Ghost In The Machine Norristown PA

Ghost In The Machine

The Police

A & M Records, 1981

http://www.thepolicetour.com

REVIEW BY: George Agnos

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 08/12/1998

By the time they released their fourth album, Ghost In The Machine, in 1981, The Police were already a well-established act. What I think they were attempting with this album was to keep their patented ska-rock sound intact, while going for a more serious approach with the songs. What they ended up doing with this album was to keep their patented ska-rock sound intact.

The Police do believe in truth in advertising because Ghost In The Machine perfectly describes what this album sounds like with its murky, blurry production values. But instead of being haunting, many of the songs end up sounding...well, murky and blurry. This type of production affects the two singles off this album. "Spirits In The Material World" does sound ghostly, except these ghosts do nothing but preach. I always thought this was an odd choice for a single and only qualifies because they tack on a chorus where they repeat the title several hundred times. I do like Andy Summers's guitar work on the bridge, though.

The other single off the album is "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic." This song is catchy enough, with solid hooks in the chorus. However the production really does not bring out the best in this song. Besides, if they are going for that spooky Pink Floyd type of sound, they shouldn't really have catchy little ditties like this in the first place.

Much of the rest album relies on the Police's patented ska sound, but by this point, their sound has become tired. They seem to be going through the motions on songs like "Too Much Information", "Demolition Man", and "One World (Not Three)." You've heard it all done before on their previous albums but with much more heart. Again, the production values do not help, but I cannot put all the blame there because there just does not seem to be much inspiration in the band's performances.