Hound Dog--Elvis Presley, Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On--Jerry Lee Lewis, (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction--Rolling Stones, Like a Rolling Stone--Bob Dylan, I Feel Fine--Beatles, Paint it Black--Rolling Stones, Good Vibrations--Beach Boys, Purple Haze--Jimi Hendrix Experience, What's Going On--Marvin Gaye, Papa Was a Rolling Stone--Temptations, Baba O'Riley--The Who, Killer Queen--Queen, I Shot the Sheriff--Bob Marley, Love to Love You Baby--Donna Summer, Anarchy in the UK--Sex Pistols, How Soon Is Now--Smiths, Rapture--Blondie, Da Ya Think I'm Sexy--Rod Stewart, Miss You--Rolling Stones, Sheena Is a Punk Rocker--Ramones
To me, 'Message in a Bottle' and Stewart Copeland's display of his unique drumming talent here, comprises his finest moment with The Police. The totally-out-there, unique syncopation may make it one of the finest displays of drumming in any popular rock song, period. In 40 years I've never gotten tired of hearing it, and it's still my favorite song out of the band's entire catalogue.
The Police and The Cure are two bands where you hear their first album and you go “Oh hey this is nice.” And then you hear their second albums and it blows you away.
Circa 1980, we music-loving teens would debate who was better between Neil and Stewart. I argued that there was no need to declare a "victor" -- they were so different, comparisons didn't mean much. But I _preferred_ Stewart. 😊
@phunkyCW Yes indeed, all the Signals album is cleary influenced by The Police & new wave style. Definitely, Copeland is one of the most influential drummers in music history. And Neil is in the same level for rock music, no doubt. No need to compare. Of course there is many many important drummers and tastes for all, but both + Bonham were my 3 personal main influences playing drums. You can find out there in the net hundreds of young drummers considering this 3 legends are not enough good, just because they value present drummers who got speed and success in bands (for instants Im thinking in Dave Grohl, who is totally overrated in my opinion). Greetings from Madrid!
Warren, your song breakdowns are like no other. Just enough detail, historical context and whimsy to make the presentation really compelling to watch. Your style is second to none and refreshing. Keep up the great work.
Totaly Pete & there are clearly two distinctive eras on the sound and playability of the drums: the pre-Copeland and the post-Copeland! After him, drummers started to become tighter on every song sections! 🙌
He's a massive influence on my own drumming; 'Zenyatta Mondatta' was one of the albums I'd first started to play the drums to, and I've always loved how he tuned his set much higher than others so it'd cut through the mix :-)
@nimrodian it is true, of course, you had all the amazing drummers from r&b, funk, dance and jazz fusion but, I'd say Copeland marked a very distinctive sound produced and technique within popular music at that time. Very innovative
I remember hearing the Police for the first time, when i was around 12-13, and just being blown away by it. Songs like Message in a Bottle, So Lonely and Roxanne to this day remain some of my favorite songs.
just found this now... I am wondering how someone could have given a thumbs down for this... I found it entirely entertaining and The Police... what's not to like? Great work!!
Great video Warren. I had the good fortune to meet Andy Summers after a gig in Cambridge UK with John Etheridge in '94. where andy happily chatted and signed my guitar too. I did ask the question, "Will their ever be a reunion", to which he said.. "Never say Never". Thanks for bringing back the memory. All the best Jay
The police, I just love those guys, they're magnificent, brilliant and fantastic!! Their music just sounds really good!! Now at 54 I'm still listening to their music and I don't get tired of it, as new music comes in today the old music keeps getting better every day, I just don't get why old music sounds so good than today's generation of music.
I have a friend, named Oz Middleton, that does a most killer rendition of this song. This is one of those pieces that I can listen to for weeks on end. I'll never get tired of it. If only I could write something that makes me feel that way. Oh well. No time like right now.
One of my favorite albums of all time is synchronicity. Once you get to synchronicity II The album is just continuous magic till the end, every breath you take, then my favorite police song king of pain, wrapped around your finger tea in sahara, and finishes with murder by numbers. Its the best 6 songs in a row of any album Ive ever heard.
It's hard to remember how revolutionary these songs were at the time, but I remember wondering how they could be punk when their musicianship was so obvious especially Stewart's drumming. I'm a drummer and it was a challenge to figure out exactly what he was doing. Thanks for doing these videos!
Hey Warren - OMG, you are in my wheelhouse here. I was 18 when this came out! A few observations: 1 - I've always played that guitar riff as you did [and as Mr. Summers does now]. Back in the day, it felt great to see some "jazz chord shapes" make their way from what I was studying into a current hit song. 2 - I can't believe I never went in for a deep enough dive to hear that harmony part shadowing the riff. Thank you! 3 - re. Sting: That verse 2 vocal/bass breakdown was amazing. What a vocal [and certainly easier to hear he was playing fretless bass]! 4 - re. Andy Summers - brilliant & underrated. If you haven't read it, I very highly recommend his autobiography, ONE TRAIN LATER; it was [and likely still is] quite a journey for him. 5 - re. Stewart Copeland - my God, did he find the perfect part to play on track after track; such complexity & simplicity side by side. Cool hi-hat for days & days, well earning his independent hi-hat credit on DON'T GIVE UP from Peter Gabriel's SO! Time for a rewatch; thank you for choosing yet another immortal slice of music.
There was this small club next to our Uni called Edgertons. I went to almost every live event they had there. I was struck by the poster of this band who called themselves The Police. It was unique. I loved it. Ironically, they were the one act I didn’t go see there. I have always regretted that decision.
Outlandos D'Amour has to be one of the best debut albums of all time. I still love it as much today as when I first heard it in 1984, despite it being released in 1978. That's how brilliant it is.
Stuart Copeland's drum parts.... exceptionally breath-taking. Why do I always forget him, then? My brain needs reprogramming! And really dig the John Peel session version.
The Police -- in my top 3 for my favorite ever bands. I will never get sick of listening to their music -- to this day it still sounds fresh,...well,...at least to my old ears.
My Google Algorithm found this video and put it in my feed and I'll be forever grateful. I'm a lifelong fan of The Police and I live for background info + technical analysis of what makes them great. This video is a real treat and I look forward to exploring other rest of your channel now!
This was my first influence as a young Artist, I also purchased imported Ska, from the UK, exposed to Calypso, Reggae at a very early age with cultural events.Excellent to see the audio files, this truly is of intrigue.
A lot of people tend to take sides in the Police but really it was all three of them together. Sting's writing and bass, Copeland's amazing drums, and Summers guitar, Summers deserves more attention then he gets. I could not imagine the band without all three of them.
As a bassist I try to capture/emulate the original tones when I'm giggin with my cover band. However, that catalog of tones has been great to pull from when I'm recording either myself or other artists especially when someone wants "this new sound with an 'old' feel". Other than making me feel old I appreciate their desire. Once again, great video.
Fantastic video Warren! I was in high school between 1984 - 1988, discovered the Police and worked my way back through their catalog with passion. There was magic in their music - it woke up my head - and my own journey as a budding singer /songwriter /guitarist would never be the same. Thanks especially for tackling "Message in a Bottle" with such insight and care!
Yet another brilliant episode in this revelatory series. Loving it to bits. By they way, one of the best rock 'n' roll memoirs you will ever read is 'One Train Later' by Andy Summers. The Police don't even appear until the last third of the book. His musical journey prior to the band is simply astonishing. He played soul music with Zoot Money in London mod clubs in the mid-1960s, was in a psychedelic band called Dantalion's Chariot, joined Eric Burdon & the Animals... Soft Machine... jammed with Hendrix one night in a studio (Hendrix on bass)... toured with Neil Sedaka (who bought him an amp 'cos he didn't have one at the time). Incredible story. He was in his late 30s when he joined the Police --- though he looked 10 years younger. Still looks great today -- the music has kept him young. Great photographer too.
I liked Sting's and Stewart's biographies also, however Andy's is my #1, and I've read it multiple times. He's 77 now, one year older than Keith Richards!
Hello from Northern California 🎉!! Just discovered your channel and enjoying your posts very much!! It was "Walking On The Moon" that hooked me to The Police!! I always wanted to be a drummer from childhood days so it's not a stretch that Stewart's drumming that grabbed me also... his cymbal work is AWESOME 😎👍🎉!!! On another note... for me a song that changed music, IMO, is "Hypnotized" by Fleetwood Mac!! Mick's drumming, the lyrics, the way acoustic and electric guitars dance, the painted image, etc... Sweet tune. Very underrated tune!!
Thanks for looking at this classic tune. I absolutely love this track. I'm pretty sure that Andy Summers once said that this was his favourite recording made by The Police. The drum intro and harmonised guitar riff still gets me every time and it remains one of the most recognizable starts to any recorded music.
Thank you for this one. Still my favorite Police song. I'm still not sure how but I think I completely missed it on radio, albeit we only had one am station back then. I remember riding my bike and singing Roxanne. The next Police moment I remember was holding the 45 for Don't Stand So Close To Me in my hands.
End of 70's and early 80's so much of what was UK pop/rock was influenced by Reggae music. The punk/new wave sounds of the Clash, the police, Elvis Costello, culture club etc and of course the 2nd wave of Ska and the broader British working class take on Jamaican music e.g Madness, UB40. The British pallet was now sensitized to Reggae bands, due to the Police and others making it mainstream, which opened the way for home grown Reggae, dub and lovers rock bands like; Steel Pulse, Aswad, Misty in roots, Black slate ... the list goes on! And as you say, not to forget the influence that Bob Marley had on all of the above. Thanks Warren for another excellent video!
@@Producelikeapro No, i thank You !!! You already helped me so much teaching me to mix my drum Videos With your amazing tipps !!! And now you Made me sit down and take my old Tele in my hands and learning That Message in the bottle Riff :) Thank you for your Passion for the Music and for your wisdome .you are such a great Guy With such a good soul that shines through your Videos !!! Thank you so much
Sting deserves all the songwriting plaudits he's ever received (& there are many)... so gifted. Synchronicity II is another example, but his solo material is full of amazing music too... Desert Rose, All this time, Fields of Gold... its a long list. So glad I got to see the police 12 or 13 years ago!
Such a wonderful little film. Filled with interesting facts, great quotes and inspiration. As a bassist, Stewart Copeland is on my top three list of drummers I want to jam with.
During that time the to greatest bands IMO were the Police and Rush..... Massive talent in all the components of both. You broke this down beautifully. Love what you do man. Rock on! I LOVED the police so much back then..
Incredible riff, incredible song and fantastic production. I bought this on 7” green vinyl when it was released. I was so excited to see this at number one and seeing the video on Top Of The Pops each weekend. This is an excellent video series, Warren!
Yes! I was actually thinking once they'd finished the song, "Well, they've already played their biggest hit - what could possibly still come *now* ??" LOADS of great songs, the answer was! :-)) And I reckon they'd done a great job with rearranging most of the songs, too! It would've been a bit boring, had they played them exactly like they'd already done back in the day.
That Copeland drum sound is still unrivaled. Sting’s bass lines on the album still resonate today. Regatta is Police best album and one of the 100 greatest of british rock.
To me what makes The Police so unique is that they wrote very commercial music, in the sense it was very popular and many songs just ended up in the charts in high places and still they had a totally unique sound that made them instantly identifiable after hearing a couple of notes. Pretty amazing. Funny thing was, that on their first few albums I typically preferred their not so well known songs.
Another great addition to the series... a great band, love the sound they got on those early albums.. I had a phase a couple of years back when I couldn't listen to anything but the police when in my car..👍
Thank you so much Warren. This song DID change my life also. It was instant love and the reason why I became a drummer. Just a little observation: the drums part you showed as different was not a different arrangement, but the way Copeland played it live (of course, it evolved through the years). The studio version is in fact the sum of different overdubs. Love the series! Thanks so much!
@Frank Lee - Oh yes, the single edit of 'Message...' definitely has several bits missing! I prefer the 'proper' album version, just like any other one; It's the radio/TV stations' problem if they don't have time to play the whole song, not mine! ;-)
Great retrospective of an amazing song. One of my favorite things about this song is actually how Stewart Copeland comes in late on the ride during the second prechorus. It's a great example that a little mistake doesn't necessarily ruin anything when the take is so good, and that even legendary songs and musicians aren't always perfect and don't need to be. Keep these videos coming, Warren!
Thanks Warren for your insightful series. I pass the location of the old Surrey Sound Studio every day on my way to work. It's now a ladies fitness studio above a specialist sports shop. It was never a luxurious place unlike some! I was blessed to have known the late Geoff Boswell who was engineer at Surrey Sounds. It's amazing to think of what was created in this unassuming place.
I haven't listened to you in awhile so pleased to see you covering the Police. Regatta is such an interesting mish mosh of the 3 talents...New Wave's Cream. I'll let you do the rest...take it away.
Fan-friggin-tastic!! One of my favorite songs of all time and your dissection of it was eye and ear opening - nicely done!! Never knew Andy had a Gibson humbucker!
This vid made my day. I heard Sting once intro'd the song live early on as a 'song from my new record!' The bass drum alone on this track is amazing, like a kick in the stomach each time. Sting once said too I think that Andy's fancy noodling just before the final verse added textures he hadn't thought of before. The bass (fretless?) sounds so deep with that double on the 1st & 3rd notes. Thanks, looking forward to more .
When Message In A Bottle came out, I still heard most of the music in my life through a tiny AM radio in my parent's kitchen, and I will always remember how that song sounded so good in even that lofi context that it blew me away.
Hey man just found your site awesome analysis of my favorite band of all time..... it's got me excited about music again I actually blew the dust off my bass guitar and started practicing again!!!
I remember myself going to the record store and asking for the guys who plays fast reggae. The owner gave right away the album to me, I was crazy of their music. It was something that I never heard before. Even I was in that time a huge fan of reggae. I still have all their albums on vinyl. Stored here. Same with other great albums from big stars of the 70s and 80s. Great video, and you're a great guitar player as well Warren.
I remember watching that Rock goes to college episode. And that John Peel session version 15:02 is a great find-never heard that before. I wonder if the full session is on UA-cam. Thanks Warren, this is a terrific vid.
I'm not a musician, just a consumer as it were but this is such a helpful and intelligent study of a great song and band. Thank you, really appreciate it.👍
Fantastic analysis of my all time favorite band and one of their top songs. I feel so fortunate to have seen them at Shea stadium in the 80s, what a stunning performance. Keep up the great work, liked and subscribed!
Well done. The Police are in my top five for favorite bands of all time. I also consider Stewart Copeland the greatest living drummer, now that Neal Peart has died.
Thanks so much for a wonderful video breakdown. It adds so much to the final product that you could include things like gear-specifics, Andy's guitar, and the isolated tracks, also. Man these guys are great!
Oh man ... 4 days ago, when coming across this comment, I was thinking, "Why are they calling him 'Hermano'?! His name's Warren!" - Two days later I saw the facebook posting in Spanish of a Tex-Mexican friend of mine in which she was wishing her twin 'hermano' a happy Birthday; Duh! x-)) I had actually known about a year ago it was Spanish for 'brother', but I'd forgotten again meanwhile :-)
Amazing, really enjoying these history lessons! 🤩🤘. Surely there has to be a U2 song in here somewhere. Sunday Bloody Sunday, Streets have no Name... With or Without You... those were huge!
Warren, thank you so much (again) for this video. I can watch you explaining a song and even better playing a guitar by yourself, diving into a riff and explaining every little note's whys and whens literally for hours. It's not only entertaining but most interesting and informative. This is music knowledge at it's best and a bow in the direction of the best musicians we have on this planet. All the best!
Which songs do you feel changed music forever?
Depends on who you are and what you like.
@@dennisofficial4733 yeah !! 👍
Hound Dog--Elvis Presley, Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On--Jerry Lee Lewis, (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction--Rolling Stones, Like a Rolling Stone--Bob Dylan, I Feel Fine--Beatles, Paint it Black--Rolling Stones, Good Vibrations--Beach Boys, Purple Haze--Jimi Hendrix Experience, What's Going On--Marvin Gaye, Papa Was a Rolling Stone--Temptations, Baba O'Riley--The Who, Killer Queen--Queen, I Shot the Sheriff--Bob Marley, Love to Love You Baby--Donna Summer, Anarchy in the UK--Sex Pistols, How Soon Is Now--Smiths, Rapture--Blondie, Da Ya Think I'm Sexy--Rod Stewart, Miss You--Rolling Stones, Sheena Is a Punk Rocker--Ramones
Black Sabbath by Black Sabbath ?
Major Lazer - Lean On
40+ years on and I'm still amazed at the drive and propulsion Stewart's drumming added to The Police
Me too Jim!! Thanks ever so much
One of the best rock drummers period
@@honuman39 agreed! Amazing
To me, 'Message in a Bottle' and Stewart Copeland's display of his unique drumming talent here, comprises his finest moment with The Police. The totally-out-there, unique syncopation may make it one of the finest displays of drumming in any popular rock song, period. In 40 years I've never gotten tired of hearing it, and it's still my favorite song out of the band's entire catalogue.
Hogwash. Stewart simply copied reggae grooves and brought it to rock.
The Police and The Cure are two bands where you hear their first album and you go “Oh hey this is nice.”
And then you hear their second albums and it blows you away.
Regatta de Blanc was a killer album period. Still a favorite of mine.
Agreed! Masterpiece!
Best Police album by miles
Still have an original on vinyl!
Every Police album is amazing, and unique in its own way.
Everything in this song sounds amazing. As a guitar player, I love the main guitar riff. But the drums are like... DAMN!! So freaking awesome!!
Agreed! All incredible!!!
Hearing Stewart Copeland always gets me stoked on drums. What a band!!
YES!! Stewart is incredible!! Thanks ever so much
When Neil Peart loves your playing, you're mighty indeed! Stewart!
Absolutely!
@Luke that’s amazing to hear and makes perfect sense!!
Yes he recognized it. I wished always Stewarts played Rush song New world Man
Circa 1980, we music-loving teens would debate who was better between Neil and Stewart. I argued that there was no need to declare a "victor" --
they were so different, comparisons didn't mean much. But I _preferred_ Stewart. 😊
@phunkyCW Yes indeed, all the Signals album is cleary influenced by The Police & new wave style. Definitely, Copeland is one of the most influential drummers in music history. And Neil is in the same level for rock music, no doubt. No need to compare. Of course there is many many important drummers and tastes for all, but both + Bonham were my 3 personal main influences playing drums. You can find out there in the net hundreds of young drummers considering this 3 legends are not enough good, just because they value present drummers who got speed and success in bands (for instants Im thinking in Dave Grohl, who is totally overrated in my opinion). Greetings from Madrid!
Warren, your song breakdowns are like no other. Just enough detail, historical context and whimsy to make the presentation really compelling to watch. Your style is second to none and refreshing. Keep up the great work.
Thanks ever so much! I really appreciate it
He is the best. A talented musician with good taste in music. A rare thing
Stewart Copeland's drums were so neat & tight whilst being so creative! It was definitely a complete change for that time!
Thanks ever so much Bruno! Yes, an amazing talent!
He was on another level.
Totaly Pete & there are clearly two distinctive eras on the sound and playability of the drums: the pre-Copeland and the post-Copeland! After him, drummers started to become tighter on every song sections! 🙌
He's a massive influence on my own drumming; 'Zenyatta Mondatta' was one of the albums I'd first started to play the drums to, and I've always loved how he tuned his set much higher than others so it'd cut through the mix :-)
@nimrodian it is true, of course, you had all the amazing drummers from r&b, funk, dance and jazz fusion but, I'd say Copeland marked a very distinctive sound produced and technique within popular music at that time. Very innovative
Three geniuses, incredible songs, musicianship, played with a quite raw sound.
Thanks ever so much
"I'm not in love" - 10CC. One of my favorite bands. They were very innovative and influential in the 70's, but are rarely talked about today.
Life is a minestrone, death is a cold lasagne
That song has very nice pads, great ambience. Would love to see it deconstructed.
I ran away from 10CC years ago.
Hortera!
There's a good documentary on the recording of "I'm Not In Love". The way they did those thickly layered/looped vocals was a real labor of love.
I remember hearing the Police for the first time, when i was around 12-13, and just being blown away by it. Songs like Message in a Bottle, So Lonely and Roxanne to this day remain some of my favorite songs.
Spirits in the material world, wrapped around your finger,king of pain 🌟🌟🌟
Masterpieces
just found this now... I am wondering how someone could have given a thumbs down for this... I found it entirely entertaining and The Police... what's not to like? Great work!!
Thanks ever so much Andrew!!
Not only changed music, The Police made me pick up the guitar when I was only 8. Grateful for life to the band and this song. Great video Warren!
That's wonderful Federico!
Great video Warren.
I had the good fortune to meet Andy Summers after a gig in Cambridge UK with John Etheridge in '94. where andy happily chatted and signed my guitar too.
I did ask the question, "Will their ever be a reunion", to which he said.. "Never say Never".
Thanks for bringing back the memory.
All the best
Jay
That's amazing! Firstly meeting Andy! And secondly you went to see John Etheridge! I'm a huge fan!
@@Producelikeapro yeah wonderful intimate gig, kind of jazz bar feel. Invisible threads tour.
The police, I just love those guys, they're magnificent, brilliant and fantastic!! Their music just sounds really good!! Now at 54 I'm still listening to their music and I don't get tired of it, as new music comes in today the old music keeps getting better every day, I just don't get why old music sounds so good than today's generation of music.
Agreed! Truly wonderful band!!
I have a friend, named Oz Middleton, that does a most killer rendition of this song. This is one of those pieces that I can listen to for weeks on end. I'll never get tired of it. If only I could write something that makes me feel that way. Oh well. No time like right now.
Do it, Bobby - the world could use another great song!
Get writing Bobby my friend!!
@@petesawchuk agreed!
Too late Sting already wrote that song ‘No Time This Time’
Copeland’s isolated drums are mesmerizing 🥁
Agreed! Amazing
The greatest 3 piece band that walked the earth..I rest my case!!
Pretty amazing band indeed!!
One of my favorite albums of all time is synchronicity. Once you get to synchronicity II The album is just continuous magic till the end, every breath you take, then my favorite police song king of pain, wrapped around your finger tea in sahara, and finishes with murder by numbers. Its the best 6 songs in a row of any album Ive ever heard.
It's hard to remember how revolutionary these songs were at the time, but I remember wondering how they could be punk when their musicianship was so obvious especially Stewart's drumming. I'm a drummer and it was a challenge to figure out exactly what he was doing. Thanks for doing these videos!
You and Rick Beato do excellent work. Would love to hear you do Rudie can't fail or something by the specials like ghost town?
Yes great song ideas! Rick Rules! Thanks for the great compliment! I'm truly humbled!
Yes or something from The Jam
Exactly my thoughts. I wanna you guys to know deep in the portuguese countryside this guy is enjoying your work (both you and Rick Beaton).
Hey Warren - OMG, you are in my wheelhouse here. I was 18 when this came out!
A few observations:
1 - I've always played that guitar riff as you did [and as Mr. Summers does now]. Back in the day, it felt great to see some "jazz chord shapes" make their way from what I was studying into a current hit song.
2 - I can't believe I never went in for a deep enough dive to hear that harmony part shadowing the riff. Thank you!
3 - re. Sting: That verse 2 vocal/bass breakdown was amazing. What a vocal [and certainly easier to hear he was playing fretless bass]!
4 - re. Andy Summers - brilliant & underrated. If you haven't read it, I very highly recommend his autobiography, ONE TRAIN LATER; it was [and likely still is] quite a journey for him.
5 - re. Stewart Copeland - my God, did he find the perfect part to play on track after track; such complexity & simplicity side by side. Cool hi-hat for days & days, well earning his independent hi-hat credit on DON'T GIVE UP from Peter Gabriel's SO!
Time for a rewatch; thank you for choosing yet another immortal slice of music.
Thanks ever so much Pete for your great comment!
There was this small club next to our Uni called Edgertons. I went to almost every live event they had there. I was struck by the poster of this band who called themselves The Police. It was unique. I loved it. Ironically, they were the one act I didn’t go see there. I have always regretted that decision.
Outlandos D'Amour has to be one of the best debut albums of all time. I still love it as much today as when I first heard it in 1984, despite it being released in 1978. That's how brilliant it is.
It’s a masterpiece for sure
Up there with with the very best
Stuart Copeland's drum parts.... exceptionally breath-taking. Why do I always forget him, then? My brain needs reprogramming! And really dig the John Peel session version.
HI Tony, for me Stewart is my favourite drummer along with Bonham and of course Roger Taylor!
These videos are literally beautiful in every sense...
Wow! Thank you ever so much Bani!
The Police -- in my top 3 for my favorite ever bands. I will never get sick of listening to their music -- to this day it still sounds fresh,...well,...at least to my old ears.
Agreed! Thanks Billy!!
The Police are an iconic and legendary band to say the least! So many great songs to see and hear!
Agreed! Amazing band!!
@@Producelikeapro Definitely true!
@@RC32Smiths01 Thanks ever so much
@@Producelikeapro My pleasure!
Another outstanding choice, this series just keeps getting better and better, many thanks Warren 👍🏼
Thanks ever so much Andrew!!
i agree!!
@@darriangerard thanks ever so much!!
Do I win a price? Either for guessing this video was the next one, OR (probably not) Warren listened to my suggestion?
: )
@@cornerliston haha it was always on my list! More to come!! Stay tuned!
My Google Algorithm found this video and put it in my feed and I'll be forever grateful. I'm a lifelong fan of The Police and I live for background info + technical analysis of what makes them great.
This video is a real treat and I look forward to exploring other rest of your channel now!
Wow! Thanks ever so much John! That's very kind of you! Go Google!
This was my first influence as a young Artist, I also purchased imported Ska, from the UK, exposed to Calypso, Reggae at a very early age with cultural events.Excellent to see the audio files, this truly is of intrigue.
One of their best. It really didn't take six months to record. They went in the studio when they had time and more importantly money.
A lot of people tend to take sides in the Police but really it was all three of them together. Sting's writing and bass, Copeland's amazing drums, and Summers guitar, Summers deserves more attention then he gets. I could not imagine the band without all three of them.
Amazing combination of players!!
As a bassist I try to capture/emulate the original tones when I'm giggin with my cover band. However, that catalog of tones has been great to pull from when I'm recording either myself or other artists especially when someone wants "this new sound with an 'old' feel". Other than making me feel old I appreciate their desire. Once again, great video.
Thanks ever so much Steve for sharing!!
Fantastic video Warren! I was in high school between 1984 - 1988, discovered the Police and worked my way back through their catalog with passion. There was magic in their music - it woke up my head - and my own journey as a budding singer /songwriter /guitarist would never be the same. Thanks especially for tackling "Message in a Bottle" with such insight and care!
Awesome! :-) They've been a massive influence on me as a musician, too! :-)
Yet another brilliant episode in this revelatory series. Loving it to bits. By they way, one of the best rock 'n' roll memoirs you will ever read is 'One Train Later' by Andy Summers. The Police don't even appear until the last third of the book. His musical journey prior to the band is simply astonishing. He played soul music with Zoot Money in London mod clubs in the mid-1960s, was in a psychedelic band called Dantalion's Chariot, joined Eric Burdon & the Animals... Soft Machine... jammed with Hendrix one night in a studio (Hendrix on bass)... toured with Neil Sedaka (who bought him an amp 'cos he didn't have one at the time). Incredible story. He was in his late 30s when he joined the Police --- though he looked 10 years younger. Still looks great today -- the music has kept him young. Great photographer too.
I liked Sting's and Stewart's biographies also, however Andy's is my #1, and I've read it multiple times. He's 77 now, one year older than Keith Richards!
@@mightyV444 ...and looks about 30 years younger!
@@NewFalconerRecords - ... despite also having had his fair share of indulgence! :-)
Thanks ever so much New Falconer!
Hello from Northern California 🎉!! Just discovered your channel and enjoying your posts very much!! It was "Walking On The Moon" that hooked me to The Police!! I always wanted to be a drummer from childhood days so it's not a stretch that Stewart's drumming that grabbed me also... his cymbal work is AWESOME 😎👍🎉!!!
On another note... for me a song that changed music, IMO, is "Hypnotized" by Fleetwood Mac!! Mick's drumming, the lyrics, the way acoustic and electric guitars dance, the painted image, etc... Sweet tune. Very underrated tune!!
Thanks for looking at this classic tune.
I absolutely love this track. I'm pretty sure that Andy Summers once said that this was his favourite recording made by The Police. The drum intro and harmonised guitar riff still gets me every time and it remains one of the most recognizable starts to any recorded music.
Thanks ever so much! You are right! Love this song!
The amount of fun I had playing this song with a garage band in 1981 is incalculable. Great work.
Me too!! I’ve played this song live so many times!!
love the video edits and graphics.. thanks for keeping it short n awesome!!!
Thanks ever so much Brian!
Thank you for this one. Still my favorite Police song. I'm still not sure how but I think I completely missed it on radio, albeit we only had one am station back then. I remember riding my bike and singing Roxanne. The next Police moment I remember was holding the 45 for Don't Stand So Close To Me in my hands.
Hi Warren, yes even to this day the Police have there own sound, very unique, amazing video, what great content, thank you , all the best.
Thanks ever so much Darren!
End of 70's and early 80's so much of what was UK pop/rock was influenced by Reggae music. The punk/new wave sounds of the Clash, the police, Elvis Costello, culture club etc and of course the 2nd wave of Ska and the broader British working class take on Jamaican music e.g Madness, UB40. The British pallet was now sensitized to Reggae bands, due to the Police and others making it mainstream, which opened the way for home grown Reggae, dub and lovers rock bands like; Steel Pulse, Aswad, Misty in roots, Black slate ... the list goes on!
And as you say, not to forget the influence that Bob Marley had on all of the above.
Thanks Warren for another excellent video!
What an excellent break down of this song. Very impressive.
Thanks ever so much!!
Excellent! Cannot wait to see which other songs follow too! :)
Thanks ever so much!
What a great format ! Please more . Such a great quality content !
Greetings from Germany
Thanks ever so much Tyl!
@@Producelikeapro No, i thank You !!!
You already helped me so much teaching me to mix my drum Videos With your amazing tipps !!! And now you Made me sit down and take my old Tele in my hands and learning That Message in the bottle Riff :)
Thank you for your Passion for the Music and for your wisdome .you are such a great Guy With such a good soul that shines through your Videos !!!
Thank you so much
@@Tyl-Fiedler that's very kind of you! I'm so glad to be able to help! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren
@@Tyl-Fiedler Haha, me too now you mention it!
Sting deserves all the songwriting plaudits he's ever received (& there are many)... so gifted. Synchronicity II is another example, but his solo material is full of amazing music too... Desert Rose, All this time, Fields of Gold... its a long list. So glad I got to see the police 12 or 13 years ago!
Agreed 100%! Thanks ever so much
Such a wonderful little film. Filled with interesting facts, great quotes and inspiration. As a bassist, Stewart Copeland is on my top three list of drummers I want to jam with.
I hear you and agree 100% Björn!
During that time the to greatest bands IMO were the Police and Rush..... Massive talent in all the components of both. You broke this down beautifully. Love what you do man. Rock on! I LOVED the police so much back then..
Incredible riff, incredible song and fantastic production. I bought this on 7” green vinyl when it was released. I was so excited to see this at number one and seeing the video on Top Of The Pops each weekend. This is an excellent video series, Warren!
Thanks ever so much for sharing!
Do you still have it Joey!
what a brilliant video. Man I can hear the collective expansion of young peoples minds as they watch.
Thanks ever so much Peter!
Well done! This tune is so significant and signature for them that when they reunited (I saw them in 07') they opened with it. It's brilliance!
Yes! I was actually thinking once they'd finished the song, "Well, they've already played their biggest hit - what could possibly still come *now* ??" LOADS of great songs, the answer was! :-)) And I reckon they'd done a great job with rearranging most of the songs, too! It would've been a bit boring, had they played them exactly like they'd already done back in the day.
Yes, truly a masterpiece!
Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you.
Thank YOU Mark!
That Copeland drum sound is still unrivaled. Sting’s bass lines on the album still resonate today. Regatta is Police best album and one of the 100 greatest of british rock.
8:32
Coincidentally, these are the same chords found in Ramone's Blitzkrieg Bop.
Very cool!
Yet another great show Warren. Informative without any gushing. Thanks for sharing. Stay safe everyone.
Thanks ever so much
To me what makes The Police so unique is that they wrote very commercial music, in the sense it was very popular and many songs just ended up in the charts in high places and still they had a totally unique sound that made them instantly identifiable after hearing a couple of notes. Pretty amazing. Funny thing was, that on their first few albums I typically preferred their not so well known songs.
Copelands “Does Everyone Stare” is one of my favourites.
@@nickgodfrey1148 Yeah, that's a great example
Brilliant video... one of my fav songs all time. So happy to hear how it was created. And Copeland...omg. what a drummer...
Thanks ever so much Johnny!
Another great addition to the series... a great band, love the sound they got on those early albums.. I had a phase a couple of years back when I couldn't listen to anything but the police when in my car..👍
Thank you so much Warren. This song DID change my life also. It was instant love and the reason why I became a drummer.
Just a little observation: the drums part you showed as different was not a different arrangement, but the way Copeland played it live (of course, it evolved through the years). The studio version is in fact the sum of different overdubs.
Love the series! Thanks so much!
I knew someone would've pointed out the drum overdubs already before me! ;-)
@Frank Lee agreed. A different studio version to live is a new arrangement!
@Frank Lee - Oh yes, the single edit of 'Message...' definitely has several bits missing! I prefer the 'proper' album version, just like any other one; It's the radio/TV stations' problem if they don't have time to play the whole song, not mine! ;-)
Great retrospective of an amazing song. One of my favorite things about this song is actually how Stewart Copeland comes in late on the ride during the second prechorus. It's a great example that a little mistake doesn't necessarily ruin anything when the take is so good, and that even legendary songs and musicians aren't always perfect and don't need to be. Keep these videos coming, Warren!
Thanks ever so much Brad!
Fantastic Song, Sting is such a amazing artist and this riff is a great guitar warm up exercise, too 😎Thx for this great Episode!
A firm +1 given here!
@@petesawchuk haha thx Pete!!!!
Thanks Warren for your insightful series. I pass the location of the old Surrey Sound Studio every day on my way to work. It's now a ladies fitness studio above a specialist sports shop. It was never a luxurious place unlike some! I was blessed to have known the late Geoff Boswell who was engineer at Surrey Sounds. It's amazing to think of what was created in this unassuming place.
The energy The Police generated in their songwriting and music was incredible. The drums always on the front foot, always pushing the feel.. :)
Agreed! Huge Stewart Copeland fan!
I haven't listened to you in awhile so pleased to see you covering the Police. Regatta is such an interesting mish mosh of the 3 talents...New Wave's Cream. I'll let you do the rest...take it away.
Thanks ever so much Kris!
Another great video! You keep me guessing on where you will go with the next video.
Thanks ever so much!!
Fan-friggin-tastic!! One of my favorite songs of all time and your dissection of it was eye and ear opening - nicely done!! Never knew Andy had a Gibson humbucker!
Thanks ever so much Matty!
Am a big Police fan 👍👍👍
Me too Gareth!
This vid made my day. I heard Sting once intro'd the song live early on as a 'song from my new record!' The bass drum alone on this track is amazing, like a kick in the stomach each time. Sting once said too I think that Andy's fancy noodling just before the final verse added textures he hadn't thought of before. The bass (fretless?) sounds so deep with that double on the 1st & 3rd notes. Thanks, looking forward to more .
Thanks ever so much Don!! Great comment
The editing is soooo good! I really enjoyed this!
Thank you so much!!
Super revelatory analysis thanks 👍, I had always thought it was Summers that came up with the stacked fifths of the guitar hook
I love learning the history behind these songs. Another great video!
they are all great
Me too!
@@andreirlmeier yes they are
Thanks ever so much! Glad you like them!
Thanks André!
The whole song is amazing from the drums the rudiments on the off beat . To the guitar riff and stings vocal line. . .
This channel is going to blow up really soon i can feel it. Fantastic content keep it up!!
You're very kind Aron!
The beginning of this song presents a feel of urgency that is the soul of great rock music
Agreed 100%! Masterpiece
Great series, so much to learn about the music we love!
Wow! Thanks ever so much I really appreciate it!
When Message In A Bottle came out, I still heard most of the music in my life through a tiny AM radio in my parent's kitchen, and I will always remember how that song sounded so good in even that lofi context that it blew me away.
can we also get a "albums that changed music" warren? given that, the current series is quite marvellous ❤️
Absolutely!!
Sting's The Soul Cages.
@@EndoftheTownProductions I’m a huge fan of Dream Of The Blue Turtles
@@Producelikeapro His first three albums are his best. Have you listened to The Last Ship? If so, what is your opinion?
Suggestions
Pet Sounds
Who’s Next
Achtung Baby
Hey man just found your site awesome analysis of my favorite band of all time..... it's got me excited about music again I actually blew the dust off my bass guitar and started practicing again!!!
WOW! That's amazing to hear! Thanks ever so much!
That Baxendale pick guard is 😍😍😍😍
Thanks! Yes, I love Scott's guitars!!
Oh, is that the brand? Baxendale? :-)
no one drummed like Stewart Copeland...…technique, variety, inventiveness, power, everything....
This was excellent! I enjoyed this format a ton and feel it was a very well rounded bit of storytelling.
I remember myself going to the record store and asking for the guys who plays fast reggae. The owner gave right away the album to me, I was crazy of their music. It was something that I never heard before. Even I was in that time a huge fan of reggae. I still have all their albums on vinyl. Stored here. Same with other great albums from big stars of the 70s and 80s. Great video, and you're a great guitar player as well Warren.
Thanks ever so much Gunther!!
I knew The Police would be in there! that's a lot of monster-talent in one band... and great production of course. Great vid again
Thanks ever so much! I really appreciate it!
I remember watching that Rock goes to college episode. And that John Peel session version 15:02 is a great find-never heard that before. I wonder if the full session is on UA-cam. Thanks Warren, this is a terrific vid.
I'm not a musician, just a consumer as it were but this is such a helpful and intelligent study of a great song and band. Thank you, really appreciate it.👍
Thanks ever so much Keith!
Fantastic analysis of my all time favorite band and one of their top songs. I feel so fortunate to have seen them at Shea stadium in the 80s, what a stunning performance.
Keep up the great work, liked and subscribed!
Wow! Amazing! Thanks ever so much for sharing!
Another great vid Warren 👍🏻🎸🥁🎤
Thanks ever so much Ryan!
I love the way the vocals come in halfway through the riff
Me too! Thanks ever so much
Great playing Warren.
Thanks ever so much Daniel!
Well done. The Police are in my top five for favorite bands of all time. I also consider Stewart Copeland the greatest living drummer, now that Neal Peart has died.
i liked the video before even watching because The Police. thank you!
Thanks ever so much Yash!
Thanks so much for a wonderful video breakdown.
It adds so much to the final product that you could include things like gear-specifics, Andy's guitar, and the isolated tracks, also.
Man these guys are great!
Gorgeous episode. thank you so much!!!!
Thanks ever so much Bryan!
Another great and invaluable video Hermano. I was in high school when this song came out. memories.
Me too!
Oh man ... 4 days ago, when coming across this comment, I was thinking, "Why are they calling him 'Hermano'?! His name's Warren!" - Two days later I saw the facebook posting in Spanish of a Tex-Mexican friend of mine in which she was wishing her twin 'hermano' a happy Birthday; Duh! x-)) I had actually known about a year ago it was Spanish for 'brother', but I'd forgotten again meanwhile :-)
@@mightyV444 Its a complex world...Hermano. LOL
@@zorroinhell5549 - Yeah, it sure is! :-))
Amazing, really enjoying these history lessons! 🤩🤘. Surely there has to be a U2 song in here somewhere. Sunday Bloody Sunday, Streets have no Name... With or Without You... those were huge!
So many U2 songs! Huge fan!!
@@Producelikeapro Joshua Tree was a seminal moment. Lanois, Eno..... struggle to find a bad song on that album.
@@paulEmotionalaudio agreed! Wonderful album
@@Producelikeapro - Just stay away from that 'Rattle And Hum' bollocks, please! x-))
Warren, thank you so much (again) for this video. I can watch you explaining a song and even better playing a guitar by yourself, diving into a riff and explaining every little note's whys and whens literally for hours. It's not only entertaining but most interesting and informative. This is music knowledge at it's best and a bow in the direction of the best musicians we have on this planet. All the best!
Awesome vid Warren! Just one thing, Andy didn’t use a chorus on the early stuff, he used a EH Electric Mistress flanger.
Great! That's what I used in the video! I had a Voltz chorus! Thanks ever so much