The Police, possibly better known now, as the band that used to support Sting......
Outlandos d'Amour means Outlaws of Love.
Formed by drummer Stewart Copeland (an American who's Dad was actually CIA) in 1977, in London, as a three piece band, initially without Andy Summers (who was with The Animals), they were very much seen as coming out of the Punk era although their music isn't punk at all.
The punk reference is a comment reflecting the Band's attitude and their music is often referred to as 'white man's reggae'.
This was their 1978 debut and it really created a stir. A very new sound.
It was recorded on a £1,500 budget from Copeland's brother Miles and as a consequence, was recorded in down-time in Surrey Sound Studios over 6 months on and off.
It was the single 'Roxanne' that got the band initial attention especially as it was about prostitution ("you don't have to turn off the red light") which resulted in airplay "bans".
In fact it was inspired from a visit by Sting to the red-light district of Paris because it was near to a Hotel where the Band were staying. An eye-opener we would think to a lad from Wallsend who's real name is Gordon Sumner.
"Can't stand losing you", "So lonely" (based on Marley's 'No woman No cry') followed as singles and "Be me girl" is a standout but for us, the real beauty is "Hole in my life".
It's a great record because it signifies a time and as a three piece, still sounds fresh. Ironically few in Streamabout knew The Police (but they knew Sting) which just shows ya....cause it was nearly 40 years ago...
Here they are very raw from 1978.....
Previous "listen to's" you'll also find on this blog.......Michael Jackson Off the Wall; Carole King Tapestry; Beatles Red Album; Sex Pistols Never mind the Bollocks; Sam Cooke Live at Harlem Square; The Doors LA Woman; Thin Lizzy Live & Dangerous; Kendrick Lamarr Butterfly; Aretha Franklin Amazing Grace; Clapton 461; Massive Attack Blue Lines; The Clash London Calling; Chris Isaak At The Filmore; Bob Dylan Street Legal; Bad Company Straight Shooter; Jackson Browne Love is Strange; Lou Reed Transformer; Steely Dan AJA; Stones Black+Blue; Stephen Bishop Careless; Nils Lofgren Night after Night; Mike Oldfield Tubular Bells; Neil Young Harvest; Led Zep 4; David Bowie David Live; Van Morrison It's too late to stop now; Wings Band on the run; Rod Stewart Atlantic Crossing; Ryan Adams Heartbreaker; Santana Essential; Bob Dylan Desire; Roxy Music For your pleasure; Bob Marley Legend; Stephen Fretwell Magpie; James Taylor Sweet Baby James; Deep Purple Machine Head; Springsteen Darkness on the edge of town; Leon Bridges Coming Home; Eagles Hotel California; Jungle; Aretha Soul Queen; Neil Young After the Goldrush + Harvest; Zappa Overnite Sensation; Fleetwood Mac Rumours; Keith Jarrett Koln Concert; Doobies Southbound; Stevie Earle I feel Alright; Tom Waits Closing Time; Pink Floyd Dark Side; Van Morrison Moondance; Eric Church Caught in the Act; Randy Newman Little Criminals; Elton John Madman across the water; Patti Smith Horses; Doobies Captain and Me; Steely Dan Can't Buy a Thrill.
