Police - Ghost in the Machine

Phil Mastro · #1 10-04-2006, 08:42 PM

Yes, I am a Police fan, I have all their albums, I know all their songs. Ghost is probably the least well received Police album, but after listening to it in my CD player for a few days, I've started liking it a lot more than I used to.

I can play practically all Police songs, and that after spending a minimum of time figuring out the bass lines. Except for one tune. Secret Journey.

Yeah, it sounds simple, and there are only 3 parts, the most complicated one having a total of different 4 notes, but rythmically, I just can't figure it out. I know it's 4/4, but the drumming is not straight, so the 1 is hard to find.

I always liked the tune, but after messing around for half an hour without quite getting it, I started having (even) more respect for the musicianship of the Police. I love these guys. Actual sheet music would be awesome.

Anyhow, I'd like to know what some of you guys think of the Police in general, and about this album. And if anyone has figured out the bass line to Secret Journey, I'd be interested in seeing that.

Cheers,
Phil

musicman5string · #2 10-04-2006, 09:06 PM

I don't remember that tune, but the bass line on SITMW is pure genius.

James Hart · #3 10-04-2006, 09:14 PM

it's one of my favorites from them too. I've played Secret Journey years ago in a heavy Police set listed cover band... I don't recall have much issue with it, I am pretty non tech when I play I just feel the groove.

Philbiker · #4 10-05-2006, 06:32 AM

Just for fun, try singing Spirits in the Material World while you're playing it.

DemoEtc · #5 10-05-2006, 12:09 PM

Or "Demolition Man"

blipndub · #6 10-05-2006, 12:31 PM

I recently bought the Police Synchonicity live dvd after remembering it from years and years ago on vhs. It's a super highlight of Sting's skill he is an amazing singer and player, best in the biz. GITM is my favority Police record or maybe Reagatta de blanc

FretFree · #7 10-05-2006, 12:41 PM

Favorite Police album for sure...

Hungy for You totally smokes. One of my favorite driving-through-the-night songs. The whole song just rolls like a bulldozer!

I ususally kill the disc before I get to Secret Journey... Not enough time in one sitting.

McHack · #8 10-05-2006, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DemoEtc

Or "Demolition Man"

haha... yea.. after 5 minutes of that same pattern...

Phil Mastro · #9 10-06-2006, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Philbiker

Just for fun, try singing Spirits in the Material World while you're playing it.

Yeah, I've tried, and failed. Except for the chorus.

And James, I used to play it by feel, and just the other day realized I wasn't doing what Sting was doing at all.

James Hart · #10 10-06-2006, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil Mastro

And James, I used to play it by feel, and just the other day realized I wasn't doing what Sting was doing at all.

yeah, that happens to me too

...often

The Mock Turtle Regulator · #11 10-06-2006, 10:50 AM

secret journey's bassline has some interesting subtle variations in it for the verses-

the phrasing differs between the 1st and 2nd verses.

also the use of palm-muting varies.

it's quite a dark, poignant song under the reverbed-out synth- no doubt Disturbed, korn or someone will do a metal cover of it if they haven't already...

MonetBass · #12 10-06-2006, 11:26 AM

I'll be the odd man out and say Zenyatta Mondatta is my favorite Police album. "Canary in a Coalmine" and "Man in a Suitcase" are great songs.

Actually I'd love to see Sting perform "On Any Other Day" (from Regatta de Blanc) live -- that bass line would be tough to play while singing!

I have a Police songbook that includes all albums up through GITM. I'll look at it this weekend and report what I find -- right or wrong. :/

chout · #13 10-30-2006, 07:20 PM

Been obsessed with the police lately...I'm working out a cover of Spirits In The Material World with my band, though I'll probably play guitar for it. That song is genious.

So, I just obtained the Ghost In The Machine demos...with 5 unreleased songs! Any body want it? I'll yousendit...

Kitsapbass · #14 10-30-2006, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OKStateBass66

I'll be the odd man out and say Zenyatta Mondatta is my favorite Police album. "Canary in a Coalmine" and "Man in a Suitcase" are great songs.

. :/

No, man - you aren't alone. Zenyatta Mondatta is my fave Police cd. I especially like the intro to 'Don't Stand So Close To Me', with Andy checking the delay and Sting bowing the Z bass - I think it (for me) is the best part of the cd; it's not clean and precise, quantized, or anything like that - it's music.

keb · #15 10-30-2006, 08:06 PM

I love the Police! Sting is one of the guys who made me want to take up bass. Generally I tend to gravitate towards the earlier stuff, but Ghost in the Machine is such a great album.

labgnat · #16 10-30-2006, 09:23 PM

the police are great, it's a shame sting was so hard to work with and they couldn't do more.

**Marcus Willett** · #17 10-30-2006, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chout

So, I just obtained the Ghost In The Machine demos...with 5 unreleased songs!

Ummmmm... WHAT is that, and where can I get it?

chout · #18 10-30-2006, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcus Willett

Ummmmm... WHAT is that, and where can I get it?

They are Sting's demos for Ghost In The Machine. It's just him, as far as I know. He uses drum machines for the beats...they are awesome, but not the best sound (still good for fans). 5 unreleased songs, one of which (Don't Give Up Your Daytime Job) I just read dates back to his pre-police Last Exit days, among a handful of songs that ended up on the album.

I have been seeking these for years and someone just hooked me up!

I'll make this easier:

If anyone wants the Ghost In The Machine demos, email me at
auxox at yahoo <dot> com

Oh, and I also got the 'Deconstruction' tracks Stewart Copeland did for the Everyone Stares DVD. The full songs too! Unreleased so far! If you want these also, let me know! Share the riches!

BTW, I think Zenyatta is my favorite Police album in terms of consistency. Still a few bum tracks, but it flows the best to me.

**smperry** · #19 10-30-2006, 10:13 PM

Love all the Police albums; I think Zenyatta Mondatta is my fave.

Don't know Secret Journey's line off the top of my head...

Marshall

chout · #20 10-30-2006, 11:41 PM

there's footage in Everyone Stares of Sting doing a bass overdub for Secret Journey where he's all spazzy. It's funny because his actions don't really fit the line he's playing. I heard he liked to record bass lines while on a trampoline. Ahh, cocaine.