Earth and Sun and Moon explained

Earth and Sun and Moon
Type:studio
Artist:Midnight Oil
Cover:MidnightOil_EarthSunMoon.jpg
Released:April 1993
Recorded:October 1992 − January 1993
Studio:Megaphon Studios, Sydney, Australia
Genre:Rock, alternative rock
Length:54:00
Label:Sprint / Columbia
Producer:Nick Launay, Midnight Oil
Prev Title:Scream in Blue (Live)
Prev Year:1992
Next Title:Breathe
Next Year:1996

Earth and Sun and Moon is the eighth studio album by Australian rock group, Midnight Oil, that was released in April 1993 under the Columbia Records label. It peaked at No.2 on the ARIA Albums Chart.

Background

Midnight Oil's Earth and Sun and Moon album, produced with Nick Launay, was released in April 1993 and peaked at No. 2 on the ARIA Albums Chart,[1] top 20 in Sweden and Switzerland,[2] top 50 on Billboard 200,[3] and top 30 in the UK albums chart.[4] The single "Truganini" referenced multiple issues, including the 'last' Tasmanian Aboriginal, the treatment of indigenous artist Albert Namatjira, the Australian flag debate, and republicanism.[5] Liner notes for the single claimed "Truganini was the sole surviving Tasmanian Aborigine, the last of her race, when she died in 1876."[5]

The Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre, representing over 7000 contemporary Tasmanians, called for the single to be boycotted as it perpetuated a 'white' myth about the extinction of Tasmanian Aborigines.[5] Their Native Title claims hinged upon establishing links with ancestral lands. Gary Morris, their manager, responded with, "My suggestion to these people is to stop shooting themselves in the foot and let a band like Midnight Oil voice its appeal to White Australia on behalf of Black Australia".[5]

Critics contended that Morris disparaged Indigenous Australians' ability to represent themselves and overestimated Midnight Oil's ambassadorial powers while diminishing their errors, while some indigenous activists saw benefit in Midnight Oil's highlighting of the issues.[5] "Truganini" released in March peaked at No. 10 on the ARIA singles charts,[1] No. 10 on Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks and No. 4 on their Modern Rock Tracks charts,[3] and top 30 for the UK charts.[4]

Reception

Tom Demalon of AllMusic remarked, "If Earth and Sun and Moon isn't Midnight Oil's best effort, it's certainly close. The band still sticks to themes that are close to its heart -- the environment, native peoples, and other social causes -- but rarely has it managed to fashion an album full of songs that are as musically intoxicating."

Andrew McMillen of The Australian said, "At a time when Nirvana et al turned toward angst and distortion, the Oils opted for a bounty of rich vocal harmonies and highly melodic rock songs, including two bass-led career highlights that bookend its eighth album."[6]

Charts

Year-end charts

Chart (1993)Position
Australian Albums (ARIA)[7] 36
Canadian Albums (RPM)[8] 67
New Zealand Albums (RMNZ)[9] 49

Personnel

Midnight Oil

Recording details

Artwork

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Midnight Oil discography . Australian Charts Portal . 19 March 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20101029102343/http://australian-charts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Midnight+Oil . 29 October 2010.
  2. Web site: Earth and Sun and Moon album charting . Australian Charts Portal . 19 March 2013 .
  3. Web site: [{{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p4911|pure_url=yes}} Midnight Oil – Charts & Awards – ''Billboard'' Albums ]. Allmusic . 19 March 2013 .
  4. Web site: The Official Charts Company Midnight Oil . . 19 March 2013.
  5. Finding a voice on indigenous issues: Midnight Oil's inappropriate appropriation . Vellutini . Laetitia . The Australian Public Intellectual Network . Journal of Australian Studies . 27 . 79 . 127–133 . January 2003. 10.1080/14443050309387893 . 143645628 . 19 March 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140309212710/http://www.api-network.com/main/index.php?apply=scholars&webpage=default&flexedit=&flex_password=&menu_label=&menuID=62&menubox=&scholar=76 . 2014-03-09.
  6. News: . Flawless: 52 of the best albums you'll ever hear. Andrew McMillen.
  7. Web site: ARIA Top 50 Albums for 1993 . . 3 November 2021 .
  8. Web site: The RPM Top 100 Albums of 1993 . 17 July 2013 . . 1 December 2021 .
  9. Web site: Top Selling Albums of 1993 — The Official New Zealand Music Chart . . 3 November 2021 .
  10. Web site: Credits: Midnight Oil - Earth and Sun and Moon . .