The Jesus And Mary Chain - April Skies

What this video is

Released in April 1987, 'April Skies' marked a pivotal commercial and aesthetic pivot for The Jesus and Mary Chain — away from the pure noise-wall assault of Psychocandy (1985) toward a more melodic, song-centric sound. The single reached No. 8 on the UK Singles Chart, the band's highest charting UK single at that time, signaling the mainstreaming of indie-rock in post-Thatcher Britain. The video, directed by Tim…

Why it matters

A landmark document of the UK alternative rock moment of 1987, 'April Skies' bridges post-punk severity and melodic rock accessibility. The video aesthetic — desaturated, film-grain, fast-cut performance — would become a template for shoegazer and Britpop-era promo aesthetics in the years…

The director

Tim Broad (1955–1993) was a British music video director and cinematographer. He is best known for his extensive collaboration with Morrissey, directing multiple solo videos compiled on the Hulmerist VHS. He also directed videos for The Smiths, Mike + The…