
I get the impression that I have to defend this album. For me, HOB is my favorite "Church" album. The Refo:mation disc probably edges it slightly, but I suppose Pharmakoi is not technically a Church album.
IMO, HOB is a culmination of the band climbing out of the dark period of the mid 90's when they were on the verge of not being a band anymore. It marks a point where they have reestablished their sound. (different as it is)
This is probably not a great album in the big scheme of things. It is a very subtle, "soft and hazy" album. It certainly is not upbeat and I don't think that was the intention. Let's face it, if you start an album out with a song called Anaesthesia, you are not looking to recreate the English Beat. It is richly layered and I am offended by the comment that it sounds like REO Speedwagon, YIKES.... REO doesn't have the talent to make an album like HOB.
I find this album to be similar to Pharmakoi in the sense that it is consistent from Anaesthesia to Glow-Worm. I suppose I judge an album by whether or not I can listen to the whole thing from start to finish, and for me, HOB passes that test.
I'll admit that at first there was one song that I felt didn't fit on the album, This Is It, but once I learned that it was about the story of (Mr. INXS), I became interested.
What I find surprising is that few people have commented on what a group effort this album was. When I listen to this album I find everyone's signature on it. For instance The Great Machine has S.K all over it, No Certainty Attached has MWP and P.K. all over it. Another Earth almost sounds like MWP should have sung this one. Tranquility is one of the finest Church songs of all time. I get the sense that all four guys poured everything into Tranquility. Buffalo and Louisiana are more typical Church efforts. They may not have the "sheen" of UTMW or other typical Church songs, but these songs fit on the album better then other "singles." Ricochet is a great song, I like the way the guitars, bass and drums stand out against each other. Much more successful then on Reptile.I like S.K. harmonies on this too, it is quite different.
Well there you have it..
trout
