The album that was recorded in four weeks and buried in a garden
In short: The Police's third studio album, Zenyatta Mondatta, was forged under extreme pressure. Recorded in just 28 days with an exceptionally low budget, it became a global hit while leaving the band members so frustrated they later re-recorded its hits—and literally buried one of its tracks.
Released on October 3, 1980, Zenyatta Mondatta was a product of logistical hurdles and high-speed production. The band could not record in Britain for tax reasons, forcing them to Wisseloord Studios in the Netherlands. They hired co-producer Nigel Gray for a fee of £25,000, bringing the total budget to £35,000—a sum that was more than double their previous two albums combined but still considered remarkably cheap for established stars.
The recording process was grueling; drummer Stewart Copeland noted they finished at 4 a.m. on the day of their next world tour, traveling to Belgium immediately after. The initial mixes were deemed poor due to 'bassy and trebly' studio monitoring, forcing a frantic one-day remix session in Dorking to meet the release date. Despite these pressures, the album reached number one in the UK and Australia, producing hits like 'Don't Stand So Close to Me.'
Internal friction defined the record's creation. Guitarist Andy Summers wrote 'Behind My Camel,' an instrumental so disliked by bassist Sting that Sting reportedly took the tape and buried it in a garden. The title was allegedly an in-joke about what one might find behind a camel: a 'monumental pile of shit.' Even today, the band members have expressed disappointment over the work, leading to re-recordings during a brief 1986 reunion.
The album's name is intentionally vague, composed of invented syllables meant to roll off the tongue. It hints at various influences—Zen, Jomo Kenyatta, and the French word for 'the world'—but serves no specific meaning. This abstract approach contrasted with the album's growing political weight, featuring lyrics addressing poverty and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
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