# The Chills – The BBC Sessions
The Chills, New Zealand's influential alternative rock pioneers, created some of their most enduring work during their prolific relationship with the BBC in the 1980s. This compilation, released by Fire Records in 2014, captures three distinct recording sessions spanning from 1985 to 1988, offering vinyl collectors a comprehensive snapshot of the band's creative evolution during their most vital period.
The album opens with the 1985 session, featuring the atmospheric "Rolling Moon" and the emotionally charged "Brave Words," establishing the band's melancholic yet energetic sonic identity. The 1987 recordings showcase a tighter, more refined arrangement style, particularly evident on "Dan Destiny And The Silver Dawn" and the jungle-themed introspection of "Living In A Jungle." By the 1988 session, The Chills had matured considerably, delivering introspective pieces like "Part Past, Part Fiction" and the unexpectedly charming "Christmas Chimes."
Musically, these sessions demonstrate The Chills' mastery of alternative rock infused with jangly guitars, poetic lyrics, and an unmistakable melancholic sensibility that would influence countless indie bands. Standout tracks like "Rain" and "Moonlight On Flesh" showcase the band's ability to craft haunting, atmospheric arrangements while maintaining infectious melodic hooks.
For vinyl collectors, this Fire Records release provides an essential retrospective of The Chills' BBC work, documenting a band at their creative peak. The chronological presentation allows listeners to trace the group's artistic development across three crucial years, making it an invaluable addition to any serious alternative rock collection.
