Police, Moodies, tips

The Police got some strange reviews when they played Fenway Park. I'm here to say that some critics may have missed the point. The Police aren't going to play with the punky ferocity of yesteryear. They hadn't toured in 23 years, so what did these people expect? On the other hand, if you believe that musicians can improve in those 23 years, then you would have appreciated the Fenway experience. Sting remains in incredible shape -- he had women near me still swooning at his looks -- and his musicianship has only grown through a solo career that has spanned jazz, world music, country, classical, you name it. Guitarist Andy Summers was likewise better -- and some of his solos were celestial. And drummer Stewart Copeland still is a polyrhythmic blur.
I really enjoyed Saturday's show. The sound quality was extraordinary from where I sat on the field and I loved the LED-enhanced light show and the live video feeds. But most of all, it was great hearing those songs again, starting with "Message in a Bottle'' and a special highlight of "Walking on the Moon'' and a beautifully stretched-out "Can't Stand Losing You,'' which became the rock 'n' roll moment of the night as Summers ascended to near-Jimmy Page status. Some songs were slowed down (and "Every Breath You Take'' felt like a throwaway), but others were sped up and showed that the Police's energy is still there. I wasn't disappointed at all. For those who were disappointed, I'm sorry for you. But what were your expectations? No, this was not the Rat in 1978 or the Paradise in 1979. This was the Police, circa 2007, and we're darned lucky to have them back. Let's just hope that ticket prices are cheaper next time around, if there is a next time.
Another impressive show this week was the Moody Blues at the Bank of America Pavilion. Talk about British rock royalty. These guys are still doing it after 40-plus years -- and their well-paced set list and richly textured vocals were remarkable. Justin Hayward is still the angelic choirboy, while John Lodge sings in a more worldly manner. And adding extra body were two young female singers (who also played flute and keyboards, respectively) and they brought a May/December dynamic that felt exciting and regenerative. I took my 19-year-old son (who had never heard the Moodies in concert) and he was transfixed by the timeless hits "Tuesday Afternoon'' and "Nights in White Satin'' (accompanied by a nicely psychedelic light show), along with retrieved classics like "Isn't Life Strange?'' and "Ride My Seesaw,'' not to mention the rockish hits that kept the Moodies on the radio through the '80s. And drummer Graeme Edge was still his playful self, though he also had an extra drummer who handed the power riffs. And is there anything quite like a Moodies crowd? They know the music by heart and every get-together is like a pow-wow with old friends. Just a fun, cultish experience, and thoroughly enjoyable.
Oh yes, this week's crit tips:

John Powhida's Int'l Airport -- at Toad every Thursday in August. A great new residency (and side project) from the colorful frontman of the Rudds. (I also spotted him the other day in a coat and tie at his other job, giving out information at the Museum of Fine Arts.)

Bryan Adams and George Thorogood & the Destroyers -- at the Bank of America Pavilion on Friday, Aug. 3. Hey, why not?

Rocco Deluca & the Burden -- at the Paradise Rock Club on Friday, Aug. 3. These WBOS favorites have been coming on strong.

The Newport Folk Festival -- at Newport all weekend, from Aug. 3-5. Linda Ronstadt plays Friday night, then Saturday rocks with the Allman Brothers Band (attention Allmans fans -- have you heard that Newport also added a beer and wine license this year?), along with WBOS faves the John Butler Trio and Grace Potter & the Nocturnals. And Sunday has a lovely, feminine touch with Alison Krauss & Union Station and Emmylou Harris leading the way.

Crowded House and Pete Yorn -- at the Bank of America Pavilion on Sunday, Aug. 5. A smart double bill, combining two generations of melodic rockers.

Allman Brothers Band -- at the Bank of America Pavilion on Tuesday, Aug. 7. If you miss them at Newport, you have another chance in Boston.

Twinemen -- at Atwood's Tavern on Tuesday, Aug. 7. The Twinemen start a Tuesday residency at Atwood's to preview their new disc, "Twinetime,'' which comes out Aug. 21.

Hippiefest -- at the South Shore Music Circus on Wednesday, Aug. 8. It features the Zombies, Badfinger, Mountain, and Mitch Ryder. Nostalgia rules again, but these guys can still play.

STEVE MORSE