The Police The Police (CD)
The Police are back on the beat and it's unclear whether this compilation of hits by the recently re-formed rock band was intended as a pre-tour refresher for old fans or an introduction for new ones.
But either way, the double album is a celebration of the late 70s and early 80s.
From the reggae-tinged Spirits in the Material World and Can't Stand Losing You, to the ethereal, Kate Bush-esque Tea in the Sahara, and the Brit-pop-stylings of Fall Out to the rock number Truth Hits Everybody, every track conjures up images of big hair and baggy T-shirts.
Many of the songs verge on the repetitive, with choruses sung over and over until they fade out. Fortunately, most are also very short, so there's never enough time for a song to get boring. The best tracks are the most well-know and often copied ones.
The mournful Roxanne, upbeat Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic and stalkers' anthem Every Breath You Take have stood the test of time, and are as listenable now as when they first came out.
So Lonely is a fun mix of laidback Caribbean vibes and dancy beats, while the tribal drums of Walking In Your Footsteps are worth repeated listenings.
All in all, a great collection of retro tunes.
