Subj : Re: Sting
To   : Ogg
From : Darkman Almighty
Date : Wed Dec 22 2021 19:59:36

On 19 Dec 2021, Ogg said the following...
 
 Og> Hello Darkman Almighty!
 Og> 
 Og> ** On Saturday 18.12.21 - 15:07, Darkman Almighty wrote to Ogg:
 Og> 
 Og>  Og>> ..I remain undecided with Sting's new album. Most of the
 Og>  Og>> tunes sound "solo" with a simple accompaniment [...]
 Og> I produced a physical CD of the tunes and have given the album  
 Og> at least 3 spins.  I noticed that if I play the recording in  
 Og> original order.. the songs seem to tell a story. The songs have  
 Og> many references to scripture, God, etc.  Perhaps, now in his  
 Og> sunset years, Sting is musing life more passionately.
 Og> 
 Og> 1. Rushing Water: the funky sounds and beats are very nice.     
 Og> 2. If It's Love: references to church bells, what the doctor  
 Og> 3. The Book of Numbers: that's a scripture reference. "Thank  
 Og> 4. Loving You: I really like this one! It has a nice funky laid  
 Og> 5. Harmony Road: Ironically, this one doesn't have much  
 Og> 6. For Her Love: nice guitar and beats. This one works well.   
 Og> 7. The Hills on the Border:  So-so. A musing on life, the  
 Og> 8. Captain Bateman: a minstrel tune. There's a story to tell.  
 Og> 9. The Bells of St. Thomas: "last day is the judgment". "walk  
 Og> 10. The Bridge: "the bridge out there.." "we are bags of blood  
 Og> 11. Waters of Tyne:  Sounds like "10" above. A solo. I could  
 Og> 12. Captain Bateman's Basement: I wonder what the reference to  
 Og> 13. Dock of the Bay: This is a complete surprise. Why is this  
 Og> It made a big difference to hear the recording on proper open- 
 Og> air speakers.  I wouldn't hesitate to spin this one up on  
 Og> repeat a few more times when I need to relax.

Sometimes you never know what they are thinking really. That was quite the
breakdown you provided. I'll have to listen much closer. I recall on an
interview of his, he says that he writes the melody and music and let it
speak to him coming up with the lyrics. Idk if that fits in but clearly there
is a theme here. Either way, I do enjoy this album. Incidentally, I had his
Christmas concert on performed at the Durham Cathedral from youtube. I could
see his perspective change and hence feel that in his music.

 Og>  DA> ran through it but "the bridge" after hearing on the radio
 Og>  DA> stuck with me.
 Og> The whole recording *is* growing on me!
 Og> 

YES! Glad you enjoyed it.
 Og> 
 Og> I haven't encountered a recording that I would buy as a genuine  
 Og> CD in a long time.  I've got around 2000 from previous decades.

I personally don't own a lot of CD's, primarily because it's so often theres
only one hit and the rest if meh. More so will say passing fancy or worse
yet, one hit wonders lol. As you become familiar with the artist, you just
know the album will not disappoint.. and really, my short list is pretty
short.

 Og> I recently revisited my copy of Don Henley's "The End Of The  
 Og> Innocence" and noticed one particular song for the 1st time:
 Og> 

I'll have to check that out. Good point though when you really listen, pick
up things never heard before. One example off hand, the band, LIVE from the
90's.. seemingly has a theme of water running through a few songs and
cleansing. ? idk. 

If you have any recommendations, I'm all ears LOL.
Happy listening,
/)arkman /\lmighty

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