I tend to keep pretty quiet, but I'm surprised at the lack of interest shown
towards MF on the past few posts. It was the first Sting album that I bought
for myself. My dad had DOTBT and the greatest hits tape at home, but I
didn't really listen to them until after I heard Mercury Falling.
My biggest problem with the album is Let Your Soul... I really wish he would
have dropped that song and put The Pirates Bride and 25 to Midnight on there
instead. He could have also dropped Belle as well, for since I do not speak
French and am not in love with Bossa Nova, tend to skip over that as well;
however, I love every other song on the album.
Hounds of Winter: At first I didn't care for this song. After a few listens
though, lines like "harry me down" really stuck in my head. I was only 15
when I purchased the album. I had never heard, and have still yet to hear,
anyone else use that phrase. It just sets a great feel and tone for the
album. Not a happy tone, but a good tone and feel.
I Hung My Head: I really liked this song, especially the feel, because I had
never listened to a pop song that had such an odd feel to it. Again, like I
mentioned, I had not heard the other Sting solo albums yet, so most of this
was new territory for me. I just loved the way that Vinnie kept the ride
symbol on the off beat. I also have found new love for the lyrics when I
thought more about how the song is about doing something for no reason at
all. There was no reason to fire the gun other than curiosity.
Soul: Like I said, should not have been there.
Brought to my Senses: I don't even need to comment on the beauty of this
song. It speaks for itself.
You Still Touch Me: I know it may be a very simple song about longing, but
at the age of 15, it spoke to me so much. I also love how it has the brass
section that became so prominent throughout the album. It made me happy to
be a saxophone player.
I'm so Happy: Again, one of those songs that needs no defense; however, it
was a song that held special importance for me since my parents had just
begun going through a divorce at the time. They've since remarried each
other, which is both odd and nice, but I would sit and listen to this song
over and over again.
All 4 Seasons: Again, at the age of 15 this song was so true at the time. I
knew so many girls that would seem interested one day, but very cold the
next. It's about his daughter, but it still made sense to me at that age.
La Belle: Again, should have been replaced with something else, but it still
fit the mood of the album. I do like the percussion in the beginning though.
Valpraiso: I love the line "If I should die, water's my grave. How will she
know if I'm damned or I'm saved." Again, a song that fit the whole mood of
the album so well. I also loved the bass instrumental of the song. Reminded
me of I Burn for You for some reason. (I have neglected until now how I got
into Sting. I was a big Police fan because of my dad, and Stewart Copeland's
drumming. I had Message in a Box. Then Mercury Falling came out, so I
decided to buy it on a whim.)
Lithium sunset: I still love this song, and it was one of the first I was
able to play of Sting's when I started learning guitar. It really stinks
when the band you like most is the one you can't play at first. I had to
teach myself a lot of Barenaked Ladies songs before I could get to the police
and Sting. I like it's short feel and nice upbeat tempo to close the album.
I also like how it ends with the lines "see mercury falling." Rounds out the
lyrical inspiration that sting talked about for how he started the album.
I know these are rather cursory writings about the songs, but I don't have
the time to get more in-depth. How does everyone else feel about this album?
If you want, I could elaborate more. Overall though, I just feel that this
album has an overall feel that BND just doesn't have and that TST almost has.
Nothing has the overall mood and flow that TSC has, but I feel this album
has that the best out of his other albums.
Ross
PS: Please do not write a bunch of replies that state "of course a 15 yr old
would like it....." I'm now almost 22 and still feel the same about the
album, and many of you started listening to the Police or Sting at my age so
there (Sticking out my tongue in a very immature manner). Also, sorry so
long.
