Dig This - Sting, "Ten Summoner's Tales"

This album was one of my earliest influences as a drumset player.  I was just transitioning from rudiments on a snare drum to a full set when this album was released.  My teacher at the time was a rock guy who was all about Vinnie Colaiuta.  I wanted to learn Guns 'n' Roses and Pearl Jam tunes.  So we used to take turns.  He would help me work on a tune that I chose, then he'd choose a tune.  The very first tune he picked for me was "If I Ever Lose My Faith in You".  It was the first time I was forced to think about the form of a tune and what that meant; how I could help to shape it with the musical choices I made.  It was also the first time I really learned to listened for subtlety in music.  Not every note should be the same volume.  Where should I place the hi-hat lifts and why?  What happens if you leave them out for a verse? (check out the 3rd verse)  These were the kind of revelations that started my obsession with the drumset.

Admittedly, at the time, I only had "If I Ever Lose My Faith in You" on a blank tape that my teacher had given me.  It wasn't until I got into college and went on a big Vinnie kick that I checked out Ten Summoner's Tales in it's entirety and was further blown away.  It definitely goes in the catalogue as one of my favorite albums of all time.  A buddy of mine had this DVD, and we used to sit around watching this while participating in other college-like activities.  Recently, one of the gang nostalgically posted this on facebook, so I thought I'd share with all of you.  Enjoy.