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.
THE WINTERPILLS
The Light Divides
Yoko Ono Plastic Ono Band
Take Me to the Land of Hell
HONEYHONEY
First Rodeo
CLAP YOUR HANDS SAY YEAH
Hysterical
THE NIKHIL KORULA BAND
Music of the New Day
Robert Gordon
I'M COMING HOME
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