The Church's Starfish

After a string of commercial disappointments, in 1986 Australian rock band The Church were simultaneously dropped by Warner Brothers in the US and EMI in Australasia. Seemingly from nowhere, their next record, Starfish, became an unlikely global hit. This book traces the story of Starfish, its background, composition, production and reception. Gibson brings an unusual perspective as both a musician and a geographer. Drawing upon four decades of media coverage as well as fresh interviews between the author and band members, the book delves into the mysteries of this mercurial classic, tracing its slippery cultural geography and sumptuous songcraft.