On episode 12 of Past Prime, Steve and Matty dust off their monocles and their old, college Comp Lit textbooks to try to understand Sting's 1991 solo album, "The Soul Cages." Following his too short stint as the too handsome frontman of the world's most popular Rock band, the former Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner turned his attention to headier subjects. Jazz replaced Reggae and then Jazz was paired with modern Classical music. After two hit solo albums, however, Sting hit a wall. He had writer's block, coupled with the tragic deaths of both of his parents. "The Soul Cages" was his literal breakthrough, but also an elaborate metaphor for trapped spirits and trapped creativity. And if that sounds even vaguely fun, rest assured it is just that -- only vaguely so. The album won a bunch of Grammys, nearly topped the charts and was violently approved by polite society. But now, thirty years later, it is time to ask: What were we all thinking? How did this music win a Grammy for best Rock song against Metallica, Jane's Addiction and Tom Petty? Was this music even made for public consumption or was it simply a sad, if lovely, tool for personal catharsis? And, most importantly, can we ever isolate Sting's musical appeal from his sexual appeal? Join us, as we search for meaning in the hull of "The Soul Cages."

To read more about Sting's "The Soul Cages" check out the full essay at Past Prime.