WAIST HIGH: "Under The Milky Way" Voted Best Australian Song Of The Last 20 Years.

9/20/2008

"Under The Milky Way" Voted Best Australian Song Of The Last 20 Years.

The Weekend Australian Magazine has published the results of an online poll to find the best 20 Australian songs since 1988. Readers nominated and voted for their favourites as part of the magazine's 20th anniversary celebrations.

"A song about nothing and the band didn't really like it. That doesn't sound like a recipe for international success, but from such humble beginnings sprang Australian band The Church's 1988 hit 'Under the Milky Way.'

"The track, written by singer Steve Kilbey and his then girlfriend Karin Jansson, made the charts here and in the US and remains The Church's best-known song. Now 'Under the Milky Way' has another credit to its name: it has been voted the best Australian song of the past 20 years."

The Weekend Australian "asked readers to nominate and vote for their favourites as part of the magazine's 20th anniversary celebrations. 'Under the Milky Way' was a clear winner, topping the poll from the start of voting since early last month.

"Yesterday in Sydney, Kilbey said his song had taken on a life of its own since he began writing it on an old piano at his mother's house on the NSW central coast. 'I just stumbled upon it and for some reason it has struck this wonderful sense of universality with people that most of my songs don't,' Kilbey said. He said that when he first presented the demo version of 'Milky Way' to the band 'no one really liked it that much.'"

The song was featured on the album Starfish, "and won the band an ARIA award for best song in 1989. Since then it has appeared on movie soundtracks and has been covered by a broad range of local and overseas artists, including Rick Springfield, Matchbox 20 and Jimmy Little. It also remains a staple of the band's live shows." Kilbey says the song is, "not really about anything at all." He also said, "I reckon (Living in a Land) 'Down Under' would tire me out. But if I had to be saddled with one song that everyone wants me to do, I figure 'Milky Way' is an OK one."

Australia also loves Crowded House. The band made it into the top 20 6 times, with "Into Temptation" at #2, "Distant Sun" at #5, "Fall at Your Feet" at #8, "Weather With You" at #12, "Private Universe" at #13, and "Better Be Home Soon" at #16.

Material: Iain Shedden, The Weekend Australian Magazine, via myspace.com/thechurchbandofficial

CAST OF CHARACTERS

THE KERN COUNTY DRUNKARD
Everything at Waist High is a long story, and the story of The KCD is no exception. After this individual told Waist High in December of 2003 that she was going to kill her, "Waist High" the blog was born. Please do not tell Waist High the person that you are going to kill her or she will create "Waist High" the blog and write nasty things about you! Including the time you stunk up the bathroom at The Alley Cat. The "Kern County Drunkard Watch" detailed the drunken comings and goings of the live-in love interest of one of Waist High's most cherished male friends. Never has Waist High met anyone who drank as much as or as often as The KCD. The KCD, because she was an insecure drunk, hated Waist High for most of her decade long relationship with Waist High's most cherished male friend. She hated Waist High for the obvious reason: Waist High is hot. A one time source of much of the material for Waist High the blog, The "Kern County Drunkard Watch" was permanently retired in March 2005 when Waist High's most cherished male friend finally came to his senses and kicked her ass to the curb.

RAMPART
Rampart is the first ex-husband of Waist High. She refers to him as her first ex-husband because she knows there will eventually be a second. Rampart grew up on the mean streets of Bakersfield and claims to have been the co-discoverer of the well known 1980s dirt field party spot known as "The Place." Rampart's 1987 directive to Waist High, "Drink this six pack before I get back!" made both Waist High and Rampart parents at age 20. Rampart currently resides 4.5 miles from Waist High in the wilds of Oregon and is an enduring fixture at their local Cigs For Less shop. Once a Bakersfield Del Taco associate, Sail Thru Hamburgers drive up dude, and Wible Road AM/PM graveyard worker, Rampart claims to now net $49,000 per month. But only to impress people, not when required.

(THE FORMER) LOVELY TEENAGED DAUGHTER
Not your average 35 year old. Born to Waist High as a "Miracle on 34th Street" in Bakersfield Memorial Hospital on 34th Street, LTD is on the board of MAC cosmetics. Not really, but she swears allegiance only to them. When LTD's mother once purchased LTD some eye shadow from Target, LTD threatened to call the police. Sweeter than Tupelo Honey, with the attitude of a feral cat, LTD is disgusted with most things. Including being forced to live with Waist High from 1988-2005. The child at one time even had her own blog, "Living With Waist High," which detailed her misery. A graduate of the oldest institution in the Oregon University System, LTD kept her promise of not getting knocked up at age 20 like Waist High did.

THE STRANGER
Oh God bless The Stranger. The Stranger was one of Waist High's most loyal confidants during some of the darker periods of the blog. Although his fierce allegiance to really bad music was a great source of aggravation for Waist High, The Stranger gave her a much needed look at life. Through the eyes of someone not yet bitter. The Stranger was almost pushed out of a moving vehicle when he revealed to Waist High that not only did he not know who Barry Manilow, Captain & Tenille, or Spandau Ballet were, but that he literally had no clue what Trail Mix was.

"TRI-TIP"
Special Correspondent to Waist High, and one of Waist High's most cherished friends. Used to live with The Kern County Drunkard. Was a Special Correspondent to Waist High for 9 months before knowing it. Long story. This individual coined the ultimate mid '80s Bakersfield drinking phrase, "Lock hubs. Party!"

DESI
Waist High's former work spouse. Cares about Waist High so much that he once took Waist High with him on a smoke break the very next day after she spent $250 for hypnotherapy TO QUIT SMOKING. Was the first person in conversation to introduce Waist High to concepts like "The Dirty Sanchez," "Dog In A Bathtub," "Tea Bagging," and "The Shocker." Reminds Waist High as often as possible that if women "neglect the balls," their men will leave them.