Stewart: A Few (humble) Suggestions

[blueboy]

Even though it pisses me off sometimes, I have to give Sting credit for being "true" to himself. He always does what feels right to him at the time, and I think that is what makes a truly great and honest "artist".

He's not the angry young man he used to be, and I think that even if they played the songs faster and and more furiously, that "rebellious" attitude would still be missing.

I don't think Sting wants to pretend it is 1979 anymore, and you just can't fake that youthful energy at 54. They seem to be picking up steam nicely though, and sound like they are finding the right balance. I'll be happy with the final result no matter what.

I just want to know what "We'll see you again" again is all about. Sting ended with that in both Edmonton and Seattle. It would be cruel to tease us like that if there wasn't something more to come!

[Duke]

Dude, that pic is funny as hell

Why not just do like my Paul Simonon did. Pick for the fast song and fingers for the slower/reggae influenced songs.

[GinaSuperCat]

Heh, funny thing is Sting actually taught him to play a few things on bass <grin> But don't get me wrong, I am nuts about the Clash...was just drumming along with Topper this morning <grin>

[Wait and See]

>>>Even though it pisses me off sometimes, I have to give Sting credit for being "true" to himself. He always does what feels right to him at the time, and I think that is what makes a truly great and honest "artist".

He's not the angry young man he used to be, and I think that even if they played the songs faster and and more furiously, that "rebellious" attitude would still be missing.

I don't think Sting wants to pretend it is 1979 anymore, and you just can't fake that youthful energy at 54. They seem to be picking up steam nicely though, and sound like they are finding the right balance. I'll be happy with the final result no matter what.

I just want to know what "We'll see you again" again is all about. Sting ended with that in both Edmonton and Seattle. It would be cruel to tease us like that if there wasn't something more to come!<<<

I guess this is where we differ. The Police have always been one of my favorite bands, but I find most of Sting's solo material unlistenable. As for rocking out, it's not an age, it's a mindset. You don't have to be "angry", you just have to be willing to let loose and HAVE FUN instead of trying to present yourself as an "important artist". It's cathartic to blast out rock tunes. You don't need "angst". Besides, their songs were never angry to begin with. Go listen to Never Mind the Bollocks if you want to hear anger.

[blueboy]

I think Sting differs on this. He is much more focussed on the melody and harmony than "Rock" rhythm. The old version of "Truth" is very punkish with an emphasis on the beat, whereas the new one is much more focussed on the melody. I actually really like the new version...not better than the old...it's just different. I don't think Sting feels the need to "Rock Out", so he probably won't go there.

I like a lot of Sting's solo work, but he lost me for the most part after Ten Summoners Tales. I'd be happy if he brought a more "mature" Police to a place similar to where he was on that album. There were a lot of great Sting solo tunes that would have been perfect potential Police tunes.

I know where you are coming from though, but considering most bands their age look and play like they are geriatric patients, I think they are doing pretty damn good. We should probably stop comparing them to The Police of 25 years ago, and start comparing them to bands of a similar vintage.

[Wait and See]

OK, we differ on giving him credit for it. I think he's adopted a very self-important attitude about music that isn't as good as he thinks it is.

[Duke]

Gina - you're a clash fan? My other favorite band.

Have you seen this site? Tons of clash shows

http://clashcity.com/boards/viewtopic.php?t=15290

[Duke]

Never Mind the Bollocks <<

another of my favs.

Blasting a boot from the 76 club as I type this.

[Wait and See]

If nothing else, Johnny Rotten deserves credit for being able to drop the F bomb five times in a single sentence and make it work as a lyric.

[Duke]

Haven't heard the new version of truth (trying to hold out for the most part until I see them Saturday).

Is it like the one on the Ghost Demos?

[Wait and See]

Haven't heard that, so I don't know. It's basically like the album, except about half speed and in a different key.

[Duke]

funny thing is Sting actually taught him to play a few things on bass <<

I remember reading that somewhere. Any chance you've got a link on that? Paul Simonon is the coolest white man to ever strap on a bass. Period.

Yeah that sounds like the one from the Ghost Demos. Vocals were arranged a bit differently

[Divemistress of the Dark]

I dunno, duke. I'm a big Clash fan as well, but I think you should go check out some old Minutemen LPs for some bass-playing goodness. Ain't none better than Mike Watt...though I could be saying that because I've met him a few times and seen him in concert more than a few.

(He's touring with Iggy & the Stooges right now, but has a slew of side projects. Check out his website: www.hootpage.com)

[GinaSuperCat]

Yes, big fan of the Clash...most of the first wave punk I was too young for but second wave in the 80s I was into, big time...also got hooked on the older stuff at that point too <grin>

The Clash had been known to say some fairly self-distancing things about the Police, they explicitly self-identified more with the Pistols and the Damned, etc...but, heh...

I've heard that a picture exists of this & I've read so many Stewart interviews so I'm not sure where I'm sure I read something to the effect of him saying that we taught them to play thier instruments! but here's where I do remember off the top of my head:

Gert Peter-Bruch is making a film (The Police: Set them 3) and I was lucky enough to meet him in Vancouver and was interviewed as well (heh he has very good taste so I'm sure I won't show up in the film <grin>)...In his interview with Stewart, one of my favorites, Stewart mentions the early punk scene, how the Police realy were able to play their instruments well, and how others in the punk scene would go to their shows to learn (mentions the Damned, Clash, and Pistols). He also says the pretty much took the idea from the Clash and others to play reggae but the Police actually could play much better <grin> Link here:
http://www.gertonline.com/scopeland-interview-en01.htm

Haha, I'm gonna go play along to London Calling a bit more <grin> PS: Les is pretty f-in tough, too <grin>

[Duke]

but I think you should go check out some old Minutemen <<

I was playing around on my bass this afternoon and out of nowhere started playing the Anchor

I'm assuming you've seen We Jam Econo?

Good stuff.

On that link I posted with all the clash shows - check out the 79 show from Cleveland (that's good rock n roll kids) and the Bonds soundboard.