The Police: 'Synchronicity' Deluxe Set Reviewed ... This is Awesome!!

[@rockturtleneck]

I was at the legendary Shea Stadium show on the Synchronicity tour in 1983, and it was a magical night. Great review, I will check this one out. Would love a Ghost in the Machine box, that's a more interesting record in my opinion.

[@jameslindsay24601]

The Police are one of the greatest bands in history. Their work is unbelievable from first to last. This box set looks truly great. Whether it is worth the cost is another matter, but it looks great.

[@JohnnyBeane]

Andy Summers rules! 🎸

[@timball8429]

I love the Police and delighted to see this coming out. I’ve already preordered the deluxe vinyl set. Looking forward to hearing the demos and extras in due course. Thanks for showing the booklet. Can’t wait!

[@scarcam]

Got "Message in a box" on CD off ebay back in 2021, all their albums, non album singles and B sides, paid £9.70 inc postage, well happy

[@jazzpunk]

Picked that boxset back in the day at The Price Club/Costco...happy, as well.

[@lancebuckhammer7270]

It did not have everything they released

[@JacobGorny]

It had everything in the Police Complete songbook, which up until that point had a lot of unavailable b-sides like Landlord, Friends, etc.

[@patrickcrowther9195]

'Murder by Numbers' for me was perhaps the best thing they ever did. Just a wonderful performance with such vitality.

[@jazzpunk]

In the day, I bought the LP..."Murder By Numbers" was not included. FME, people were still a little chill on buying the album on CD for 2x the cost of the vinyl. CDs sometimes included bonus material as an enticement.

[@rabit818]

I can tell that this Synchronicity box is a quality piece. The paper squeaks when pages are turned/touched.

[@p47paul]

Definitely going to purchase this one. Great review!

[@DEE-o4v]

NOt sure it's their greatest album...but it WAS a masterpiece no doubt and I do love listening to it. I was lucky to see them twice...on "The Ghosts in the Machine" tour...and on their farewell tour years ago.

[@JRZ67]

I saw them in Philly at the defunct JFK Stadium in August ‘83. 100 degree temps. My all time favorite band. As a photographer and graphic design teacher, I love seeing great layouts and rock photography.

[@thegood9]

This was absolutely my favorite album of theirs. I saw them on the tour. Just a great album with NO bad songs (yes, even "Mother", lol).

[@patflanagan2458]

Great album! They certainly went out on top

[@PaulMiller-mn3me]

Am I the only one that likes Mother? Got to appreciate it’s in 7/8

[@patflanagan2458]

@@PaulMiller-mn3me I know, but even that couldn't save it. Still truly scrotum-retractingly terrifying, every single time 🤣

[@rfish67]

Thanks for the look. I enjoyed the presentation and eagerly await the arrival of my purchase.

[@SpaceCattttt]

I'm not sure if it's their best album. It's the one with their biggest hit, certainly, but the earlier albums are nothing to sneeze at. Lovely box set, though. Wish they'd give their entire catalogue the same luxurious treatment. It deserves it.

[@EM-yk1dw]

It is still amazing that this album ever got completed/made as the 3 band members, particularly Sting and Stewart couldn’t stand each other at the time. They even recorded their various parts in separate rooms. A lovely compilation, looking forward to receiving mine, many thanks for uploading this.❤

[@danepetersenvoice]

Okay, the “recording in separate rooms” thing was NOT primarily due to them hating each other. It was a convenience, when they had arguments, but this was done on Ghost In The Machine as well and was Hugh Padgam’s idea for better sound and separation. In other words, a production decision, not a “oh by this time they hated each other” reason. That was played up in the press.

[@EM-yk1dw]

@@danepetersenvoice Yes indeed I had my suspicions regarding this, thanks for correcting me. I know that they all got on socially until they started discussing music, but then as you say, a lot was blown up by the media. I think by the time of Synchronicity all 3 band members, particularly Sting, had started to wonder how much further can they go with The Police.

[@sapphireCOLT]

been a fan since i was a lad, best band ever, i have never stopped listening

[@mattgaskell945]

Looks great and brings back good memories. The dilemma is….. once listened to once won’t it just gather dust on the shelf…. Great video Barry

[@theflyintheointment]

So true......I bought a few box sets in the past before realising exactly what you just said, and stopped - play once, then they just sit on the shelf forever. Sure they look nice on said shelf, but really at the end of the day what is it doing there other than to impress and show off to guests?

[@redbirdct]

Six CDs? Bloody hell, they only made five when they were active! Loved that album, saw them twice on the tour for it. Bought the singles as well since they usually had something unreleased on the B side. Loved the first several Sting albums too. Funny what sticks with a person as a listener long term and what doesn't. Haven't really listened to much of their stuff in recent years.

[@johncecilia4517]

Nice painting to the left

[@classicalbum]

My wife is an artist

[@johncecilia4517]

@classicalbum That's awesome, she's really good, I was drawn to the painting as I was watching the video.

[@astrosjer822]

Mine arrives tomorrow from Amazon. Looks like a fantastic box set. Only wish a 5.1 Blu Ray was included

[@Robert_St-Preux]

Well, I was going to buy groceries and my prescriptions, but I am going to get this instead. I'm so glad they let us but these songs again, as well as the songs that weren't good enough the first time!

[@davebaker7503]

Most, if not all, of these tracks at some point,will wind up on KZbin or Spotify. Hear them once to quench my curiosity and save a lot of money. Sure the book is cool, but that's a steep price, IMO

[@BLKSEA1]

Great video btw. It was nice to see the preview of the booklet too. I’ve ordered the 6CD Box, the Vinyl Box set, the Coloured 2lp set and the Picture Disc all in one go. This album was my first one that I bought when it was released, I got it when Argos use to sell music back in the day. 😊

[@happygolucky1833]

cheers baz, up for this 🤘🏻looks fantastic

[@MrBfg586]

I love the atmosphere that Andy brings to this album. Especially on tracksTea in the Sahara and Walking in Your Footsteps. It also contains some of Sting's best lyrics.

[@spinalcrackerbox]

My rating: 1. Outlandos 2. Ghost 3. Regatta 4. Zenyatta 5. Synchronicity Still, I would gladly get this box because it's a fantastic compilation job.

[@whisper2441]

I'd have Outlandos last as it's the only one that sounds dated. The other 4 are almost impossible to split, if forced to choose I'd say GITM.

[@BrisbaneTeslaGuy]

I’m getting it I’m really excited. Thanks for a wonderful video

[@eddiemethot8925]

I'm quite happy with the original albums,no need to purchase them again.

[@amd3449]

I agree 100% …I got two Old Canadian Copies and it Sound Amazing. One of my favourite Sound Test Album. Not For me!💸💸💸

[@douggottlieb]

❤❤❤ Great album. The book looks like the best ever of these deluxe packages. I wish they all were like this for other bands.

[@CWAdventures1968]

Ive pre ordered this..was buzzing when i heard of this release because its a fantastic album..i love all The Police albums and rank Synchronicity probably top..1,Synchronicity 2 Ghost In The Machine 3 Regatta De Blanc 4 Zanyatta mondatta 5 Outlandous d Amour

[@ImpartiallySpeaking]

This is an amazing project. Truly indicative and long overdue. Looks beautifully put together! It would have been nice to see emphasis being given on the genesis of police material where cover versions of earlier Last Exit material were central to the vast majority of the police albums. As with the cover version of Oh My God in the case of Synchronicity. Like Frankenstein, the song was resurrected from the dead and given a new lease of life but yet there’s still a widespread absence of awareness on the evolution of the early LX material. This would have been a great opportunity to showcase the original LX version with the original lyrics and compare it side by side with the police version and the original handwritten re-draft of the lyrics by Sting to show the process of how the track was later adapted based on the original version from 1975. That’s something that can hopefully be done for a future Police anthology release perhaps in 4 years time to commemorate the bands 50th anniversary with so many of the police songs adapted from the earlier band.

[@ChrisWright-tp2fw71]

Thanks for that. A lovely overview. Synchronicity is tied with ‘Ghost…’ as my personal favourite. However, let’s be honest. All their albums were terrific. I can’t wait to own this. I’m even not afraid to say that I love the track Mother!

[@freckoc9736]

A must buy!

[@brettengland192]

I ordered both the vinyl and the cd sets as well as the colored vinyl additions. I also own roughly 30 of the 36 cover variations that were released. The black and white covers have been the hardest to find and often fetch $1000 or more a copy. Needless to say, this album is the band's finest work, it's one of my favorite albums of all time and it's one of the greatest achievements in music history.

[@LobsterDunn]

There has been a lot of love and attention shown in this Deluxe Set. I like the VIP passes, the info and quality of the paper. Looking forward to hearing the "Depeche Mode, Tears for Fears" like demos. Nice work here Barry.

[@hughcdavies]

Does look a great purchase, I still have my original LP bought on release day in 83. As my birthday is upcoming, I'll treat myself to the 4 vinyl set. Quick note about the live cd sleeve pictures, they are the one's on the front and rear of my 83 tour program.

[@grahambaker7563]

Will certainly consider getting this as I'm a big fan of the Police. Bought the 6 single pack - in blue vinyl, of course - back in the day nut only have the first 3 albums in my possession!

[@Rene-lm8kr]

This monday in the mail... can't wait. And for the price I think it is great.

[@mournblade1066]

I bought Message in a Box back around 1994 on CD. I thought THAT was supposed to be everything they ever recorded.

[@goobfilmcast4239]

Ghost in the Machine is their definitive album (Think: Revolver).....Synchronicity is the exploration album (Think: The White Album).....

[@jupitermadcat]

I love all their albums but Ghost in the machine is my favorite as well

[@MrButtonpresser]

Yes. Driving around Germany with one cassette at the time. GITM reminds me of student pubs and beer halls!

[@brianstalker1]

I'd rank it as their 4th best album. Would have preferred a deluxe box set of Regatta or Zenyatta

[@RichardDicksondlyrch68]

I saw an article where they said they were doing all their albums, but they decided to start with Synchronicity and work backwards.

[@michaelpeuplie6464]

​@RichardDicksondlyrch68 in 2022 or 23 I believe Regatta de Blanc was supposed to be released, but decided to start with Synchronicity.

[@dystopia2386]

Would have preferred a deluxe 4-CD set of a 6th album.

[@ericbgordon1575]

I'm glad that I stayed for the full review. My gut reaction was to wonder how on Earth a special edition packaging of *Synchronicity* could contain more volumes than the Police originally issued between 1978 and 1983.

[@joemorgan4740]

Hi great unboxing. Im looking forward to getting my copy. Take care joe

[@classicalbum]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@mucy2807]

Fantastic stuff, love that album. Great channel btw Ty 👍🏻

[@classicalbum]

Thanks for listening

[@zetectic7968]

Thanks for the unboxing. Not so much of a fan that I need to buy it, although I be happy to have it. I wish I lived in a better laid out place as I have no good room for a pleasant sonic setup to get the most out of these.

[@victorbloom8286]

Im still "Trying " to collect all the Album Varieties 😊keep Up the good Work .

[@bellyofanarchitect]

Absolute masterpiece!

[@GrahamDyson-h9z]

All well & good I'm sure Barry, but I have an Excellent original 1st press which still sounds as good as it ever did (to my ears anyway !) & I don't really get the deluxe/re-release thing at all really. Perhaps I'm not so fussed because its a CD collection & I'm a Vinyl 'freak'. I must admit though, the accompanying literature looks very desirable !

[@aramadajian8534]

Might have been fun to see all 36 versions of the cover on a page in the booklet.

[@lancebuckhammer7270]

Yeah and better yet digitized photos as well but at least the outtakes are a very nice bonus

[@blamelouis]

Have mine ordered …can’t wait .👍🏻

[@finnroohomebrewing]

I've been watching your channel for a while now and just love your style and wit. I'm a great Police fan and have their albums . Saw them , live ,i think 1978 here in NZ. Awesome show, we trashed the first 5 rows of seats clambering to get to the front. After that they took all the seats out before a rock concert. I had a look at some box sets a couple of days ago and they're very expressive but look awesome. The Yes Fragile box set was nearly $300;NZ . Happily walked out with Yes , Mirror to the Sky and Porcupine Tree, Coma Devine for a total of $50nz. Very happy and will have a look on Spotify to see if the Police box set stuff you rated is on there for a listen. Thanks for your channel, I always look forward to watching.

[@josephdevlin7528]

Thanks for that. i will probably save for the final version.

[@NicholasSadlier]

I can remember when Every Breath You Take received its first airing on Radio 1 - I can safely say it generated the most excitement of any newly released song during my own lifetime thus far. I had been trying to resist coming out as a Police fan for years up to that point - I was in denial as they went against the grain (and style) of everything else I was into . But now, god damn it, they had me and here I am 41 years later with Sting's latest 3.0 concert still fresh in my head (and still somewhat peeved that he decided to omit Synchronicity 2 from the show I attended). I sense a purchase coming up...

[@kheledkitt]

Police are my favorite band of all time. I probably would have nabbed this, easily, a decade ago, and it looks worth the purchase. But, too much clutter in my life, these days. Trying to live more on the minimalist end of things. Maybe my local library will have a copy I can check out.

[@burnedoils]

very kool box-set worth getting if ur a fan of the band

[@stormbringercoming8105]

Always thought they were one of a handful of perfect bands.

[@JoeMay-wc6nv]

I would love to have this box set as it my favorite but it's as little out of my budget right now. I did get to see them on this tour With Madness & Tomson Twins.

[@kingkillah101]

I personally felt Synch was not as strong as Ghost in the Machine. Ghost had a sonic unity in all the songs and some very heavy undertones as well as real wide open drumming from Stewart, whereas Synch seemed more tentative rhythmically and poppy in a way the older hits weren't. Still a good album but Ghost I still listen to all the way through. Anyone agree?

[@rickvandijk]

Not me. GitM was where The Police became ‘Sting featuring The Police’. Andy and Stewart were no longer able to contain Stings excessive lyrical and musical - cue obnoxious saxophone playing - ambitions, which only got worse on Synchronicity. It’s the first three albums where I truly loved The Police.

[@pipandkitty2004]

Many thanks for sharing this….wouldn’t it be wonderful if the police got back together and made one last album

[@tomhockman6267]

I wouldn't get your hopes up. They don't get along in their creative process and the 2008 reunion tour was a drudge to get through, according to Stewart Copeland. Actually, to say they don't get along creatively may be the understatement of the century from the stories the band members tell.

[@paulg2733]

You can't go wrong with a bit of spot varnishing on a box set cover!

[@hship9206]

Great unboxing video. There is something about the Jethro Tull boxes that keep me buying & interested. Not sure... I cannot see myself buying this. I have the box with all the studio recordings.

[@beatleboy0195]

Who notices the similarity between this album cover and the last jam album the gift's cover both released their first and last albums around the same time. The top 2 bands in the uk in late 70's and early 80's. Maybe should've added a blu-ray of a live gig too. I'll get the 2 cd set.

[@pauldoyle8986]

Mine is on order. Can’t wait!

[@anachronistofer]

Fund The Police

[@cclark3905]

The fact that the songs are not on each individual disc is going to be the main reason that I'm not going to purchase it. Thank you for sharing that.

[@JeffCappelletti]

Oakland-Alameda County ColiseumDiscs 5 and 6 were recorded at the Day On The Green concert during the Synchronicity tour. Day On The Green was an all day concert with plenty of bands performing. In 1983 it was held on four different days. The weekend that The Police performed as the Headliner was. The Thompson Twins, Oingo Boingo, Madness, and The Fixx all performed before the Police. The concert was held at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.

[@TrappGC]

Wow 6!!!! Awesome álbum , neat box set

[@AirdrieRambler]

A cracking album, Mother excepted. Tea In The Sahara is an absolute stand-out for me.

[@josepmariaromeu2005]

I would like a similar edition of the first two albums, my favourite ones.

[@SPSteve]

I have the first 3 records and I was over The Police by then, but there's no denying Synchronicity was huge. It was everywhere, record stores, department stores, any place that sold even the smallest number of records had Synchronicity.

[@aldebaran4154]

I saw them on this tour. Aloha Stadium with Stevie Ray Vaughan and Bryan Adams. It was the last USA concert they'd play until the reunion about 25 years later.

[@sjbang5764]

The best thing about The Police, and please keep in my this is only my opinion, was the Andy Summers/ Robert Fripp collaboration.

[@geographyinaction7814]

The Rythmatist was exceptional!

[@JacobGorny]

I do hope with the new STEM ai tech we'll be able to get decent sounding 5.1 of the original albums one day. Track isolation is already quite good.

[@LowKeyTired-q7d]

The police have such powerful retro vibes for me, for some reason ...

[@misterx7929]

The band that played its first show in a stadium in Portugal on 02/09/1980 as part of the "Regatta de Blanc" world tour. The concert was scheduled to take place at the "Campo Pequeno" bullring in Lisbon. The demand for tickets was so great with many brits, germans and spaniards that they decided to move the concert to Belenenses' "Estádio do Restelo". Around 30 thousand people in the stadium and many others without tickets to see if they could jump over the stadium walls. However, anticipating this, riot police and on horseback patrolled the access to the venue and as predicted there were disturbances with bottles and chairs flying. Only in 2007 on the Reunion Tour did they play their second show.

[@Ckom-Tunes]

I ordered my copy. But I chose vinyl. I can’t wait to test the quality against my forty-year old memories!

[@simfauteux]

this is great! Merci beaucoup!

[@steveco360]

Saw them at CBGB. I think their first tour here. It was $2 to get in.

[@QuesoWatt]

Nice T-shirt, Barry (the other one's are complete bullshit).

[@MrPioneerlight2011]

You need to do a review of The Replacements 1985 album Tim boxed set...............great video by the way.....

[@robertsuszek2327]

Thank you.

[@theflyintheointment]

On the subject of King Of Pain, I remember a hilarious interview with Andy Summers around early ‘00s, where he was being extremely bitchy about Sting and The Police in general. When it came to the subject of King Of Pain, Andy in an extremely petty, sarcastic, catty way said “we gave Sting some grief about that. King Of Pain….ooooh, ducky. What’s it about? I have no idea…(long silence)…..Pain, presumably” 😂

[@The.Last.Guitar.Hero.]

don't think it is their best album (prefer ghosts in the machine), although synchronicity II my favourite song by them is on it

[@BrianRoberson-k7g]

Very dark song. My interpretation is that it's about the moments leading up to a thermonuclear war, and that the "monster" is the missile launch. Another interpretation I heard is that it's about the guy snapping and killing his family. The "monster" and "the shadow on the door" is the man himself.

[@davebaker7503]

Interesting choice. Hard for me to not to say Synchronicity though. Invisible Sun, however, is a top 10 song.

[@tdunph4250]

I picked up the limited album box set from a few years back which Barry displayed at the beginning. That's all I need. Unfortunately my original 80's LP's disappeared but they were in crap condition anyhow.

[@RichGustafson-zw2ip]

Not bad my only complaint is that there should have been a full 12 X12 page book back to back of the 36 album covers that was released for Syncronicity that most people do not even know .

[@johnkudyba1655]

I can't make up my mind as to whether this is the Police record I'd like to have.....

[@MichaelRMarshall1]

Nice review of the "Synchronicity" box set. Unfortunately, I view this as an opportunity lost as it would have been preferable to have a high-rez copy of the album much like the recent "Who's Next" mega box set. Additionally, it would have been great to also have the concert that was released on Beta/VHS that was also released during the album cycle for "Synchronicity". A remastered 4K transfer with immersive /ATMOS sound included would have made this box an absolute MUST BUY.

[@albanana683]

I agree. It looks like a nice collectors item, especially the lavish artwork and literature. But just the original album and some B sides and outtakes? That's a bit lame. I would at least want a proper remaster of the original LP.

[@nickcooper1260]

'Man In a Suitcase', very topicle.

[@geodogg07]

'Synchronicity' is definitely the The Police's 'Dark Side of the Moon' it and catapulted them to a wider mainstream audience. Some old school Police fans may prefer 'Ghost in the Machine' over 'Synchronicity' the same way some old school Pink Floyd fans may prefer 'Meddle' over DSOTM. It would have been interesting to see what the band would have done as a follow up if they stayed together. None of Sting's solo albums have even come close to topping it. I think the album is almost perfect with 'Mother' being the most expendable track ('Miss Gradenko' is a close second). Andy's 'Someone To Talk To' and Sting's 'I Burn For You' would have been much better in those spots (sorry Stewart).

[@subculture-records]

Cashing in.

[@Phlakaton88]

I definitely have eyes on it. A little pricy but I'm game.

[@danielle5980]

Hi there from a new subscriber. I really like the sound of your voice. You could also be a radio dj too. 🙂🙂

[@JIF882]

Ì do think that this is my favorite Police album. I do dig Mother. Reminds me of King Crimson. Having said that, I'm passing on this. The B sides were already released on that other box set. Not a big fan of demos. I could make a Spotify playlist of the live album once the box set is released.

[@davidcarrol110]

Synchronicity is The Police at their imperial pomp but pretty much destroyed the relationship between Sting and Stewart Copeland.

[@a.o.marcos9555]

I love synchronicity but happy with sn og pressing. No need for thd other stuff IF A BOXSET LIKE THIS OF GHOST IN THE MACHINE existed ,🎉 I'd defo buy . SO LONG AS : A ) it was NOT remastered. OR remixed . The OG sounded incredible B ) It had the alternative tracklisting MINUS the extra tracks, which sound more like SOLO sting The pic disc of GIM that did come out was awful.

[@BruceColon-BSides]

Strange set as so much of the extra content has nothing to do with the Synchronicity album itself. Still want this on vinyl. Thank you for the preview of the book.

[@slowpawstevet3676]

not my favourite Police album but a very nice looking set, maybe they'll do GITM ?

[@robison5396]

This is a good album, but not up there with the first 2 in my opinion...The singles and title track are fabulous of course. If i can find the vinyl version going cheap i could be tempted. Great review and thanks for showing.

[@rickvandijk]

I was a massive The Police fan, but I definitely prefer the first three albums where they really still sounded more like a band of equals. Ghost in the Machine and Synchronicity became much more ‘Sting featuring The Police’ albums, not my cup of tea (in the sahahahara). Never got into Sting solo either. I’d love to see extended versions of the three first albums. This one not so much….

[@faeembrugh]

Saw the Police in 1979 supported by...The Cramps! After that opening performance, sadly Sting and co seemed a little bit tame!

[@DW-nb2zc]

Sting is a total nutjob but The Police were the sh*t