Hey there folks. I was lucky enough to be able to attend a couple of the shows in New York at the beginning of the month, and I have been on such a high from the performances that I felt I should pass on my impressions: To be totally honest, while I was thoroughly thrilled to be lucky enough to attend the shows (the birthday one included), I was actually very skeptical about this project and what the music would be like. I only gave The Last Ship one brief listen before heading to New York and my initial impression was that it was not what I wanted it to be. The “musical” side of things did not much interest me, and although The Last Ship is all original material, in my mind this project was more along the lines of the lute and winter album projects that were ultimately not really my thing. Wow, was I ever wrong!!! Sting’s obvious enthusiasm for the music and the project as a whole was immediately evident from the moment he took to the stage, and the energy that emanated from Sting and the rest of the band was utterly contagious! Sting’s little narratives between the songs brilliantly explained the storyline of The Last Ship, who the various characters are, and where the songs came from. Having this context did wonders for my understanding of the music. I absolutely fell in love with the songs. The music is beautiful, dramatic, funny, energizing and thoroughly engaging. I was originally with Bill about this CD – I thought I would listen to it once and then never again. But I have totally changed my mind about this album – I now think it’s incredible. “August Winds” and “The Language of Birds” are my two favourite songs at the moment. The latter would fit perfectly on The Soul Cages which is my favourite of Sting’s albums, for sure. I have no vested interested in whether people enjoy the album or not, but I would only suggest that if you don’t like it, give it some more time and I think it will grow on you!

Cheers,

Bruce in TO

From: police-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:police-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of David
Sent: Tuesday, October 15, 2013 12:44 PM
Cc: The Police
Subject: Re: [Police] The Last Ship

Finally finished listening to it:

Great. Fills in the holes of Soul Cages, tells what feels like a neat story. I couldn't be happier.

Do I think it will sell well? No idea, but I want to go see this show/concert/whatever.

I'm a fan. Then again, I thought the lute album was pretty great too.

On Wed, Sep 25, 2013 at 3:17 PM, <BBredice@aol.com> wrote:

Buy deluxe CD from Amazon, immediately download it, listen to it once, put it aside, and when the CD arrives in a few days, put it away and don't bother opening it. This thing is good for one listening.

Bill

In a message dated 9/25/2013 1:29:40 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, ross@rossviner.com writes:

Thanks
Holly,

Is
there any real difference between the two versions of “Practical Arrangement” on
the Amazon deluxe version?

I
can’t decide whether it’s worth waiting out for the three additional tracks, or
if I should truck on down to my local HMV and get the 17 track
version.

The
other thing I’m curious about is any difference in
packaging.

From:
police-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:police-bounces@mailman.xmission.com]
On Behalf Of Holly Mollo
Sent: September-25-13 8:36
AM
To: SDFT
Subject: [Police] The Last
Ship

Hi
All,

While my CD has yet to
arrive from Amazon, they have released the MP3 version to my Amazon Cloud
Player, and I just finished listening to all 20
tracks.

While I find it musically
wonderful, I wonder if it will ever really make it to Broadway. It doesn't sound
like a Broadway musical; I think it's too Geordie for American
tastes!

I can see it being
successful on the London stage -- there are many references that will resonate
with British audiences.

For example, the whole
song about Isembard King Brunell will not register with 99.9% of Americans; the
only reason I know who he was is because I watch a lot of BBC
America!

Also, I enjoy British folk
music; many Americans do not. The romantic ballad is beautiful and has a
universal message,

but it would undoubtedly
be eschewed for the rock'n'roll number! (which is great, by the way, but not on
a par with the ballad.)

I love his lyrics (although
these are mostly dark) because they presuppose that the listener will understand
what he has to say,

and his rhythms and schemes
are so clever, I just shake my head at his mad
skills!

The music does indeed
reference the Soul Cages -- he actually sings about the Soul
Cages

in one number! -- but that
is completely fine with me. As far as I'm concerned, that was some of his finest
work.

This is also a fine work,
which I really enjoyed listening to, and will enjoy many times over, but it
isn't terribly commercial.

But what a refreshing break
from the trashy pop that passes as music
nowadays!

There are no gimmicks or
needless noise; just music. Really good
music.

My grade for this CD? I give
it an A+, but that's me. I hope others will enjoy it as much as I
did.

Can't wait to hear what you
all think!

Have a great
week!

Holly

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