Sting's recording of Dowland lute songs has certainly generated a lot of hooey—ranging from accusations of Sting making commercial move (yeah, recording a disc of lute songs is sooo calculated to run up the charts) to complaints about Sting's "inauthentic" performance.
Goodness gracious, Mr. Sumner—how dare you!
The folks I know in the lute mafia mostly give Sting his props for his effort. I like the disc myself, although I agree with Dial "M" For Musicology that its biggest sin is probably caution. Compared to the egregious crapulousness of most rock crossovers committed by, say, classical tenors, Songs From the Labyrinth comes across as respectful and sincere.
"Fine Knacks for Ladies," indeed.
