Hello... from a silent lurker.
I thought I'd throw out just a few thoughts here, and see just what the rest
of you think.
I'm sitting here at home, having had a long day at work, I've had a couple
of glasses of wine and single malts, and was listening to some early Police
bootlegs... which is my want when I'm looking for serious inspiration. Much
Music here in Canada is showing the U2 Live in Boston show which I believe
is their new DVD.
Anyway, what I'm getting at is this, I saw U2 back in October, and it was a
fantastic show, and I'm sure there are similar complaints about a set list
that doesn't vary much, and possibly an over rehearsed show, with little
improvisation, or that is just too polished to have major changes or
mistakes, etc. For whatever reason, it made me think about the Police.
I'm right in there with most of you and will say that if they ever have that
reunion that we all pray for, I'll be not only in line for tickets, I'll
take the time off work and play Police Head too.
But here's why. While I appreciate the charts for what they are, and having
worked in the business at various times, can say that I understand the
"bubble-gum" phenomenon... (excuse the wine please)... it's just not my
thing. I'm 34 years old, have been a Police fan for many years, and while I
can justly be accused of loving the music of the 80's - which was my high
school and university years - I'm quite up to date with current bands that
grab my ear - Tragically Hip (yes they are Canadian, but I've seen them
develop over the years), James, Harry Connick, Oasis, Jamiroquai, Cold Play,
etc, etc, etc.
I've always maintained that I'd love to see a Police reunion, with the
following in mind... yes Sting, you've been an arrogant bugger, yes Stewart,
you can't keep a beat to save your life, and Andy, can't remember the damn
chords... but can you not see fit to save us from the Brittany Spears,
N'Synchs, Michael Bolton's and Jacksons, Mariah Carey's, Celine Dionn'es of
this world?
Now, at the same time, I completely understand Sting's comments that they
would be competing with their past... and trying to sell more records than
current artists, etc. So I will acquiesce to all of their comments. BUT,
HOWEVER, I beg to differ on this one point. And it was this U2 performance
that really drives this point home. I don't care it the Police ever record
anything new... I want to see the awesome power that that they were LIVE!!!
As they said many times, in the studio, they would use whatever technology
was available to them at the time, they would overdub, and use the studio
magic. But live, they had to re-interpret the material, they used backing
singers (which I wasn't fond of), and lots of loops and sequencers, etc, but
the power they had... and in my mind, particularly in the Reggatta through
Ghost era shows... they would blow everyone away. They would in the least
be the equal of the awesome shows U2 has been putting on. And those of you
who have seen the Elevation Tour, you know what I mean (here's the shameless
plug... check out the Live in Boston DVD when you get a chance... old and
new material.)
The Police were phenomenal musicians, Sting could work a crowd like no other
when he wanted... Stewart could lead them in unknown directions (whether he
sped up or not) and Andy would fill the holes and could be your 60's and
70's guitar hero, or he could be the guy that influenced other guitarists
with sound shapes instead of just chords..adding colour instead of sound.
Go back, and listen to the space and sound of Reggatta and Zenyatta era
boots, and listen to what these guys could go. Many of the Synchronicity
shows were too rehearsed, or too restricted in terms of the set list...l but
when the boys cut loose and played in the moment, they were mind blowing. I
can think of very few bands that could wrap up an audience in it's arms, and
at the same time, impress the muso's in the crowd.
Some of you who have been fans for years, or on this list since the mid
90's, etc, will know exactly what I mean. And I apologize for rambling and
maybe not being completely succinct.... but it is a nice quiet evening at
home with U2 that makes me miss the Police, far more than watching Sting @
Tuscany (itself, a show with much merit.)
Just the ramblings of an old Police fan who misses the good old days...
When the set list might not have changed to much, but you just didn't know
how long Roxanne or Bed's Too Big or Deathwish were going to be on any given
night.
David
