The Police's New York, New York concert

August 3, 2007

Review by Matty.

Like many people here, I've been keeping up with the reviews of each show and the NYC shows were just as energetic and intense, but perhaps slightly more so. The good: The show was one of the most enjoyable of any I've seen. The guys came out strong from the first with a blistering rendition of MIAB and moving powerfully into Snychronicity. The opening performances were stripped down with minimal light and distraction. The stage and light show are tasteful and understated, using a palette of primary colors used from the early days (mostly red, blue, yellow), and it takes nothing away from the show but rather enhances your focus on the music. If anyone says that 'Sting can't hit the high notes anymore', well they are wrong. His voice is as powerful as ever. I can't see or hear any measurable decline in his voice, rather it as aged well and become less tenny and shrill. Copeland is a machine and alone worth the price of admission. I love Andy, but his intricate guitar work was often lost in the mix. He had plenty of smokin' solos to make the difference, however. The whole crowd was on their feet for the duration of the show. We all loved it. NYC embraced them and welcomed them back like old friends. The bad: They pushed through the set list too quickly, like they tried to make up for their long absence by playing every hit they ever did. 'Wrapped around Your Finger' should have been an extended piece. It's intimacy was lost in the rush. 'Walking IN Your Footsteps' stank. It was the only lame song. I like the new reworkings of their songs, but this one fell flat. also, 'Dont Stand...' also fell short. Too rushed. Notable song missing: 'Tea in the Sahara' All in all, a professional, entertaining show with a focus and celebration of the music. It's amazing how much power can come from a three piece band. Thank you Sting, Andy and Stew. You are truly Hall of Fame rockers!