Playing God
The Police – Synchronized Machinery
By: Andrew Unterberger
2007-09-26

Posted 09/26/2007 - 11:42:40 AM by Garret:
	So, so right about "Omegaman," and so, so wrong about "Mother." Still, awesome article. I need to hear these b-side things.
Posted 09/26/2007 - 12:12:43 PM by boilingboy:
	I completely agree about Invisible Sun and Synchronicity II. However, it is Regatta de Blanc which qualifies as the one great Police album. Zenyatta has a lot of filler.
Posted 09/26/2007 - 12:33:54 PM by cwperry:
	I still think that Synchronicity is fine the way it is (and "Murder By Numbers" was a cassette-only bonus track when it came out, and shouldn't be considered part of the album) and is their most solid album. I can't believe I'm even discussing The Police in seriousness. Sorry--what was that about the new Qui album?
Posted 09/26/2007 - 12:56:24 PM by coldacre:
	im suprised you left out Secret Journey and even Darkness, both songs that have continued to grow on me from Ghost in the Machine. both, of course, have silly lyrics, but the drumming on Secret Journey, at the very least, is some of Copeland's best. As for Synchronicity: one of the best second sides ever. With the exception of Synchronicity I, the rest of the first side may as well have been somewhat passable outtakes. I agree Zenyatta is probably the most cohesive, though Outlandos isn't bad either.
Posted 09/26/2007 - 06:07:05 PM by garlad1:
	The police have always been a better greatest hits band than an album or singles band. Or live band. That live double-cd they put out in the 90s was stinky. Their first album is their best, probably cause Sting was still pissed about wearing a yellow and black sweater and being called Sting, or maybe he was still in jazz-denial. Either way, it was all downhill from Roxanne. Honestly, the Police make me wish the term 'Progressive' was purely a socialist ideal, rather than the musical bowel movement it became.
Posted 09/27/2007 - 07:03:47 AM by cinatyte:
	Absolutely wonderful article. It made me dig my Police records back out again. One of the best Playing God (and best Stylus articles) I've read in a long, long time. Kudos.
Posted 09/27/2007 - 08:06:27 PM by Antoine:
	The Police never did release a front to back consistent album, this is true. However this doesn't really hurt Synchronicity that much; in the same defense you gave "Invisible Sun", the weak parts aren't enough to affect how undeniably awesome the rest of it is. Plus, as far as I'm concerned "Mother" birthed the Jesus Lizard.
Posted 09/27/2007 - 08:08:08 PM by Antoine:
	oh, and "Hungry For You" is one of the catchiest songs on the album.
Posted 10/01/2007 - 05:12:14 PM by grandbanks:
	"The Wanton Song" by Led Zeppelin birthed the Jesus Lizard