The quintessential Rock song

[aaminion00]

the Police are hard to describe, but they definetly werent punk. Definetly inspired by bands such as the Clash though.

 

[Terrapin]

I don't know that the Police inspired the Clash-- Outlandos came out in 1978 and The Clash (album) came out in 1977... both were around before these releases but they were too close together in time to claim one inspired the other...

However, the Police's first US tour opened many clubs to punk bands and in that sense, they were instrumental in bringing UK punk to the USA.

As to the original question, how can it not be "Sympathy for the Devil"?

Hoo, Hooooooo!

 

[Jawz II]

Where's the love, Jawz?



Do you really want to hurt me?

YES

 

[Goonie]

The Police are not punk. They were new-wave/alternative rock with influences from punk.

I use Britannica for my research. Virgin Classic Rock call them White Reggae.

Using Britannica for rock , is like taking fashion tips from a nudist.

 

[Goonie]

If anyone is intrested :

http://www.q107.com/station/top107_2004.cfm

 

[Chukchi Husky]

http://www.virginradio.co.uk/music/top500/index.html

 

[Iggy]

The Police are not punk. They were new-wave/alternative rock with influences from punk.

I have a copy of the first police single, "Fall Out" which was very typical punk of its day. When they changed the line up they developed very much their own sound with the influences you mentioned.

Bit of trivea for you, one of Sting's first film appearances was in the Sex Pistols film, The Great Rock and Roll Swindle.