Great Rock Albums of 1982: The Police- Ghost in the Machine
Normally, I start each year with the very first album or song from an album I heard at the beginning of said year. But my brain isn’t what it used to be and I only realised this mistake after this album was announced. So, you’ll get that one next post. I can’t even blame being caught in massive amounts of traffic and roadworks today while going to and from a supply teaching assignment that was miles away where my “Iron Man 2” soundtrack got scratched. Maybe it was all for the best because “Ghost in the Machine” by The Police might be a good place to start.
Tempting as it may be to once again mention my suspicion about albums whose hit single is the opening track being a ploy by one hit wonders, I won’t. True, the very first two tracks on “Ghost in the Machine” are the two singles from the album but I get a different impression here. “Spirits of the Material World” and “Every Little Thing She Does is Magic” are both good songs in their own right and worthy of being singles, my impression is that the idea behind putting them first was to say, “Now, you’ve heard the singles, now listen to the rest of our album.”
The rest of the album is no less inferior, in fact, I only like it more. “Invisible Sun” gives me a dark brooding feeling while I listen to it but I like it. Then things go the complete opposite way with the next two songs. “Hungry for You” and “Demolition Man” are almost party atmosphere songs and definitely make things come alive. With the latter, I hear a bit of fingerboard smoking from Andy Summers which is probably why it’s my favourite track on the album. So once again I ask, why did they not just give him one song to just shred? Answers on a post card please. “Too Much Information” sums me up perfectly at times and is an enjoyable song and “One World” sticks out as well. With “Ghost in the Machine,” The Police stick with the standard reggae-rock roots but at the same time weren’t afraid to venture out of their comfort zone a little. The result is a great album.
Track Listing:
1. Spirits in the Material World
2. Every Little Thing She Does is Magic
3. Invisible Sun
4. Hungry For You (J’aurais toujours faim de toi)
5. Demolition Man
6. Too Much Information
7. Rehumanizer
8. One World (Not Three)
9. Omegaman
10. Secret Journey
11. Darkness
Sting- vocals, bass, saxophone, keyboards
Andy Summers- guitar, guitar synth, keyboards
Stewart Copeland- drums, percussion, keyboards
It might not actually have opened 1982 for me musically but I think that perhaps “Ghost in the Machine” by The Police was a good place to begin the journey through the year.
Next post: The actual first album I heard in 1982, actually it was a couple of songs.
Rod Stewart- Tonight I’m Yours
To buy Rock And Roll Children, go to http://www.strategicpublishinggroup.com/title/RockAndRollChildren.html
Also available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Froogle and on sale at Foyles Book Shop in London
November 24, 2014 at 10:55 pm
There seems to be some synchronicity in the air these days. My buddy Uncle Meat was telling me how good the Police studio albums are, and how a “greatest hits” isn’t enough. Then 1537 wrote a tantalizing Police review, and now this. Things happen in 3’s!
Sounds like Ghost in the Machine is one I’d enjoy.
LikeLike
November 24, 2014 at 11:59 pm
I think it is. Maybe this is a sign that you should listen to some Police.
LikeLiked by 1 person
November 25, 2014 at 2:29 am
Spirits is and was a awesome piece of music….great read!
LikeLike
November 25, 2014 at 6:02 pm
Thanks and I Spirits is a good song.
LikeLike
November 25, 2014 at 10:39 am
I’m in the same boat as Mike. This band seem to be coming up a lot so it might be time to investigate beyond the singles. I like the sound of this one and the singles from it are some of their best. Cheers!
LikeLike
November 25, 2014 at 6:03 pm
You’re welcome. This album would be the best place to start. I have found it better than the other two albums I’ve covered here.
LikeLike
November 25, 2014 at 6:53 pm
Same boat as Mike and Mr Overload … time has come to investigate what Police have to offer.
… plus, The Afghan Whigs done gone recorded Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic.
LikeLike
November 25, 2014 at 9:19 pm
Wow, I’m flattered that I’ve seem to have started a renewed interest in The Police. I wonder if they will pay me royalties. I’ll have to hear the Afghan Whigs cover of Every Little Thing
LikeLike
November 26, 2014 at 9:48 pm
It’s definitely worth looking for should you get a YouTube moment.
LikeLike
November 27, 2014 at 9:31 pm
Definitely!
LikeLike
November 25, 2014 at 10:21 pm
Copycat!!
LikeLike
November 27, 2014 at 9:31 pm
No, I’m not. I was always planning to begin 1982 with The Police. It just happens that you had the same idea. It’s just a case of great minds think alike.
LikeLike