[email protected]
Tue, 22 Sep 1998 17:49:00 -0600 (MDT)
Looking at their history, U2 always tried to incorporate a new sound or feel
to their albums. They incorporated "their" sound with punk, Christian,
ambient, country, blues, industrial, electronic, folk, classical, dance, and
lastly the dreaded techno sound. I could list examples for all but I don't
think that this issue can really be debated. In producing all of these
albums, they always threw in a twist to their own style.
Thinking about this got me thinking about just what exactly is U2's
"style". I know that they have one because in all the work that they do, it
always has that distinct U2 sound. Even friends of mine who don't really
like U2 can pick out a U2 song playing on the P.A. system of a department
store. Thinking about that got me thinking about how they never really made
a record that was just about "them writing and playing good music". Don't
misunderstand me here people, I think that almost all of U2's work in
excellent music but it has never been a pure, pure, pure outing of the heart
and soul of the 4 band members. Joshua Tree came pretty close but they got
caught up in the whole "America" thing and that eventually lead to R&H.
Since the ZOO TV tour, U2 has kind of been out of hand. They put on
the greatest rock and roll shows that this planet will probably ever see.
They basically conquered the world. But what I think the whole concept,
concept, concept thing did to them was make them want to hurl at the thought
of cavorting around with giant lemons, supermodels, humongous televisions.
I also believe that mortality has begun to creep into their minds. They are
not "old" by any stretch of the imagination however, they are entering mid
life and are probably as most people do, re-evaluating there roles in their
life and on this planet.
I can't get into their minds but if I made a guess I would have to
say that they are humbled by all of their worldly experiences of the past 20
years. They are kind of "hung over" from the hoopla that has been their
lives. For the first 10 years of U2's existence, it was one big struggle to
become a world class rock and roll band. They played gigs like mad, scraped
and scrounged for money, travelled and travelled and strove to make #1
records. Let us also not forget the near disbanding of the group during the
October era. In the last 10 years they have become superstars,
millionaires, husbands, fathers, business owners, and most importantly
(musically speaking that is) they put on 2 huge, mother concert tours. I
mean can you not picture the guys sitting around in a pub saying to each
other, "We've did so much, now its just time to be ourselves." I know I can.
If you are all honest with yourselves, none of you can say just
exactly who U2 are. They have never just been THEMSELVES. They were always
great, taking us on wild rides with them. Sometimes during all the
wonderful experiences we would catch a glimpse of an aching Bono or see them
band together to help Adam when he needed it but all of this was
overshadowed by the grand scale and momentum of all their endeavors.
This, ladies and gentlemen is why I believe that the next album will
be one where all four of the lads just sat down with no pressure, no
expectations and wrote music from the heart. They no longer care about the
supposed standards that music industry expects from them. In my mind that
is how they are justifying the release of an old single and a greatest hits
album. When I think of these two things I am reminded of the time when I
believe it was the Edge who said that they don't believe in greatest hits
albums. As well, the lyric from God Part II that reads "You glorify the
past when the future dries up" stings when put in relation to their current
state of affairs.
The past is over and done with, its something that cannot be
changed. U2 currently are concerned with helping financially, their friends
at their record company. After all the company has been very good to U2.
As well, they are creating an album which will make it easy for the casual
U2 fan to enjoy all their great songs. In the midst of all of this they are
making money because that is what the business comes down to. Someone has
to make a profit off of the Greatest Hits album... would you rather have it
be our guys or some greedy executive at Polygram?
If you agree with me, that's nice
If you don't, thats's also nice.
Thank You,
Mark Johnston
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