2013-10-10
After a long hiatus, Sting returns with a series of songs for a play about shipbuilders in Newcastle (his home town)--their failing industry, lives, loves and families. It comes off as a soundtrack, and not especially riveting listening without the action on the stage. Only a couple of songs feel like they work apart from the action: "And Yet," which takes a Sting-classic jazz approach and "August Winds," a gorgeous number that stands alone. Sting handles all of the vocals here, with only two exceptions, and again, listening to the narrative about ships and harbors song after song doesn't give the disc-listener a lot with which to connect. I can imagine the production on stage going well, with this music the perfect companion. But alone, not as much. 10/13 Michael J.
Barrence Whitfield with Tom Russell
Hillbilly Voodoo
SHERYL CROW
100 MILES FROM MEMPHIS
FINLEYKNIGHT
Finelyknight
Brett Newski
Land Air Sea Garage
Martha Wainwright
Martha Wainwright
AESOP ROCK
None Shall Pass
The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.