The Police - Message in a Box: The Complete Recordings

"This is it: Everything the Police released," boasts the notes in the 66-page booklet included with this box set. Obsessive fans have already written to rock magazines indignantly pointing out the omission of this or that obscurity. But everyone else will find that these four discs include all the Police they'd ever want to own. The first two discs include all of Outlandos d'Amour, Reggatta de Blanc, and Zenyatta Mondatta in their original order, interspersed with live rarities and singles B-sides. Discs 3 and 4 are more satisfying, including the band's well-crafted studio high points, Ghost in the Machine and Synchronicity, plus more outtakes and live tunes. The set ends with "Don't Stand So Close to Me '86," a dismal remake of the early favorite. By this point, the musician's egos were running rampant and they were barely speaking. If anyone wonders why the group called it quits so abruptly, this tune makes it clear that the split was smart and timely. --Jim DeRogatis Amazon.com

Every Note That The Police Recorded!

What a great idea this is! Basically this box set gathers the band's five excellent albums together which are "Outlandos d'Amour" (1978), "Reggatta de Blanc" (1979), "Zenyatta Mondatta" (1980), "Ghost In The Machine" (1981), and "Synchronicity" (1983) plus many b-sides that range from studio recordings not included in the albums or live tracks.

Of course all tracks have been remastered so if you are thinking about getting the Police albums, this is the way to do it! But to complete the collection you should also get the excellent double live album that was released in 1995 too! So don't forget about that. It includes two concerts. One from 1979 and the other from 1983.

For fans of the late 70's new wave movement or rock in general this group featuring Sting on vocals/bass, Andy Summers on guitar and sometimes vocals, and the awesome drumming from Stewart Copeland is essential listening as their fusion of reggae, rock, and other styles became hugely influential.
Thanks for taking the time to read!
Later... August 7, 2008

A great classic

The complete works of The Police in a four disc collection. A great classic compilation of the recordings done by The Police. If you are a fan then this collection is well worth it. June 27, 2008

The Police are the Greatest Band Ever!!!!!

Message in a Box is an amazing box set, with every song The Police have ever played, and it is all neatly placed in chronological order. The Box Set also comes with a biography of the band, from their humble beginnings as a pseudo punk group, to the amazing Reggaesque group that epitamized there career. Sting and The Police were lyrical geniuses, and were candid when discussing anything from temptation(Don't Stand So), obsession(Every Breath You Take), and even the misery of war(Canary in a Coalmine, and Invisible Sun). For any classic rock listener out there, I highly recommend this band, it just kicks butt! April 13, 2008

Rockin' those middle high memories

I first started listening to The Police when I was in middle high school and never got tired of them. Most of the songs on this CD set reminded me of specific times throughout my middle to high school years.They also became subjects of conversations I had with friends in college about the bands we listened to while in high school. The Police still rocks! March 26, 2008

Perfect. Absolutely perfect.

You cannot ask for more. Every song, four discs, chronological, and a very nicely designed case and booklet. I just got this and I absolutely love it. March 25, 2008

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