The Police – Ghost in the Machine: Music We Love
Remember when The Police were the biggest rock band in the world? I’m talking way before Sting started developing jazz scores around his blue turtle dreams, and probably well before he ever heard of tantric sex, much less became the face (albeit a farcical one) for it.
In the late-70’s and early-80’s, the 3-man British trio – Sting (lead vocals, bass guitar), Andy Summers (guitar, vocals) and Stewart Copeland (drums, vocals, percussion) – topped the charts with a unique brand of rock combining punk, jazz, and reggae influences.
I, like just about everyone else, was hooked. In particular, I was hooked on the group’s 1981 release, Ghost in the Machine.
Caribbean vibes run throughout the album, from the indisputable reggae guitar licks of Spirits in the Material World to ska-like horns in Demolition Man, to the hints of calypso in Every Little Thing She Does is Magic. It’s no surprise, really, when you consider the somewhat unusual, at least by today’s standards, location where much of the album was recorded…
Remember when Montserrat island was one of the jewels of Caribbean tourism? I’m talking way before the island’s Soufrière Hills Volcano started acting up in 1995, forcing the evacuation and eventual destruction of the capital city, Plymouth.
In the 1970’s, Montserrat ranked among the most desired Caribbean playgrounds for UK vacationers, especially well-to-do folks like Sir George Martin. Who’s he? Oh, just the guy who signed The Beatles to a record deal with EMI in 1962 and produced all their albums until they disbanded in 1970. Yeah, he deserves a royal title or 2.
In 1969, before The Beatles called it quits, Sir George founded AIR Studios in Central London. Then, after falling in love with Montserrat during a 1977 vacation, he opened a second AIR Studios facility there in 1979.
Offering all the world-class facilities of AIR’s Central London location with the added cachet of an absolutely idyllic tropical location, AIR Studios Montserrat quickly became popular with the top musical acts of the period, including Dire Straits, Paul McCartney, Elton John, Duran Duran, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, The Rolling Stones, Lou Reed, Black Sabbath, Eric Clapton, and of course, The Police.
All the songs on Ghost in the Machine were recorded in Montserrat between January and September 1981, with the lone and ironic exception being Every Little Thing She Does is Magic. It’s not just ironic because of the Caribbean influences in the song, though. The music video (click here to see it) features footage shot at AIR Studios Montserrat, as well as some great candid moments showing the band jamming, dancing, laughing and singing with a crowd of locals out in the streets. It’s the kind of uncommon travel experience we aspire to, and a nice reminder of the days when MTV actually played music videos.
The band’s experience in Montserrat must’ve been great because they returned a few years later to record their biggest hit record, Synchronicity.
The good times at AIR Studios Monteserrat were short-lived, though. And you can’t blame the volcano this time either. In 1989 Hurricane Hugo destroyed the facility, closing a uniquely Caribbean chapter in rock and roll history.
The recording industry hasn’t returned to Montserrat, but the island’s vacation industry is on the rebound, a fact made clear on the island’s tourism website and in this video. The still-active volcano is a big draw for adventure travelers, but if you’re like me then walking in the footsteps of 1 of the world’s greatest bands may warrant a visit as well. Until we get the chance, at least we can listen to this classic rock album with roots in the Caribbean right here!
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