@@SilverFox-qr1ci, Stewart Copeland idolized Neil Peart. Stewart combined multiple styles of music and drumming in his work. He idolized Peart for his ability to change things up mid song and bring it all back together. He felt Peart was more than just a drummer, but a multi-percussionist who utilized his drums and cymbals to create a "theme" to a song. Copeland did the same thing with the Police.
The LP version of Synchronicity initially didn't have "Murder by Numbers". That was a B-side to "Every Breath you Take". It eventually became a bonus track on the CD. Also, if you want to hear Copeland on a non-Police song, he drummed on Peter Gabriel's "Red Rain"
"Voices in My Head" is my submission of proof that, even though they clearly had a lifetime of difficulty getting along when in close proximity, that Sting's bass & Stewart's percussion was MADE FOR EACH OTHER.
Stewart makes the hardest thing on earth to do, as a drummer, is have personality, a uniqueness. When he plays, you know it's him. Playing an instrument they doesn't have notes, it's borderline impossible. He does it without exception. He's as unique a drummer as we've ever heard. One of the GOATS
George you inadvertently hit the nail on the head when you said you hear this song all the time in passing but never noticed the high level of musicianship ...the genius of the Police is that they are universally recognized as 3 of the greatest talents in their specialities of all time by both critics and fans,, but they can simultaneously blend into the background and just be a welcome and familiar part of your life. They appeal to all senses and sophistications. That's an incredibly difficult thing to accomplish. They were quite genius that way, and other than maybe Steely Dan, I'm not sure anyone did it better than these 3 guys.
Yall nailed my 3 favorite things about this song. The off beat (yet perfectly on beat) unconventional drumming by Copeland, the beautiful main guitar riff courtesy of Andy, and the poetic and meaningful lyrics by Sting.
The Police were one of those bands that just kept coming around in the charts at the time with such iconic identifiable hits.. after hit, after hit, after hit.. Tempestuous working relationships, but brilliant musicianship. It's interesting that you guys got so captivated by it in contrast to what you expected - I've found this too looking back at their catalogue. This band isn't one I focussed on but they are a very present band in my pop culture youth. You tend to remember the track and think "yep they're good" with a little nostalgia, but then listen to it again and realise that what you carry in your head doesn't do justice to what's actually on there. You come full circle to stuff you've listened to forever with a little more appreciation, from sheer experience of listening to so much stuff in the intervening time.
Copeland straight up murders percussion work. My absolute favorite drummer simply due to how original his beats come off within the greater work. Watching these guys live, he is mesmerizing to watch for me.
One of the best songs of all time. I listen to music like a madman, perform music, devour music, dream music, listen to hundreds of bands across genres...and this song is one of my all time favorites.
Stewart Copeland grew up in multiple countries, including Lebanon. So he grew up with different influences. His dad was a founding member of the CIA. He put a book out about it
Copeland's dad was not quite one of history's greatest monsters, but not for want of trying. At least his son Stewart produced something of value for posterity with his music.
70’s and 80’s were a great time for power trios. Police (post punk/reggae), Rush (prog metal), ZZ Top (Texas blues). Most of what you observe (strong musicianship, catchy compositions, poetic/insightful lyrics) applied to all three.
Stewart Copeland is one of my all time favorite drummers, funny watching George's face while he's really listening and picking up on Stewart's genius accents and flavors, I think I probably still make the same face's everytime as well. Cheers gentlemen.
So glad I got to see this band when they reunited. They can tolerate each other for too long, but they are MAGIC when playing together. Amazing musicians all three. Copeland is more of a jazz drummer in a pop and punk format. Interestingly, I saw them on the same lineup as Wu-Tang Clan and the Beastie Boys. That was a wild day! LOL
@@shanemccauley8009 He doesn't limit himself to a genre, but he literally described himself as a jazz drummer in an interview about the police reunion in the 2000s. His dad played trumpet in Glen Miller's band and he took his lessons form a jazz drummer.
Clicks video->pause->go to comment about Stu Copeland the beast->smile in satisfaction that the viewers got my back. When bands like The Clash were innovate/popularizing the fusion of Reggae beats in the existing punk rock UK scene, Copeland already had a foundation of Baladi music which is basically Arabic Reggae percussion patterns from way back. Guy took this "trend" and ran with it but still sounded so different than all drummers who mixed reggae and rock due to Baladi. On behalf of all The Police fans, thank you Arabic culture for creating the humble MONSTER that is COPELAND. Edit: some great recommendations down here, my pick would be "Spirits in the Material World".
Stewart Copeland is a pretty amazing, accomplished drummer, but as you said, he puts some incredibly sophisticated syncopation in a top 10 pop song! That just doesn't happen everyday! And this song ruled the airwaves and the discos for many months. The dancers leaped onto the dance floor when the opening guitar riff started. It was really quite stunning how recognizable the song was and how much the teens, 20s and 30s embraced it, along with pretty much all their music from '79 to '85! What a mad time it was!
I saw Stewart Copeland live about 20 years ago. I was young. Dude walked out like he was about to run a marathon in a track suit and sweat bandana and wrist bands to wipe sweat. and I thought WTF…. He sat behind the drums. Then he blew my mind.
This song is absolute pop perfection, played by three very clever musicians. Stewart's drumming is the particular stand out to me, it's so unconventional but perfect for the tune. The riff is great too.
Awesome reaction guys. I've heard this song a million times and never thought of it as my favorite, but you really did bring my attention back to how precise, interesting, and masterful the musicianship is
You two should check out the recently posted Drumeo video with Stewart Copeland. He tells Police stories, breaks down his drumming, and plays some Police songs, which is really cool to see.
George would lose his mind with most of Drummeo's videos, they've featured almost every drummer he's loved so far, and Stewart Copeland's session is up there with the best ones, the man is an a machine behind the kit and the most charismatic dude.
The great thing about the police is that there is only 3 of them, but you can zone in on any one of their instruments separately, OR the lyrics, OR the whole song together, and have an amazing time
The Police and Rush are different but they both know how to make great songs that are complicated but also so seamless and keeps their groove so well. This song and Every Little Thing She does is Magic are my favorite Police songs. Both are perfect. "It seems I am not alone feeling alone. 100 billion castaways looking for a home." Just superb writing. Great meaning.
One of my favorite Neal Peart stories is really a Stewart Copeland story, in which they were having a discussion and Copeland was expressing his admiration that at a Rush concert, thousands of fans would be air drumming along with Peart. When he asked Peart how he got his fans to do that, Peart explained (I'm paraphrasing of course, I don't recall the story word for word), "to get your fans to do that, you have to play the exact same thing every time". Copeland being, of course, famous for _never_ playing the same thing twice. He's always improvising, which is amazing for the music, but means he never will get his fans air drumming along with him. :)
Great reaction guys, it's nice to see y'all pick up on just how subtly filthy Stewart Copeland's playing is, especially on this track. I've always felt like I'm the only one who loves his drumming so much, and then I come on here, and not only see you guys appreciate it, but pretty much every other comment is also talking about how nasty Copeland is. Seems I'm not alone in being alone...in loving his drumming. LOL
Should check out the Drumeo channel on RUclips. They just released a Stuart Copeland video, and they also did a video with the drummer from Coheed and Cambria playing a The Police song and basically worshipping the drumming. Super cool stuff.
This is a masterpiece rock song. I am glad to see you guys pointing out Stuart's artistic and unconventional drumming works. Sprits in the Material World next please.
I haven't watched you guys reacting to anything for like 5 years! My ex an I used to love watching your videos, I've avoided it for a while because we broke up xD But I do love seeing you guys in all your hoodness react to music you've never heard, so wholesome :)
Rick Beato recently had all three members of the Police on his channel in separate interviews and they are excellent and well worth watching. They give amazing insight into the creation on many Police hit songs.
Message in a Bottle is a great song. "Every Little Thing Does is Magic" is another great song from the group, but I'm sure you guys have heard that somewhere already. "Fields of Gold" is an amazing song by Sting, the group's lead singer.
This band opened new ways of making music, mixing reggae , punk, rock and jazz influences that became a template for many music made after, like Metallica was for metal. Those guitar voicings are something, and influenced a lot of guitarists in every genre since, the drumming was groundbreaking. And Stings voice and bass playing where spot on, and they were great songwriters, with emphasis on Sting, as he proven us time and time again in his solo career.
Best Stuart Copeland compliment ever: "He is disgusting". I think he'd like that. I was 17 when this came out, West coast Scotland. It was huge. I looked like Sting at the time, so caused me a lot of trouble.😂
George absolutely nailed the analysis. You both get it. Similar to a lot of Steely Dan records, they make such abstract compositions seem so effortless they’re easy to overlook
One thing you have to realize is these are top shelf musicians AND top shelf songwriters. If you dig a little deeper, the way Sting plays vocally off a melody is next level. Try to catch the Synchronicity live version it's easy to find on YT.
Sting, the writer for most (if not all) of the Police's work, considered his vocals when writing the music. So he created what you are observing on both sides.
You two hear it and feel it. Their songs are so catchy and accessible that it's easy for most to not really pick up on their great musicianship. And once you notice it you can't help but be mesmerized.
... two minutes after the release of this song - 6" splash cymbal sales went THROUGH THE ROOF - Copeland is definitely one of the most innovative drummers all time - his stuff is top drawer - he plays odd time signatures and he often accentuates with the splash cymbal the difficult abnormal off notes - the reason it sounds so good is because NO one expects to hear it when he strikes it - it is not what you expect which amplifies it all the more - he is not playing loud but when he plays it comes across as HUGE - as a drummer I can assure you that it is v. difficult to do this becomes it does not come naturally to most drummers - it is like asking a pianist to play the wrong key - your instinct is to hesitate because your brain is saying one thing and your hands are refusing to follow - you can feel your body tense up and it is almost like a low-level form of paralysis to strike that cymbal when he does it - you have to fight against every muscle in your arm to actually do it and make it sound natural so people listening to it believe it - if you are not relaxed enough when playing this it will sound forced and discordant - he makes it sound natural and that is why it WORKS - it is difficult to play like this - ask yourself - when have you ever heard a STEWART COPELAND sound a-like ? exactly - few drummers can do this convincingly to make it sound normal when it is so abnormal to hit on those off notes - I have no idea how he learned to do this and no one else in the drumming pantheon can do this convincingly - a few do it one or twice in a song but he does it the entire song - a rare unusual talent - he is sort of the Jimi Hendrix of drumming - no one followed him because they could never replicate it
Sting's lyrics are always full of metaphors and poetry. Check out his solo songs as well. Desert Rose, Shape of My Heart, and Fields of Gold are all wonderful.
Copeland doesn't play the snare unless the snare NEEDS to be played. Take note of how long this song goes before he even hits it -- and even then it's only occasional until around that 3:37 moment. He's all about flavour and space, keeping the music rolling and bubbling. He can do a straightforward snare when he wants to, but most of the time his playing is way more than you expect it to be.
For me, as a drummer, Stewart Copeland is a sneaky bastard and I say that with the utmost respect. There are so many songs where he will do a drum fill at the least expected moment. Just when I think he's passed up an opportunity for a drum fill....... bam! He sneaks it in there. One World (not 3) off of the Ghost in the Machine album still blows my mind every time I hear it and I've been listening to it since 1982.
This has become one of my favorite songs since i first heard it in 2022/23 and probably played it for like a year straight 😅. The police have many great songs
My favorite drum part of all time when they go into the final chorus. All those extra notes. Just after 11:35 of the video. The off beat ones. So cool!
Awesome to revisit this tour de force song after such a long time. Thank you! The Police were my jam in early high school in the mid 80's. I always feel that a good 3-piece always have to be so strong. Rush, Triumph, the Tea Party (Oh, Canada!)... if they sounds good, they are probably truly great.
It would be amazing to get your thoughts on Sting's and Stewart's interviews with producer Rick Beato. Sting has never been as invested and candid as in that conversation. No one has ever gotten him to open up like that. Also just yesterday Stewart Copeland dropped an incredible interview/session with Drummeo and he's just unhinged and amazing. The Police is one of those bands where all 3 members were actually too capable and talented for the band, to a point where they wouldn't compromise their personal musical ideas against the others'. But damn if they gave us some of the best records ever.
I remember wanting to learn this drum part hit-for-hit and realizing how frustrating it was gonna be by like the halfway mark of the song I think Stewart Copeland growing up in parts of the Middle East really gave him a unique sense of how percussion/rhythm CAN work within music. He’s not on someone like Peart’s level of technical skill, but HIS thing feels harder to replicate because it feels so off-kilter at points while being the perfect thing to play at any given moment Oh, funny trivia: He composed the music for Spyro the Dragon back in the day lmao
Stewart Copland rules, he's not just a drummer, he has major skills across the musical board. He did the music for Spyro the Dragon, the video game series on PS1, absolutely next level video game music
Stewart’s dad worked for the CIA. Stewart formed the Police. One brother a talent agency called FBI, and the third brother started a record company, IRS.
The most accurate and best description I've ever read of Stewart Copeland is that he drums in-between the beats. He is also the master of syncopation. Literally no other drummer except for Neil Peart has been better at syncopation than Stewart Copeland. That's why he's one of the greatest drummers ever.
Thank you for hitting on the lyrics, especially the 3rd verse. It makes me emotional every time I hear it. In a way, its hopeful. I'm not alone in being alone is so profound and it leaves the possibility for you to find 100 million castaways like you, looking for a home. (I thought the lyric was cause but whatever) Get off your island. Get out of your rut and find people that want to be with you. This is probably their greatest song and that is saying a lot because of their dozens of classics. They have a series of hits in the vein of Don't Stand So Close to Me. Maybe one of them will rub off on you better. They are all gems: I Can't Stand Losing You, So Lonely, Da Do Do Do, When the World is Running Down, Driven to Tears And one song that is so incredible and unlike anything they've ever done is Invisible Sun.
Great reaction as always guys. Inside and underneath all the metal and rock I listen to and love, songs like this are always lingering, too. I'm not a Police fan but this song is always one I can relax to. 👍
Guys, Stewart Copeland is a well-respected drummer in the musician community. The RUclips Channel Drumeo just dropped an hour long episode with Stu. He plays Police tunes live and talks about his approach, percussion, and music history. It's not too egghead, I think you would like it. Cheers.
I mean, I really cannot tell you how big an influence The Police were on pop culture and music back in the 1980s in America. Two songs isn't even scratching the surface of their catalog.
A lot of people are mentioning what a great drummer Stewart Copeland is - and I agree. If you have time - read about Copeland's family. Absolutely crazy family - his father was an American intelligence agent who helped create the CIA - his older brother Miles was a big shot in the music industry and founded IRS Records. Incidentally - Copeland is the only American in the group - Sting and Andy Summers are both British. Compared to my family - they were an interesting bunch.
So glad you recognize Stewart Copeland. I’ve loved this band since I was 7! And at 14 when I started playing bass I realized how amazing Stewart is! Check out synchronicity. Great album with some killer songs
AWESOME reaction, really highlighting all the genius of this ultimate power pop trio!! I started playing drums in high school (too many years ago) and learning Police songs was the most challenging and rewarding of all bands. You have to ignore every instinct you have for fills, when to hit the crash, what beats to emphasize, and forget about the high hat work - insanity! Copeland is easily the most original drummer in pop/rock history, in my book.
Every time I hear this song, I think of a story from a Podcast called Gossip Mongers. According to the story, Sting was at a lake in England and heard a load of drunks on a boat scream "Message In a Bottle" when they came across a bottle in the water. That night, The Police played a gig and introduced a new song called "Message In a Bottle!"
![Twenty One Pilots - The Line (from Arcane Season 2) [Official Audio]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/XCz7WUotXs8/mqdefault.jpg)
The Police truly one of the greatest bands ever, never to be repeated. Stewart Copeland one of the most creative and brilliant drummers of all time.
Neil Peart liked them a lot.
@@SilverFox-qr1ci,
Stewart Copeland idolized Neil Peart. Stewart combined multiple styles of music and drumming in his work. He idolized Peart for his ability to change things up mid song and bring it all back together. He felt Peart was more than just a drummer, but a multi-percussionist who utilized his drums and cymbals to create a "theme" to a song. Copeland did the same thing with the Police.
One of those extremely rare cases in which a band has a perfetc legacy. Five albums, front to back, no skips.
not that great
Stewart Copeland does some crazy shit on drums behind a pop like structure that is absolutely insane, example, Murder By Numbers off of Synchronicity
He is one of the all-time greats and heavily underrated
The LP version of Synchronicity initially didn't have "Murder by Numbers". That was a B-side to "Every Breath you Take". It eventually became a bonus track on the CD.
Also, if you want to hear Copeland on a non-Police song, he drummed on Peter Gabriel's "Red Rain"
@@JoeVideoed it was on the cassette as I recall.
He runs it for at least 4 bars until you realize it was triplets the whole time, not 4/4.
Came here to basically say this haha. Perfectly said. One of the GOATs
Stewart Copeland is your favorite drummer's favorite drummer. He really is one of the GOATS. Cannot recommend 'Voices in My Head' enough.
"Voices in My Head" is my submission of proof that, even though they clearly had a lifetime of difficulty getting along when in close proximity, that Sting's bass & Stewart's percussion was MADE FOR EACH OTHER.
He's my favorite.
The Destroyer of Snare Drum heads!
Stewart makes the hardest thing on earth to do, as a drummer, is have personality, a uniqueness. When he plays, you know it's him. Playing an instrument they doesn't have notes, it's borderline impossible. He does it without exception. He's as unique a drummer as we've ever heard. One of the GOATS
Truth
This is my single favorite drum part ever. Every single hit is perfect. The ride, the sidesticks, the accents, ITS SO GOOD
As a drummer myself, I approve of this message.
George you inadvertently hit the nail on the head when you said you hear this song all the time in passing but never noticed the high level of musicianship ...the genius of the Police is that they are universally recognized as 3 of the greatest talents in their specialities of all time by both critics and fans,, but they can simultaneously blend into the background and just be a welcome and familiar part of your life. They appeal to all senses and sophistications. That's an incredibly difficult thing to accomplish. They were quite genius that way, and other than maybe Steely Dan, I'm not sure anyone did it better than these 3 guys.
Yall nailed my 3 favorite things about this song. The off beat (yet perfectly on beat) unconventional drumming by Copeland, the beautiful main guitar riff courtesy of Andy, and the poetic and meaningful lyrics by Sting.
Nofx-separation of church and skate
The bass lines aren’t so shabby either.
He put out some solo stuff on IRS records under the name Klark Kent
Copelands interview with Rick Beato is on YT. It’s really good.
the one on Drumeo is even better. Do check that out if u liked Rick's interview.
@@maqsimillion It is better. Much more playful. Offcourse, Stewart is a prime example of 'never grow up', which helps.
an hour long drumeo vid with him just dropped also
@@Peteski510what does that mean
Yes, it's so good. And he's just got a great personality & a very interesting life story.
The Police were one of those bands that just kept coming around in the charts at the time with such iconic identifiable hits.. after hit, after hit, after hit.. Tempestuous working relationships, but brilliant musicianship. It's interesting that you guys got so captivated by it in contrast to what you expected - I've found this too looking back at their catalogue. This band isn't one I focussed on but they are a very present band in my pop culture youth. You tend to remember the track and think "yep they're good" with a little nostalgia, but then listen to it again and realise that what you carry in your head doesn't do justice to what's actually on there. You come full circle to stuff you've listened to forever with a little more appreciation, from sheer experience of listening to so much stuff in the intervening time.
“High level musicianship with a pop sensibility” - sums up The Police really well.
Pop-Raegge
Copeland straight up murders percussion work. My absolute favorite drummer simply due to how original his beats come off within the greater work.
Watching these guys live, he is mesmerizing to watch for me.
One of the best songs of all time. I listen to music like a madman, perform music, devour music, dream music, listen to hundreds of bands across genres...and this song is one of my all time favorites.
Same. Probably an all time Top 10 song for me.
Stewart Copeland is a BEAST on drums.
You should watch him live. Insane!
Stewart Copeland grew up in multiple countries, including Lebanon. So he grew up with different influences. His dad was a founding member of the CIA. He put a book out about it
And at a party one time, he had a one night stand, got her pregnant, turns out she was the Guinness beer heiress.
Copeland's dad was not quite one of history's greatest monsters, but not for want of trying.
At least his son Stewart produced something of value for posterity with his music.
Andy Summers just knows all the "expensive" guitar chords.
70’s and 80’s were a great time for power trios. Police (post punk/reggae), Rush (prog metal), ZZ Top (Texas blues). Most of what you observe (strong musicianship, catchy compositions, poetic/insightful lyrics) applied to all three.
"Invisible Sun" by these guys is unforgettable.
His time signatures are “unconventional”…and he’s the King of Drum Fills…love the Police!
4/4?
Stewart Copeland is one of my all time favorite drummers, funny watching George's face while he's really listening and picking up on Stewart's genius accents and flavors, I think I probably still make the same face's everytime as well.
Cheers gentlemen.
So glad I got to see this band when they reunited. They can tolerate each other for too long, but they are MAGIC when playing together. Amazing musicians all three. Copeland is more of a jazz drummer in a pop and punk format. Interestingly, I saw them on the same lineup as Wu-Tang Clan and the Beastie Boys. That was a wild day! LOL
Copeland has never played jazz and never describes himself as a jazz drummer.
@@shanemccauley8009 He doesn't limit himself to a genre, but he literally described himself as a jazz drummer in an interview about the police reunion in the 2000s. His dad played trumpet in Glen Miller's band and he took his lessons form a jazz drummer.
Clicks video->pause->go to comment about Stu Copeland the beast->smile in satisfaction that the viewers got my back. When bands like The Clash were innovate/popularizing the fusion of Reggae beats in the existing punk rock UK scene, Copeland already had a foundation of Baladi music which is basically Arabic Reggae percussion patterns from way back. Guy took this "trend" and ran with it but still sounded so different than all drummers who mixed reggae and rock due to Baladi. On behalf of all The Police fans, thank you Arabic culture for creating the humble MONSTER that is COPELAND.
Edit: some great recommendations down here, my pick would be "Spirits in the Material World".
Stewart Copeland is one of the GOAT drummers
Stewart Copeland is a pretty amazing, accomplished drummer, but as you said, he puts some incredibly sophisticated syncopation in a top 10 pop song! That just doesn't happen everyday! And this song ruled the airwaves and the discos for many months. The dancers leaped onto the dance floor when the opening guitar riff started. It was really quite stunning how recognizable the song was and how much the teens, 20s and 30s embraced it, along with pretty much all their music from '79 to '85! What a mad time it was!
Every Police song is great, even the throwaways.
I saw Stewart Copeland live about 20 years ago. I was young. Dude walked out like he was about to run a marathon in a track suit and sweat bandana and wrist bands to wipe sweat. and I thought WTF…. He sat behind the drums. Then he blew my mind.
i love his drumming towards the ending & fade of Every Breath You Take
This song is absolute pop perfection, played by three very clever musicians. Stewart's drumming is the particular stand out to me, it's so unconventional but perfect for the tune. The riff is great too.
Loved that you reviewed POLICE❤🎸🔥my college days... SPIRITS IN THE MATERIAL WORLD is complicated ❤
Police were one of the highlights of the fading 70s and early 80s.
Awesome reaction guys. I've heard this song a million times and never thought of it as my favorite, but you really did bring my attention back to how precise, interesting, and masterful the musicianship is
You two should check out the recently posted Drumeo video with Stewart Copeland. He tells Police stories, breaks down his drumming, and plays some Police songs, which is really cool to see.
I just watched that video yesterday! Rick Beato also recently interviewed him as well, great interview.
Stewart has been popping up all over youtube in the past year or so.
George would lose his mind with most of Drummeo's videos, they've featured almost every drummer he's loved so far, and Stewart Copeland's session is up there with the best ones, the man is an a machine behind the kit and the most charismatic dude.
"So Lonely" and "When the World is Running Down..." are good.
They are all good.
The Police are one of those bands that really have a unique sound, a sound that you'll immediately recognize even if you don't know the song
3 bands who dominated the charts in the UK at this time, The Police, The Jam and Madness
And the Specials.
The great thing about the police is that there is only 3 of them, but you can zone in on any one of their instruments separately, OR the lyrics, OR the whole song together, and have an amazing time
Crazy thing about this song is you need two guitarists to play the riff, but Summers does something so it works live.
Great reaction guys, especially picking up on Stewart Copeland's subtle genius! 🔥
*Stewart :)
It’s not that subtle! Dude is a monster!
The Police and Rush are different but they both know how to make great songs that are complicated but also so seamless and keeps their groove so well. This song and Every Little Thing She does is Magic are my favorite Police songs. Both are perfect.
"It seems I am not alone feeling alone. 100 billion castaways looking for a home." Just superb writing. Great meaning.
One of my favorite Neal Peart stories is really a Stewart Copeland story, in which they were having a discussion and Copeland was expressing his admiration that at a Rush concert, thousands of fans would be air drumming along with Peart. When he asked Peart how he got his fans to do that, Peart explained (I'm paraphrasing of course, I don't recall the story word for word), "to get your fans to do that, you have to play the exact same thing every time".
Copeland being, of course, famous for _never_ playing the same thing twice. He's always improvising, which is amazing for the music, but means he never will get his fans air drumming along with him. :)
Great reaction guys, it's nice to see y'all pick up on just how subtly filthy Stewart Copeland's playing is, especially on this track. I've always felt like I'm the only one who loves his drumming so much, and then I come on here, and not only see you guys appreciate it, but pretty much every other comment is also talking about how nasty Copeland is. Seems I'm not alone in being alone...in loving his drumming. LOL
Great post...before I got to the "read more" above, I was headed in here to reply with "seems like you're not alone in being alone..." :-)
See what you did there. I remember when this came out. Sitting by the radio with a tape recorder at the ready. Lol
Should check out the Drumeo channel on RUclips. They just released a Stuart Copeland video, and they also did a video with the drummer from Coheed and Cambria playing a The Police song and basically worshipping the drumming. Super cool stuff.
For some of the tastiest drumming by Copeland you'll ever hear, Driven to Tears (especially the fills towards the end) tops my list.
This is a masterpiece rock song. I am glad to see you guys pointing out Stuart's artistic and unconventional drumming works. Sprits in the Material World next please.
"masterpiece" very funny, it's a good song
The drumming is world class. SC in da house!
You LISTENED to it.
You didn't HEAR it until tonight. 💯😎
Yeah. 😂 They're THAT GOOD! 💯
This was a big LP in 1979, loved this tune in the day. Even now makes me remember being 20 something. Cheers, good to see u back on YT
They also coincidentally have a great song called So Lonely.
This (and more from The Clash) would be a great gateway for them to get a taste of punk rock.
I haven't watched you guys reacting to anything for like 5 years! My ex an I used to love watching your videos, I've avoided it for a while because we broke up xD
But I do love seeing you guys in all your hoodness react to music you've never heard, so wholesome :)
Check out Stewart Copelands appearance on Drumeo. It's otherworldly!!
Rick Beato recently had all three members of the Police on his channel in separate interviews and they are excellent and well worth watching. They give amazing insight into the creation on many Police hit songs.
The depth of the song is what hits deep. Everyone has cast out a message in a bottle.
Message in a Bottle is a great song. "Every Little Thing Does is Magic" is another great song from the group, but I'm sure you guys have heard that somewhere already. "Fields of Gold" is an amazing song by Sting, the group's lead singer.
This band opened new ways of making music, mixing reggae , punk, rock and jazz influences that became a template for many music made after, like Metallica was for metal. Those guitar voicings are something, and influenced a lot of guitarists in every genre since, the drumming was groundbreaking. And Stings voice and bass playing where spot on, and they were great songwriters, with emphasis on Sting, as he proven us time and time again in his solo career.
Best Stuart Copeland compliment ever: "He is disgusting". I think he'd like that.
I was 17 when this came out, West coast Scotland. It was huge. I looked like Sting at the time, so caused me a lot of trouble.😂
reggae, punk and pop all wrapped in a crunchy burrito
Driven To Tears, Voices Inside My Head, Spirits In The Material Word, The Bed's Too Big Without You.
George absolutely nailed the analysis. You both get it. Similar to a lot of Steely Dan records, they make such abstract compositions seem so effortless they’re easy to overlook
Stewart is def underrated! Glad yall brought some special attention to the drumming. Great vid!
One thing you have to realize is these are top shelf musicians AND top shelf songwriters. If you dig a little deeper, the way Sting plays vocally off a melody is next level. Try to catch the Synchronicity live version it's easy to find on YT.
Sting, the writer for most (if not all) of the Police's work, considered his vocals when writing the music. So he created what you are observing on both sides.
@@stuBdoc It really hit me recently while learning to play/sing Englishman in NY. It's remarkable.and I don't think I've heard many do it better.
You two hear it and feel it.
Their songs are so catchy and accessible that it's easy for most to not really pick up on their great musicianship.
And once you notice it you can't help but be mesmerized.
... two minutes after the release of this song - 6" splash cymbal sales went THROUGH THE ROOF - Copeland is definitely one of the most innovative drummers all time - his stuff is top drawer - he plays odd time signatures and he often accentuates with the splash cymbal the difficult abnormal off notes - the reason it sounds so good is because NO one expects to hear it when he strikes it - it is not what you expect which amplifies it all the more - he is not playing loud but when he plays it comes across as HUGE - as a drummer I can assure you that it is v. difficult to do this becomes it does not come naturally to most drummers - it is like asking a pianist to play the wrong key - your instinct is to hesitate because your brain is saying one thing and your hands are refusing to follow - you can feel your body tense up and it is almost like a low-level form of paralysis to strike that cymbal when he does it - you have to fight against every muscle in your arm to actually do it and make it sound natural so people listening to it believe it - if you are not relaxed enough when playing this it will sound forced and discordant - he makes it sound natural and that is why it WORKS - it is difficult to play like this - ask yourself - when have you ever heard a STEWART COPELAND sound a-like ? exactly - few drummers can do this convincingly to make it sound normal when it is so abnormal to hit on those off notes - I have no idea how he learned to do this and no one else in the drumming pantheon can do this convincingly - a few do it one or twice in a song but he does it the entire song - a rare unusual talent - he is sort of the Jimi Hendrix of drumming - no one followed him because they could never replicate it
Sting's lyrics are always full of metaphors and poetry. Check out his solo songs as well. Desert Rose, Shape of My Heart, and Fields of Gold are all wonderful.
this song is brilliant!!!! As a matter of fact the entire collection from the Police is amazing!!!
Great reaction, I love when you cover classic rock! ❤
These dudes just love music and it's so contagious.
Copeland doesn't play the snare unless the snare NEEDS to be played. Take note of how long this song goes before he even hits it -- and even then it's only occasional until around that 3:37 moment. He's all about flavour and space, keeping the music rolling and bubbling. He can do a straightforward snare when he wants to, but most of the time his playing is way more than you expect it to be.
For me, as a drummer, Stewart Copeland is a sneaky bastard and I say that with the utmost respect. There are so many songs where he will do a drum fill at the least expected moment. Just when I think he's passed up an opportunity for a drum fill....... bam! He sneaks it in there. One World (not 3) off of the Ghost in the Machine album still blows my mind every time I hear it and I've been listening to it since 1982.
This has become one of my favorite songs since i first heard it in 2022/23 and probably played it for like a year straight 😅. The police have many great songs
Easily the most underrated song, by the best trio in rock history!! \m/
Second best trio... behind Rush.
@@johnandrews5414 third best behind GreenDay
Fourth best behind King's X.
Stewart- King of the Snares.
Sting - genius bass player.
Andy- iconic guitarist
The irony of your comment being that Stewart de-emphasized the snare in his drumming. I’d call him king of the hi-hat.
Greatest Regge Rock band ever
Reggae* And no, band is radio pop shit.
I saw them live during their Synchronicity tour. It was so much fun!
Stewart Copeland is a MASTER drummer. Few are at his level. He is technical mastered AND has top rate taste.
Perfect raggae singing with pop! But by a band! They are really playing and performing! Great comments! 😊
My favorite drum part of all time when they go into the final chorus. All those extra notes. Just after 11:35 of the video. The off beat ones. So cool!
Lots of sweat on the dance floor with this song, one of my favorites. 👍👍👍
Heard this song today. Thank you!!!
Awesome to revisit this tour de force song after such a long time. Thank you! The Police were my jam in early high school in the mid 80's.
I always feel that a good 3-piece always have to be so strong. Rush, Triumph, the Tea Party (Oh, Canada!)... if they sounds good, they are probably truly great.
""Seems I'm not alone in being alone" is one of my all time lyrics. Glad they picked up on that. 🙂
It would be amazing to get your thoughts on Sting's and Stewart's interviews with producer Rick Beato. Sting has never been as invested and candid as in that conversation. No one has ever gotten him to open up like that. Also just yesterday Stewart Copeland dropped an incredible interview/session with Drummeo and he's just unhinged and amazing. The Police is one of those bands where all 3 members were actually too capable and talented for the band, to a point where they wouldn't compromise their personal musical ideas against the others'. But damn if they gave us some of the best records ever.
14:08 was the best part of this video. Watching y'all geek out over the drumming was instantly uplifting (and bonding in a weird way).
I remember wanting to learn this drum part hit-for-hit and realizing how frustrating it was gonna be by like the halfway mark of the song
I think Stewart Copeland growing up in parts of the Middle East really gave him a unique sense of how percussion/rhythm CAN work within music. He’s not on someone like Peart’s level of technical skill, but HIS thing feels harder to replicate because it feels so off-kilter at points while being the perfect thing to play at any given moment
Oh, funny trivia: He composed the music for Spyro the Dragon back in the day lmao
Stewart Copland rules, he's not just a drummer, he has major skills across the musical board. He did the music for Spyro the Dragon, the video game series on PS1, absolutely next level video game music
Stewards drum fills and off speed beats are just sick and timeless no matter what generation hears them
Stewart’s dad worked for the CIA. Stewart formed the Police. One brother a talent agency called FBI, and the third brother started a record company, IRS.
The most accurate and best description I've ever read of Stewart Copeland is that he drums in-between the beats. He is also the master of syncopation. Literally no other drummer except for Neil Peart has been better at syncopation than Stewart Copeland. That's why he's one of the greatest drummers ever.
3 people making that much beautiful music! Unbelievable Steward Copeland is from the DC metropolitan area..Alexandria VA. So proud from the DMV area
Thank you for hitting on the lyrics, especially the 3rd verse. It makes me emotional every time I hear it. In a way, its hopeful. I'm not alone in being alone is so profound and it leaves the possibility for you to find 100 million castaways like you, looking for a home. (I thought the lyric was cause but whatever) Get off your island. Get out of your rut and find people that want to be with you.
This is probably their greatest song and that is saying a lot because of their dozens of classics. They have a series of hits in the vein of Don't Stand So Close to Me. Maybe one of them will rub off on you better. They are all gems: I Can't Stand Losing You, So Lonely, Da Do Do Do, When the World is Running Down, Driven to Tears
And one song that is so incredible and unlike anything they've ever done is Invisible Sun.
Stuart Copelands drumming on Driven to Tears is absolute insanity!
Never noticed how much the guitar on this song reminds me of "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" ~ in particular those mournful outro licks
Great reaction as always guys. Inside and underneath all the metal and rock I listen to and love, songs like this are always lingering, too. I'm not a Police fan but this song is always one I can relax to. 👍
13:58 💯! Stewart Copeland’s like John Starks, hitting mad sparks!
Guys, Stewart Copeland is a well-respected drummer in the musician community. The RUclips Channel Drumeo just dropped an hour long episode with Stu. He plays Police tunes live and talks about his approach, percussion, and music history. It's not too egghead, I think you would like it. Cheers.
I mean, I really cannot tell you how big an influence The Police were on pop culture and music back in the 1980s in America. Two songs isn't even scratching the surface of their catalog.
Can’t even describe how exciting this was when it came out. It was the sound of the future.
A lot of people are mentioning what a great drummer Stewart Copeland is - and I agree. If you have time - read about Copeland's family. Absolutely crazy family - his father was an American intelligence agent who helped create the CIA - his older brother Miles was a big shot in the music industry and founded IRS Records. Incidentally - Copeland is the only American in the group - Sting and Andy Summers are both British. Compared to my family - they were an interesting bunch.
So glad you recognize Stewart Copeland. I’ve loved this band since I was 7! And at 14 when I started playing bass I realized how amazing Stewart is! Check out synchronicity. Great album with some killer songs
George - you lucked out. Stewart is quite active on youtube lately. Personality-wise, he's a trip, and pretty entertaining
Perhaps my favorite song ever! At least among popular artists this one is tops 🥁🎸
Sting's a brilliant lyricist, they're all such good instrumentalists he doesn't get enough credit for it.
AWESOME reaction, really highlighting all the genius of this ultimate power pop trio!! I started playing drums in high school (too many years ago) and learning Police songs was the most challenging and rewarding of all bands. You have to ignore every instinct you have for fills, when to hit the crash, what beats to emphasize, and forget about the high hat work - insanity! Copeland is easily the most original drummer in pop/rock history, in my book.
Stuart Copeland also made the soundtrack for Spyro The Dragon
Every time I hear this song, I think of a story from a Podcast called Gossip Mongers. According to the story, Sting was at a lake in England and heard a load of drunks on a boat scream "Message In a Bottle" when they came across a bottle in the water. That night, The Police played a gig and introduced a new song called "Message In a Bottle!"
Stewart Copeland such a great percussionist… Great reaction and review 👊🏻