U2

[MrMagpie]

wow. a leak? really? Well have fun with that. I'm taking this one 'cold turkey'.

ditto!

[A RUSH OF VIDA]

From the people who have heard it.....is it good??

[Corkus]

So glad I hit the download button in class so that I could listen right when I got back to the room. I've just finished a full listen from start to finish. And lemme tell you, I'm not going to have an opinion of this album until maybe the 10th or 15th listen.

Nevertheless, I will have my second listen later tonight, and will be writing my impressions here while listening.

I will tell you now, however, that I was right when I stated that "Get on Your Boots" could have been chosen as the first single merely because it's the most radio-friendly song on the album.

[shipoffools]

The new album is excellent! I think it's up there with The Unforgettable Fire, The Joshua Tree, Achtung Baby, and Zooropa.

[Tnspieler1012]

I will tell you now, however, that I was right when I stated that "Get on Your Boots" could have been chosen as the first single merely because it's the most radio-friendly song on the album.


^That was my only hope for the album when I first heard GOYB's, and I am so pleased that it's actually true! I also like what I'm hearing about "Let me in the sound!" as a repeated motif, a reference to musical escapism. Makes me feel a little better about the corniness of the song's lyrics.

[polkahard]

Let me just say, when I had my first play of the album and "Magnificent" came on, the first thing I thought was--"The Unforgettable Fire"

And I mean that in the best of ways. If this album reminds me of anything, it's early U2 with their newer influences in there. Think Achtung-era influences thrown over the Unforgettable Fire sound. It's brilliant thus far. Even Get On Your Boots sounds better in the context of the album, actually.

[MrMagpie]

Let me just say, when I had my first play of the album and "Magnificent" came on, the first thing I thought was--"The Unforgettable Fire"

And I mean that in the best of ways. If this album reminds me of anything, it's early U2 with their newer influences in there. Think Achtung-era influences thrown over the Unforgettable Fire sound. It's brilliant thus far. Even Get On Your Boots sounds better in the context of the album, actually.

Thats what I've been hoping.
I still haven't listened to it.

[DreamOutLoud]

LISTENED TO IT TONITE.. WOW.. i agree with those of you who have said its like UF and AB combined that is a great way to describe it..

sidenote: Rolling Stone's new issue the review of the album gives it 5 stars! The last U2 album that got 5 stars was Joshua Tree!!!!!!!!!!!


also....if the news could get any better there is this:

U2 PLANNING ANOTHER ALBUM IN 2009
February 14, 2009
posted by: m2

The Observer has a terrific article by Sean O'Hagan about the making
of No Line On The Horizon, which includes the revelation that U2 is
planning to release another album before the end of 2009. Bono
describes the next album as "a more meditative album on the theme of
pilgrimage." There's also a 3-minute video from various recording
sessions, lots of background on the album and songs, and ... just go
read it!

http://www.guardian .co.uk/music/ 2009/feb/ 15/u2-no- line-on-the- horizon (http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2009/feb/15/u2-no-line-on-the-horizon)




2009 is gonna be their year..

[MrMagpie]

Now if both albums suck, U2 is done haha. According to their two crap albums and we're out policy.

[Corkus]

M'kay, here we go:

No Line on the Horizon - While it feels a bit weird to have a U2 album open with a song that clearly isn't gonna be the huge hit, it's still a pleasant listen. Bono's voice opens the album nicely here and sets the stage for the remaining ten songs. Not too much better than the remix, though, which I felt was average.

Magnificent - The first track seemed a bit lofty, and this one does also at parts. Of course, there's some really nice guitar moments on this song. Parts also remind me of their Unforgettable Fire days, but it's a little less remarkable than what follows right after...

Moment of Surrender - The album highlight, although it feels a bit odd as the 3rd track. But if you're expecting a seven-and-a-half minute rocker, or a catchy number with memorable hooks, you've come to the wrong place. It's far more majestic, and I'm hoping to find the lyrics for it ASAP.

Unknown Caller - Also fairly lengthy, but not nearly as heavenly. One of those songs that is certainly a decent listen, but it's not gonna be the clincher that sells copies of the album. The organ bit is interesting enough to pick the song up at that point, and it's another song I'd like to find lyrics for.

I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight – Blatant single material, and probably the next one off the album. While more of a pop tune, it's not as vigorous as ones past, still keeping more mellow with the overall mood of the album. Also a pick-me-up from the helpless vibes that other songs give off, and seems easy to learn.

Get on Your Boots - Everyone's heard this, and I'm still not a huge fan, although if you want swift "catchiness" on this album, you won't get much closer. The fact that this was chosen as the lead single proves that this isn't an album specifically produced for radio purposes.

Stand Up Comedy – The other song on the album that screams "Make me a single!" A lot of quick lines with a repeated theme to make them stick in your head. Like "Crazy Tonight", it's not incredibly vigorous, but it's a tune that you can carry with you.

FEZ - Being Born – I don't know what illegal substance Brian Eno was sharing with the boys during this, but it's arguably the most bizarre product that they've come up with. It's so unusual that I got Radiohead vibes at the beginning, then suddenly it jumps into something much fiercer. I'm not sure I like that fiercer bit which carries most of the song, but toward the final minute, it really lights up and sends off nicely.

White as Snow - I can see this becoming an underrated song. The calmest song on the album, with some very peaceful notes before Bono breaks in after 45 seconds. It's almost haunting in parts, but is quite beautiful, being the most gentle of the album's second half (though the final track is more subdued).

Breathe - At first, I didn't like how this was being sung, but that changed quickly. This song has pretty decent touches of just about everything, from the lyrics to the solos. It doesn't scream an obvious single, but it's the only other viable candidate I can think of outside those few I mentioned earlier.

Cedars of Lebanon - A lot of the lyrics on that album feel about helplessness to me, and this caps that off appropriately, but in a very melancholy way. This isn't a happy song nor a happy ending, but it's certainly worth listening to, as it's lyrically powerful. Sure, it's Bono making a statement, but it fits into the overall mood of the album and sends it off in a solemn way.

...

All in all, those are general thoughts more about each song's mood rather than their overall quality. I won't make up my mind about the quality for probably a month. When that time comes, I'll decide where to place it in the lengthy list of U2 discography. But this isn't "back to basics" or a "rediscovery". Rather, it's searching for a whole new meaning.

[Sonic85]

I'd love to know where the U2 downloads thread is.

[Dejan]

DAMN this album is......a waste of.......time.
It's time for them to retire

[bjaiken]

So far, I am really enjoying the new album. There are some really great songs and some others that I feel have room to grow on me. But I like every U2 album, so I am perhaps not the most objective judge.

[the hitcher]

i don't know what to make of the new album. it's not like HTDAAB at all, it's very different. More chilled out and soundscapey. i really like No Line on the Horizon, nice riff on the chorus, nice harmonies too. Magnificent is another gooden too. Overall tho I'm just not sure the album doesn't seem to go anywhere. might be a grower. On first listen it's not as good as HTDAAB in my opinion.

[bjaiken]

No Line On The Horizon is the song I am most digging right now.

A lot of people really like Magnificent, but I am not quite there yet.

Also, I have really come to like "Get On Your Boots." I especially like it in the context of the entire album.

[footyfan10]

DAMN this album is......a waste of.......time.
It's time for them to retire

I'm not sure exactly where you're getting that. I'm not surprised that some people will feel this way. It's not a pop mainstream album.

U2 wanted to go somewhere they haven't before and I like Achtung Baby or other efforts that have turned the direction, some people aren't going to follow along.

U2 should not retire. If anything this album confirms their devotion to doing musically interesting things. Things that will stimulate themselves, even at the expense of more mainstream fans.

[bjaiken]

Just got the new Rolling Stone today. No Line On The Horizon was given a perfect 5 stars.

[Tnspieler1012]

:stunned: wow! I'm getting a little anxious now because everything you guys are saying about the album are consistent with what I hoped it would be. I'm really scared I'll be dissapointed since I'm hyping it up so much in my mind, even if it is as awesome as you guys are saying.

[Corkus]

MusicRadar has a great run-down of every track:
http://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/u2-no-line-on-the-horizon-197114

So far, the song that has grown on me the quickest is White as Snow, which has received the most replays from me today. But I'm not too receptive to the pop-reaching songs that are wedged together in the middle.

[Osaka Sun]

Here’s my take, in a concise “article” form. :P



Has U2's Line Blurred on the Horizon?
The band's 12th studio album unimaginably incorporates every single influence U2 has ever had, but is this rocker worth 5 years of waiting?
By: Osaka Sun


Brian Eno is one crazy man.

He’s known as the father of ambient music. His over-the-top rock experimentalism as producer has either been well-loved or utterly hated by the media. No more could be said with his work with U2, one classic rock masterpiece that is still tearing music charts apart today, even with each band member nearing their 50s.

Eno, with the help of fellow producer Daniel Lanois, first altered the band’s core with the atmospheric rock of The Unforgettable Fire, and made U2 a household name with The Joshua Tree in the 1980s. When the Irish quartet was on the brink of breaking up after Rattle and Hum, he reinvented U2 with dance and alternative rock stylings for Achtung Baby. However, this move would prove costly with the releases of Zooropa and Pop, which alienated the band’s fanbase (including myself) to such a point that Eno had to revive U2 once more with All That You Can’t Leave Behind and How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb at the turn of the century. After these 2 fairly conservative studio albums, U2 have called Eno one more time to produce No Line on the Horizon, which recent critics say could be the band’s most innovative record yet.

Has 5 years of hard work, recorded worldwide from New York to Fez, Morocco, mean the end of U2's legacy, or is NLOTH the new Joshua Tree?

Well, one thing is for sure, from the prospective of a “classic” U2 fan like myself (ie. I’d rather think U2's 3 albums from the 1990s never existed), the band has not lost any gas with NLOTH. None at all. In ways thought impossible, Brian Eno has combined his 80s and 90s soundscapes and unique production skills to help create NLOTH, an album replaying memories of the band’s 11 previous albums all at once, with an extra twist.

It’s gonna be quite a surprise for every single fan of the band out there. I had to make multiple playthroughs to judge the quality of this album, and it will probably take as much time for everyone else to do the same. It’s very similar to how Eno pushed the edge with Coldplay’s Viva la Vida and Death and All His Friends last year. A definite “grower,” as you might say it:


1. No Line on the Horizon begins with its title track, and I must say, it’s something. Simply put, it’s Achtung Baby synth meets “Where the Streets Have No Name.” Didn’t think it could happen, eh? I didn’t either! 8.0/10

2. “Magnificent” starts off with a tantalizing intro with definite 90s electronics taking command again, but don’t worry. At the 45 second mark, U2 finally returns to the amazing, lush atmospherics that defined The Unforgettable Fire and The Joshua Tree. The Edge brings out his signature textural guitar riffs and processing that we know all too well, and Bono sings about the tenacity of love in perfect falsetto. Superb (quite an understatement), and most likely the next single. 9.5/10

3. The 3rd track on NLOTH is “Moment of Surrender,” which was hyped to be the “One” of this album, and Brian Eno’s favourite. It’s a very gospel-tinged track, similar to U2's previous beauties like “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” and “Stuck in a Moment You Can’t Get Out Of,” and since I’m a sucker for those Christian songs, I was giving this song high hopes. Unfortunately, Moment wasn’t as great as I expected. The song is good, but it feels like there’s something missing to it, and there’s some obvious mistakes that could have been averted (such as The Edge’s poorly placed guitar riffs, located at the last 2 minutes of a 7 minute song). 8.0/10

4. “Unknown Caller” is the 4th track on the record, and it is also another gospel influenced soft rock song. Opening with calls of swallows, it contains a much more thought-out melody than Moment of Surrender. Apparently, The Edge describes the song’s story as “that the narrator is in an altered state, and his phone starts talking to him” and the caller is supposed to be God. Some of the lyrics like “restart and re-boot yourself, you're free to go” are a bit cheesy, but if you handled the lyrics of “Vertigo,” then you should enjoy Caller very much. 8.5/10

5. “I’ll Go Crazy If I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight” gave me instant flashbacks of stadium rock-pop songs from the band like “Sweetest Thing” and “Walk On.” Sounding exactly as in the album previews, I’ll Go Crazy is another recognizable radio-friendly single on NLOTH that every U2 fan will love. 9.0/10

6. This is where U2's rock gets heavier. “Get on Your Boots,” as everyone knows by now, is the unusual first single from NLOTH. Through these past couple of weeks of listening to the track, it’s somehow grown on me, and even though it’s an electro-rocker with very close similarities to Vertigo, I can’t wait when the band plays it live during their next tour. 8.0/10

7. “Stand Up Comedy” is U2's homage to the 70s, Zeppelin-esque classic rock. It starts off very funky; the chorus progresses into something brilliant but then it trails off without any real impact. Along with Bono speaking half the time rather than singing, it seems like the band was trying way too much to create an easy going, hard rock sound that they’ve never really attempted before. A huge disappointment, and in my opinion, the worst track of NLOTH. 6.0/10

8. The 8th track of the album is probably the most unanticipated. “Fez-Being Born” is where Brian Eno’s experimentation comes into play the most in NLOTH. Almost immediately he prompts the listener into an ambient, mysterious story about life in Morocco. Then at around the 1 minute mark, U2 suddenly emerge with a desperate arena rock sound (later including a backing chorus) with a unique soundscape that could be compared with atmospherics of The Unforgettable Fire, but the rest of the song wouldn’t be able to fit into the ground-breaking record. Needless to say, an odd piece, but it's not total crap. 7.0/10

9. Thankfully we get thrust back into sanity with “White as Snow.” Before playing the track, hear the motive pertaining to it first. Bono put the song in the point of view of “a soldier serving in Afghanistan” that gets mortally wounded, and the song “lasts the length of time it takes him to die." He later compared it to William Golding’s novel Pincher Martin, where a British sailor approaches death and looks back at everything that occurred in his life. White As Snow is an acoustic, intimate, moody tune with folk elements added in for extra value, and it can be a tear-jerker if you can put yourself into the perspective of that fallen solder. 8.5/10

10. NLOTH’s 10th track is the last rock & roll tune of the album, and U2 goes out with a bang with the War-influenced “Breathe.” Fantastic is all I can say about it. 9.0/10

11. The record ends with “Cedars of Lebanon,” a soulful, yet melancholic ballad about a war correspondent in an unidentified war zone. Bono’s lyrics are very direct here, in which the narrator observes and records the bleakness of a war-torn nation, and longs for his distant family. It’s a nice blues-rock track that would fit in a late night driving playlist, but after hearing it in context to the rest of NLOTH, you’ll wonder if it should really signal the end of the album. There will be many U2 fans who will be wanting just a little bit more. 7.5/10


NLOTH isn’t anywhere as experimental as Achtung Baby (and its two sibling records of the 90s), but it’s still quite an artistic mess. In a good way, though. U2 risks everything again, relying on all of their previous techniques and distinct soundscapes from the past, yet Brian Eno is able to change the band’s direction once more during the process. It’s The Unforgettable Fire of the 00s, but somehow it's very different. And just like The Unforgettable Fire, NLOTH will have a couple of somewhat mixed reviews, but I can finally gasp a sigh of relief that U2 is here to stay, and that another Joshua Tree might envelop on the horizon. The perfect sequel to ATYCLB and HTDAAB, that's for sure; it's probably going to be album of the year too.

Final Mark: 4/5



:dance::dance::dance::dance::dance::dance::dance:

[Prospekt.]

I love I’ll Go Crazy If I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight.

One of my favorites off it for sure.

[bjaiken]

^ I like that song, too.

[DreamOutLoud]

for those who have been holding out.. Looks like the album will be streaming on their myspace page.

February 19, 2009
posted by: Tassoula

@U2 reader Jim alerted us to the Entertainment Weekly's PopWatch blog,
which reports that U2 will make their new album No Line on the Horizon
available to fans via live stream free of charge on their MySpace page
tomorrow at 5:00 a.m. ET.

So those of you who have resisted the urge to download by way of the
leak—here's a chance to have a listen with the band's blessing.

[Tnspieler1012]

^ awesome! I hope it streams all day and not just that ridiculous time in the morning...

[winigwl]

typical rolling stone giving it 5 stars. they have a love affair with u2 and dylan

[bjaiken]

Rolling Stone is bad with artists they like. Dylan is a great example, and Bruce Springsteen is another. U2 doesn't quite match up with those two but, I admit, they are very close in terms of receiving positive reviews from that magazine.

But look at it another way...if Rolling Stone said No Line On The Horizon sucked, I would know we were in for a bad album.

[MrMagpie]

for those who have been holding out.. Looks like the album will be streaming on their myspace page.

I'm still not listening! haha.
Me and some friends are planning on having a listening party. You know, bring back some of that excitement of going with your buddies to pick up an album and hear it for the first time.

[Black Dog]

I'm still not listening! haha.
Me and some friends are planning on having a listening party. You know, bring back some of that excitement of going with your buddies to pick up an album and hear it for the first time.
boy that's a great idea! Listening through a couple times is a must here. Don't jumpt to any conclusions right away, good or bad.

[MrMagpie]

Yeah, I find most U2 albums are growers for me anyways.

[Tnspieler1012]

I gave in...

Not to the leak, but the live stream on myspace. I'll give it one time through without repeat, in a couple week's time, when I buy the album I should have only a silhouetted outline of what each song sounded like now.

[Tnspieler1012]

It's gonna take some serious will power to keep myself from listening through this again. Only four songs in, in a noisy environment, and I gotta say, even if the rest sucks, this album is a real triumph. It's not just a return to 'classic" tricks, but an improvement on them with additional elements that make this album legitimately stand out from anything of their others. It's the same band as HTDAAB injected with nostalgia and some of the things we wish they could've taken the time to explore.

:edit: also funny how Eno seems to have had the opposite influence on U2 that he did with Coldplay. In VLV, Coldplay condensed almost every song to little more than 3 minutes. It was like they were overly paranoid that you'd be instantly bored if they added a couple extra bars. Whereas "No line on the horizon" is gloriously patient. U2 feel perfectly free in adding a couple minutes to a track, drawing out the intro or adding an extra guitar segment to the end. You can really take your time to soak in the vibes. U2 has improved where Coldplay failed last time.

[bjaiken]

I am really liking "Breathe" and "White As Snow." To me, this album is a very worthy effort. I will have to get away from it for awhile to see how it stacks up against the other U2 albums but, for now, I am very, very happy with the results.

[Tnspieler1012]

Yeah, right now I'm coming down from the first listen (or 3rd :P) high. The way new albums generally work with me is I'll be uncertain at first glance, after a second listen I'm in love with it, but after a couple more listens I don't really care for it since I've beaten it to death by then. Even though I've listened to it way too much today, I don't think I can give an accurate review quite yet.

[Famous Old Painter]

I fell asleep whilst listening to it the first time round. :laugh3:

It was a really long day though and I probably should've just gone to bed instead.

I'll give it a proper listen later.

[MrMagpie]

I think I might cave tonight haha.
Not sure if I can wait another week. Especially since its spring break.

[DreamOutLoud]

^^^^^^^doooooooooooooo ittttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt!!!!!!!!!!!! !


:wink3::sneaky:



IT'S MAGNIFICENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Tnspieler1012]

I'm predicting the next two singles will be "Magnificent", followed by 'I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight"

I'm not sure about what's after that though...and Briggins, I'm sorry I left you flying solo by caving in my self. Don't let me discourage you, I just decided to listen on the myspace page because it's sort of endorsed by U2 themselves and I'm not actually downloading the files. There is something to be said though for waiting till you actually buy the album.

[bjaiken]

I think I might cave tonight haha.
Not sure if I can wait another week. Especially since its spring break.

If you can hold off, you are a better person than me. I always cave instantly. I totally get the satisfaction of opening the album on day of release. On the other hand, I also enjoy the excitement of listening to it before its out.

The MP3 version that I downloaded is a very clean copy. My understanding is that it was mistakenly leaked in Australia for a brief period of time on a legal download site. Those who got it then put it up on the internet, and away we go...

In fact, my iTUNES already recognizes all the track names. I bet the iTUNES Genius is going WTF when it scans my computer and sees the tracks on my playlist.

Let me know if you want it.

[DreamOutLoud]

If you can hold off, you are a better person than me. I always cave instantly. I totally get the satisfaction of opening the album on day of release. On the other hand, I also enjoy the excitement of listening to it before its out.

The MP3 version that I downloaded is a very clean copy. My understanding is that it was mistakenly leaked in Australia for a brief period of time on a legal download site. Those who got it then put it up on the internet, and away we go...

In fact, my iTUNES already recognizes all the track names. I bet the iTUNES Genius is going WTF when it scans my computer and sees the tracks on my playlist.

Let me know if you want it.


yeah here is the lowdown on how it leaked (from atu2.com)

NLOTH LEAKS (AGAIN) ... THIS TIME BY UNIVERSAL AUSTRALIA
February 17, 2009
posted by: m2

For the second time this month, an online music store has started
prematurely selling No Line On The Horizon. This time, the Universal
Music Australia store has made the entire album available as digital
downloads, and fans all over the world are buying it up, putting it on
file sharing sites, and sending it to friends. The album's out there
now; no turning back.

Little did anyone know that NLOTH was also available on the Napster
Mobile online store. An @U2 reader found it and bought the album on
February 8th; it was available all last week, and finally removed
yesterday (Feb. 16).

[Tnspieler1012]

Somehow I doubt that was an accident. Maybe I'm wrong, but wouldn't these stores be tempted to cheat the release date, so they'll be the only place that people can buy the album up until the actual release?

[Osaka Sun]

Eh...

Anyways, after giving my review, I chucked the entire album out of my iTunes library, Magnificent and all. I also hate the fact of playing albums too many times to the point of not caring, especially before the album even gets released (I pre-ordered NLOTH too)! For example, after so many times listening to VLVADALHF, I had to take constant breaks from it because I didn't want to lose the album's particular vibe that I felt from it during the first couple of playthroughs.

And U2 better release Magnificent, I'll Go Crazy and Breathe as their next three singles. In no way do I want to hear Stand Up Comedy on the radio.

[bjaiken]

^ yeah, I don't like Stand Up Comedy. I think it is the only definite skip I have found on the album.

I don't get the big deal over Magnificent. It's not that I don't like it, I just don't find it that special. I will keep listening. For the longest time, I did not like A Beautiful Day, and it is now one of my favorites.

I really like I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight and Breathe. The problem with this album, as far as singles go, is that the songs are too long. If they are going to be released as singles, they will have to create some radio edits.

No Line On The Horizon (the song) is still my favorite from the album. I think this song and Breathe will be grand in their live form.

[Dejan]

U2 Attempt To Sell Their Shares In Live Nation

U2 have reportedly attempted to sell their shares in Live Nation after the value plummeted to just over a fifth of the original amount.

The Irish band signed a deal with Live Nation last March that tied them in for 12 years with the band being paid partly with stock.

U2 were given 1.6 million shares with Live Nation guaranteeing that they would be worth $25 million, when the market closed on Wednesday evening in New York they were worth just $6.1 million.

According to the Wall Street Journal Live Nation were they forced to make up the remaining $19 million, in an SEC filing Live Nation said they would do this with cash on hand or borrowed money.

Live Nation last year signed similar deals with Madonna, Jay-Z, Nickelback and Shakira – promising to pay out millions to artists in return for revenue from the 360 deals which encompassed concerts, fanclubs and merchandise.

Live Nation have moved to play down the U2 stock sale, with Chief Executive Micahel Rapino saying: "Madonna and U2 are the only two deals that did contain this provision. The Madonna business is great, and we look forward to monetizing our investment in U2 next year."

U2 are set to tour in 2009 with announcement expected to be made in market about the schedule.

[Corey07]

This album is amazing! I'm so pleased with it! Moment of Surrender gives me chills and Magnificent and I'll Go Crazy if I Don't Go Crazy Tonight are awesome songs...

[Black Rose]

Album comes on Spotify from tomorrow :)

[MrMagpie]

^whats that?

[Osaka Sun]

Can someone explain why U2's Myspace is not streaming the album? Boots is the only track displayed on their page.

[Tnspieler1012]

Click on the album cover next to it ;)

[Osaka Sun]

I tried that, still didn't work...:confused:

[Tnspieler1012]

keep trying. When you first go to the page it switches to the black single cover below it. That's why only GOYB shows. Click on the other covers, and you get a different list of songs.

[A RUSH OF VIDA]

I must say that Get On Your Boots is growing on me.....Its a very catchy song

[Malcolm-Edge]

The album we have been waiting for, begging for has finally arrived! No Line On The Horizon. Its been just over 4 years, and after changing producers randomly, we have one of U2's masterpieces. This album sees U2 working closely with their 3 most decorated producers: Steve Lillywhite, Brian Eno and my personal favorite, Daniel Lanois.

No Line On The Horizon - I hate to say this, if I were to describe this song in one word it would be: Overproduced. The lyrics are, very very good. The opening guitar/white do it for me though. It ruins the song, the B-side version, to me is a lot better.

Magnificent - Most people see this as a concert opener, I however do not. That said, the open got my attention really fast, then when he breaks into his sweet ass echo riff, I was blown away. This song has an energy to it, as with most of the album, driven by the new duo in U2, Edge and Adam. I havent heard these two gel together so well since Joshua Tree. Bono's melody's dont really add much to this track. An obvious single, and obvious favorite

Moment of Surrender - Now i read that this was a Lillywhite track, which it can not be. This one spells Eno. This is lyrically the most deep song U2 has written in a while. Not on the level of Kite and Sometimes You Cant Make It On Your Own, which hold an amazing power I connect to. Its deep on the level of a Bad, and One. Adam, does amazingly on this track, and it seems Edge finally broke out his sustainer again, although not as effective as in With Or Without You, it helps add to the mood of the song. This is one of the linch pin songs on the album, and awesome.

Unknown Caller - This is Edge's song, both instrumentally and vocally. Most of the "ohhhhhs" are Edge and Larry. This is one of the track I always skip. I havent been able to connect to this song at all. Just not feeling this one. But its okay we have:

I'll Go Crazy If I Dont Go Crazy Tonight - With this song all I have to say is: Edge is back! This is the strongest song on the album; their Viva La Vida, although it wont be nearly as successful. I love this song, lyrically it isnt the strongest, but defanitly stronger then some of the stuff. Once again driven by Edge and Adam.

Get On Your Boots - Easily the most criticized single ever! It took me one or two listens, but I loved this track from beginning to now. It is the obvious first single cause it the most like old U2. It is Vertigo 2.0. At that though, it fits perfectly on the album and changes the mood very quickly. This is the song Edge and Adam command most. Even Larry takes lead, there is a reason Bono is behind the band most of the time when they preform this song, because its theirs.

Stand Up [Comedy] - I havent made up my mind yet. It is the top played song on the album for me. I said earlier that Magnificent was the choice for most to open a show. This is the opener for me. Come on "Stand Up!" it works perfectly. Its a cool riff by Edge another song influenced by Jack White. To me this is the most like old U2. Adam and Larry driving the song, while Edge and Bono add that little flair that it needs. Sitting on it for a few days, my favorite track.

FEZ - Being Born - They let Eno out of the box on this one! Its nice to see something 100% different on this album. Id comment on Edges guitar work, but I've already heard it on the first half of the album. Nothing original about this track except the opening, i didnt know Fez meant Filler.

White As Snow - This song will be one of those you come to love later, its their Reign of Love. Its different, yet so much like U2. Its nice to hear the duo acoustics and a piano to top it all off. Its got a cool ambient feel to it. Upon my first few listens I hated it, but its growing on me. This will be my favorite in about 6 months I know it. To bad it will be nearly impossible to pull off live. I would say one of the best on the album, this albums Red Hill.

Breathe - Bono rapping? No. This is as blues as U2 will ever get. I know how tis song came to be. It was on that was born on the couch during some down time when they all just started playing. Its a straight up Dylan meets Springsteen mixed with Raconteurs. Its the most Rock and Roll they will ever get. Bono, singing in straight up blues style, this song is U2 does blues.

Cedars of Lebanon - good way to end the album, but i really dont have comment based on the one time Ive listened to it.

Overall 4.5/5, for what this album is, near perfection! It could lose some time, and some more amazing solo's by Edge. A groove or two by Adam and one more jaw dropping riff by Larry. This is one of the few albums of U2s that is meant to be listened to as an album. like Zooropa and Pop before it. This song will not be a commercial success not single wise at least. It was an album written to be an album. They brought back the blues and rock back, they dusted off Edges echo pedals and turned Adam up to 11.

This album is missing that one linch pin song though. It is missing that song that jumps out at you. Its missing a Viva La Vida, a Streets. That is why its 4.5 and not 5. Its a full album experience and for anything above casual fan easily in the Top 5 and for most but not all Top 3. For me its the latter, this album is no Joshua Tree or Achtung Baby. IT can be, the only this that can prove it though is in 15 years, if it is still the same or better. Time will tell

I will finish with this statement: U2 and Coldplay can now never be compared again. They both had career albums in the last year, and they are both completely different. Yet both very amazing! Coldplay should be proud with their releases this year. They have separated themselves from U2 and should noe be recognized and this decades Greatest Rock Act.

[Tnspieler1012]

I love the way the album starts off. No, long pretentious intro, just a no frills surge of distortion. Shooting you right into the middle of things.

"Unknown Caller" is probably my immediate favorite, along with "Magnificent"... The intro with bono's "sunshine" is simply blissful. The riff and vocal harmony is a clear throwback to the 80s. "Magnificent" is coincidentally the best ambassador for the rest of the album. It interchanges the 90s distortion with the chiming 80s riff's inside a 00's sort of structure.

Moment of Surrender is a bit indulgent but for someone who loves U2, it's a song to be cherished. You can really soak in the guitar and synths, particularly near the end.

"I'll go crazy..." Has an excellent, addictive riff, and should definitely be a single...although it's a little too ATYCLB for me. Sort of Dejavu' and formulaic. But I do like how at times in this album it's hard to distinguish the guitar from piano and keyboards.

[footyfan10]

I think it's pretty funny how on most U2 albums you can tell exactly what's going to be a single and what's not. It's not like Radiohead or Coldplay where it's very hard to guess. This in someway speaks to Radiohead not having songs that are generally radio-friendly and Coldplay having many. I see it though, that U2 is always thinking about the radio.

I may like Magnificent, I'll Go Crazy... and Breathe, but it seems all too clear that they will be the singles after Get On Your Boots. I'd say the only one I'm not sure about is Moment of Surrender, but I think that's only because I don't think the tune has great radio value - the lyrics have TREMENDOUS VALUE.

There are some songs that drive me mad on this album because they seem like with one tweak or another they could be great. Unknown Caller is the one that gets me the most. I hate the robotic voice shit. I don't usually swear, but it is absolute shit in my opinion. They completely ruin the song. I understand why it's there. But that has no place in any song. It's sounds ridiculous. One review said contrived...I couldn't agree more. I'm expressing this so harshly because it really bothers me that it fucks up the song. I love everything else so much. One part just ruins it for me. The bird in the beginning and the organ are just beautiful.


Anyways yeah. I had to get some of that out. I've been wearing this out. I'll probably need a break once my iTunes pre-order is finally available.

Hopefully neither of the bonus tracks are the No Line On the Horizon b-side. I didn't like it. Hopefully they're new!

[chuck kottke]

Still hooked on "Walk On", albeit yesterday's hits for them; I'll have to give the latest efforts a listen!! How many fans do you think they have worldwide??

[MrMagpie]

Too many to count :P

[DreamOutLoud]

Too many to count :P



exactly... it's infinite.. ;)

[Larry]

U2 - Get On Your Boots (live from this year's Echo Awards [Berlin, Germany])

I love the German anthem and John F. Kennedy's famous speech at the beginning. :D

YouTube - U2 - "Get On Your Boots" - Echo Awards - U2MIRACLE.COM

[A RUSH OF VIDA]

Ya i liked that too....

[Corkus]

How many fans do you think they have worldwide??
Methinks it would be easier and less time-consuming to count the people who are not fans and then subtract from the world's overall population. :lol:

[bjaiken]

Great performance of GOYB.

[chuck kottke]

Methinks it would be easier and less time-consuming to count the people who are not fans and then subtract from the world's overall population. :lol:
:laugh3:Amusing, but it's an interesting concept - just how far has their popularity spread? I suppose the net has estimates..:thinking:

[megacity]

I think it's pretty funny how on most U2 albums you can tell exactly what's going to be a single and what's not. It's not like Radiohead or Coldplay where it's very hard to guess. This in someway speaks to Radiohead not having songs that are generally radio-friendly and Coldplay having many. I see it though, that U2 is always thinking about the radio.


true

[Tnspieler1012]

So it's 2009 and the decade is almost over. It's possible the guys might release something else before the year is out, but assuming they don't...what song's do you guy's predict we'll see on the "U2: The best of 2000-2010"?

The two other 'best of's" had 15 and 17 tracks (ignoring the b-side discs) So without paying attention to order I'd say they'll probably include:

Elevation
Walk On
Kite?
New York
Vertigo
Sometimes you can't make it on your own
City of blinding lights
All Because of you
Original of the species
Window in the skies
Get on your Boots
Magnificent
Moment of Surrender
I'll go crazy, if I don't go crazy tonight
White as Snow
One (w/mary J. Blige)
The saint's are coming (w/green day)

Electrical storm was technically released on 2002, but it's already on the last comp.
I know it's basically a list of singles, but I can't imagine them doing anything differently in the case of 'How to dismantle an atomic bomb'.
Thoughts?
I'm just shooting from the hip here.

[footyfan10]

You know I've thought about this album being the sum of three records for some time, but I have to admit completely forgetting that ATYCLB's songs were used on the 90s one. I suppose that speaks to that decades lack of hits.

With this in mind I might understand why Bono has said that U2 are releasing another album this year...THE GREATEST HITS CD!

By that I mean, we'll get a new album that will justify the making of 00's album. Cause honestly if you rule out ATYCLB, which I think you really have to do, than we're left with two albums. HTDAAB had maybe five useable songs and No Line on the Horizon will likely be the same. Thats not justification. You know what is...!?!?!?!?!?! Five more singles from a new album!!!!!!!!!

:dozey:

That's U2 for you. I love em (actually im wondering if NLOTH is gonna be a "meh" for me after at least twenty listens) but they really are ridiculous sometimes.

[Corkus]

Do they even have enough B-sides this decade to make it a two-disc release like the 1980's and 1990's compilations? If we're not counting 2000, then pickings are slim for this decade, which means they may have to improvise by using filler. "One" feat. Mary J. Blige is certainly a possibility, and they'll probably throw a couple entirely new songs on there as bait for people to buy it. Or probably less likely given the time between HTDAAB and NLOTH, they could release another new album in 2010 and include its hits in the "decade".

[Tnspieler1012]

Well I don't think you can throw out the whole of "ATYCLB" in the comp. The last comp. was 1990-2000, and "Beautiful day" was released as a single in 2000. They cheated a little bit with "Stuck in a moment..." which came out January of 2001. But that leaves two singles and quite a few otherworthy songs off of ATYCLB. And I should think they'll have some new b-sides from the NLOTH sessions to stitch to the comp.

[chipotle]

U2 interview on Absolute Radio's Breakfast show on Thursday Feb 26th and some
exclusive new tracks will be played on Tuesday and Wednesday.
I don't know, does exclusive mean from the new not yet released album? :P
http://www.absoluteradio.co.uk/music/artists/u2/article/3611.html

[MrMagpie]

Great performance of GOYB.

After watching that video I'm finally starting to really like this song.
Seeing that opening video would be awesome live.

[DreamOutLoud]

WATCH THIS ... AND BREATHEEEEEEEEEEE....


YouTube - U2 Breathe (extrait du nouvel album)


THIS IS SO FULL OF AWESOMENESS .. FIRST TIME PLAYED LIVE!

[MrMagpie]

Where is it from?

[Tnspieler1012]

Wow! I thought that song would be trouble for bono, but his singing, seems no less sharp than it was ten years ago. Now that I think about it, Breathe wouldn't work bad as a fourth single (as long as Magnificent and I'll go crazy... are the other two).

Shame I can't find any more vids from that show. They rarely play just one song.

[BostonSportsTD]

just finished listening to the new album for the first time. i REALLYY like it. on first listen my favorites were 'i'll go crazy...' and 'white as snow'. i'm excited to listen to it more...

[crawlinwithin]

i think the new album is pretty good, not sure how much different it is from their two previous ones because i know they said they were looking for a different sound.... it's still good though. Magnificent is my fav! Def gonna be a fan fav anthem soon!

[Tnspieler1012]

It's definitely got a distinctive sound throughout. The only real deviants are GOYB's and Stand Up Comedy (I've been skipping those two lately). They say the lead single is supposed to be represent the whole album, and even after hearing it a dozen more times within the context of the album, I still say they couldn't have chosen a worse song. Except for cedars and Fez/being born, I think ANY other song on the album would've been a better choice than Get on your boots.

[MrMagpie]

just finished listening to the new album for the first time. i REALLYY like it. on first listen my favorites were 'i'll go crazy...' and 'white as snow'. i'm excited to listen to it more...

I caved. And I love it.

[Malcolm-Edge]

Im going to come out and say this now. I liked Viva La Vida better, still do.

[footyfan10]

Im going to come out and say this now. I liked Viva La Vida better, still do.

I guess I always had thought U2 had the upperhand in my mind as my favorite current band.

I can say quite honestly that I'm with you here. I'm pretty disappointed by this album.

There are sparks of genius, but when I think about the album as a WHOLE...I just get depressed. There are SO many songs that I can barely stand. U2's old albums could grow on me - Achtung was originally hell to me, but now its one of my favorites.

This album doesn't seem that way though. I know what I like and what I don't rather clearly. Nothing can be worse than that on an album. Viva la Vida it took months for me to come to a pretty solid determinate of what were my favorites.

There has to be that battle. There is NO battle on this album. And even though I'm into mainstream music, I'm not that kind of only-like-the-singles/only-like-catchy-songs fan. I like so many of U2's songs that no one gives a shit about. It's so depressing that this album didn't get it done for me. I like some of the ideas in Bono's lyrics, but a lot of the music is boring.

[footyfan10]

As a follow-up:

I suppose the reasons I had high expectations were because all the reviews by people who had previously thought highly of U2 were speaking highly of it. As a fan, I'd expect to agree more with fans than with people who usually dislike U2's albums.

I don't know...there is something tired about this album. It's almost manufactured energy. U2 is all about the energy and passion. When it doesn't seem real I suppose it doesn't work as well for me.

It's also that when the music is really working for me the singing doesn't get it done and vice versa.

Moment of Surrender is one of the only songs where one triumphs over the other so that you almost forget. Magnificent almost does it in the opposite spectrum, but Bono's lyrics aren't so poor that they really hurt the great tune. Unknown Caller...damn those robot voices.



Does no one think that we aren't so much seeing Get On Your Boots grow on us, as we are adjusting how good we think this album is and hence...liking a song we may have thought poorly of before because the rest of the album really isn't that great.

[MrMagpie]

Im going to come out and say this now. I liked Viva La Vida better, still do.

After a first listen I like NLOTH much better.

[Tnspieler1012]

I strongly disagree with that. Everyone keeps saying that in the context of the album, GOYB's isn't as bad as originally thought, when I feel that it only confirms how inferior it is to all the other tracks. At the moment I much prefer NLOTH to VLV. VLV didn't feel like a real album and it was far too impatient. In this album I feel U2 succeeded in doing all the things Coldplay had failed to do in VLV.

[MrMagpie]

And also I love how they have a Christmas song on this album (White As Snow)....I mean look at the name, and listen to it. It is definitely an alternative take on O Come O Come Emmanuel.

[Black Dog]

VLV is just so much more full of...life. Or something. NLOTH is a solid rock album with strong guitar. But Coldplay makes me happier!

[MrMagpie]

WATCH THIS ... AND BREATHEEEEEEEEEEE....


YouTube - U2 Breathe (extrait du nouvel album) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WpR2GJa13s)


THIS IS SO FULL OF AWESOMENESS .. FIRST TIME PLAYED LIVE!

I love when buddy gets up on the stage and Bono sort of guides him off the stage haha.

[Tnspieler1012]

lol, it looked like Bono was hoping to dance with him, before realizing the guy wasn't a beautiful woman.

[Osaka Sun]

Breathe sounds simply amazing live. Even more striking is GOYB live. Listen to it played at the 2009 Brit awards:

YouTube - U2 - Get On Your Boots - Live at The Brit Awards 2009

Love that intro, where Bono yells "the future needs a big kiss;" then an excerpt of the British national anthem is sung and The Edge quickly goes into full force with his tele. And the whole 60s-esque James Bond background (which I first hated when waching GOYB's music video) is executed very well. It makes an underperforming first single just a bit sexier.

Oh yeah, my opinion on the album has changed a little...I like Moment of Surrender more in comparison to what I posted about it in my original review, but I'm still annoyed of the late-placed guitar solo. Anyone else agree?

[bjaiken]

I think a lot of songs on NLOTH will be great live. I can't wait to see more clips and, even more, I can't wait for the tour.

[MrMagpie]

Yup. I think I have to be a tour virgin this tour.
With the Vertigo Tour I was following all the shows, setlists, vids, pics, etc.
I want to be surprised this tour.

[Tnspieler1012]

I know we're on the dawn of the new album's official release, but today I've been preoccupied with "October" of all albums. The title track is just haunting. I'm also amazed that unforgettable fire was released only a year after War! They sound COMPLETELY different, Bono's voice in particular.

[Stargirl]

My fave song would be 'Vertigo'
It never gets old
_______________
MAKE
TRADE
FAIR

[BostonSportsTD]

i'm actually starting to like 'get on your boots' a ton. i listened to it on the way to school this morning and it was in my head all day. right now there are really no songs i dislike but i'm trying not to listen to it that much until it comes out on CD... ive just been listening on their myspace. if they toured this summer i would be so goddamn happy...

[Lalo5]

Still nothing like the old U2, Joshua Tree is still amazing.

[MrMagpie]

I know we're on the dawn of the new album's official release, but today I've been preoccupied with "October" of all albums. The title track is just haunting. I'm also amazed that unforgettable fire was released only a year after War! They sound COMPLETELY different, Bono's voice in particular.

Haha, thats awesome. There are some great tracks on that album. I love Rejoice and Gloria.

[footyfan10]

I strongly disagree with that. Everyone keeps saying that in the context of the album, GOYB's isn't as bad as originally thought, when I feel that it only confirms how inferior it is to all the other tracks. At the moment I much prefer NLOTH to VLV. VLV didn't feel like a real album and it was far too impatient. In this album I feel U2 succeeded in doing all the things Coldplay had failed to do in VLV.

I think VLV was Coldplay finally breaking out of some of their old shells. It was not a clean break no doubt, but it never could be. If U2 came out with Pop and Zoorapa before The Joshua Tree they would have no fanbase.

People can't slag off on Coldplay for not being really experimental. They do not have the ability to ignore what their fans like at this point. What their fans are comfortable with more pointedly.

U2 are not really experimenting with this album in the way that will dictate it's success. Think about the songs we're talking about as the standouts. They are the most generic U2 songs there are (I do realize some dislike GOYB). The only song that might be a single thats got a Eno and Lanois writing credit will be Moment of Surrender, and I'm worried that won't happen.

U2 took a leap without really anything. No one would have been surprised to hear Magnificent, I'll Go Crazy..., GOYB, Stand Up Comedy or Breathe on the past two U2 albums. There may be slight Eno influences, but they are slight.


I do like this album. I don't love it like I do VLV. I think what you said about NLOTH being the album Coldplay wanted than you might be correct, but I also agree with someone else. Coldplay's album, even with a pre-occupation with death, was full of life. Beautiful colors. Beautiful life.

U2 is a different beast, but I don't think this album is anywhere near deserving the critical acclaim it is receiving. It is a 4/5 album at best. It's not perfect.


Also...in the past when U2 has "experimented" it has been a thorough experimentation. This has been done to ill-effects in some people's opinions (including my own) on Zoorapa and Pop. It has also been done to excellent degrees with Achtung Baby. This album is like a mishmash of U2 being the mainstream whores that has caused many people to hate ATYCLB and HTDAAB and the experimental persons they want to be. It's essentially them saying they aren't just playing it safe because the album contains experimental tracks, but at the same time keeping that core popular U2 sound.

I like this album very much. It's just not one of their best by any stretch. It's definitely good.

[Sirhc]

i'm actually starting to like 'get on your boots' a ton. i listened to it on the way to school this morning and it was in my head all day. right now there are really no songs i dislike but i'm trying not to listen to it that much until it comes out on CD... ive just been listening on their myspace. if they toured this summer i would be so goddamn happy...

I got the same thing! I didn't really like it at first, but it gets under your skin after you've heard it a few times. I'm really looking forward to the album :dance:

There are rumours they will play in Belgium on July 6th. So a summer tour seems very realistic!

[MrMagpie]

I think VLV was Coldplay finally breaking out of some of their old shells. It was not a clean break no doubt, but it never could be. If U2 came out with Pop and Zoorapa before The Joshua Tree they would have no fanbase.

People can't slag off on Coldplay for not being really experimental. They do not have the ability to ignore what their fans like at this point. What their fans are comfortable with more pointedly.

U2 are not really experimenting with this album in the way that will dictate it's success. Think about the songs we're talking about as the standouts. They are the most generic U2 songs there are (I do realize some dislike GOYB). The only song that might be a single thats got a Eno and Lanois writing credit will be Moment of Surrender, and I'm worried that won't happen.

U2 took a leap without really anything. No one would have been surprised to hear Magnificent, I'll Go Crazy..., GOYB, Stand Up Comedy or Breathe on the past two U2 albums. There may be slight Eno influences, but they are slight.


I do like this album. I don't love it like I do VLV. I think what you said about NLOTH being the album Coldplay wanted than you might be correct, but I also agree with someone else. Coldplay's album, even with a pre-occupation with death, was full of life. Beautiful colors. Beautiful life.

U2 is a different beast, but I don't think this album is anywhere near deserving the critical acclaim it is receiving. It is a 4/5 album at best. It's not perfect.


Also...in the past when U2 has "experimented" it has been a thorough experimentation. This has been done to ill-effects in some people's opinions (including my own) on Zoorapa and Pop. It has also been done to excellent degrees with Achtung Baby. This album is like a mishmash of U2 being the mainstream whores that has caused many people to hate ATYCLB and HTDAAB and the experimental persons they want to be. It's essentially them saying they aren't just playing it safe because the album contains experimental tracks, but at the same time keeping that core popular U2 sound.

I like this album very much. It's just not one of their best by any stretch. It's definitely good.

With this album I wouldn't say its exactly a safe album. I mean its not like ATYCL behind. While I thoroughly enjoy that album I find it has alot of safe songs on it like Beautiful Day, Walk On, etc. that are written for everybody to love. Even HTDDAB had alot of similar songs that the radio just loved and ate up.

With this album to me it sounds like a bunch of old friends (including Eno and Lanois) together making the album that they want to make. Not necessarly trying to write something that everybody is going to love, but rather something that they love. I find that Bono is writing some pretty heavy lyrics about war and such. Not just your usual "George Bush Sucks" war songs, but deep emotional songs from the viewpoints of a mortally wounded soldier, etc.

At this point they don't need Eno to come into the studio and influence them heavily. The Eno influence is already deeply embedded in their sound.

Not a masterpiece, but it is a fine album.

[footyfan10]

Oh Briggins I certainly agree.

If we're talking percentage of the songs that are safe vs not safe, its overwhelmingly not safe.

My point is that the one's that seem like singles, are the only songs that are U2 being U2. This is not me insulting that nor making it good. Simply assessing how safe the album is.

The struck a median between doing what they want and maybe more of what fans want. It's safer, but it's also smarter in my opinion. They don't alienate those who are only going to buy singles, but they keep the dedicated fanbase (likely all of us) interested. It's a win-win.

[MrMagpie]

Yup, I think its a good album for them. Can't please everybody at the same time.

[Black Rose]

Bah, the best thing of listening to the album on Spotify was the advert in between some of the tracks.

U2 should just call it a day

[Tnspieler1012]

why?

[Tnspieler1012]

Couple things, first a practice vid with a wicked elvis impression from bono halfway through!

YouTube - U2 Rehearse GOYB, Breathe & Magnificent from NLOTH

and this vid I saw a long time back, showing a fan who was pulled out of the audience to play with the band on two separate shows on the vertigo tour.

YouTube - Me on stage with U2..AGAIN!!!

YouTube - How does if feel to be yelled at by Bono?

[Black Dog]

:o wow. amazing vids. I wish I could get on stage with them!

[MrMagpie]

If you're not a musician or don't have nice tits you'll never get on stage :P

[Malcolm-Edge]

Very Very true. That guy also got yelled at by Bono, Edge saved him though.

A fan at the first Slane show got on stage, they gave him a guitar and he started playing A Sort OF Homecoming. Talk about balls eh? He knew they wouldn't play it, so he forced it. They went along and Bono screwed up the lyrics.

[MrMagpie]

^haha thats really awesome.

[Tnspieler1012]

randomness. But I hate strating new threads, and it actually did identify a few U2 songs I tried out...

http://www.bored.com/songtapper/s/tappingmain.bin?dotap=1

[ricardo]

how long... how long must we sing this song? how long how loooooong
'cause toniiight .....we can be as one... tonight

What happened to the beauty u2 haaaad?
And I miss you when you aren't on war
I'm getting to hear ooooooone
wth happened to the old and awesome u2? :cry:


randomness. But I hate strating new threads, and it actually did identify a few U2 songs I tried out...

http://www.bored.com/songtapper/s/tappingmain.bin?dotap=1

awesome :D
I tried yellow and I did it, but I failed at with or without you and got instead fell in love with a girl, sweet child o mine and all the small things :lol:

[MrMagpie]

I still love U2. I've loved every album they've released. :)

[ricardo]

I loved everything also, but I think they do not have that passions these days, but well I still can not judge no line on the horizon, but for me their worst album is pop

[busybeeburns]

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/45520000/jpg/_45520633_longu2.jpg
News of the unannounced gig spread on internet message boards

WATCH (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7915370.stm)

Rock band U2 have played a surprise gig on top of BBC Broadcasting House to promote the launch of their 12th studio album No Line On The Horizon.

A crowd of around 5,000 watched the rooftop show in London on Friday, said BBC reporter Darryl Chamberlain. The Irish band had been special guests on BBC Radio 1 and rumours of the gig appeared on internet message boards. The two new and two old songs in the 20-minute gig were Get On Your Boots, Magnificent, Vertigo and Beautiful Day.

'Great honour'

The performance was also broadcast live on DJ Chris Evans' BBC Radio 2 show. The BBC's Darryl Chamberlain, who was at the scene, said: "Some people tried to crowd on to traffic islands to see them... the crowd was screaming and cheering. "Others were spilling out of pubs and shops to see it, and looking out of windows. It was a good natured crowd and people really seemed to be enjoying it."

Police closed Portland Place in Westminster to divert traffic away from the area, the BBC reporter added. The band all wrapped up against the cold, except The Edge who wore a short-sleeved lumberjack shirt and hat. U2's impromptu gig echoed The Beatles' 1969 rooftop performance at record label Apple's London headquarters.

Earlier the band revealed they are preparing to tour later this year, and hope to offer tickets with cheaper, recession-busting prices. Frontman Bono told BBC Radio 1's Jo Whiley they had "something very special planned" for early summer. He added that it was "a whole way of trying to do shows outdoors and make them very intimate".

In an interview on Radio 5 Live with Simon Mayo, Bono said that he had "gone off" Get On Your Boots a few weeks ago, but was now "back on it".

"It's a small song, a tiny little song, a little shot of adrenalin," he added. Another song from the album, Breathe, had its live debut at an intimate Radio 1 concert on Friday morning. Bono told the audience: "This is a great honour. This is the first time we've played these songs to people, so we hope we don't screw it up."

He said they were "trying" to work on some cheaper ticket prices, but added: "We're also going to have some very expensive ticket prices because rich people have feelings too!"

Radio 1 also apologised on-air immediately after Bono used an expletive to describe Coldplay's lead singer Chris Martin. The BBC said it had received no complaints about it.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7915370.stm

[mountainloafers]

Ian, Sorry I am late to the party but, What did Bono say?

Radio 1 also apologised on-air immediately after Bono used an expletive to describe Coldplay's lead singer Chris Martin. The BBC said it had received no complaints about it.

[Osaka Sun]

He said "******," but it was just for jokes.

Why is "******" such a big deal in the UK anyways? :P

[joshtimo]

Can anyone PLEASE upload a copy of Winter?

[MrMagpie]

He said "******," but it was just for jokes.

Why is "******" such a big deal in the UK anyways? :P

I know eh? I've never heard of it as being offensive.

[Bonus_mosher]

it's a bit like calling somebody a 'Jerk-off' -infact, it's EXACTLY the same.

anyways, the new U2 material is really shit.
I just watched them play two new songs from the new album on Jonathan ross and it was awful. Just awful.

[ricardo]

have you ever seen, well or heard ('cause I've never seen it) that sony show called everybody hates chris?

[Christa42]

Article in Today's New York Times, Coldplay and Killers mentioned re: War Child Gig:

Search All NYTimes.com
http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/misc/nytlogo153x23.gif (http://www.nytimes.com/)


Music
Last Gang in Town

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2009/03/01/arts/01pare_600.jpg Damon Winter/The New York Times
The members of U2 — from left, Larry Mullen Jr., Adam Clayton, the Edge and Bono — have aimed again for grand reinvention with their album “No Line on the Horizon.” A world tour is next.






Enlarge This Image (http://javascript<b></b>:pop_me_up2('http://www.nytimes.com/imagepages/2009/03/01/arts/01Pare_CA1.ready.html', '01Pare_CA1_ready', 'width=720,height=600,scrollbars=yes,toolbars=no,r esizable=yes'))
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U2 last month in London outside Earl’s Court Exhibition Center, where it performed at the Brit Awards.



ONSTAGE at the Earl’s Court Exhibition Center here was a glittery dress rehearsal for the annual Brit Awards, Britain’s equivalent of the Grammys (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/subjects/g/grammy_awards/index.html?inline=nyt-classifier). Although U2 (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/u/u2/index.html?inline=nyt-org) was not among the nominees, it had the opening slot for the Feb. 19 show: a live performance of the hard-riffing “Get On Your Boots” from its new album, “No Line on the Horizon” (Interscope). U2 had blasted the same song earlier in the month at the Grammy Awards.
After the run-through the four band members headed to a grimy loading zone behind the auditorium for a photo session. The photographer had them walk down a ramp; Bono (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/b/bono/index.html?inline=nyt-per), who often calls himself a “Method actor,” wanted to know what kind of walk. A short discussion settled it. The band started a proud, seasoned swagger as Bono announced, “Last gang in town!”
It wasn’t exactly a joke. U2 has entered the fourth decade of a career that began in 1978, when its members were teenage schoolmates in Dublin; they are now in their late 40s. And U2 may well be the last of the megabands: long-running, internationally recognized rockers whose every album, from “Boy” in 1980 to “How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb” in 2004, has sold millions of copies worldwide. In an era when CD sales have plummeted, Top 40 radio favors hip-hop and teen-pop, albums are fractured by MP3 players’ shuffle mode and the old idea of a rock mainstream seems more and more like a mirage, U2 still, unabashedly, wants to release a blockbuster.
“How do you puncture pop consciousness with a tune anymore?” Bono said later over a pint of Guinness in the restaurant of the venerable hotel Claridge’s. “That’s actually your first job as a songwriter.”
A conversation with Bono is a free-associative adventure. Between thoughts about the album he dispensed fascinating digressions, casual but carefully placed on and off the record. He gave a full-voiced demonstration of Italian opera vowels and Frank Sinatra (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/s/frank_sinatra/index.html?inline=nyt-per) style — heads swiveled nearby — and mused on cathedral architecture; he described encounters with presidential candidates and plans for his future columns on the Op-Ed page of The New York Times. He spoke fondly about his band mates as characters he’s still trying to figure out, about songs as bursts of serendipity and about what he wants in a performance: “spastic elastic energy.”
From its beginnings, in the wake of punk-rock, U2 made music on a grand scale. The band’s early signature sound — Bono’s ardent Irish tenor backed by open, echoing guitar chords from the Edge and the anthemic march beats of Larry Mullen Jr. on drums and Adam Clayton on bass — was suited to resound through the biggest spaces while Bono sang of boundless yearnings: romantic, social, spiritual.
Once the band reached the arena and stadium circuit in the 1980s, it stayed there. It has had no lineup changes, no breakups, no reunions and no catering to nostalgia. “People don’t know what’s going to happen next,” Bono said. “Our fans are not sure. Could we embarrass them? Maybe. Could we inspire them? Maybe. They don’t know. That’s very important, because when you become a comfortable, reliable friend, I’m not sure that’s the place for rock ’n’ roll.”
Bono added: “It’s very hard to be relevant, so there’s a lot of stake for us on this album. I know the quality of the work is there, but will it be taken? I really don’t know. I’m genuinely curious. I think it might have a bumpy start.”
In the United States radio stations gave “Get On Your Boots” a lukewarm reception; its fuzz-toned guitar riff doesn’t suit Top 40 playlists full of Taylor Swift, Britney Spears (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/s/britney_spears/index.html?inline=nyt-per) and Beyoncé (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/k/beyonce_knowles/index.html?inline=nyt-per). U2 also faces competition from younger bands steeped in its own music. At the Brit Awards other rock bands performing on the show — Coldplay, Kings of Leon, even the grown-up English boy band Take That — couldn’t help sounding like U2 knockoffs.
Later that night Coldplay and the Killers (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/k/the_killers/index.html?inline=nyt-org) shared a bill at the 2,000-capacity Shepherd’s Bush Empire, in a benefit for War Child International. For the finale Bono joined Coldplay, Gary Barlow from Take That, and Brandon Flowers from the Killers in the Killers’ song “All These Things That I’ve Done.” Backstage, Mr. Flowers marveled at having Bono sing his song: “I was trying to write ‘Where the Streets Have No Name,’ so it’s a real honor.”
Yet even as other bands mine U2’s catalog, the band defies its past. After two albums of comparatively straightforward guitar-driven rock, “No Line on the Horizon,” U2’s head-spinning 12th studio album, takes new experimental tangents and redefines the band yet again. The album, to be released Tuesday, burbles with cross-rhythms, layered guitars and electronic undercurrents in songs the band wrote with its longtime producers, Brian Eno (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/e/brian_eno/index.html?inline=nyt-per) and Daniel Lanois. It’s not as startling a swerve as 1991’s “Achtung Baby,” on which U2 reinvented itself after the earnest ’80s with irony and electronic beats. But “No Line on the Horizon,” the result of a convoluted two-year process, presents a band that is still restless and impassioned, kicking formulas aside.


Download the historic Nov. 5 issue of The New York Times Electronic Edition. (http://www.nytimes.com/adx/bin/adx_click.html?type=goto&page=www.nytimes.com/yr/mo/day/arts/music&pos=Bottom1&sn2=cb943065/204afeb4&sn1=de40dbef/6170f545&camp=nyt2009-circ-ee-articles_footer-textlink-all&ad=post-election_1106&goto=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Enewsstand%2Ecom%2Findex%2E cfm%3Ffuseaction%3Dsubscriptions%26zone%5FID%3D241 4%26zone%5Frecordcount%3D7%26pub%5FID%3D5%26pub%5F type%3D1%26privacy%5Fflag%3DY%26NSEMC%3DNYTNYTBANN YTPPMPUBGENMKT1348UR)

[Christa42]

Last Gang in Town



Published: February 26, 2009

(Page 2 of 3)

In songs about true love, worldwide connections, transcendence and technology the music heads for extremes. “Get On Your Boots,” at 149 beats per minute, is U2’s fastest song ever, while “Cedars of Lebanon,” which ends the album, is a somber meditation on war, separation and enmity. The album includes likely arena singalongs in “Magnificent,” “Unknown Caller” and “I’ll Go Crazy if I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight,” but it also encompasses the ricocheting patterns of “Fez — Being Born” and the stately “White as Snow,” which bases its melody on the Advent hymn “Veni, Veni Emmanuel.” (Mr. Clayton said “White as Snow” was conceived as the last thoughts of an Afghan killed by an improvised explosive device; its four minutes are the time it takes to die.)
Skip to next paragraph (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/01/arts/music/01Pare.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1&ref=arts#secondParagraph) Enlarge This Image (http://javascript<b></b>:pop_me_up2('http://www.nytimes.com/imagepages/2009/02/25/arts/01Pare3.ready.html', '01Pare3_ready', 'width=720,height=528,scrollbars=yes,toolbars=no,r esizable=yes'))
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The band last month at the Echo Awards in Berlin.

Multimedia


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“Get On Your Boots,” Bono said, is an almost journalistic collection of images of taking his family to a fun fair in southern France on the eve of the war in Iraq, with warplanes zooming overhead. One verse proclaims, “I don’t want to talk about wars between nations/Not right now.”
That line, along with hints in “White as Snow” and “Cedars of Lebanon,” provides what Bono described as “peripheral vision”: a recognition of the turbulent world beyond the private thoughts in the lyrics. “That’s the elephant in the room, the absence of this thing, that almost draws attention to it,” he said. “It never takes away from the personal or the psychodramas that are going on, but it’s there.”
One theme that runs through the songs, Bono said, “is the ability to surrender, to give yourself, whether in reverie or revelry. And the journey of the artist is surely the journey away from self-consciousness.” He paused and smiled ruefully. “Fame is all about self-consciousness.”
Bono has leveraged celebrity into political clout. Part policy wonk, part showman, part charmer, he works on causes like ending extreme poverty in Africa. While he has been mocked as St. Bono, he strives not to be too single-minded. He said: “Edge is always whispering in my ear: ‘You’re an artist. That’s how you’re getting away with this. If you start to behave in a correct fashion and very serious and doing a serious job, it’s awful.’ ”
Bono added: “I feel as an artist that my job is to try and understand the forces that are shaping the world that our songs occupy. And maybe, if you get a chance, try to shape it. That’s what the band didn’t understand. They thought the natural flak that we would receive for daring to want to play with the big boys, philosophically and every other way, would frighten our audience away. But actually our audience feels much more powerful.”
The Edge suggested that being a rocker is like a vacation from Bono’s political efforts. “I think that’s what he looks forward to,” he said. “There is no end to the other thing. That struggle is ongoing. With U2 it’s like, there’s things you can say, well, we did that. We delivered a record. We delivered a show.”
Making the new album was “arduous,” Mr. Mullen said. “There has to be a simpler way,” he continued, “but we don’t understand simple or easy.” At first U2 decided to record with Rick Rubin (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/r/rick_rubin/index.html?inline=nyt-per), who has produced the Dixie Chicks (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/d/dixie_chicks/index.html?inline=nyt-org), Johnny Cash (http://movies.nytimes.com/person/84394/Johnny-Cash?inline=nyt-per) and Metallica (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/m/metallica/index.html?inline=nyt-org). Mr. Rubin is renowned for getting bands back to basics, and instead of overseeing U2’s habitual free-form studio sessions, he urged the band to bring finished songs into the studio. Two songs made with Mr. Rubin appeared on “U218 Singles,” a 2006 anthology.
But the group shelved the rest of the Rubin sessions and started again with a contrary strategy. Bono had been invited to the annual ecumenical Festival of Sacred Music in Fez, Morocco. He asked the other band members to join him and perhaps do some recording there during a two-week stay. To his surprise they all agreed, as did Mr. Eno and Mr. Lanois
They rented a house and set up equipment in a courtyard open to the sky and started making music with no deadline or goal. “This was far from back to basics,” the Edge said. “This was exploring the fringes.” While hints of triple-time trance rhythms and Arabic vocal inflections occasionally surface, U2 avoided what band members call “musical tourism.”

[Christa42]

Last Gang in Town



Published: February 26, 2009

(Page 3 of 3)

The band plunged into recording. The instrumental foundations of three songs — “No Line on the Horizon,” “Moment of Surrender” and “Unknown Caller” — each emerged virtually complete in a few hours. Yet after those two prolific weeks, recording stretched out for two years: in Dublin, in the south of France, in London. Steve Lillywhite, who produced U2’s first albums, and Will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas helped shape and finish songs.
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The deadline that would have allowed U2 to release the album before the lucrative Christmas season came and went, but the band wasn’t satisfied with the music until November. U2 expects to release a companion album, which band members say will have a more meditative and processional tone, before the end of the year.
Making the music was determinedly intuitive: a collation of momentary impulses and collaborative sparks. Bono’s lyrics blurt out declarations of love, character sketches and self-mocking admonitions: “Be careful of small men with big ideas.” The Edge, after making a guitar documentary, “It Might Get Loud,” with Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/l/led_zeppelin/index.html?inline=nyt-org) and Jack White of the White Stripes (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/w/white_stripes/index.html?inline=nyt-org), decided to try writing the kind of brash guitar riffs he had long shunned. Mr. Eno brought loops and textures that became seeds of songs and pushed the band toward vocal harmonies. Through the album U2’s longtime strengths — hymnlike melodies, guitar superstructures — are preserved but revitalized, bent in new ways as the songs reach for U2’s defining duality: an intimacy that strives to encompass the universe.
With the album’s release intuition gives way to calculation. “No Line on the Horizon” sets up a worldwide stadium tour that begins in July. U2 intends to perform in the round, offering affordable seats to fans behind the stage and up front, hoping to attract a new, younger audience.
Because U2 can no longer depend on exposure through radio and MTV (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/business/companies/mtv_networks/index.html?inline=nyt-org), it lined up major television moments. Three days after the Brits, the band finished an awards-show trifecta by performing at the Echo Awards in Germany. U2 is to appear all this week on “Late Show With David Letterman (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/l/david_letterman/index.html?inline=nyt-per).” Those are prerogatives for a brand-name band, but they are also signs that U2 isn’t taking anything for granted.
The group also represents one last hope for the increasingly desperate recording business: a bankable act. Last year U2 signed a 12-year deal with the concert promoter Live Nation that covers global rights to the band’s touring, merchandising and branding. Unlike Madonna (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/m/madonna/index.html?inline=nyt-per) and Jay-Z (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/j/jayz/index.html?inline=nyt-per), whose deals with Live Nation include future recordings, U2 has kept its recording and publishing with Universal Music, which absorbed U2’s previous labels, Island and Interscope. The band’s manager, Paul McGuinness, said via e-mail that U2 is signed to Universal for “several more albums,” declining to specify a number.
The Edge said: “My instinct is to stick with the record guys. They have to sell your records or sell the downloads, whatever it ends up being. To do that, first of all you’ve got to love and understand the music, and right now I’m not seeing any group that rivals the record labels on that front.”
Bono put it bluntly. “I’m interested in commerce,” he said. “The excuse for bigness is that songs demand to be heard if they’re any good. And without the kind of momentum of being in a big rock ’n’ roll band, you won’t get your songs heard.”
As the Brit Awards rehearsal started, U2 used its sound check to play Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love” in full blare, like a classic-rock cover band. “Weddings, funerals, bar mitzvahs,” Bono announced afterward. “We’re available for work. U2.”

[Osaka Sun]

YouTube - U2 in surprise rooftop gig at BBC - Magnificent

Can all you NLOTH-doubters shut up now? (Just kidding) :P

[MrMagpie]

They sound great!

[ricardo]

YouTube - U2 in surprise rooftop gig at BBC - Magnificent (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g76msqFOh20&feature=related)

Can all you NLOTH-doubters shut up now? (Just kidding) :P
I shall keep my mouth close from now on

[MrMagpie]

I think some of the new songs will work out great live.

[joshtimo]

Winter?

[Black Rose]

I still haven't found what I'm looking for in the album, still sounds like a load of tosh to me, sorry but in a deal of no line on the horizon against having to listen to crazy frog does crazy hits, the frog will be played.

But I find it funny that Bono and company will have to pay more tax to the Dutch governement than they would have done if they stayed in Ireland LOL

[MrMagpie]

What exactly were you looking for in a U2 album?

[Black Rose]

the same as I look in every album, decent music.

I've tried my best, but there is nothing clicking with me :(

[A RUSH OF VIDA]

I only like the first 3 songs and everything else aint clicking with me either.....

[Osaka Sun]

http://u2.com/stream/article/display/id/4602

I'm praying to God for a worldwide U2/Coldplay joint tour. :rolleyes:

[DreamOutLoud]

TOUR ANNOUNCEMENT TO COME MARCH 9TH FOLKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!! OH HELLZ YEAH!!!!:D:pleased::sunny:


Tour Announcement Coming Up
28 February 2009
On March 9th, the band will announce details of where and when they'll be hitting the road this year - but dates and venues are yet to be finalised and fans are advised to steer clear of groups claiming to have tickets available now.

Details of countries, cities, venues and dates will be revealed on U2.Com in nine days time and no-one has any tickets yet.

'The tour will be officially announced on March 9th and the schedule is subject to change of date and location till then,' said Paul McGuinness, manager of the band. 'It would be crazy to buy tickets before the announcement on U2.com.'

Arthur Fogel, CEO Global Touring and Chairman Global Music at Live Nation, underlined the advice to fans to steer clear of channels claiming to be selling tickets for the tour.

'The tour has not been announced and no tickets should be purchased at this time. ' he said. 'Fans should beware of unofficial and unscrupulous sellers.'

Bottom line ? Don't take a risk on any tickets until you've seen the real dates announced here, on March 9th.

[Corkus]

To those asking, I've heard from some folks that "Winter" was actually just a tentative name for "White as Snow", while others say it was simply cut along with a couple other tracks. If that's the case, we'd have no way of obtaining it at the moment.

Tour dates = Awesome. I'm pretty broke from buying multiple tickets for Coldplay's summer tour, so hopefully I can weasel said friends into possibly mooching off them for U2.
I still haven't found what I'm looking for in the album, still sounds like a load of tosh to me, sorry but in a deal of no line on the horizon against having to listen to crazy frog does crazy hits, the frog will be played.
Hee hee...snuck that one in cleverly, eh? :laugh3:

[busybeeburns]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01355/brian-eno_1355749c.jpg
Brian Eno: 'I've been thinking a lot recently about giant umbrellas in space that will stop the sun's rays hitting the earth...'

No one in the UK has taken pop music closer to art than Brian Eno. As his new U2 collaboration No Line On The Horizon is released, he talks about working with 'the biggest band in the world' and with Coldplay on Viva La Vida.

Have you ever wondered where the burst of music comes from that announces that Windows on your computer is springing into life? It didn't just write itself. It lasts 3.25 seconds and is surely one of the planet's most widely recognised noises. The man who composed it is the same man who defined the sound of the biggest-selling record in the world last year, Coldplay's Viva La Vida. He's the creative technician and visionary whose first collaboration with U2 in 1984 signalled their arrival as The Biggest Band in the World. Whether this is a title they still hold will be decided on Monday next week, when the Irishmen release a new album, the sixth he has produced for them. Right now, however, his creative energies are focused on getting my Dictaphone to work.

Brian Eno slides his glasses to the tip of his nose and peers over them at the recalcitrant machine. Through the glass roof of his mews studio in Notting Hill the bloodless light of a February morning bounces off his shiny pate. He is 60 years old, about five foot six, and exudes an aura of almost underwater calm. I'm pretty excited that someone who has done so much to explore and define what's possible in the field of sound technology is casting an eye over my recording equipment. A good deal more than 3.25 seconds passes. I can hear his breath rise and fall, and the low drumming of rain on the glass overhead. "Probably needs new batteries," he says.

After art school in the late Sixties at Ipswich and then Winchester, Brian Eno joined Roxy Music as their keyboard player. Even then, amid the eye-shadow and the lamé loon-pants, his hair loss was well under way. But as Roxy frontman Bryan Ferry recalls it: "I did all the work. Brian did all the girls." The son of a Suffolk postman and a Belgian immigrant mother, Eno stayed with Roxy through their innovative early years, as they injected a considered artiness and panache into the monochrome cultural life of early Seventies Britain. Then he had enough and left to do his own thing. This consisted mostly of making abstract and experimental computer music, along the way inventing what he called "ambient" music. This low tolerance of boredom, coupled with the ability consistently to generate new artistic ideas both on his own and as a collaborator with acts such as David Bowie and Talking Heads, has defined his long and prolific career.

So how is it that such huge mainstream rock acts seek out the services of a man who in 1975 launched an accurately named label called Obscure Records? "When people reach a certain level of success," he says in soft tones that retain the flavour of East Anglia, "there are a lot of people encouraging them - nearly always to do more of the same. And when you're working in the studio as a band, it is cheering when things come up that you recognise: 'Oh, great! We know how to do this.' But at the same time little shoots keep appearing of stuff you don't recognise. They look promising but pretty clumsy, because new ideas always look clumsy at first. And you don't know what to do with them, how to connect them. And I'm the one cheering for those things. 'Let's not do what we've done before, let's do these new things!' "

The dynamic he describes is audible throughout the new U2 record. Across the 11 tracks of No Line on the Horizon there is a strong creative tension between sounds and structures that are recognisably U2 and ones that are new and unusual - and recognisably Eno-ish. "I'm very opinionated," says Eno. "When I was at art college, the teachers who helped me were not the ones I agreed with, or the ones who encouraged me, but the ones who took very strong positions. Because if someone does that, you can find your own position in relation to it: what is it that I don't agree with? In the studio I want to articulate a position clearly enough so that other people can use it - or chuck it away if they don't want it."

This unusual ability to have forceful views but to accept their dismissal with equanimity has earned Eno a kind of honorary membership of U2 since he first worked with them on the massive-selling The Unforgettable Fire in 1984. "U2's chemistry relies on their empathy and respect for each other, but also on something intrinsic to Irish society - the attempt to keep everyone included. They just don't let things fall apart. So if somebody starts to feel they're not part of the process they are quickly brought back in. U2 have that tribal attitude: if you get ill it's not just your problem, it's the problem of the entire tribe. They do it not simply out of generosity but because that's how you get a good working community."

So is it an extension of this Irish capacity to keep everyone included that has made them The Biggest Band in the World? Is their success rooted in including the whole world in a kind of universal Irishness? "It is fascinating to make records with them because they look at such a range of targets for their work. They are absolutely unsnobbish: they don't think that any forum is unworthy of their attention. So we think of our own interests as artists - what's the best we can do? how can we make this amazing? - but also, how can we get this on Radio 1?"

Yet for all the millions who line up to feel that Irish embrace, U2 - and in particular Bono- also attract a lot of vilification. Why does he think this is? "Snobbery, primarily," he says, smiling to reveal a solid gold incisor worthy of a rap star. "It's most pronounced in England. There's a tendency for people who are in the business of art - critics, writers, people who consider themselves insiders - to distrust anything that is easy to like. There's an assumption underlying this that people are quite stupid, and if a lot of them like something then it too must be quite stupid.

"Also with Bono people say, what right does he think he has to do the moral and political stuff? It happens to any non-politician in England who does something that fringes over into politics. But what right does any politician have? They're rarely any more expert than you or me. Yet if you look at the questions that Bono is interested in, debt and aid, he is very informed. He got some of the best economists in the world and said, teach me about this, I don't want to be caught out. And so he made himself an expert.

"One thing that drives his philanthropy is the idea that someone ought to do something useful with creativity, in particular with the social power and wealth it brings. It seems ridiculous to say: I'm just an artist, I don't know what's going on in the world and it's of no interest to me. But I think in England we really distrust dilettantism. You can't have two jobs!"

If having two jobs makes you a dilettante, then lord knows what that makes Eno. He has shown visual art installations in every town from Tokyo to Lanzarote; he has designed programmes that create what he calls "generative" art - music and images that reproduce themselves differently a near-infinite number of times; he has designed an application for the iPhone; he has produced a set of cards called "Oblique Strategies" that offer suggestions for the creatively blocked; he has written A Year, the hugely enjoyable diary of his life in 1996; he works for the charity War Child; in 1998 he even appeared in the final episode of Father Ted.

So what happens, I wonder when rivals to The Biggest Band in the World decide they want some of the Eno magic? Was it seen by U2 as a defection when he worked with Coldplay? "I realised it could have been, but there was no friction on either side. First of all they know each other. Bono said he thought it was a good idea. But I felt sensitive that in one computer I had all the work I was doing on Coldplay and all the work I was doing on U2 and I had to mentally keep them apart.

"But what I do can work for any artist. In modern recording one of the biggest problems is that you're in a world of endless possibilities. So I try to close down possibilities early on. I limit choices. I confine people to a small area of manoeuvre. There's a reason that guitar players invariably produce more interesting music than synthesizer players: you can go through the options on a guitar in about a minute, after that you have to start making aesthetic and stylistic decisions. This computer can contain a thousand synths, each with a thousand sounds. I try to provide constraints for people."

For all his devotion to creativity, Eno says he may give it all up. He has begun to wonder whether being an artist should be a job for life. "I'm writing a book at the moment that asks, why do people make art? Why should one have stylistic opinions and feel so strongly about them. All cultures have these feelings about non-functional areas of activity. And the more time people have on their hands, the more they commit it to those areas."

All that remains, then, presumably, is to save the planet. "Well, actually I've been thinking a lot recently about giant umbrellas in space that will stop the sun's rays hitting the earth..."

http://www.telegraph.co.uk

[Motoi]

Wow! Great article

[ZooTelevision]

Very goood article!

[Black Rose]

Will U2 play more than 4 England shows on their new tour this time around I wonder?

I would guess Wembley stadium will be played.

[MrMagpie]

we'll find out in a week :D

[DreamOutLoud]

^yep... we sure will.......

[chuck kottke]

!GO U2!
))))))))))))))))(((((((((((((((((((
))))))))))))))))(((((((((((((((((((
:cool::cool::cool::cool::cool::cool::cool::cool::c ool::cool::cool::cool:

[Tnspieler1012]

Hey, I've been away for the weekend but I saw a short clip on the nes about this rooftop gig. I'm just not starting to go through it, but I must say it seems like this idea was taken straight off the end of the beatles "Abbey Road" documentary, where they played a bunch of songs from a rooftop to a gathered crowd.

[MrMagpie]

They also played on the rooftop of a liquor store in LA for the Where the Streets Have No Name video.

Last album during their promo stuff they played on the back of an 18-wheeler as it drove through NYC.

[Tnspieler1012]

Oh yeah, forgot about WTSHNN. I remember the 18-wheeler. They used that footage for the All Because Of You music video.

[JDFSX1]

I think us Boston folks are looking at maybe 3 shows in a row, judging from the Elevation Tour and Vertigo Tour, ;)

-Jesse-

[DreamOutLoud]

Rumor on the street is they are doing 25 cities in the US in the fall (that's a LOT LESS than last tour) however they are going to be doing stadiums this time so I don't think there will be 3 shows in boston but 2 for sure at least for the first leg. Just a IMO.

[MrMagpie]

Thats probably where I'll try to see them.

[Malcolm-Edge]

If they decide to go the route of Coldplay and ignore Vancouver I will kill someone. They will be playing some arenas. Well in Vancouver they will be, our only major stadium is currently undergoing major renovations.

I hope its not near the start, I do hope they kick it off in Europe. That way we get a U2 in form, like the Milan or U2 3D show. Good well rounded U2.

[chuck kottke]

u2 BETTER GET THEIR BOOTS ON!:P

[ZooTelevision]

we'll find out in a week :D

Very exciting! :):):):)

[the_gloaming09]

you guys should be happy to know that i've been in a u2 phase today... i haven't been in a u2 phase in like 2-3 years

[MrMagpie]

^nice, listening to the new album?

p.s. Pitchfork gave NLOTH a 4.2 :(

[the_gloaming09]

no... actually the main albums i've been listening to are: how to dismantle an atomic bomb, zooropa, and pop. I still have yet to listen to the new album at all, i actually have only heard their newest single, but that was a live performance from the grammy's.

[Tnspieler1012]

^nice, listening to the new album?

p.s. Pitchfork gave NLOTH a 4.2 :(

SRZLY?!!?

Wow, that's worse than any of the Coldplay albums I think :thinking:

So if today is the official worldwide release, is it now available for download on itunes/amazon//rhapsody/walmart etc.?

[Corkus]

Good to know that no matter how bands change, Pitchfork never changes. :lol:

[howyousawtheworld]

I've got the new album and the guys are still as good as they ever have been. Best since Achtung Baby.

[Osaka Sun]

So if today is the official worldwide release, is it now available for download on itunes/amazon//rhapsody/walmart etc.?

Well, the North American release is due for tomorrow (right now in Toronto, it's still March 2nd), so I'm still waiting for my album to download on iTunes. Can't wait. :dance:

Anyways, I've seen more reviews of NLOTH, and for some reason the classic "Magnificent" really isn't as well-received as I expected. Weird.

[Dejan]

NEW ALBUM AT THE END OF THE YEAR
http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2009/03/01/arts/01pare_600.jpg
ONSTAGE at the Earl’s Court Exhibition Center here was a glittery dress rehearsal for the annual Brit Awards, Britain’s equivalent of the Grammys. Although U2 was not among the nominees, it had the opening slot for the Feb. 19 show: a live performance of the hard-riffing “Get On Your Boots” from its new album, “No Line on the Horizon” (Interscope). U2 had blasted the same song earlier in the month at the Grammy Awards.

After the run-through the four band members headed to a grimy loading zone behind the auditorium for a photo session. The photographer had them walk down a ramp; Bono, who often calls himself a “Method actor,” wanted to know what kind of walk. A short discussion settled it. The band started a proud, seasoned swagger as Bono announced, “Last gang in town!”

It wasn’t exactly a joke. U2 has entered the fourth decade of a career that began in 1978, when its members were teenage schoolmates in Dublin; they are now in their late 40s. And U2 may well be the last of the megabands: long-running, internationally recognized rockers whose every album, from “Boy” in 1980 to “How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb” in 2004, has sold millions of copies worldwide. In an era when CD sales have plummeted, Top 40 radio favors hip-hop and teen-pop, albums are fractured by MP3 players’ shuffle mode and the old idea of a rock mainstream seems more and more like a mirage, U2 still, unabashedly, wants to release a blockbuster.

“How do you puncture pop consciousness with a tune anymore?” Bono said later over a pint of Guinness in the restaurant of the venerable hotel Claridge’s. “That’s actually your first job as a songwriter.”

A conversation with Bono is a free-associative adventure. Between thoughts about the album he dispensed fascinating digressions, casual but carefully placed on and off the record. He gave a full-voiced demonstration of Italian opera vowels and Frank Sinatra style — heads swiveled nearby — and mused on cathedral architecture; he described encounters with presidential candidates and plans for his future columns on the Op-Ed page of The New York Times. He spoke fondly about his band mates as characters he’s still trying to figure out, about songs as bursts of serendipity and about what he wants in a performance: “spastic elastic energy.”

From its beginnings, in the wake of punk-rock, U2 made music on a grand scale. The band’s early signature sound — Bono’s ardent Irish tenor backed by open, echoing guitar chords from the Edge and the anthemic march beats of Larry Mullen Jr. on drums and Adam Clayton on bass — was suited to resound through the biggest spaces while Bono sang of boundless yearnings: romantic, social, spiritual.

Once the band reached the arena and stadium circuit in the 1980s, it stayed there. It has had no lineup changes, no breakups, no reunions and no catering to nostalgia. “People don’t know what’s going to happen next,” Bono said. “Our fans are not sure. Could we embarrass them? Maybe. Could we inspire them? Maybe. They don’t know. That’s very important, because when you become a comfortable, reliable friend, I’m not sure that’s the place for rock ’n’ roll.”

Bono added: “It’s very hard to be relevant, so there’s a lot of stake for us on this album. I know the quality of the work is there, but will it be taken? I really don’t know. I’m genuinely curious. I think it might have a bumpy start.”

In the United States radio stations gave “Get On Your Boots” a lukewarm reception; its fuzz-toned guitar riff doesn’t suit Top 40 playlists full of Taylor Swift, Britney Spears and Beyoncé. U2 also faces competition from younger bands steeped in its own music. At the Brit Awards other rock bands performing on the show — Coldplay, Kings of Leon, even the grown-up English boy band Take That — couldn’t help sounding like U2 knockoffs.

Later that night Coldplay and the Killers shared a bill at the 2,000-capacity Shepherd’s Bush Empire, in a benefit for War Child International. For the finale Bono joined Coldplay, Gary Barlow from Take That, and Brandon Flowers from the Killers in the Killers’ song “All These Things That I’ve Done.” Backstage, Mr. Flowers marveled at having Bono sing his song: “I was trying to write ‘Where the Streets Have No Name,’ so it’s a real honor.”

Yet even as other bands mine U2’s catalog, the band defies its past. After two albums of comparatively straightforward guitar-driven rock, “No Line on the Horizon,” U2’s head-spinning 12th studio album, takes new experimental tangents and redefines the band yet again. The album, to be released Tuesday, burbles with cross-rhythms, layered guitars and electronic undercurrents in songs the band wrote with its longtime producers, Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois. It’s not as startling a swerve as 1991’s “Achtung Baby,” on which U2 reinvented itself after the earnest ’80s with irony and electronic beats. But “No Line on the Horizon,” the result of a convoluted two-year process, presents a band that is still restless and impassioned, kicking formulas aside.

In songs about true love, worldwide connections, transcendence and technology the music heads for extremes. “Get On Your Boots,” at 149 beats per minute, is U2’s fastest song ever, while “Cedars of Lebanon,” which ends the album, is a somber meditation on war, separation and enmity. The album includes likely arena singalongs in “Magnificent,” “Unknown Caller” and “I’ll Go Crazy if I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight,” but it also encompasses the ricocheting patterns of “Fez — Being Born” and the stately “White as Snow,” which bases its melody on the Advent hymn “Veni, Veni Emmanuel.” (Mr. Clayton said “White as Snow” was conceived as the last thoughts of an Afghan killed by an improvised explosive device; its four minutes are the time it takes to die.)

“Get On Your Boots,” Bono said, is an almost journalistic collection of images of taking his family to a fun fair in southern France on the eve of the war in Iraq, with warplanes zooming overhead. One verse proclaims, “I don’t want to talk about wars between nations/Not right now.”

That line, along with hints in “White as Snow” and “Cedars of Lebanon,” provides what Bono described as “peripheral vision”: a recognition of the turbulent world beyond the private thoughts in the lyrics. “That’s the elephant in the room, the absence of this thing, that almost draws attention to it,” he said. “It never takes away from the personal or the psychodramas that are going on, but it’s there.”

One theme that runs through the songs, Bono said, “is the ability to surrender, to give yourself, whether in reverie or revelry. And the journey of the artist is surely the journey away from self-consciousness.” He paused and smiled ruefully. “Fame is all about self-consciousness.”

Bono has leveraged celebrity into political clout. Part policy wonk, part showman, part charmer, he works on causes like ending extreme poverty in Africa. While he has been mocked as St. Bono, he strives not to be too single-minded. He said: “Edge is always whispering in my ear: ‘You’re an artist. That’s how you’re getting away with this. If you start to behave in a correct fashion and very serious and doing a serious job, it’s awful.’ ”

Bono added: “I feel as an artist that my job is to try and understand the forces that are shaping the world that our songs occupy. And maybe, if you get a chance, try to shape it. That’s what the band didn’t understand. They thought the natural flak that we would receive for daring to want to play with the big boys, philosophically and every other way, would frighten our audience away. But actually our audience feels much more powerful.”

The Edge suggested that being a rocker is like a vacation from Bono’s political efforts. “I think that’s what he looks forward to,” he said. “There is no end to the other thing. That struggle is ongoing. With U2 it’s like, there’s things you can say, well, we did that. We delivered a record. We delivered a show.”

Making the new album was “arduous,” Mr. Mullen said. “There has to be a simpler way,” he continued, “but we don’t understand simple or easy.” At first U2 decided to record with Rick Rubin, who has produced the Dixie Chicks, Johnny Cash and Metallica. Mr. Rubin is renowned for getting bands back to basics, and instead of overseeing U2’s habitual free-form studio sessions, he urged the band to bring finished songs into the studio. Two songs made with Mr. Rubin appeared on “U218 Singles,” a 2006 anthology.

But the group shelved the rest of the Rubin sessions and started again with a contrary strategy. Bono had been invited to the annual ecumenical Festival of Sacred Music in Fez, Morocco. He asked the other band members to join him and perhaps do some recording there during a two-week stay. To his surprise they all agreed, as did Mr. Eno and Mr. Lanois

They rented a house and set up equipment in a courtyard open to the sky and started making music with no deadline or goal. “This was far from back to basics,” the Edge said. “This was exploring the fringes.” While hints of triple-time trance rhythms and Arabic vocal inflections occasionally surface, U2 avoided what band members call “musical tourism.”

The band plunged into recording. The instrumental foundations of three songs — “No Line on the Horizon,” “Moment of Surrender” and “Unknown Caller” — each emerged virtually complete in a few hours. Yet after those two prolific weeks, recording stretched out for two years: in Dublin, in the south of France, in London. Steve Lillywhite, who produced U2’s first albums, and Will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas helped shape and finish songs.

The deadline that would have allowed U2 to release the album before the lucrative Christmas season came and went, but the band wasn’t satisfied with the music until November. U2 expects to release a companion album, which band members say will have a more meditative and processional tone, before the end of the year.

Making the music was determinedly intuitive: a collation of momentary impulses and collaborative sparks. Bono’s lyrics blurt out declarations of love, character sketches and self-mocking admonitions: “Be careful of small men with big ideas.” The Edge, after making a guitar documentary, “It Might Get Loud,” with Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin and Jack White of the White Stripes, decided to try writing the kind of brash guitar riffs he had long shunned. Mr. Eno brought loops and textures that became seeds of songs and pushed the band toward vocal harmonies. Through the album U2’s longtime strengths — hymnlike melodies, guitar superstructures — are preserved but revitalized, bent in new ways as the songs reach for U2’s defining duality: an intimacy that strives to encompass the universe.

With the album’s release intuition gives way to calculation. “No Line on the Horizon” sets up a worldwide stadium tour that begins in July. U2 intends to perform in the round, offering affordable seats to fans behind the stage and up front, hoping to attract a new, younger audience.

Because U2 can no longer depend on exposure through radio and MTV, it lined up major television moments. Three days after the Brits, the band finished an awards-show trifecta by performing at the Echo Awards in Germany. U2 is to appear all this week on “Late Show With David Letterman.” Those are prerogatives for a brand-name band, but they are also signs that U2 isn’t taking anything for granted.

The group also represents one last hope for the increasingly desperate recording business: a bankable act. Last year U2 signed a 12-year deal with the concert promoter Live Nation that covers global rights to the band’s touring, merchandising and branding. Unlike Madonna and Jay-Z, whose deals with Live Nation include future recordings, U2 has kept its recording and publishing with Universal Music, which absorbed U2’s previous labels, Island and Interscope. The band’s manager, Paul McGuinness, said via e-mail that U2 is signed to Universal for “several more albums,” declining to specify a number.

The Edge said: “My instinct is to stick with the record guys. They have to sell your records or sell the downloads, whatever it ends up being. To do that, first of all you’ve got to love and understand the music, and right now I’m not seeing any group that rivals the record labels on that front.”

Bono put it bluntly. “I’m interested in commerce,” he said. “The excuse for bigness is that songs demand to be heard if they’re any good. And without the kind of momentum of being in a big rock ’n’ roll band, you won’t get your songs heard.”

As the Brit Awards rehearsal started, U2 used its sound check to play Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love” in full blare, like a classic-rock cover band. “Weddings, funerals, bar mitzvahs,” Bono announced afterward. “We’re available for work. U2.”

(nytimes)

[the_gloaming09]

so i'm starting to get back into U2, for those that listened to the album what do you think of it? do you think i'll like it (my favorite album is achtung, and i mostly prefer their material from joshua tree on (except rattle and rum... never got into that one)

[airieslady]

They are on David Letterman show this whole week, anyone watching?

[Tnspieler1012]

I don't have a t.v, but I'll see as much as I can on you-tube. Should be a huge treat. They'll probably play one new song each night, alternating with old classics.

[MrMagpie]

so i'm starting to get back into U2, for those that listened to the album what do you think of it? do you think i'll like it (my favorite album is achtung, and i mostly prefer their material from joshua tree on (except rattle and rum... never got into that one)

Achtung is my favourite album as well....and I like the new album quite a bit. I donno, I hear alot of elements of Achtung in the element. Sort of like sounds from Acrobat/Ultraviolet Light type things.

How ironic, a commercial for NLOTH was just on TV.

[footyfan10]

Frankly I'm sort of not excited. This is clearly my fault for listening to the album, but I would be pumped even if I had heard it already because I would be getting my own copy, Linear, the magazine and the other stuff.

I checked out the U.K. store and saw that one of the bonus tracks was them recording in Fez...which was not AT ALL what I wanted. I wanted some real music. I know they're putting out 13 by the end of this year, which really isn't that long regardless of when it comes out this year because it's not that different than what I waited for for this album.

I don't know. This album just doesn't excite me. It's so weird because I like at least 3 songs a lot, 2 quite a bit and there's others that continue to grow on me. It's just not an exciting album for me. It's almost anti-climatic.

I have been disappointed by a handful of albums these past 12 months, but I had expectations for this one at least in the winter. U2 just isn't doing it for me at the moment.

[the_gloaming09]

i've been obsessed with "Stay (Faraway, So Close!)"... great song!

[A RUSH OF VIDA]

Im obsessed with "Sometimes you cant make it on your own"....

[Prospekt.]

Yeah..

"Breathe" sounded pretty good on Letterman tonight.

[nvdmm]

I just received the album from Amazon this morning. I’ve listened to it three times and to be honest, I was expecting it to blow me away, but it just didn’t! And this is coming from a huge U2 fan who grew up listening to U2 (and Coldplay for the past 7 years :P). The album as a whole is very average by U2 standards and feels like it couldn't be more non-U2! All the traits that make U2 who they are is not present and the rhythm and tunes just aren’t there!! I think the album should be divided into two parts; because nearly half of it is absolutely brilliant, including songs such as “Magnificent”, “Get on your boots” and “FEZ-Being born”, but the other half is just terribly average and what appears to be re-working of previous material. After not giving out anything for five years and all the hype and excitement, I have to say I am disappointed. I’ll give the album a 3 out of five.
In today’s world of music bands are graded by what they can do now, at the present, not what they did 20 years ago!! However, I DO confess that I still am a huge U2 fan and their admirer. Although I’m just hoping they call this album their last shot, and leave the music scene before it’s too late! We don’t want them to be ridiculed like rolling stones do we?!!:huh::anxious:

[mc_squared]

The sad truth is that U2 are now well past their best, which I suppose is inevitable after 20 years.
They created so many anthems in the past, including "Sunday Bloody Sunday", "New Year's Day", "With Or Without You" and "Where The Streets Have No Name".
However, they haven't produced anything remotely anthemic since "Beautiful Day", which is already now several years old.
U2 are sure to retain their great live reputation, much as The Rolling Stones have for many years, but I'm pretty sure they've now run out of "memorable" songs.
I'd love to be proved wrong, but I very much doubt it.;)

[mc_squared]

We don’t want them to be ridiculed like rolling stones do we?!!:huh::anxious:

I think it's a bit harsh to say the Stones are "ridiculed". The fact they can still sell out stadiums after 40+ years commands respect. However it's certainly true that they're now living off their (many) past glories.
U2 now appear to be heading in the same direction, although there's no shame in that as long as they can stay motivated.;)

[Mojo Pin]

And all these negativity just because Bono called Chris a ******? :uhoh:

Just wondering.

[mc_squared]

And all these negativity just because Bono called Chris a ******? :uhoh:

Just wondering.

Just a coincidence. The evidence is there for all to see. This is the U2 thread after all, and they do have a new album out.
What really matters is their music, not what Bono says about Chris, and the reality is that U2's new material is mediocre.;)
Therefore perhaps Bono should be concentrating more on the quality of the band's recordings rather than making daft jokes about Chris...................................

[Lore]

And all these negativity just because Bono called Chris a ******? :uhoh:

Just wondering.


hahaha probably

U2 is a legend.. they are one of the biggests band around! even if this album is not that awesome, they still are important in the music industry and I'm sure that the tour will be really good!

[Mojo Pin]

Fair enough but it's not really a coincidence for what i've seen on this board lately.There are lots of coldplay groupies bashing u2 just because of that comment about chris and i find it absolutely ridiculous.

Basically i could translate it all to: " U2 sucks and they aren't as big as coldplay anymore and their music is shit" But i'll let kids be kids ;)

[Mojo Pin]

hahaha probably

U2 is a legend.. they are one of the biggests band around! even if this album is not that awesome, they still are important in the music industry and I'm sure that the tour will be really good!
Exactly! I hope i can get to see them next time they tour :D

[mc_squared]

hahaha probably

U2 is a legend.. they are one of the biggests band around! even if this album is not that awesome, they still are important in the music industry and I'm sure that the tour will be really good!

If you read my posts carefully, you'll see I'm not disputing any of that.;)
It isn't just U2 who seem to have run out of anthemic songs, either. The same could be said of Oasis and R.E.M., whose most recent album was extremely dull.;)

[Lore]

Exactly! I hope i can get to see them next time they tour :D

me too :bomb: the vertigo tour was amazing!

[Lore]

If you read my posts carefully, you'll see I'm not disputing any of that.;)
It isn't just U2 who seem to have run out of anthemic songs, either. The same could be said of Oasis and R.E.M., whose most recent album was extremely dull.;)

I was talking to Ren, the argument of the people in the coldplay section thread was pretty weak

[mc_squared]

Fair enough but it's not really a coincidence for what i've seen on this board lately.There are lots of coldplay groupies bashing u2 just because of that comment about chris and i find it absolutely ridiculous.

Basically i could translate it all to: " U2 sucks and they aren't as big as coldplay anymore and their music is shit" But i'll let kids be kids ;)

As I said before, you can't post reports of comments like that on here without expecting that kind of backlash.
Anyone who doesn't is incredibly naive IMO.

[Mojo Pin]

If you read my posts carefully, you'll see I'm not disputing any of that.;)
It isn't just U2 who seem to have run out of anthemic songs, either. The same could be said of Oasis and R.E.M., whose most recent album was extremely dull.;)
I have to disagree there, R.E.M last album was absolutely awesome, and sounded so good live. And i liked Dig out your soul by oasis much more than viva la vida to be honest. It's all about personal opinions here ,there are no facts.

[mc_squared]

I was talking to Ren, the argument of the people in the coldplay section thread was pretty weak

Just like U2's new album, then!:rolleyes:

[Lore]

I have to disagree there, R.E.M last album was absolutely awesome, and sounded so good live. And i liked Dig out your soul by oasis much more than viva la vida to be honest. It's all about personal opinions here ,there are no facts.


.

[Mojo Pin]

As I said before, you can't post reports of comments like that on here without expecting that kind of backlash.
Anyone who doesn't is incredibly naive IMO.
Indeed but i'd expect a mature comment regarding that situation but all i see in the coldplay section is little groupies talking shit about U2 because of what bono said ignoring what U2 has achieved as a band. I find that very stupid.

[Mojo Pin]

me too :bomb: the vertigo tour was amazing!
I missed that tour :bigcry:

[mc_squared]

I have to disagree there, R.E.M last album was absolutely awesome, and sounded so good live. And i liked Dig out your soul by oasis much more than viva la vida to be honest. It's all about personal opinions here ,there are no facts.

Well as far as I could tell, there wasn't one "anthem" to be found on either of those albums.
The new songs REM performed at their concert left me completely cold and pretty much spoilt the show as far as I was concerned (which is a shame as I had expected far better).;)

[Lore]

Just like U2's new album, then!:rolleyes:


considering how big is U2, maybe we were all waiting for too much!... I don't think the album sucks, but it's not my favorite U2 album anyway... now, when people start to say "U2 is overrated" or "Bono sucks", just judging one album, that's a different story

[Lore]

I missed that tour :bigcry:


:(

man you should move to Chile :P, when U2 came here Bono met our president so I went to see him at the government palace and I saw him... he was so close :bomb:

[mc_squared]

Indeed but i'd expect a mature comment regarding that situation but all i see in the coldplay section is little groupies talking shit about U2 because of what bono said ignoring what U2 has achieved as a band. I find that very stupid.

Well if anybody actually said that, then I wouldn't disagree. However, Bono's "stupid" comments prompted those comments in the first place. So who's to blame for that?
If Bono had been a bit more circumspect in the first place, none of it would have happened.
However, it was probably the kind of reaction he was hoping for, as it was no doubt all done for publicity purposes.;)

[Mojo Pin]

Well as far as I could tell, there wasn't one "anthem" to be found on either of those albums.
The new songs REM performed at their concert left me completely cold and pretty much spoilt the show as far as I was concerned (which is a shame as I had expected far better).;)
Maybe for you but i'm not looking for anthems, i loved the allbum.. all of it. There were songs i loved the most yes but just because they don't have a super hit that plays over and over on the radio , doesnt mean their songs are dull.

Sorry about that, they played in a huge festival here and the new songs were so awesome live! Loved the classics too but R.E.M totally rocked even if they had only played the new songs haha.

[Lore]

If Bono had been a bit more circumspect in the first place, none of it would have happened.
However, it was probably the kind of reaction he was hoping for, as it was no doubt all done for publicity purposes.;)

it's all the media's fault, because clearly Bono was joking... it's the same as when Chris says that they'll stop creating songs because they are getting old or things like that! the media makes a big deal for nothing

[Mojo Pin]

Well if anybody actually said that, then I wouldn't disagree. However, Bono's "stupid" comments prompted those comments in the first place. So who's to blame for that?
If Bono had been a bit more circumspect in the first place, none of it would have happened.
However, it was probably the kind of reaction he was hoping for, as it was no doubt all done for publicity purposes.;)
So you agree that u2 sucks and the joshua tree was crap and coldplay is better in every single way? Oh btw, they also said Bono should be murdered. Very mature, isnt it?

What if Ringo star says chris is a ****** tomorrow? Will be ok to say the beatles are the shittiest band ever then? see my point?

[Mojo Pin]

:(

man you should move to Chile :P, when U2 came here Bono met our president so I went to see him at the government palace and I saw him... he was so close :bomb:
When i become rich i'm gonna buy my own jet and visit you every week and have terremotos and then chase the coolest bands that go there :P

[Lore]

When i become rich i'm gonna buy my own jet and visit you every week and have terremotos and then chase the coolest bands that go there :P

awesome :cool: I'll buy you lots of terremotos then!

[Lore]

What if Ringo star says chris is a ****** tomorrow? Will be ok to say the beatles are the shittiest band ever then? see my point?

the beatles sucks, we should burn all their albums :cheesy:




:wacky:

[mc_squared]

it's all the media's fault, because clearly Bono was joking... it's the same as when Chris says that they'll stop creating songs because they are getting old or things like that! the media makes a big deal for nothing

I don't see how it could all be all the media's fault if Bono said it live on radio. It isn't as if the BBC had any chance to censor it................................
At the end of the day, nobody forced Bono to say it. He's been around for a long time and therefore can't be naive, which is why I think it might have been pre-meditated.

[Lore]

relax, Bono was just joking, Bono and Chris are friends... and no offense, but you should know that, considering that you love jokes...

[Mojo Pin]

the beatles sucks, we should burn all their albums :cheesy:




:wacky:
Nooooooooo :bigcry:

I'd still love the beatles even if they said Matt or Thom are ******s :wacko:

[MrMagpie]

The sad truth is that U2 are now well past their best, which I suppose is inevitable after 20 years.
They created so many anthems in the past, including "Sunday Bloody Sunday", "New Year's Day", "With Or Without You" and "Where The Streets Have No Name".
However, they haven't produced anything remotely anthemic since "Beautiful Day", which is already now several years old.
U2 are sure to retain their great live reputation, much as The Rolling Stones have for many years, but I'm pretty sure they've now run out of "memorable" songs.
I'd love to be proved wrong, but I very much doubt it.;)

Personal opinion.

Just a coincidence. The evidence is there for all to see. This is the U2 thread after all, and they do have a new album out.
What really matters is their music, not what Bono says about Chris, and the reality is that U2's new material is mediocre.;)
Therefore perhaps Bono should be concentrating more on the quality of the band's recordings rather than making daft jokes about Chris...................................

Personal opinion.

Fair enough but it's not really a coincidence for what i've seen on this board lately.There are lots of coldplay groupies bashing u2 just because of that comment about chris and i find it absolutely ridiculous.

Basically i could translate it all to: " U2 sucks and they aren't as big as coldplay anymore and their music is shit" But i'll let kids be kids ;)

ahmen

If you read my posts carefully, you'll see I'm not disputing any of that.;)
It isn't just U2 who seem to have run out of anthemic songs, either. The same could be said of Oasis and R.E.M., whose most recent album was extremely dull.;)

personal opinion

As I said before, you can't post reports of comments like that on here without expecting that kind of backlash.
Anyone who doesn't is incredibly naive IMO.

personal opinion

Just like U2's new album, then!:rolleyes:

personal opinion

Well as far as I could tell, there wasn't one "anthem" to be found on either of those albums.
The new songs REM performed at their concert left me completely cold and pretty much spoilt the show as far as I was concerned (which is a shame as I had expected far better).;)

personal opinion

Well if anybody actually said that, then I wouldn't disagree. However, Bono's "stupid" comments prompted those comments in the first place. So who's to blame for that?
If Bono had been a bit more circumspect in the first place, none of it would have happened.
However, it was probably the kind of reaction he was hoping for, as it was no doubt all done for publicity purposes.;)

personal opinion

I don't see how it could all be all the media's fault if Bono said it live on radio. It isn't as if the BBC had any chance to censor it................................
At the end of the day, nobody forced Bono to say it. He's been around for a long time and therefore can't be naive, which is why I think it might have been pre-meditated.

personal speculation

[Lore]

Nooooooooo :bigcry:

I'd still love the beatles even if they said Matt or Thom are ******s :wacko:

hahahaha same here, well I don't care about Thom, but I agree with your point! :P

[mc_squared]

So you agree that u2 sucks and the joshua tree was crap and coldplay is better in every single way?

I don't know where you got that from.

Oh btw, they also said Bono should be murdered. Very mature, isnt it?

I don't know when that was said, but everyone would have known that was a joke, whereas Bono's remark could easily be misinterpreted (which indeed it was).

What if Ringo star says chris is a ****** tomorrow? Will be ok to say the beatles are the shittiest band ever then? see my point?

I don't think anybody really cares what Ringo says any more, especially after he made that announcement saying he would no longer sign any autographs.................
Anyone who says The Beatles, U2, The Rolling Stones, REM or Oasis are "the shittiest band ever" would clearly need their head examined, however.

[MrMagpie]

I don't know when that was said, but everyone would have known that was a joke, whereas Bono's remark could easily be misinterpreted (which indeed it was).




I'm pretty sure it wasn't a joke. Usually people don't insult somebodys humanitarian work and say they should be assassinated before they talk to the UN in a joking fashion.

[mc_squared]

Personal opinion.



Personal opinion.



ahmen



personal opinion



personal opinion



personal opinion



personal opinion



personal opinion



personal speculation

All of what you wrote there was completely pointless, and completely unnecessary.:smug:

[MrMagpie]

All of what you wrote there was completely pointless, and completely unnecessary.:smug:

sorry thats me being fake and two faced.

[mc_squared]

I'm pretty sure it wasn't a joke. Usually people don't insult somebodys humanitarian work and say they should be assassinated before they talk to the UN in a joking fashion.

Well as no arrest was made, I can only conclude the powers-that-be reached the conclusion there was no case to answer.:smug:

[mc_squared]

sorry thats me being fake and two faced.

Wouldn't be the first time................................ :rolleyes:

[MrMagpie]

Your point?

[MrMagpie]

Wouldn't be the first time................................ :rolleyes:

what the heck are you talking about?

[mc_squared]

what the heck are you talking about?

Well I was talking about U2 until you showed up............................ :rolleyes:

[MrMagpie]

i'm talking about your comments about me being fake and two faced.

[mc_squared]

i'm talking about your comments about me being fake and two faced.

I was merely agreeing with you.:rolleyes:

[MrMagpie]

I was merely agreeing with you.:rolleyes:

You implied in the Bono thread that you thought I was two faced and fake. Why don't you PM me and tell you why you made that personal comment.
If I don't hear from you I'll assume you have no idea what you're talking about.

[mc_squared]

You implied in the Bono thread that you thought I was two faced and fake. Why don't you PM me and tell you why you made that personal comment.
If I don't hear from you I'll assume you have no idea what you're talking about.

There are a several people on here who fit that description, and naming names would serve no purpose whatsoever. I have nothing more to say on the matter, and you can assume whatever you like, as it's nothing more than a "personal opinion", as you so put it.:smug:

[ricardo]

this performance makes me shiver
YouTube - Rare U2 Pride In The Name Of Love Live 1984

[mc_squared]

^Well that was when U2 were making great anthems rather than forgettable tosh........................ ;)

[Mojo Pin]

Geez give them a break, will ya

[mc_squared]

^In the unlikely event they return with a new song as good as "Pride", I will.;)

[Mojo Pin]

I just find it very amusing that you started posting in this thread saying negative things about them after what bono said about chris but ok, be my guess and keep bashing U2 all you want :nice:

Have fun! :dance:

[mc_squared]

I just find it very amusing that you started posting in this thread saying negative things about them after what bono said about chris but ok, be my guess and keep bashing U2 all you want :nice:

Have fun! :dance:

That's an absolute certainty. :rolleyes:

[nvdmm]

I just find it very amusing that you started posting in this thread saying negative things about them after what bono said about chris but ok, be my guess and keep bashing U2 all you want :nice:

Have fun! :dance:

Im afraid I have to agree with mc_squared mate! First of all, we are not bashing U2 for any reason. And do you know what I find amusing? The fact that some people can come here and say “we don’t like viva la vida” or “coldplay this coldplay that”, but then if WE say anything negative about U2 and their new album, you guys start a huge argument over why we’ve slightly criticized them or their music!!! Personally I think it WAS a mistake that Bono called Chris a ****** on live radio, and even worse, on BBC2!! However, I still do acknowledge the fact that it was supposed to be a tongue-in-cheek joke.

Now, me rating No Line on The Horizon 3 out of five had absolutely nothing to do with Bono’s comments, but rather personal taste in music; so don’t get me wrong, cuz im a huge U2 fan myself. So can everyone just stop criticizing Bono for what he said AND criticizing hardcore Coldplay fans including me for defending the boys!!! Go and have some Smirnoff Ice, it might help guys!!:wink::D

[the_gloaming09]

just got the album today and listening for the first time now... i like the first song!

[seeyousoon35]

I just got home with the CD. So far I am loving it! I have not heard a song yet I do not like.

Does anyone know where the pictures on the CD booklet were taken? It looks a bit like the Wailing Wall in Israel...

[MrMagpie]

I just find it very amusing that you started posting in this thread saying negative things about them after what bono said about chris but ok, be my guess and keep bashing U2 all you want :nice:

Have fun! :dance:

It doesn't surprise me.
After all his only posts in the hockey and football threads were insulting the athletes or teams.

[MrMagpie]

I just got home with the CD. So far I am loving it! I have not heard a song yet I do not like.

Does anyone know where the pictures on the CD booklet were taken? It looks a bit like the Wailing Wall in Israel...

Its the sea. Not sure which one. It was taken by a Japanese artist I do believe.

[seeyousoon35]

^ Oh I meant the inside sleeve.

[Osaka Sun]

Got the amazing new U2 album from iTunes today, but the pre-order perks were a dud. The two "exclusive" bonus tracks were the 2nd Version of NLOTH's title track (the GOYB B-side) and some crappy Crookers dance remix of GOYB. Didn't buy the Deluxe Edition though so I'm not sure if the silent film "Linear" was any good or not.

And can everyone just calm down about the ****** bullshit? It was a joke. Bono was obviously kidding (if he was serious, I would extremely doubt that Coldplay would put on Magnificent before they went onstage at today's Melbourne concert). :earmuffs:

[MrMagpie]

^ Oh I meant the inside sleeve.

ahh sorry. Don't have the physical copy yet. I'll pick it up this weekend.

[BostonSportsTD]

i'm reallllyyyyy loving moment of surrender...

[MrMagpie]

HOT! NEXT ALBUM: 'SONGS OF ASCENT'
March 03, 2009
posted by: m2 We haven't seen it in print ourselves, but according to "dland9393," a member of our forum, Bono tells Rolling Stone magazine that U2's next studio album will be called Songs Of Ascent, it'll be released in 2010, and that "Every Breaking Wave" will be the first single -- a "surging anthem." And here's a choice Bono quote about the next album:

"Songs Of Ascent will be quieter than No Line in many ways, it's that ghost album of hymns and Sufi singing. We're making a kind of heartbreaker, a meditative, reflexive piece of work, but not indulgent."



atu2.com

[BostonSportsTD]

wait............what? is that for real?

[the_gloaming09]

so i've listened to it once through and the tracks that really stood out for me were the title track, moment of surrender, i'll go crazy if i don't go crazy tonite, cedars of lebanon

[Corkus]

NLOTH has been out for a day and U2 already has set-in-stone plans for the next album? Are they really that insecure about how this latest experiemental outing goes over after their five-year gap between albums? Official word or not, I can't help but feel skepticism, and titles and dates will no doubt change constantly.

[mc_squared]

It doesn't surprise me.
After all his only posts in the hockey and football threads were insulting the athletes or teams.

I think you need to get over it. You're taking everything way too seriously.:dozey:
If someone criticizes your favourite band, football team or anything else you like, it isn't about you personally........................
Anyway, the overriding point is that it should be possible to criticize something without being attacked or mobbed.
That way everything would be much more chilled.;)

[mc_squared]

Im afraid I have to agree with mc_squared mate! First of all, we are not bashing U2 for any reason. And do you know what I find amusing? The fact that some people can come here and say “we don’t like viva la vida” or “coldplay this coldplay that”, but then if WE say anything negative about U2 and their new album, you guys start a huge argument over why we’ve slightly criticized them or their music!!! Personally I think it WAS a mistake that Bono called Chris a ****** on live radio, and even worse, on BBC2!! However, I still do acknowledge the fact that it was supposed to be a tongue-in-cheek joke.

Now, me rating No Line on The Horizon 3 out of five had absolutely nothing to do with Bono’s comments, but rather personal taste in music; so don’t get me wrong, cuz im a huge U2 fan myself. So can everyone just stop criticizing Bono for what he said AND criticizing hardcore Coldplay fans including me for defending the boys!!! Go and have some Smirnoff Ice, it might help guys!!:wink::D

Very well put. Anyway, it isn't as if anyone's said U2 are "rubbish" or Bono is a "talentless tw*t" or anything like that.
Some people are way too sensitive if you ask me.:dozey:
The sad fact is that the memorable, anthemic U2 songs which propelled them to superstardom appear to have dried up, which is a great shame.
The new material might be well-produced, well-played, and have complex themes, but ultimately it pales in comparison to the classic material. End of.

[seeyousoon35]

ahh sorry. Don't have the physical copy yet. I'll pick it up this weekend.


That's OK.

It is a really great CD!

[MrMagpie]

I think you need to get over it. You're taking everything way too seriously.:dozey:
If someone criticizes your favourite band, football team or anything else you like, it isn't about you personally........................
Anyway, the overriding point is that it should be possible to criticize something without being attacked or mobbed.
That way everything would be much more chilled.;)\

No I'm not taking it too seriously. If you have no knowledge about something you don't have the right to go around insulting it.

[MrMagpie]

NLOTH has been out for a day and U2 already has set-in-stone plans for the next album? Are they really that insecure about how this latest experiemental outing goes over after their five-year gap between albums? Official word or not, I can't help but feel skepticism, and titles and dates will no doubt change constantly.

They said a while ago a second album would be coming out, just wasnt until yesterday we found out the name of it.

[MrMagpie]

Magnificent on Letterman

http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/download/149531-video-u2-magnificent-live-on-late-show-with-david-letterman

[footyfan10]

The thing I'm starting to find about U2's music is that even though it is very good, there is nothing classic about it.

You know when you hear a song and you just KNOW, you just know, that it's going be a classic.

It's essentially the difference between having a good time listening to an album right now, and then coming back to the song still in 5 years.

I feel there are a few songs on this album I will definitely come back to.

Maybe what I'm about to say is bad or not appreciative of NLOTH, but I really cannot wait for Songs of Ascent or whatever they change it to by its release date.

The one song I was really looking forward to on this album was Every Breaking Wave based on the Q or NME article talking about it. Not just that, but based on how they're talking about the album it seems more my speed.

The songs on this album are just so close to greatness. I guess that's how I'd describe this album. It's like its trying to touch greatness but its coming up a little short. It's one of their best albums top to bottom I think, with a number of solid songs spread throughout, but the songs never break into greatness. Magnificent, MOS and Breathe seem like they could be immortal songs if there was just something more to them or something less. There's always just something that doesn't make them great. Very good, but never great.

You know the quality I'm talking about? That "demands-to-be-listened-to" quality. Songs from Coldplay do this to me. Songs from Radiohead. So much of U2's back catalog. These songs do not demand a listen.

[ricardo]

I agree with you on that way.. their last 2 or 3 albums have been awesome, but not classic, as joshua, achtung, unforgettable fire etc

[footyfan10]

yeah i mean. its the same sort of thing. im not sure why it is. i wouldnt say joshua tree or achtung has a great number of classic songs. they have a lot. there's just something about them that stands them apart.

i think of this similarly with Coldplay. X & Y has many very good songs, but no classics like Parachutes, A Rush Of Blood To The Head or even Viva la Vida (these songs are going to be classics...maybe not LIJ or Lost! but there are some classic songs).

That's the thing. Often times I find I like more songs on one album than another. I technically like more songs on X & Y than Parachutes. But the reality is that I think of Parachutes as a classic not simply because of its age but because there is some quality about it.

[the_gloaming09]

at first listen i liked about 1/3-1/2 the songs... now i like pretty much all of them, but i'm still not completely familular w/ the 2nd half of the album (stand up comedy onward)

[MrMagpie]

glad you're liking it!
after hearing so many people expressing discontent.

[the_gloaming09]

it's wierd, at first i didn't like "get your boots on" but now i do, i like the rhythm to it. the only songs that i don't care too much for are fez-breathe. the others i like alot (especially the title track, crazy tonight, moment of surrender, magnificent)

[chuck kottke]

In 500 years' time, will we be discussing U2 like Shakespeare is discussed today?:thinking:

[MrMagpie]

it's wierd, at first i didn't like "get your boots on" but now i do, i like the rhythm to it. the only songs that i don't care too much for are fez-breathe. the others i like alot (especially the title track, crazy tonight, moment of surrender, magnificent)

Agree with you on Big Boots. It makes a little more sense now.
The ones you mentioned are also my favourites at the moment, with Moment of Surrender taking the cake.

In 500 years' time, will we be discussing U2 like Shakespeare is discussed today?:thinking:

I do believe so :P

[Corkus]

In 500 years' time, will we be discussing U2 like Shakespeare is discussed today?:thinking:
Probably, except students will enjoy it! :lol:

Picked up a physical copy today, fulfilling my good deed of giving the band money for something I technically already had (though not legit). After a couple weeks, I've settled on "Breathe" as my favorite song on the album, and I finally know what Brian Eno means when he calls it the "most U2 song". It's got everything - ripping guitar, great vocals, very energetic feel, and a fair amount of innovation. Sums up U2 perfectly.

Really, the only two songs I now don't like are "Get on Your Boots" and "Stand Up Comedy". Not only do they feel like inferior versions of a few past U2 songs, but their lyrics are pretty dorky. I'm still trying to warm up to "Cedars of Lebanon", but overall, I consider this a successful experimental effort. Heck, the two songs I mentioned not liking are more traditional, so the beauty of NLOTH lies with what's different.

[chuck kottke]

Where in good heavens did they come up with a name like "U2" anyhow??;)

[the_gloaming09]

Agree with you on Big Boots. It makes a little more sense now.
The ones you mentioned are also my favourites at the moment, with Moment of Surrender taking the cake.



I do believe so :P

radiohead slip-up there briggins

[the_gloaming09]

In 500 years' time, will we be discussing U2 like Shakespeare is discussed today?:thinking:

that's a damn good question. i dunno

[FluMTonks]

anyone going to the good morning america show?

[the_gloaming09]

anyone going to the good morning america show?

no... but my aunt works where it's gonna be filmed, i kinda want to go but i have classes early

[Tnspieler1012]

While I've come down from my initial cloud to enthusiasm about the album, I still find a lot to love about it. I've decided that the freshest part of the album is actually the second half, mainly from FEZ-Being Born through Cedars of Lebanon. These songs are not only amazing, but they illustrate a clear change from previous albums. As good as Magnificent/Moment of Surrender/I'll Go Crazy...they come off as dissapointing for so many because there's nothing overwhelmingly "new" about them.
While I love the first, MOS is a bit dry and indulgent, almost too stripped down for it's own good, and IGC...a bit too reminiscent of Walk On and ATYCLB. While it's built like a typical solid, U2 pop song, you can't shake the notion that it is...just another typical, solid, U2 pop song, with dated tricks and few real surprises.

That said, Magnificent's guitar arrangement is too catchy to not enjoy, and Unknown Caller has an irresistible hook and a splendid outro. I still can't quite stomach GOYB's, but despite the stereotypically "Bono" lyrics, I must admit the guitar in Stand-up Comedy is outstanding.

FEZ/Being Born, may just be my personal fave, not only for the really cool intro, but the stripped down flow of the song with minimal, simple vocals and effective piano melodies over that strong, rythmic guitar. White As Snow needs no description, and Breathe has seriously surprised me as a real quality track, that probably falls closest to the overall sound of the album.

[MrMagpie]

radiohead slip-up there briggins

Oh wow, didn't even notice.
Just watched them do If I Don't Go Crazy... on Letterman! It was fantabulous. I was worried about how Bono would sound on this one, but through my tv it sounded great.

[Tnspieler1012]

Oh wow! I hope it's already on youtube, that's the first time they've played it live in public.