SOUND CHECK\ROCK.

Byline: Fred Shuster

Sting/"Mercury Falling"

Gordon (Sting) Sumner is fast becoming the most pretentious songwriter in rock.

As evidenced on his latest solo outing, "Mercury Falling" (A&M), the British country gentleman seems to think his every thought, daydream and sideways glance is of interest. On top of that, he couches these minor musings in odd time signatures, ill-fitting musical arrangements and important historical allusions.

As a result, the new album is hardly listenable in one sitting. This is no "Soul Cages."

Oh, there are a few enjoyable cuts, such as the first single, "Let Your Soul Be Your Guide," with its Memphis-style horns and gospel choir, and the equally engaging "All Four Seasons."

But navigate such pretentions as "La Belle Dame Sans Regret," "Valparaiso" or the Celtic-inspired folk tale "I Hung My Head" and you want to throw up your hands.

Sting has lost his swing. Two stars

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Photo (1) Sting mixes musical genres, odd time signatures and historical allusions on his new album, "Mercury Falling." (2) Late club impresario Jac Zinder's bizarre musical bent is in evidence on the exotica-inspired "Chairs I Have Known." (3) Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds' latest album includes guest appearances by PJ Harvey, Kylie Minogue and Shane McGowan.