Strange Things Happen audiobook

A fun read... Disjointed and self-indulgent, but fun nonetheless.

Drummer, Stewart Copeland, who achieved fame with The Police, has done many other things in a rich and varied life. He was the first of the trio to have a hit single, he has a prolific career as a composer for film and television (as well as orchestra, Opera and Ballet). He also has a varied career in world music (especially African and Italian Pizzaca - he was given the keys to an Italian city for his work). He also has a delightfully anarchic and shrewdly insightful writing style, observant and thoughtful, always cutting to the core of things. Whether he's writing about why Sting and he will never get along musically (despite lots of love and respect), the game of polo, his Middle East childhood with his CIA father, or the shamanistic rituals of music, Copeland always has something interesting and pertinent to say. A very engaging read. - BH.

Hilarious and insightful-great stories about The Police, polo and playing drums while lions attack. I wish I'd had this book when I was still a hungry, angry musician.

When I was in high school, my friend John S. had a chance to do something where he met Stewart. I can't remember what or how but it wasn't in the scope of famous people stuff - I think they both knew someone and that's how it happened? Since Stewart's an interesting guy with a fascinating family history, anything is possible. I begged and begged for John to take me with but he didn't and then he showed me the picture of him and Stewart sitting on a porch swing together and I wanted to strangle him and if I saw him today I would still feel that way. How could he leave me out?!Anyway. I'm a superfan of Mr. Copeland. I have all his solo albums, even the elusive green vinyl Klark Kent, which a guy I knew in college got for me because he was trying to get in my pants. Didn't work (he had another girlfriend and I would never!) but thanks buddy, I still have it.I wanted to read this when it came out, which is that elusive "a little over 10 years ago" time that I worked at Barnes and Noble. I finally was able to get it from Cloud Library so away I went. While some of it is dated due to the pub date (for instance, it's hard reading about Taylor Hawkins when you know he died this year and how awful that was for the music community) it's arranged fairly chronologically and he writes with humor, elegance and elan. He is truly a fascinating person and the main reason I loved The Police all through high school - there was one other reason and he certainly didn't play bass if you know what I mean. And I tried to read HIS book but when there was mention of cat torture in the early chapters I had to bail.Best story has to be the Gene Simmons one. The stories of playing in Italy are also fun and immersive. I still wish I had gotten he chance to meet him but at least I read the book, right?

This was a great read. I had picked it up because the title grabbed me and I found that it is a rather interesting collection of tales. Although if you're looking for a book that's about Copeland's experiences with The Police, this probably isn't the book for you. Although he does discuss briefly their career at the start of the book and he does devote a section to the reunion tour that began in 2008, this book is not about The Police. Strange Things Happen can be classified as an autobiography although it certainly doesn't follow the traditional format. There's no real personal revelation or dirt to dish here. If you want Copeland's (and by default The Police's) dirty laundry, this is not the book for you. In some senses this book can be viewed as a collection of loosely connected short stories involving the same character as he goes through many fantastical adventures. In this case, all the stories and adventures are true. In other senses, there is a very anthropological view whenever Copeland talks about the ritualistic experience of how live music connects the musician and the audience. If you're not looking for a book about The Police or any scandals, this is definitely a good book to read whether you're a fan of The Police or Stewart Copeland's solo work or not.

Very cool sort of autobiography from Stewart Copeland. Some neat insights into Sting and the Police, drumming, family life, celebrity, his own youth in the Middle East, etc. Here is a quote about being a celebrity: "But living with idolatry is strange, even for those who seek and expect it. You noti

Smart, snarky and smug. I never imagined that a drummer could be so intelligent nor could I imagine that one could put together a coherent thought together. (OK, so I have known a lot of drummers in my life and most of them weren't the brightest.) There are some amusing anecdotes in this book but I didn't quite get the movie portion of the book. You could see how creative types can clash when they all think that their way is the best. The best story is when Prince of Wales hit his car at a polo match right after he told Princess Diana to not sit on his precious Aston Martin. If you are looking for a note by note history of the Police's reunion tour, it is not here, but you really get a good feel for the lifestyle. I received this book from the publisher.

Great book! I am a HUGE Police fan, so it is not surprising I liked this book, but honestly think you could get a lot of enjoyment from it even if you weren't a Police fan. It is quite possible that being the drummer for the Police was the most boring thing Stewart Copeland ever did!! :)

Some cracking yarns and candid talesCopeland has a great lighthearted and humorous voice. Some interesting tales about his career. The really fascinating insights come in the final third when he goes in to depth about the Police reunion tour and his relationship with Sting.

Memoir-ish books can be up their own ass a lot of the time. Copeland is a talented story teller and what some might call a “straight shooter”. This was worth the time.Now excuse me while I go listen to “Walking on the Moon” a thousand times.

3.5

At times a bit disjointed, he does possess writing skills and on some chapters you are definitely drawn in. Overall a good read