L.A. Times Review - Copeland "terrific"

[Divemistress of the Dark]

I think this one may be my favorite review so far...

http://tinyurl.com/2c2u3h
(link goes to LATimes.com)

[quote]The post-50 Police rock

For the reunited trio, 2007 is the new '80s as it enthralls fans on the first tour stop.

By Ann Powers, Times Staff Writer

Vancouver, Canada — All fans had to do to feel absolutely fantastic about the Police reunion tour, which began Monday at General Motors Place, was to keep their eyes on drummer Stewart Copeland.

Wearing a very new wave red-and-black bicycle shirt and sporty headband, hopping like a leprechaun between an imposing percussion setup and an equally sizable drum kit, the 54-year-old bard of rocking polyrhythms couldn't stop grinning. Sometimes, as Copeland kept the pulse going while guitarist Andy Summers bent chords in all directions and bassist/rock god Sting tinkered with his vocal phrasing, the grin turned toward a grimace. But rarely do players exhibit this much glee during a two-hour arena rock show, especially one marked by unremitting singalong choruses of "yee-o!" and enough elegant meandering to suggest that Sting had won some battles in rehearsal.

Copeland had good reason to be happy. Though not flawless, the Police's two-hour return to the arena stage amply demonstrated what made the band such a force in pop two decades ago. It's something surprisingly rare in hugely successful bands: risk-taking interplay that stresses the subtleties in songs as well as the hooks, among players different enough to spar but smart enough to prioritize the groove...

As for the limitations wrought by age, they were limited to the occasional glitch in Sting's upper register. A few songs were slowed down, maybe to encourage those jazzy jams or maybe just because Sting likes to take his time. If that's the reason, Sting should reconsider his strategy. After many years of playing the field, he's finally back with the guys who can really kick his carefully toned backside. Especially that drummer. And he's delighted to have the chance.[/quote]