Thursday, January 31, 1991 Sting releases emotional The Soul Cages Personal lyrics acknowledge death of father Gre: Geibel The Collegian He dreamed of the ship on the Sal It would carry his father and he To a place they could never be found To a place far away from this town A Newcastle ship without coals They would sail to the island of souls This is the central theme and verse that is repeated throughout Sting's latest release, The Soul Cages, his first new release since Nothing Like The Sun in 1987. This is the most personal album Sting has recorded. The album is dedicated to his deceased father and two other colleagues that have died in the past year. On The Soul Cages, Sting tackles a very painful issue...death, and this theme is hauntingly present throughout the album. The album reflects on an old Name: John M. Lilley Birthdate: March 24, 1939 Birthplace: Louisiana Current Job position: Provost and Dean Very first Job: Selling vegetables from my wagon. Secret vice: Yogurt Three things that can always be found in your refrigerator: Promise, 0.J., and vegetables. Movie you could see again any time: Currently "Dances With Wolves." Book you could read again any time : Currently 'Prayer for Owen Moony." With whom would you most like to have dinner with?: Skippy (Doonesbury) Your ultimate dream vacation: Europe in the summer. I've only been there in the fall and winter. What actor would you have portray yourself in a movie based on your life?: NA Be/trend's best kept secret: Quality of people who work and study at Behrend. Accomplishment you are proudest of: Healthy children People may be surprised to know that...l am a crier at very happy occasions. Things you could do without: "Like" and "You know" fishing town, and tells of a young boy (Sting) watching his father face the dangers of sailing, the dead-end life that he leads, and Sting wanting to avoid it all. All of Sting's previous solo albums have dealt with political, environmental, or romantic issues. This album doesn't deal with those, yet it still portrays a very serious and somber mood. Sting approaches each song very personally and reflects in each one a bit of religion, personal past, and a sense of home. On the instrumental track "Saint Agnes and the Burning Train," Sting provides a very ethnic feel to the album. Songs like "Island of Souls," "The Wild Wild Sea," and "The Soul Cages," all deal with his father out at sea, and the inevitable death he faces. In the song "Why Should I Cry For You?," Sting seems to ask questions concerning the death of his father. The mood created by the music, mixed with Sting's raspy voice and vocals, makes for a truly touching song. Close With... ~, ....,.A• The Collegian Review HOC Come support Behrend in the Erie Panthers College Night. Cheer on your SGA President as he shuts out the Edinboro's President in an open net face off. Tickets can be purchased at the RUB Desk starting February 4th. Thinking Warm Thoughts for Spring Break??? Stop in the SGA office for Details on their Florida The track "All This Time" pokes at Catholic rituals, particularly the last rites. The song tells of a young boy wanting to bury his father the way he should be buried...at sea. Although this song has a very serious message behing it, it is very upbeat, one of the few on the album. For The Soul Cages, Sting has recruited some new musicians while keeping some veterans. The drums are played by Manu Katche', keyboards are handled by veteran Kenny Kirkland and David Sancious, Dominic Miller takes on all guitar responsibilities and Branford Marsalis returns to lay down some saxophone parts. The Northumbrian Pipes are played by Kathryn Tickell, Paola Paparelle is on oboe and Sting is responsible for the bass, vocals, synclavier, and mandolin. The recording quality of the CD is excellent. It's recorded with a new technology called Q- Sound. According to the liner notes, "Q -Sound provides maximum depth, clarity, and KEY February 27th, 1991 7:30 Erie Civic Center Excursion! 4-• P " 06 4;6, 12 ' p Q 2( lc 9'4 Student Door Price: $4.50 Our Price: $3.50 Page three-dimensional imagery music and sounds will seem to emanate from specific locations outside of the speakers, creating a complete environmental soundscape." Like his other albums, the lyrics alone are absorbing, each word seemingly labored over to ensure its perfection. Sting, who is known somewhat for his catchy, upbeat songs, doesn't supply a great deal of them here. Out of nine songs on the album, there are three that may be considered "upbeat" The Soul Cages is a personal catharsis for him, a way for him to confront the emotions that he has avoided for the past three years, and deal with the death of his father. For the ship had turned into the wind Against the storm to brace And underneath the sailor's hat I saw my father's face