHOSE expectations? Arista's???

Obviously, much of my displeasure with 'GAF' has to do with
personal taste- I find 'GAF' rather a bland mix overall.
Nothing on it sounds truly inspired and, perhaps in fairness to
the boys it was not an inspiring time.
But it SHOULD have been!
Perhaps, now with Tim on board a new 'window' of potential
and inspiration has opened. And yes, they are in a new vein now.
As I'm sure you've told me Jean- that was then and this is now.
I was unaware that SK had 'disowned' "GAF", Jean.
And if so, perhaps you're thinking that its due more to the
memories of all that revolved around its recording is correct.
I guess one could say that 'the timing really sucked'.
Literally and, figuratively I would say.

Cheers, Fraulein.
Bliss comes first as a jangling flood ...