Paolo wrote:
I don't understand why many people think a new Police album would be a bad idea
Well I certainly don't. I'd love a new album (knowing full well that it [and they] would be quarter-century removed from their previous five). All I'm saying is that they don't *owe* us a new album and I personally don't want to see a new one from them if it is a "by-the-numbers" kind of thing. I only want them to continue if they are happy and feel challenged within the band. Simon wrote:
And i would like to know who told him to do a lute project...thanks to Dominic, maybe ?
I believe in the liner notes, Sting writes that many people throughout his career have told him to investigate the music of John Dowland. I think it was Edin Karamazov who actually convinced him (or at least provided the instrumental expertise to inspire him). It certainly wasn't the first time he took a chance musically. Sting has stated in numerous interviews that the successful albums (TURTLES, SUN, SUMMONER'S TALES, BRAND NEW DAY) allow him to take chances with the less successful ones (all the others). They also allow him the occasional sidestep, such as THE SOLDIER'S TALE, his stint in the Threepenny Opera, and, of course, the Lute album. Ross wrote:
Would have preferred a new album but got to see my favourite band before I die. That's A-okay with me.
Judging by the ticket sales, it's ok with a lot of people. I know that I'm happy to have seen them play. Reunions are something of a tricky deal. Despite the intentions of the band members involved, the whole thing can come off a bit self-serving (i.e. reuniting for the money [Kiss for example]). And although, money is a big part of the Police tour, there are at least two other reasons they've stated for getting back together: 1) their 30th anniversary and 2) the memories of their brothers Ian Copeland and Kim Turner. I'm less familiar with the reasons behind the reunited Spice Girls, The Who, Van Halen, Zepplin, etc. But to my knowledge none of them have produced a new album to tour behind. None except Crowded House - who publicly played their final show on the steps of the Sydney Opera House in 1996. It took the death of their drummer Paul Hester nearly a decade later to pull them back together. The result: a poetic *new* album and a tour in which the set list was different every night. They are currently finalizing a followup album. That's a dream that a lot of people had for the Police. And as long as the three of them are alive, it's possible (though not very probable).