Sting "The Soul Cages"

On episode 12 of Past Prime, Steve and Matty dust off their
monocles and their old, college Comp Lit textbooks to try to
understand Sting's 1991 solo album, "The Soul Cages." Following
his too short stint as the too handsome frontman of the world's
most popular Rock band, the former Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner
turned his attention to headier subjects. Jazz replaced Reggae
and then Jazz was paired with modern Classical music. After two
hit solo albums, however, Sting hit a wall. He had writer's
block, coupled with the tragic deaths of both of his parents.
"The Soul Cages" was his literal breakthrough, but also an
elaborate metaphor for trapped spirits and trapped creativity.
And if that sounds even vaguely fun, rest assured it is just that
-- only vaguely so. The album won a bunch of Grammys, nearly
topped the charts and was violently approved by polite society.
But now, thirty years later, it is time to ask: What were we all
thinking? How did this music win a Grammy for best Rock song
against Metallica, Jane's Addiction and Tom Petty? Was this music
even made for public consumption or was it simply a sad, if
lovely, tool for personal catharsis? And, most importantly, can
we ever isolate Sting's musical appeal from his sexual appeal?
Join us, as we search for meaning in the hull of "The Soul
Cages."


To read more about Sting's "The Soul Cages" check out the full
essay at Past Prime.