"A Box of Birds" is the twelfth album by the Australian psychedelic rock band The Church, released in September 1999. This album features cover versions of tracks by artists who significantly influenced the band's music.
The decision to create this album came after the band chose to set aside a completed live album. They recorded and mixed A Box of Birds in just ten days. Guitarist Marty Willson-Piper explained that the band had performed several covers in their live shows over the years, such as "The Porpoise Song," "It's All Too Much," and "Cortez the Killer." This inspired them to compile a record of their interpretations. Each member contributed their preferences: Tim wanted to include an Iggy Pop song, Peter chose "Cortez," Steve opted for Kevin Ayers, and Willson-Piper wanted to cover Alex Harvey. Ultimately, they selected ten tracks from an initial list of about forty, resulting in a diverse collection that showcases their influences and unique sound.
