The Bridge: Every Little Thing They Did Was Magic

[This edition of my Hit Parade—“The Bridge” bonus series is available to Slate Plus subscribers only. A link to the episode show page is below. To sign up for Plus—and tell Slate that Hit Parade sent you!—visit slate.com/hitparadeplus.]

In this Slate Plus exclusive, host Chris Molanphy sits down with author and music journalist Geoff Edgers to discuss his upcoming book on the Police—their meteoric rise and inevitable implosion. Drawing on lengthy interviews with each member and his own lifelong fandom, Edgers reveals how the power trio’s chemistry fueled both their chart-topping hits and their internal clashes. And while a recent lawsuit among the band members may have raised provocative questions about authorship, Edgers argues there’s no denying the brilliance of Sting’s singular and often misunderstood creative vision.

Also: Chris tests a Slate Plus listener’s music knowledge, gives him a chance to turn the tables with a question of his own, and offers a sneak peek at the next episode of Hit Parade. Slate Plus members can sign up for a chance to be our trivia contestant on a future episode here.

Podcast production by Kevin Bendis.

This episode is for Slate Plus members only. Join for monthly early-access episodes, bonus episodes of “The Bridge,” and ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Visit slate.com/hitparadeplus to get access wherever you listen.