The Police - Regatta De Blanc (CD 1992)

What can I say? Having purchased the album when it was first released I just had to buy this again when the CD came out.

I hadn't listened to this CD for a couple of years and running through the track list there were a couple I couldn't remember and another couple that were balancing on the tip of my tongue. But as the music slipped from the speakers they all came back and I remembered exactly why I HAD to get it on CD even though I already had the vinyl!

'Reggatta De Blanc' (note the correct spelling) is an eclectic mix of styles and sounds running the gamut from sensitive to 'in your face' with many stops along the way.

Lyrically this is an interesting album exploring, as it does, emotions such as; Love, Isolation, Frustration, Regret and many more besides. They may not be their most sophisticated lyrics but there are some real gems here and the rest are well written and work well with the music.

My favourite tracks include 'Walking On The Moon', 'The Bed's Too Big Without You', 'Deathwish', 'Contact' and 'On Any Other Day' with 'Message In A Bottle' being the clear winner in my eyes.
The lyrics are incisive, the melody compelling and they compliment each other perfectly to produce not only an excellent song but the band's first number one hit single.

A few pleasant surprises there; 'Deathwish', 'Contact' and 'On Any Other Day' were three of the tracks I had difficulty remembering and I have to say that musically they are very good, the lyrics are among the best on the CD. Good tracks that are great to listen to.

I can't go without congratulating 'Does Everyone Stare' for managing to capture the confusion of a young lad's first flirtation with love. If a man tells you he doesn't understand this track he is lying. If a woman say she does, likewise.

There are no duds on this CD but I'm not that keen on the title track 'Reggatta De Blanc' (which is a little too self indulgent for my liking) or 'No Time At All' (essentially the 'Batman' theme on speed). Having said that I do listen to both of them and never hit the next track button on the remote.

Hearing it again was both a trip down memory lane and an enjoyable experience in itself. I really must get it out, dust it off and listen to it more often. If you already have this CD I suggest you do the same. If you don't, it can be picked up on eBay for three or four pounds including P&P and, at that price, it is an absolute bargain. Personally, I would be prepared to pay up to the price I originally paid (£11.99) 15 years ago...

Regards
tbod