"Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" by The Police

Key takeaways

Unpredictability is a core part of musical magic; spontaneous creativity can lead to iconic songs.
Starting with a title or thematic idea can be an effective songwriting strategy, as exemplified by Sting.
The Police's music blends diverse influences like reggae, jazz, and rock into a unique, eclectic style.
Innovative recording techniques, such as using demos and layered synths, contribute significantly to a song's distinctive sound.
Understanding lyrics and emotional themes enriches appreciation of a song beyond its melodies.
Mixing decisions, like placing vocals far back or layering instruments with effects, are essential to conveying mood and story.

Summary

Introduction to the Podcast and Episode Context

Kirk Hamilton introduces the podcast 'Strong Songs,' emphasizing his solo production process and the magic inherent in creating music. He explains that this episode is a deep dive into The Police's 1981 hit 'Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic,' a song chosen by Patreon supporters. The segment highlights the unpredictability of music creation, illustrating how spontaneous inspiration and collaboration can lead to extraordinary results.

Background and Recording of 'Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic'

This section discusses the song's origins, with Sting initially demoing it in 1977 for the band Strontium 90. It was later reworked during the recording of The Police's album 'Ghost in the Machine' at AIR Studios in Montserrat, reflecting their eclectic style. The band members' roles, including Stewart Copeland's inventive drumming, Andy Summers' guitar work, and Sting's bass and vocals, are highlighted alongside the unique recording approaches, such as using demos and re-recorded parts.

Musical Analysis and Innovations in the Song

The episode breaks down the song's musical structure, focusing on its key of D and the use of Lydian mode, especially through the G-Lydian riff. The discussion covers the instrumentation, including Sting's fretless bass, Stewart Copeland’s reggae-influenced drum patterns, and the innovative use of synthesizers by Jean Roussel. The segment also emphasizes the song's arrangement, with ostinatos, layered synths, and the unconventional harmonic choices that create its distinctive, magical sound.

Lyric Content and Emotional Themes

Kirk analyzes the song's lyrics, revealing a complex emotional landscape of unrequited love, frustration, and longing. He notes the lyrical contrast between the exaltation of the chorus and the more grounded, self-aware verses. The discussion includes insights from Sting about the songwriting process, particularly the importance of the title and thematic cohesion. The lyrics’ recurring motif of the 'tragic' love story adds depth, resonating with Sting’s personal and artistic expression.

Performance and Production Techniques

This section explores the dynamic and experimental production elements, such as Copeland's reggae-inspired drumming with subtle delays and layered percussion, Summers' atmospheric guitar, and the use of synthesizers to add texture. Significantly, it discusses the mix, where Sting’s vocals are intentionally placed far back, creating a sense of distance and longing. The analysis also covers the explosive chorus and the extended outro that builds intensity akin to gospel or soulful improvisation.

Concluding Thoughts and Personal Reflection

Kirk reflects on the transformative journey of making the episode, acknowledging the song's unique path from demo to a masterpiece of spontaneous collaboration. He underscores the unpredictable magic of music, the importance of experimentation, and the deep connection listeners can forge with songs through understanding their stories and structures. The episode ends with a call to support the show via Patreon and hints at upcoming seasons and voting opportunities for future topics.

Show notes

In 1981, Sting brought a demo of a song he'd been working on down to AIR Studios in Montserrat to see what his bandmates thought of it... and they wound up keeping the demo and just recording their parts on top. The result was "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic," an unusual Police song, but an enduring hit.

On this episode, Kirk goes deep on every aspect of Sting's exuberant yet frustrated love song, unearthing the magic that lives in each piece of the music. This episode's subject was chosen by the Patrons of Strong Songs, who vote each season to pick one of the artists Kirk will cover on the upcoming season. If you'd like to vote on an artist for Season Eight, go sign up!

Written by: Sting

Featuring: Stewart Copeland, drums; Andy Summers, guitar; Jean Roussel, piano & keys

Album: Ghost in the Machine, 1981

Listen/Buy via Album.Link

ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:

MTV: The Making of Ghosts in the Machine w/ Jools Holland, 1982
Revolver Magazine interview feature with the band, 2000
Stewart Copeland talks about his approach to drumming
“Invisible Sun” and “Hungry For You” by The Police from Ghost in the Machine, 1981
“Every Breath You Take” and "O My God" by The Police from Synchronicity, 1983
“Message In A Bottle” and “Walking On The Moon” by The Police from Reggatta de Blanc, 1979
“One Love / People Get Ready” by Bob Marley and the Wailers, 1965
"Seven Days" by Sting from Ten Summoner's Tales, 1993
“Deep Note” (The THX Sound) by James Morrer, 1982

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