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DISCLAIMER: We are aware of Alex’s audio issues/doubling effect on this episode (and the last episode) and fixed it as best as possible. These were technical issues captured on his source file and were unrepairable after the live recording. Apologies for any annoyance but this has been rectified on the upcoming “Ghost in the Machine” episode. We tried out a new recording software for this episode and “Regatta” but due to the ongoing issues, we have gone back to the previous software (if it’s not broken, don’t fix it I suppose!).
Episode 61 covers the third Police studio album, 1980’s “Zenyattà Mondatta.” It was co-produced by the band and Nigel Gray. Zenyatta Mondatta was released to commercial success, reaching number one on the UK Albums Chart and producing the hit singles “Don’t Stand So Close to Me” and “De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da“. The album won the band two Grammy Awards: Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for “Don’t Stand So Close to Me” and Best Rock Instrumental Performance for “Behind My Camel“. Mark, Kevin, Alex, and Chris take you on a historical journey surrounding the album as well as share our favorites and not-so favorites from the record. We go on a deep dive track-by-track listen of this album as well as share personal stories of discovering The Police’s “Zenyattà Mondatta.” Tune in next week for Episode 62 covering the forth Police studio album “Ghost in the Machine.”
Subscribe, Rate, and Review:
Quick Reviews
Mark A song too long. Feels a bit more free, experimental and psychedelic. Feels a bit rushed.
Chris A good chunk of this album is “Oh, that’s nice, but next”. Six or seven really solid songs, and then a few more that I’m just ambivalent about.
Alex I like this record a little more than “Reggatta”. Side A is definitely stronger than Side B. Some elements of ska revival. Great production.
Kevin Still waiting for that album of gold front to back. This, unfortunately, isn’t it, despite having some strong songs on it.
Love It or Flush It
| M | C | A | K | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Don't Stand So Close to Me" | 4:04 | L | L | L | L | |
| 2 | "Driven to Tears" | 3:20 | L | L | B | B | |
| 3 | "When the World Is Running Down, You Make the Best of What's Still Around" | 3:38 | L | L | L | L | |
| 4 | "Canary in a Coalmine" | 2:26 | L | L | L | F | |
| 5 | "Voices Inside My Head" | 3:53 | F | F | L | F | |
| 6 | "Bombs Away" | 3:06 | F | L | F | F | |
| 7 | "De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da" | 4:09 | L | B | B | L | |
| 8 | "Behind My Camel" | 2:54 | L | L | L | L | |
| 9 | "Man in a Suitcase" | 2:19 | B | L | L | L | |
| 10 | "Shadows in the Rain" | 5:04 | T | F | F | T | |
| 11 | "The Other Way of Stopping" | 3:22 | F | T | T | F |
Love It or Flush It Legend
L = Love. As many as you like.
F = Flush. Must flush at least one track per album.
B = Buy. Purchased for the ultimate LTS “Best Of” playlist for each of us. One per album.
T = Terminate. Should have never even existed. One per album.
The Rules
Each of us must Love, Flush, Buy, and Terminate AT LEAST ONE track on an album, no matter how great or terrible the album is. Whoever wins the “7 for the Buy” section gets an extra Buy or Terminate to use on the album. Because Chris hosts this section and thus cannot win, he gets an extra Buy or Terminate every 4 albums.
Album Information
Zenyatta Mondatta (stylised as Zenyattà Mondatta on the album cover artwork) is the third studio album by English rock band the Police, released on 3 October 1980 by A&M Records. It was co-produced by the band and Nigel Gray.
Zenyatta Mondatta was released to commercial success, reaching number one on the UK Albums Chart and producing the hit singles “Don’t Stand So Close to Me” and “De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da“. The album won the band two Grammy Awards: Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for “Don’t Stand So Close to Me” and Best Rock Instrumental Performance for “Behind My Camel“.
