Terra, I'm sure you're well aware that there's no disrespect in actually questioning one's opinion (as in "oh, why do you think that"). Different perspectives are always very good. In no way was I not "respecting other people's opinions" (was your somewhat all-encompassing comment) by merely inquiring. I'm sorry if you were offended by the inquiry or actually felt disrespected by it. I'm sure if you re-read my post carefully you'll see zero disrespect. It's simply not there.

I was just taken aback by the implication that the LP had much of a dated sound.

Cocky as this may sound: Music is one of few things in this life that I can honestly say I have an informed opinion on. Even when I was younger (say ages 10 to 15 or so) I never got hung up on production of various eras - everything is somewhat dated in varying degrees by style, instrumentation, recording technique or production in any case - whereas so many inherently (age or outlook) younger listeners seem to get hung up on the most insignificant details (i.e. they can't see the forest from the trees). This way of thinking tends to, apparently, drive me batty.

I (finally) digress.

Wow, I find the early Police album nearly timeless - as I do a majority of Guitar/Bass/Drums "new wave/college rock" (it's hard to date a basic approach with those three instruments). Lot's of high-end guitar, the bass has it's own space, nice (at times dub-like) purposeful drums, beautiful analog recording and, "nice reverby sounds".

It's strange to think of "nice reverby sounds" as being exclusive to the early 80's. Records from the 1950's, 60's, 70's and 80's (as well as plenty of 90's recordings) are firmly rooted in those very nice reverby sounds. That ended with the age of DAT, digital recordings, etc. The warmth and general ambiance of many "modern" recordings is all but gone.

Listen to O&L and then listen to ES. (IMHO) O&L sounds like sound-through-an-interpreter (or televisual and cheap) whereas on ES you can reach out and hear the depth of the individual instruments (or widescreen and cinematic). Even in 1989 (and me being all of 13) I preferred the overall sound on ES, BS & D&W to that of O&L (and even to a lesser-extent Skylarking). I still do.