THE POLICE - SPIRITS IN A MATERIAL WORLD | REACTION

[@plefevre]

Stewart Copeland's snare is one of the best things ever in rock history.

[@fatback2]

and the tightest head

[@CCDzine]

Way before those Grunge guys showcased the snare.

[@tphoyas]

His use of high hats & cymbals is 2nd to none.

[@vibezonly69]

His snare is a thing of beauty...but his high hat is the best to ever exist.

[@zeruchofficial]

So is his signature ride cymbal

[@Jenisonc]

"Canary in a coalmine." Fantastic.

[@Nick_Barone]

You wanna see how good and unique that drummer is????? Listen to “Murder by Numbers “. It’s a MUST

[@StephaneBergeronPixelyzed]

Agreed, an underrated gems. The guitars are phenomenal in it too.

[@diogenesagogo]

I doubt even Copeland could play like this at 9 years old .............. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpXImoCheNWGpJo&ab_channel=%E3%81%8B%E3%81%AD%E3%81%82%E3%81%84%E3%82%88%E3%82%88%E3%81%8BKaneaiyoyoka

[@tphoyas]

@@StephaneBergeronPixelyzed so many to name... All of their albums are full of gems, no fillers...

[@itsmedrooms6071]

Rick Beato did a great breakdown of Murder By Numbers on his KZbin channel. It breaks down how it’s counted and it’s complex. I’d love to have an analysis of this one as well.

[@Emelefpi]

the intro to 'Regatta de Blanc' is insane

[@nothingmuchado]

Stuart Copeland is one of the best drummers ever. He was doing his own interpretation of raggae/jazz/rock in a band that came out of the punk movement. His hi-hat work is always unique and he was doing that bass drum on the 2 and 4 when no other rock (non-raggae) drummers were. He turned everything on its head and made it work better in the process. All three are excellent musicians, the level of poly-rhythms between the parts in this song is insane, and it still works as a pop song.

[@sub-jec-tiv]

Yeap. Anybody that tells you the bassline has to play the same thing as the kickdrum has never listened to reggae or samba or anything spicier than Led Zepplin. This is legitimately hot music, resynthesizing great influences in their own way. Love the Police.

[@michaellittlebear7432]

Check out Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic. The drummer is incredible. It won’t disappoint. And your reactions are too cool.

[@CCDzine]

That one is all about the cymbal work, especially on the hi-hat.

[@azmichaelgreene]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3axiWSJm5iZnbM Agreed! I know John, Keith and Neil make the drum kit the lead instrument, but Stewart could be my preference.

[@porflepopnecker4376]

This is the kind of stuff that made early MTV so much fun.

[@johnp7739]

People in the comments are missing the true drumming masterpiece: "Walking on the Moon."

[@gingersnap8790]

And that bass line! Just everything about that song for me! ☺ I was scrolling through hoping someone suggested that song! 💖

[@kevinmcfarlane2752]

Drumming masterclass!

[@WeLuv9x5]

Cannot overlook “Murder by Numbers!”

[@800series]

Walking on the Moon is a song by them you should hear!

[@waynebush7934]

"Driven to Tears" is my favorite drumming song by The Police, but there are so many other great ones too.

[@plefevre]

Watch Every little thing she does is magic. It's a great song but as a drummer, you will hear what I think is the best fill in rock history. It's very short but you'll know it the moment you hear it. Copeland's snare sound is legendary but his work on the hi-hats is where he truly separates himself from others.

[@wjtate]

"Message in a bottle" One of their greatest hits of all time!

[@bryanrains1]

Their album Synchronicity was huge when it came out. “Every Breath You Take” was a monster hit. Great songs also from that album: Wrapped around your finger, king of pain, and Synchronicity II.

[@just-sayin67]

I was 17 at the time and that's when I fell in love with The Police!

[@Kim-hc5si]

Stewart Copeland is such a badass.

[@robc.8269]

Check out "So lonely", "canary in a coalmine", "man in a suitcase", "bombs away", "bring on the night", "hole in my life" & "murder by the numbers" please.

[@johnseverson6604]

Message In A Bottle & Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic are necessary

[@gingersnap8790]

Agreed. Especially "Message in a Bottle"...it's a prerequisite! lol

[@SirWrecksy]

Chod Stewart Copeland is one the top drummers seriously check out these guys more

[@MJLU280]

The Police play reggae rock fusion but also have hints of jazz and ska in there at times. They play everything. Incredible musicians.

[@MrDiddyDee]

They have a lot of songs with a reggae feel to them. Their second album was titled 'Regatta de blanc', which is pseudo French for 'White reggae.

[@jamesleblanc7437]

Oh damn, I never got the joke! Even with my name, too!

[@tphoyas]

". ..I hope my leg dont break....walking on da Moon.. "

[@donalddunlop401]

When Rock N Roll had something useful and important to say about society and did so with excellent listenable music.

[@tphoyas]

They always did songs with underlying political commentary....I think the lyrics and title of this song in particular, went over a lot of ppls heads

[@sweetpea1445]

Stewart Copeland is an amazing drummer and one of my favorites. The infamous snare he used through alot of their recordings was actually a Pearl chrome over brass shell and it is a 5 1/2" x 14" He was a Tama endorser during that time and still is, but he found that snare in a pawn shop.

[@joonzville]

You’re right, they incorporated a reggae beat in a lot of their songs.

[@dawudabdullaah6977]

The Police successfully combined both reggae, punk, and rock.

[@jimbowen2726]

The opening taps have been stuck in my head since this song came out. 👍👍

[@stephanieo2509]

Another amazing trio. Stewart Copeland is an amazing drummer.

[@jml-rj5re]

Got some 12/8 in there. Always a trip with Copeland.

[@Brian-tb1zs]

Police 3 requests. - Secret Journey, or Message in a bottle, or Demolition Man. All terrific ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@jacksonmorganfroghin4815]

Sting does great solos as well: WRAPPED AROUND YOUR FINGER & FORTRESS AROUND YOUR HEART are just two!

[@800series]

You hit the nail of the head. I saw these guys twice in the early 80s. Sting played a different bass on nearly every song. These guys are top notch musicians, Stewart Copeland is one of the top 5 drummers of all time.

[@LucidDream]

Yeah, the pop on that snare is so good. I love how Copeland creates dynamics in his sound. Just playing the cymbals for a bit, then the snare comes in to drive the chorus.

[@TheOriginalFILIBUSTA]

"That snare" is still in his studio. He has vids of musicians coming to jam, and he shows it (it's retired). His snare AND Bill Bruford's are the 2 best snare sounds in the history of Rock. Category? Umm...Reggae/Rock/Punk? If you watch interviews with Copeland about Reggae, he explains the different downbeat that you mentioned.

[@tomm2907]

Thier sound has some reggae beat to it. The lead singer, Sting,also plays bass and has arranged some songs to that reggea beat..also has some great solo stuff as well.

[@roundtownKen]

You've found a gem of a group Chod. These three musicians are monstrously talented. Listen a little deeper. Deeper than their radio hits. Try "Secret Journey" off Ghosts in the Machine.(The three red digital marks on the album front are really their 3 faces). Can't go wrong with any of their stuff.

[@jimamos7984]

Irony: This band has several hits, yet only released five albums. I would have guessed at least 9-10 albums.

[@allisterfiend_2112]

If you listen to early Police you can really hear their Reggae influence. Stewart Copeland is one of the best drummers out there. I really did not appreciate him until I started to learn how to drum years ago. He also has an interesting life story as his brother founded I.R.S. records which really helped get punk rock/new wave more exposer and his father was in the CIA. He is also a very nice guy and is funny and gives really good interviews. You should watch a documentary of him when you get a chance.

[@kylebakke594]

Copeland really puts out some magical sounds in my next recommended Police song: “Wrapped Around Your Finger”

[@absea7918]

Great reaction. The police came out of England in the late 70's, and Reggae was big in London back then - Bob Marley had recently toured there and was popular, Punk rock was also big at that time. They took a little of both, plus some keen pop songcraft of their own. They were lumped into what was known as "New Wave" bands back then, but actually were an odd fit. The drummer was from a progressive rock band (Curved Air), and bassist (Sting) had done some studio work, and had a jazz background. Guitarist Andy Summers was older than both, and had experience in rock touring acts. By this album (their 4th), the jazz and reggae roots are melded with their pop approach. Drummer Stewart copeland used a 14 x 5 snare.

[@rb7007]

Yes, they’ve said their inspiration have been from listening to Bob Marley and Peter Tosh. So definitely a reggae influence! You need to check out “Walking on the Moon” next. One of their best! 🔥 I loved their early stuff. After 1983, ....not so much.

[@michaelyork4554]

Police fit in that time where everyone had killer audio equipment. The Bass was heard, noticed, felt, The Police are also a perfectionist band, try "Don't Stand So Close To Me" Bass! Turn it UP

[@RobtSc]

Police tunes to check out: Can't Stand Losing You, Invisible Sun, Bed's Too Big Without You, Walking On the Moon.

[@tphoyas]

'Don't Stand So Close to Me", "Voices Inside My Head" ....Zenyatta Mondatta was my introduction to the Police back in like 81'.. life soundtrack is littered with their catalog.....And I'm a Black kid from the Westside of Chicago. Music is an amazing thing

[@jimmyaye4204]

When the Police first came on the scene they were often lumped in with the punk or new wave bands, but their sound is way too unique. Kind of a blend of rock, reggae and jazz, but even saying that I'm limiting them. When a Police song came on the radio you immediately knew who it was. A fantastic band.

[@labgnat]

Amazing song, King of Pain is another great one of theirs

[@showtime4243]

Awesome reaction to a fantastic band !! Some more Police songs to check out would be “ De do do do, da da da”, Everything she does is Magic, Don’t Stand so Close to me, Walking on the moon .....

[@andrewwright9378]

When Punk and New Wave happened in UK, those groups( and myself) were brought up on a lot of ska/ reggae because most urban centres in the sixties and seventies had big West Indian, particularly Jamaican communities. Punks and Rastafarian’s identified with each other’s “outlaw status”. So the Police were consciously trying to tap in to that. They were briefly referred to as “White Reggae” in the Music Press when the first came out I seem to remember.

[@barriehull7076]

The Police became globally popular in the late 1970s and early 1980s, they played a style of rock influenced by punk, reggae, and jazz. Drummer Stewart Armstrong Copeland (born July 16, 1952) is an American musician and composer. Lead singer Gordon Sumner, better known by his stage name of Sting, is a schoolteacher turned musician, born in Newcastle upon Tyne in 1951. Andrew James Somers (born 31 December 1942), known professionally as Andy Summers, is an English singer and guitarist. The Police have sold over 75 million records, making them one of the best-selling bands of all time. The band won a number of music awards, including six Grammy Awards, winning Best British Group once. In 2003, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Four of their five studio albums appeared on Rolling Stone's list of the "500 Greatest Albums of All Time".

[@agresticumbra]

Reggae was the “downtime” music a lot English punk bands would play, and all of that is in The Police’ background, along with jazz and rock.

[@petenoseworthy6841]

Reggatta De Blanc = White Reggae

[@TheoZoffrok]

Great reaction. One thing I was slightly surprised about was that when you were talking about Sting's bass, you were talking about the chorus (which is good), rather than the verse, which is fecking *insane*! One of my favourite basslines ever.

[@benjammin7729]

Someone needs to be the first to react to “Synchronicity II” to hear what this band can do.

[@brianrestuccia9756]

Walking on the moon

[@Auntkekebaby]

Just check their WHOLE Police CATALOG '79-'83!! Listen to every song. Sick. Stewart Copeland is SICK. I don't go one day without listening. Sting's writing is incredible. I don't think category. It's jazz, reggae, Middle Eastern, punk, funk... My favs of all time. DOPE!

[@176crt]

Any police song...always awesome. They started out being billed as a pink style band, but their first three albums: Outlandos d’Amour, Regatta De Blanc, and Zenyatta Mondatta, were very heavily Reggae influenced. They began stepping away from the reggae sound on Ghost in the Machine for a more commercial sound, although Spirits still bore the reggae beat. And finally, Synchronicity... their final album. A masterpiece in its time. I was fortunate to see them live for this tour and had a blast (Re-Flex opened for them - Politics of Dancing). I loved the Police, but after they split in 1984, they fell off my music radar. Thanks for the re-introduction 🙂

[@Frankincensedjb123]

What's amazing about Sting in this video is that he keeps that thumping bass going throughout simply at times by just thinking about playing.

[@JoeSmith-ey2xp]

When I was a kid I wished I was half as cool as Stewart Copeland....I still do

[@jimarmstrong5820]

One of my all time favourites! Brilliant song.

[@roccaclassico9028]

Like "Rush", all 3 of these guys are phenomenal musicians. "Bring On the Night" has a great guitar riff by Andy Summers running throughout, also with Reggae parts mixed in. "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" was one of their big hits, and includes steel drums in the background in the refrain, a piano hook, and great lyrics as well.

[@supasoulproductions]

Police drummer uses a Tama snare... 'Stewart Copeland signature snare' 5X14 inch 1.5mm brass. I suggest their song Walking On the Moon.

[@onsesejoo2605]

Please react to "Bed's Too Big Without You" mono version. :)

[@RossBayCult]

The bassline on this has a definite reggae feel to it. No doubt. Stewart’s drumming gives Sting more freedom to do what he wants on bass

[@VegasAlien1]

Phenomenal band.

[@oneilprovost2287]

Sting is one of the best songwriters in the history of music... period. Add in one of the best drummers in rock history and a fantastic guitar player with his own sound and yeah... one of the best bands ever, let alone three piece.

[@rogeroran2911]

Canary In a Coal Mine, Walking On the Moon and Demolition Man are must listen songs from them. All 3 of these guys are amazing musicians.

[@Johonnac]

Just reminded me of the Grace Jones version(s)

[@rogeroran2911]

@@Johonnac yes, that’s very cool version as well

[@markstoudenmire4935]

The drummer Stewart Copeland has been endorsed by Tama For over 40 years. He even has his own signature snare which is the same size as what he played back when this song was recorded....14"×5". When he tuned his snare it was always tuned as tight as he could get it. He has mastered many different genres and was even playing in a progressive rock band prior to joining the police. Simply put.....he's an animal on drums.

[@TEXICANROCKNROLL]

One of my favorite bands. When I saw that you were reacting to The Police I was like yes... though I was hoping it would be "Message in a Bottle", still a great choice though

[@kjwilkguitar]

Stewart Copeland's snare drum that he used on those Police recordings was a 5x14 snare drum, not a deep one. Even though he's been a Tama endorser for over 40 years, his snare was said to be a Pearl. His signature snare drum from Tama came out about 10 years ago. They put out 5 albums from 1978 to 1983 and the snare sound got tighter with each consecutive album.

[@davidhattman7649]

Stewart Copeland is one Bad ASS Drummer and his father worked for the CIA!!

[@kroft6799]

This is a great song off a great album. But honestly I think you'd be more impressed by songs off their first three albums (like Roxanne). Their last album containing every breath You take is the most popular but honestly I think it's their worst. This is their next to last album (ghost in the machine). They had 5 studio albums in their original run. Stewart Copeland is one of the best and most underrated rock drummers of all time in my opinion. He doesn't really play solos but his groove is unbelievable.

[@johnp7739]

Synchronicity (last album) is a masterpiece, especially lyrically.

[@tphoyas]

@@johnp7739 sonically they went more modern. Compared to their other work Syncronicity may be their worst, but relative to the rest of music then and now? Indeed a masterpiece. Like, the 3rd Batman w/ Bane stands alone as a great movie, but ain't better than the Dark Knight. The Police set such a high standard with their earlier work. They commercially topped out with that last album...hard to believe they would argue & riff with each other which led to the breakup

[@johnp7739]

@@tphoyas Synchronicity was their best work. Ghost in the Machine was probably the second best, and both of those albums were less influenced by reggae (especially Synchronicity). The song Synchronicity 2 was entirely different than anything they did before and an absolute lyrical masterpiece. It was a combination of Carl Jung, William Yeats "The Second Coming" poem and a man battling depression, anxiety and modern life, with the Loch Ness Monster reference as a representation. They were at their peak when they broke up, and had definitely matured in every way.

[@tphoyas]

@@johnp7739 No arguement from me there...I guess it's a matter of best vs favorites...the earlier albums hold sentimental and nostalgic value. The freshness of discovery.. Synchronicity is definitely a culmination or crescendo of their sound evolution. It sounds like some on the thread have a problem with their early reggae influences though. As if there is shame in that fact...🤔.

[@bemused9522]

Yes, definitely hearing some reggae echoes, especially in earlier music. Check out songs "Synchronicity 1 & 2" amazing songs at the time they came out and I still think so. Sting did a early solo dong called "Set them free" definitely shows reggae influence and just a great song. PS Synchronicity 2 much Wilder musically in my opinion than part one. Peace and love.

[@dennislindqvist8443]

I started listening to them as a child in the late seventies and still do. They sounded so different and minimalist which appealed to me. Sting also wrote his best songs during the years with the Police.

[@thecoogs]

All classically trained and it shows. Desert Island worthy

[@vernonallen3370]

Guitarist Andy Summers and Drummer Stewart Copeland had been in progressive rock , blues and fusion bands before the joining the police. Summers was in later line ups of the Animals and Soft Machine, while Copeland had been in Curved air. Sting had been in semi pro jazz bands often playing double bass, while holding down a day job as a teacher. The Police were formed during the punk era 1977 , early songs and performances reflect that style but soon added reggae rhythms by the time of their first album and are more associated with the New Wave genre , a form of music which allied punk attitude with greater musical creativity and the advent garde.

[@waynestumbo2408]

I think you might like Demolition Man by this amazing band

[@joepiano8238]

There is actually a Stuart Copeland Signature snare. They made a bunch of prototypes before they got it right. The original snare that Stuart used was the same on all their original recordings

[@throwabrick]

The Police came out of the London Punk Rock scene, and a lot of punk bands in the UK had Reggae and Ska influences. Stewart Copeland was on a mission, and he found Sting playing bass in a jazz band. They were miles ahead of the other punks musically, so they were considered "fake" punks.

[@wpollock1]

Chod, someone is giving you the "choice" cuts....love it. Yes, it is reggae based....they were deemed :New Wave" or SKA. Zenyatta Mondatta is a great album....Canary in a Coalmine, Driven To Tears...(great drumming!)

[@jennifertierney9076]

Stewart Copeland is a incredible drummer. Fast and complex.

[@toddholmes2290]

One of the Police’s best songs here …. I dare you not to tap your foot to this ! Lol 😆 Thanks for sharing & reacting.

[@michaelstojsavljevic8453]

They were rock, punk, jazz, reggae, new wave, pop... all the good stuff haha

[@johnlermaqct]

They were the first band I saw in concert, 1982 ,Joe King Carrasco and the 4 crowns opened, after the GoGos canceled, Houston, TX, @ The Summit...SOLD OUT!

[@jaybirdderby]

You should check out a genre that seems mostly dead now called “ska”. Artists would be Madness or The Specials, among others. It was fairly popular in the 80’s on MTV. The Police either influenced it or were influenced by it I think.

[@TheOriginalFILIBUSTA]

Not dead. I listen to it at least 3 times a month. :P

[@johnp7739]

The Police were pre-ska, so they influence it. They were influenced some by reggae, which is also part of ska, though.

[@TheOriginalFILIBUSTA]

@@johnp7739 No no no. Ska is 1960s. 2nd wave 2 tone ska was just picking up from the 60s; The Police were just there at the time. Ska didn't need them.

[@johnp7739]

@@TheOriginalFILIBUSTA Yawn. The Police didn't need any of those 60's ska bands either. These guys were literally classically trained and had many influences. That was just one.

[@TheOriginalFILIBUSTA]

@@johnp7739 Maybe you should watch a few docs and interviews. I'm well aware of their history; Reggae was a huge influence, just listen to the 5 albums.

[@sub-jec-tiv]

Yeah. Pocket snare, 100% accurate. Unbelievable drummer, it’s not just his drums, it’s his crazy touch. He bangs. He grew up in Cairo, listening to the rhythms in Egyptian music. Absolutely they were into ska and reggae, and it was a natural fit for the drummer Stewart Copeland who already was into those non-straight beats.

[@MTB-Idle]

Their second album was called Regatta de Blanc which literally translates as 'white reggae'

[@donaldbass6737]

The Police had a reggae/ calypso background…but with a progressive twist. Yep. The Police are indeed singular. When you hear Sting’s later music you realize how learned he is in terms of melody and chord Progression. Good to know you appreciate them.

[@MoonChild-1994]

I love your insight, you notice all the cool things Chod! If you like Stings bass playing and Steve's drumming on this one then you will love love Walking on the Moon! Reaction please? And yes they were very unique sounding with a kind of upbeat mystic sound, reggae pop-rock fusion when they first started in the early 80s. My parents got me into them when I was growing up and other 80s artist.

[@pablogaeta3815]

the police is easy to underestimate because they are very pop and accessible. but when you scratch the surface, they're incredibly talented and original musicians and the lyrics are awesome.

[@micknordstrom2591]

The back beat is sick! Stewart is out of this world. When the snare hits the 4 the first time... Wow!

[@ajogg]

They were labeled as a rock band but did have a reggae tone sometimes, also a jazz tone sometimes. They're all excellent at their instruments. It's too bad they didn't get along because they could have put out a lot more stuff. Stewart Copeland the drummer does film scores now. His snare was a 5.5" x 14" drum shell put out by Tama.

[@anthonyblakely399]

Stewart Copeland the Drummer is one of the best drummers in Music History!!!! Legendary!!!!

[@barmalgran666]

The police were also known as the first White Reggae band... they made reggae mainstream. A bunch of their reggae songs made it to #1 in the UK and top 10 around the world.

[@redfishradical]

They were Ska to start with, then obviously the pulled a Beatles/Joe Jackson/Talk Talk and just followed their muse where it led them (though Copeland’s phenomenal drumming always maintained a touch of reggae/ska! To appreciate Copeland you have to see him play live!! Mind blowing! Saw them twice live in their first go’round and spent a lot of time watching Stewart! But make no mistake, all three are CRAZY TALENTED!

[@surlechapeau]

C, Relevant lyrics!!! Great reaction and band

[@BethHutter]

They are all great musicians. You can really go down a rabbit hole with their music. They were sometimes looped into the new wave sound, sometimes ska. These early songs definitely has some reggae influence. Don't Stand So Close to Me, Message in a Bottle, Wrapped Around Your Finger, Synchronicity II, Invisible Sun, Murder By Numbers. Then you need go down the immense rabbit hole that is Sting's solo career. Prolific is not too strong a word.

[@tphoyas]

Got a RARE song for Police fans.. . Features Sting singing lead "Natural High" by synth guy Eberhart Schoener...a Sting side project...early 80s era. Only heard it once on the radio in over 40yrs. A treat for sure

[@davidjames3080]

British reggae was arguable at it's strongest in the late 70s and early 80s (ie the era of The Police) so a lot of bands around that time (Pretenders, Specials, Rush, 10cc) incorporated reggae into their music.

[@mark7400]

King of Pain live Tokyo 2008 is a good example of drummer Copeland where he's also plays percussion. Same concert also message in a bottle.

[@hampyonce]

When it was published, the sheet music for the drum part of "Walking on the Moon" was the longest ever, or some shit like that. Stewart Copeland is worth fully absorbing for a practicing percussionist.

[@Deborahtunes]

The Police always has such great energy in their faster tempo songs. And Stewart Copeland is one of the best drummers out there. I would put him in my top 5 on the skins. Yes, they a lot of times have a reggae flare. I'd listen to *"Voices In My Head"* & *"Driven To Tears"* both incredible songs, with a lot of musicality...

[@richardbryant3401]

Yes,there is a reggae background to their music. It's wonderful that you.as a young man is paying attention to the older music these days!!!

[@catlee3730]

I saw them live in 1981, and guess who opened for them? Santana!!! I was a freshman in high school … I was mesmerized by all.

[@godbluffvdgg]

The syncopation beat of the Bass drum and the so tasty.Great practice piece for drummers...The entire Zenyatta Mondatta is a drummers paradise...

[@sfbayareagirl]

I love the chant-like beat of this song. Sting brings the energy to every song. Copeland is flawless.

[@DJDOGG31]

Rush drummer Neil Peart and Stewart Copeland the drummer of the Police were good friends. If you could react to Rush song that rarely gets a reaction you should try “Distant Early Warning” or “New World Man”. You will not be disappointed. 👍

[@michaelastorga3187]

Sting vocals Steward Copland's drums and Andy Summer guitar were a masterpiece