1980 - November: The Police “Zenyatta Mondatta”

Power trios were unusual in the punk and new wave scene of the late 70's, but The Police were a notable exception.    By November 1980 they were putting out their third studio album, Zenyatta Mondatta which would be the second of four albums to hit the number 1 slot in the UK, continuing their meteoric climb to super stardom on both sides of the pond.  The Police only put out five albums, a surprisingly small discography for how famous the band would become.
Drummer, Stewart Copeland formed the band with Sting and guitarist Henry Padovani originally;  with the more experienced and successful Andy Summers joining from a group called Strontium 90 a bit later.  Padovani left to join another group, and the trio began their rise to stardom.  
The Police were powered by the frenetic drumming of Stewart Copeland, guitarist Andy Summers, and front man and bassist Sting.  The band was influenced by reggae and punk origins, but also took a turn towards new wave and progressive sounds that found a substantial commercial audience
Zenyatta Mondatta was recorded quickly (in a three-week period) and released in October 1980 just before the start of their world tour.  While the band felt it rushed - they actually laid down the last track at 4:00 a.m. the day of their tour - it was received well by both critics and the public.  
De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da
“That's all I want to say to you.”  Sting wrote this as a comment on how people like simple songs.  This was the first single off the album, and actually had some interesting lyrics despite the simple sounding name - “poets, priests and politicians have words to thank for their positions.  Words that scream for your submission and no one's jamming their transmission.”
Canary in a Coalmine
This frenetic reggae song is a deeper cut, though it got its share of play on rock radio at the time.  The lyrics seem appropriate today. “You say you want to spend the winter in Firenza.  You're so afraid to catch a does of influenza.  You live your life like a canary in a coal mine.  You get so dizzy even walking in a straight line.” — could be about today!
Driven to Tears
This political song chronicles the divide between the rich and the poor, and has a jazz influence.  This is the first politically-themed song written by Sting  for the group.  Sting saw a program about starving children in Africa, and the idea that people can afford televisions but not food for children drove him to tears.
When the World Is Running Down (You Make the Best of What's Still Around)
Also written by Sting, this song reached number 3 on the Billboard charts in 1981.  It is about making lemons from lemonade in a post-apocalyptic world.  
 
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
The theme from the television series “Bosom Buddies”
Tom Hanks got his start on this brief series about two men who dress as women to get a spot in an all-girls' apartment complex.
 
STAFF PICKS:
Once in a Lifetime  by Talking Heads
Bruce features a well known piece co-written by David Byrne and producer Brian Eno.  It is about life passing you by.  The music reflects Afrobeat jam sessions, and the lyrics were inspired by Byrne listening to preachers delivering sermons.  The music video was created by Byrne and Toni Basil. 
Stop This Game by Cheap Trick
Wayne brings us a deeper cut with a more progressive rock feel.  George Martin (known as the 5th Beatle) produced the album from which this song is pulled.  Cheap Trick was a very popular live act in the late 70's and early 80's.  
The Logical Song  by Supertramp
Brian's staff pick is a live version of Supertramp's hit from the album "Breakfast In America."  It chronicles the disillusionment of higher education that teaches lots of things but leaves out important aspects of identity.  And of course, you can't go wrong with a sax!
Touch and Go by The Cars
Rob's staff pick is the synth-heavy debut single from the album Panorama.  John Lennon mentioned "Touch and Go" in his final interview.  He suggests that the song is a 50's song with 80's style.
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
The Other Way of Stopping by The Police
Stewart Copeland, Andy Summers, and Sting take us out with this instrumental track from "Zenyatta Mondatta."  The name comes from a Bob Newhart comedy skit.