february schism of our ideas
the cold is inside my shoes
it nip nip nip at my toe
i hurtle on into the future towards the east
i climb on a stage
i play a bass guitar i sing songs
i stand there in the light while music throbs around me
yoga and swimming throw me around the stage
my words are crazy to me
nightmarish naive florid snapshots of some bullshit 20th century life
then we did this
then we did that
i strummed a fuckin’ guitar n i got lucky
i thought of some words
anyone could fucking do it
we put a band together
just find some cool cats who can play
and we went round n round this earth
hawking our existential art rock mope neo psychedelic blah blah blues
we rolled the dice
we moved up n down the snakes n ladders
we did smart n stupid things
i landed on a hotel on mayfair
but the bank error was not in my favour
i didnt realize the old the young the black the white the men n women
they were picking up this insistent distant beat
i drum my fingers on a table
i shave my reflection in a mirror
i approach and apprehend music streaming to me through my ethereal connection
who wrote all these fucking words i sing
why it was you and you and you
theyre yours again now
say them to hotties in a bar
they might get you laid
write them in your notebook
and feel their power in ink
use them uncredited in your spiels i no longer care
my words my music my movement my rhythm
all happening while i stand back and watch
some say we are the best band in the world now
how is that possible you say
please come and see us play if you can then
judge for yourself
some energy we are tapping into
do you even wonder how some old aussie bloke pushing 60
can run around singing and slinging a heavy bass for over 3 hours
its the energy
it is attracted to us
we feed off it
the energy of over a hundred years of collective musical experience
filtered thru musicians dedicated and rededicated to their music
and its quality
and there it is
the energy come to guide us thru it all
as it uncurls outta the future
hey hey
sk
The Church has arrived at the East Coast. Boston and New York are replete with very cerebral and intelligent people and music fans. There are three current bands that should appeal to minds of the highest order. Methodical Radiohead, the relatively new Arcade Fire and the consistently brilliant The Church who have been musically impeccable and prolific for twenty years. Most Church fans would say for thirty years. There are so many Pink Floyd and Radiohead fans that have not had the opportunity to be exposed to The Church. The commercial music industry has robbed those people of the opportunity. It seems like every astute music critic recognizes the sheer brilliance of The Church. Conversely, look at the mindless musical rubbish that will transpire at the Grammy’s tonight in Los Angeles. Awards to people that can’t sing or play instruments. Guitar avatar Jeff Beck will be there but he won’t perform. Instead it will be rap, boy bands and human organisms that gain their fame via outrageous behavior on the stage or off the stage. Like Morrissey said “The World If Full of Crashings Bores.” The Church are not one of them-thank God they are elightening and magnificent!
“Awards to people that can’t sing or play instruments.”
True – for some of them, but others are rather talented singers, players and composers. Just because YOU don’t like the music they write or perform doesn’t make it “mindless … rubbish….” Some of the artists you bag are technically and musically stronger than the artists you brag about. Jeff Beck, for one, is so AVERAGE as a player and below average as a composer. I’m a guitarist and I can’t endure a minute of his hopeless rubbish. Years and years of experience and the man can’t play in tune … YUcK!
believe me my friend jeff beck is not so average
just believe on that
i dont personally like what he does that much
but he is not average
even the masters consider him a master!
Have you ever had a listen to Monte Montgomery?
He’s quite a player.
He’s looked like he’s the master of plastic surgery. He’s had more work done than Joan Rivers!
I agree with almost all of your reply. But I do believe that Dispatch (who are touring as the original band in June), and the Chad’s (guitarist,songwriter,singer) offspring ‘State Radio’ are both brilliant. Yes, there music is not exactly ‘intricate’, but their songs have left a huge impression on all those who have heard them and understood the concept of this band. Fame, fortune, … not as important as songwriting and foundations for education, and children across this country and world. I am very passionate about the 3 young men’s ability to energize so many with simple messages. I was at the ‘Last Dispatch’ concert in Boston and no one can tell me that 110K people at a concert for the last ‘official’ concert at that time was not a significant moment in music history. A band with no major label or marketing agency, except word of mouth, to sell-out so many large venues this June, and play such huge concerts in their past, and get no radio play. They are so unique, like The Church, either you get it or you don’t.
Great comment The Grammys and so sorry you missed the Chicago show but I do have pics for you if you like…let me know.
AsAlways,
Darrin K.
SK,
Hope you are holding up well. I know being away from the daughters must be hard. Look forward to seeing you soon in Atlanta.
love,
KF
it’s been a long time coming, this success thing….
and no band deserves it more.
some interesting observations there Steve
awareness and self observation is like peeling an onion
remove one layer only to reveal another previously unseen
what is the source on the other end of the ethereal connection?
what is its nature?
can’t believe im gonna miss out. trapped beneath a closeout wave of consequence this month. up for air soon, but too late. a big three wave set. i can take comfort in the documentary of this tour, much rumored film. meantime, music of Kilbey and the Church in my room, but that’s the way it’s alwayz benn. lullaby to the wake side. still can’t believe it. trapped in the adult life i always swore against. but much love to you and the band, sounding great to the ear, a distant beat.
b
Yeah, you go boy!!
Sometimes, we…
The Royal we as usual,
Do send you energy, when we can generate it.
Like a flaming arrow
through the wormhole in the fabric of reality.
We often wondered if you got a little jolt?
Love the line about shaving your reflection.
Your friend in Pennsylvania
(Now in Cocoa Beach)
Well, Kilbey does tie the band together! Nice Big L. reference there!
i watched apollo 13 on television today
opie cunningham sure did well for himself
a successful failure they like to describe it
a movie with fine attributes, what else?
oh yeah, it reminded me of what you just said
you feed off the energy just like those astronauts of old
collective synergy from mother earth to those three guys above
brought them back from the moon with patience and love
just like you, Peter, Marty, and Tim cast a spell on us
it’s a wormhole for the weary, all that music you speak of
transdimensional, benevolent, tricky, endless, a cut above
let it ebb and flow through your pushing 60 bones
home on the horizon, the phone’s ringing at home
who’s there you might very well ask
oh, it’s no one, just an echo of the past
Hi Steve,
Saw you guys during Rage retro month a few weeks back,performing Unguarded Moment on Countdown.
I’m sure you remember the clip.. the one with the big “stained glass” stage prop behind you…you guys were so young and pretty and all that eyeliner and mascara really did become you.
The 14 year old girlies in the audience with their tinsel and glossy blue eyeshadow were clearly besotted, as was Molly, but you remained unsmiling and remote ,clearly unimpressed and disdainful of the gauche and kitsch atmosphere surrounding you.
Was clearly so far so beneath you, it was brilliant.
BTW , loved the subtle teardrop you traced with your finger down your cheek at that relevant moment in the song …
“…clearly unimpressed and disdainful of the gauche and kitsch atmosphere surrounding you.”
What the fuck are you talking about?!
Steve has always been pretentious and shallow – not to mention fickle. And now that he’s going through some kind of mid-life crisis he’s really lost it. His latest is so plastic – looks more like a piece of Tupperware.
ooh an unhappy camper…..
mid life crisis, mate?
this is a late life crisis
i had my mid life crisis about 20 years ago
its name was heroin
sk
Touché. You’re the male counterpart of the postmenopausal female. No doubt many of the readers of this blog can relate and may break into a virtual hot flush. My apologies, in advance. By no means do I wish to offend all the old ducks reading this.
yeah ….yawn….
Rather sad really, coming on here just to attack Steve and all his supposedly postmenopausal readers.
Have you nothing better to do with youir time?
Anonymous –
Define “old”.
In thesis form, single space, Times New Roman 12 point font, please.
I’ll give ya 5,000 words, but I don’t think that’s quite enough.
Luv on ya, baby…
good humor. very funny.
Wow…
I really DON’T feel sorry for you or even pity you, because I believe you do not even exist at all !!! You must have cracked or disposed of all the mirrors in your life because you obviously can not see your own reflection.
AsAlways,
Darrin K.
That was meant for the (*) above. And what the fuck is that. A symbol that represents yourself. What a fucking joke. Here is something helpful for you…GET SOME THERAPY !!!!! I’m in the program and it’s a whole lot of help, especially when we get to discuss individuals such as yourself, and than we have a laugh.
AsAlways,
Darrin K.
ok no more of this stuff
this is the last time
So Sorry…when you become the target, or anyone I care for, I retaliate with extreme force and no prejudice. Its the Bohemian and Irish upbringing, kind…considerate…and sometimes destructive behavior, but only on a defensive posture.
AsAlways,
Darrin K.
You apparently have not embraced life and the evolution of soul.
Maybe you need to look inwards and try to find why you cannot accept change or continuous progression of mind, body, and spirit.
Sounds like you are having a mid-life crisis.
Just saying…
πάνων χρημάτων μέτρον άνθρωπος.
Shaman Ron
Oh not you Steve. Response is to anonymous individual.
Oh my! Please remove my past two comment responses! Holy Shit. I totally missed the whole line of text above. I thought “anonymous” was attacking you for your blog post. LOL! Didn’t see that they were questioning the other person commenting. opps…
Love and kindness from the South…see u in Atlanta! Cheers to you and the band mates…Bravo to you and the boys..we get you! lovegodness
The Church are the best band in the world. There is no doubt about that. The Park West was packed – sold out in Chicago. I was there last April and there wwere not nearly as many people. What happened in 10 months? I don’t know… the tide is turning? Maybe because you skipped Minneapolis this time?
I watched the Grammys tonight. Like life – what a joke!
i elect it beat metrical composition | The Time creature | Steve Kilbey now im your rss reader
….best band in the world?..lemme put it this way …i listen to the church ..and stuff without words ..so yeah ..no stretch at all..
sincerely hope i’m kicking along as strong as you when i’m your age, mate….
love always…..
best band in the world? I’ve been telling anybody within earshot that very thing for more than 20 years. ..
and you were right werent ya?
blah, blah, blah go to the show, open your wallet, buy a t-shirt or two, buy a remastered classic, see the band twice east coast people.
Steve,
Great show last night! I had a great time discussing the metaphysical and ascension aspects of the higher universe with you. (As always)
Your energy is truly growing. Remember as I was discussing with you the theory of 7′s and life vision phases? Its the old traditional beliefs of the ancient native cultures throughout the world from those tribes still in a oneness with the Earth, Universe and Deity. Etherial connection. You may have truly entered a new phase of awareness.
I think I may be heading up to Philly for Tuesdays show. Gotta see another awesome show!
Io Io,
Shaman Ron
shaman ron you got the power
a direct line to the earthy primal one
looking forward to see ya in philly
much regards
sk
Sounds like it’s going well, Killer.
Would love to be there.
Sadly, my Father-in-Law died last night – it’s been a difficult 12 months but your music really does make things less diffcult.
Love you Sir.
x
sorry, davem. may the next 12 be better.
So Sorry Davem…yes it has been a difficult time for you lately. I can only hope for the best for you and your family. Bless you and my condolences to your entire family. And the music does help, it is musical medicine for the weary when life goes off course.
Darrin K
I’ve been thinking about all the good things that have been happening to The Church recently and about your comment about turning a corner. It does seem as if the narrative about the band has changed. Used to be that you were yesteryear’s band stubbornly trudging on. Now there’s more of a sense that The Church are something that’s happening NOW. U#23 made a lot of people who weren’t paying close attention sit up and take notice, I think. And maybe the amount of quality music that you’ve produced has reached a critical mass as well. Too impressive to ignore. And, of course, the only thing more sterling than the band’s back catalog is its live performance reputation. So many strengths to draw on. The best band in the world? The answer is not the point, I think. Just that the question can be genuinely raised is the achievement. And I actually think your best work is still to come!
Thats it, Im going to Sydney.
Shoffy
“beat poem” says it all, if we all formed a band we would all be on the same stage, my future band is called “SCRAMBLED EGGS, HASH BROWNS, & TOAST” with me being the toast ofcourse…lol
sk
thanks for a fantastic show in Dc last night..
BTW the warming fluid was fun………..LOL
talk next week again!!
steve K.
really dig the Church. I will also use your lyrics when appropriate, thanks Steve-O.
Sometimes (not often, but once in awhile),
After reading a Kilbey blog
I get a post-sex oxytoxic rush
Grab a cigarette and sigh
And it means nothing about age
Or menopause
Or even gender
Or even sex.
It’s just witnessing the birth
Of yet another great thing
Except this is a thing
That all of us can share
And if ya bicker, ya don’t get it
And if you defend, then you’re shameless
There’s more to it all than words and praises –
Just spank it and let it breathe, wouldja???
Jeff Beck and Steve Kilbey getting attacked on this blog. The neophyte who thinks Jeff Beck is aveage has no credibility in light of the fact that the Late Les Paul, Clapton, Page, David Gilmour, Joe Perry, Brian May, John McLaughlin, Sir George Martin, John Paul Jones and Joe Satriani revere him.
Steve Kilbey is in his prime. The Church albums keep on geting better and better. SK keeps on geting fitter and more rugged with age. He’s the embodiment of testicular virility.
yeah!!!!
Brien,
Dude…seriously…you need to get a blog up and running. I always have and will enjoy reading the sparks that shoot across the wires, infinite space and full empty space. I am so bummed you missed this tour, Yeah, i don’t know ya…but I do know this. You exist, you share, you even sometimes educate…sound like someone we know ???
AsAlways,
Darrin K.
And. More importantly –
WHO KILLED DAVY MOORE? WHY, AND WHAT’S THE REASON FOR???
The next record is gonnna KILL this numb Nickleback, Doughtery, “bands I’ve never heard of”, Lambert, market!!! Not by being equally as lame (which is what America seems to want)…but by shaking it up…and please god let there will be dj’s who understand, who will spin it like it’s a saving grace, which it SHALL be…got my faith in you and the boys, Steve. Please help our country! LOL!!!
My mid life crisis is booze and I want to get away from it more than anything, but I feel so SCARED when I’m sober, like – terrified.
Thanks so much for saying that Steve – took courage and made me think.
Much love –
D.
dear donna
please oh please try to get off the booze
its a killer its a heartbreaker its a destroyer
i know only too well
and i know only too well how frightening the world is without your poison of choice
i got off the gear
you can get off the grog
sk
And so…my last bottle of wine is the 2009 Rombauer Chardonnay (no slouch, me), and the last accompanying CD…
is…
Untitled 23.
And it’s nothiiiiiing…nothing you could know.
Let it go.
Oh, God.
And I let myself feel it,
The pain.
I set my glass down
And they crash into my heart
they set.and rip and eat
Tearing away my love for the world my love for forver
and digging deep into my love for sex…
We all know it. We all oontrol it.
ou fucking bastard!
Go away, go away…
I see something better
Get out of my path
Funny, how tou’d like it to be worse…
FUCK
OFF
jealousys a curse but a belly aches worse..
guess I could qualify as an old duck being nearly forty seven, but Im technically not a grannie yet:o
I love your poems
tried watching the “abode” vid but it kept stopping & starting took 15 minutes to get to the bottle of water line…must admit when It froze as you plonked down on the couch i wasnt complaing :
oh no Im on the cusp of being a grannie groupie:o
Tuesday, 640 AM.
Know how it feels to dump a $35 bottle of Chardonnay down the drain?
Pretty f**kin’ good.
i hope you did !
Indeed. It was the mid-life crisis revelation that finally cut through my bullshit excuses.
It’s really cuz one day I woke up and suddenly I was 46 – and all the possibilities that I naively thought would always be there just weren’t anymore. Welcome to reality.
And I’ve been too much of a chicken-shit to really believe in any new ones, and harboring a fierce and ultimately self destructive anger about the state of things, past and present – too many to mention. So it’s been easier to just hide away in the grape every night; but as someone really brilliant once wrote, “Look what you’re leavin’ behind…”
Too much left to feel, to much left to write, too much love still out there to find and contribute to…somethings just don’t expire.
I now return you to your regulary scheduled blog, apologies for the personal crap, and thanx.