/ 15 January 2002

Tantric mode

Original fans of the rock-reggae fusion of early Police and Sting might dismiss the mid-tempo jazzy sounds of the rearranged classics on All This Time (Universal) — then again, Sting probably lost their following after Nothing Like the Sun (1987).

Arguably still one of the sexiest men in the business, Sting seems to have misplaced his activist edge and hit the local cigar lounge in mellow mood, settling comfortably into the alternative adult zone. Performed live in a moonlit courtyard in Tuscany to an audience of about 200, All This Time is a very personal recording with a more mature Sting in tantric mode — intimate, thoughtful, smooth. Much like a CD will never have the warmth of vinyl, this recording is special in the fact that it is without the usual production glitter and large-stadium spectacle.

The album features rewoven songs from his triple-platinum album Brand New Day (1999) as well as some of his celebrated hits from both his solo career and his days with The Police. Recorded on the night of September 11 while the world reeled from the terrorism events of the day, it seems appropriate that he opened with the contemplative Fragile: “Perhaps this final act was meant/To clinch a lifetime’s argument/That nothing comes from violence/Lest we forget how fragile we are.”

Let Sting Snr in!

Björk Vespertine (One Little Indian)

Vespertine (“occurring in the evening”) is an apposite title for Björk’s first studio album since 1997’s Homogenic. Its stillness and space evoke the Arctic night — probably a fanciful impression now that Björk’s corner of the Arctic has been overrun by British clubbers, but her music has always suspended reality. Her modish collaborators, including electro-duo Matmos and harpist Zeena Parkins, confect a world of crunches, crackles and celestial choirs, through which Björk flutters, unconstrained as ever by rhythm. Her least commercial effort yet, its impact derives from the enchanted union of that wild voice and intimate instrumentation. The odd lapse into tweeness (a tinkling instrumental called Frosti) aside, there’s magic afoot: on the soaring Hidden Place, amid the whirrs of Undo, and near enough everywhere else. — Caroline Sullivan

Jewel This Way (Atlantic)

Singer and songwriter Jewel is back with more of her trademark simple yet meaningful, beautiful and textured songs. It’s a relaxed effort, but the tinges of country, blues and a bit of rock and folk keep your attention from drifting. Opening single Standing Still is perfectly crafted and there’s plenty more cunning musicianship to admire. You can’t help but like this album. — Riaan Wolmarans

>Pulp We Love Life (Universal)

The inventive Jarvis Cocker and the boys are back in business. It’s well-produced and undoubtedly Pulp, with Cocker’s breathy talk-singing, but the band is in a much more serious mood. The playful catchiness of Different People might be gone, but it’s an honest and vital step in Pulp’s career. — Riaan Wolmarans