U2

[Wintergreen]

I am so sorry for your loss.

 

My Mom passed away in July 2002 after she said she wanted to go see U2 with me when they came back. The Vertigo tour was kind of tough because I wished she was there, but I had a feeling she was there spiritually. But I did get my Dad to go to a show during the Vertigo tour. After the show I asked him, "So what did you think?" He said after a very long pause looking for the words, "I can't describe it...there are no words...that was the best show I had ever seen. Now I understand why you like them so much and why you see them over and over again."

 

Thanks, and I'm sorry for yours, too. It's coming up on 2 years since I lost my dad (April of 2010), and there's times it's still tough for me, obviously. He and I used to talk about one day seeing U2 together, 'cause he always liked the band and kinda helped further my fandom, we could bond over our love for their music and stuff. If and when I do go see U2, my mom's definitely going with me. She'll love it as much as I will, I'm sure.

 

I'm glad your dad, and your mother-in-law as well, finally realized exactly why you love the band so much. Sometimes it just takes a particular moment to truly get it, and live especially always seems to work. U2's always been noteworthy for their live shows, and I've definitely heard stories of people literally having life-changing experiences seeing them. That's one hell of a power to have, I must say.

 

Loved that performance of "Stay". I can't get over how strong Bono's voice was on that, and what I wouldn't give to have been right up by that stage (love the heart stage, that looks so cool) and see him and Edge doing that song together like that. I had chills just watching that online!

 

Also glad to be in agreement on Bono's attractiveness :D. He looks really good in that "Stay" video, too.

[Allegra]

U2's always been noteworthy for their live shows, and I've definitely heard stories of people literally having life-changing experiences seeing them. That's one hell of a power to have, I must say.

 

*raises hand*

 

My first U2 live show was totally mind blowing. It was almost like being reborn. God was definitely in the house that night. Going to a U2 show is just like going to church...but better. You learn about things like love and compassion and giving back. I would have never cared about the people in Africa if Bono had never explained it. You don't have to give a lot...just a little bit of your time and/or money. Did you know it only costs $1,000 to build a water well in Africa? Just by doing that, a few people can save a village. And because of Bono, not only do I send money to Africa, but to here at home. I never used to give money, just drop off used clothes. But now I give money to both the Red Cross and the Salvation Army. Yes Bono can bore people with his teachings during shows, but it works. One man can make a difference, and Bono is here to remind us of that. Here's a series of videos of how Bono, one man, can make a difference...there are 6 parts...

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k299UQ2JgEw&list=FLBPWuE5zaGrxOyuyBrVBm1Q&index=138&feature=plpp_video]Bono - Ireland's Greatest? Part 1 - YouTube[/ame]

 

Loved that performance of "Stay". I can't get over how strong Bono's voice was on that, and what I wouldn't give to have been right up by that stage (love the heart stage, that looks so cool) and see him and Edge doing that song together like that. I had chills just watching that online!

 

Then you'll love the Boston Elevation DVD :wink:

[Allegra]

It looks like this was just uploaded three days ago...the June 17, 2011, Anaheim show...the whole show! I was at this one too. Actually I was at both nights that weekend, 17th and 18th...totally awesome! Not only did this guy record the show in HD, but if you listen carefully, he snagged the audio from the earpiece. I've heard of people doing this, but this is the first time I've actually heard recording from the earpiece...it's quite good actually...

 

[Allegra]

My favorite WOWY video...off of the Boston Elevation DVD...

 

Girls, if this video doesn't get you excited, I don't know what will... :wink3:

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdW70JTRBBg&feature=related]U2 - With or without you (Live HQ Video) - YouTube[/ame]

[Nikola]

Oh I'm sorry for your losses. :sad:

I guess you're a little bit older than me? (I'm 22.)

 

Thanks for guiding me through my early days of U2 fandom. :D

I'll watch the Elevation Tour, I like the setlist more than 360's.

 

OK, I've listened to Zooropa and I don't like it. :|

I like some production tricks but I don't like the actual songs.

Maybe Numb and Daddy's Gonna Pay... Lemon is like 7 minutes of 'why am I listening to this'? :D

 

They were so sarcastic and critical in the 90s.

Perhaps people misjudge Pop, it's actually anti-pop, anti-discotheques, anti-Playboy mansions. ;)

I like the 90s U2 but not as much as the 80s. I like half of Achtung Baby (I think the rest will grow on me), and I like Pop equally.

I love Discotheque and Mofo. I've listened to them a lot in the past month or so. All the 90s albums combined would make one awesome album.

 

OK, only the first 3 albums left. I don't know any songs, but I know they're pre-Eno punk-ish anti-war songs... :)

[Nikola]

To demonstrate the sarcastic and the critical: :D

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHE8pRTK1Ls]Bono Accepts Grammy for Best Alternative Act - 1995 - YouTube[/ame]

[Guest howyousawtheworld]

U2 are the blueprint of how a band SHOULD do it! I'm surprised you don't like Lemon Nikola! That's in my top 3 all time favourite U2 songs! But I can see why you're not into Zooropa. It's very weird at times! But it's grown into one of my favourite U2 albums.

 

Edit: and thanks allegra for posting THAT Superbowl performance. Pleasure tp watch it again. Sends shivers down my spine and puts a lump in my throat! Everytime The Edge kicks in on the intro to Where The Streets Have No Name it gets me everytime. There's not a better sound in music I've heard.

[Nikola]

Well, you know, different tastes... ;)

To me, Lemon sounds like Prince and Radiohead having sex. :D

 

Zooropa indeed sounds like an EP stretched to a full length album.

I applaud the experimental sound, it's quite avant-garde, but the songs are kinda shapeless...

 

U2 can be like that sometimes, no identifiable melody, unlike Coldplay's songs which start with a strong melody.

U2's songs sound more disperse, for a lack of a better word. Both bands have their strengths and weakness...

[Guest howyousawtheworld]

Well, you know, different tastes... ;)

To me, Lemon sounds like Prince and Radiohead having sex. :D

Zooropa indeed sounds like an EP stretched to a full length album.

I applaud the experimental sound, it's quite avant-garde, but the songs are kinda shapeless...

U2 can be like that sometimes, no identifiable melody, unlike Coldplay's songs which start with a strong melody.

U2's songs sound more disperse, for a lack of a better word. Both bands have their strengths and weakness...

 

That's one way of putting it! The first time I heard Lemon was actually when I was watching some music channel and the video for that came on. I thought it was totally weird and it was only when I listened to it a few more times that I thought it was brilliant. But as you say it's all about different tastes!

 

The Edge says something along those lines about the album in the book U2 by U2 that it was just something extra and nothing really serious. I've actually always thought Pop was shapeless and actually a lot of it sounded underproduced to me. Though I think the album had such massive potential to be another great from them. You're right about the melodies with regards to Coldplay and U2. Coldplay definitely have melodies which are much more instant and grabbing but that's not a criticism of U2. Where Coldplay's biggest strength lies in the melody I think the biggest strength for U2 lies in the song structures. A lot of Bono's lyrics are also outstanding!

[Nikola]

U2 - With or without you (Live HQ Video) - YouTube[/url]

 

Not gonna lie, I teared up a bit. :cry: Very emotional...

 

Also, I suspect that Larry is a vampire. :nod: The dude doesn't age.

[Nikola]

@howyousawtheworld

 

Yeah, I agree with what you added about U2/Coldplay.

 

As for Lemon, well, the opposite of love isn't hate but indifference.

There are still many songs I don't know by name. Lemon I don't particularly like, but at least it stands out.

I mean, I think it's way too long, and falsetto Bono is funny, but it's an interesting song with kinky lyrics. :wink3: :D

 

Lemon b00bz:

 

 

I think Achtung Baby and Pop will grow on me. I don't know about Zooropa.

I've only listened to it once, I shouldn't really talk about it. But my opinions may change, they're not carved in stone...

[Jack Bauer]

Zooropa indeed sounds like an EP stretched to a full length album.

 

That's cuz it was. Actually, it was originally just a single, that got stretched into an EP and then morphed into an album while they were on the ZooTV tour. THat's why it sorta sounds a bit rushed.

[Nikola]

I know, thus the indeed. :D

Still, they won a Grammy for it...

[SupermassiveCPnerd]

White as Snow most likely. :D <3

[Wintergreen]

"White As Snow" is such a gorgeous song.

 

*raises hand*

 

My first U2 live show was totally mind blowing. It was almost like being reborn. God was definitely in the house that night. Going to a U2 show is just like going to church...but better. You learn about things like love and compassion and giving back.

 

I've heard the church comparisons, yeah :D. That's one of the things I love the most about U2's music. Bono's a Christian. He knows his Scripture, he knows his religion. But he uses it all for good. He approaches it all in a way that anyone, no matter their religious background, or lack thereof, would be able to relate to. He's not afraid to talk about the doubts, to embrace not having all the answers (I think "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" exemplifies that. He sounds happy about the fact that he still hasn't found what all he's looking for), and yet to acknowledge the beauty that any spirits of the world may provide us. I love it. If I could find a church with that kind of attitude, I'd be going to it on a regular basis.

 

I would have never cared about the people in Africa if Bono had never explained it. You don't have to give a lot...just a little bit of your time and/or money. Did you know it only costs $1,000 to build a water well in Africa? Just by doing that, a few people can save a village. And because of Bono, not only do I send money to Africa, but to here at home. I never used to give money, just drop off used clothes. But now I give money to both the Red Cross and the Salvation Army. Yes Bono can bore people with his teachings during shows, but it works. One man can make a difference, and Bono is here to remind us of that. Here's a series of videos of how Bono, one man, can make a difference...there are 6 parts...

 

 

It's crazy how much struggle some people go through. I hear stories about those who have virtually nothing, not even proper water sources, and I think, "What the hell am I bitching about?" Nobody's life is perfect, but honestly, a lot of people need to remember it could be a hell of a lot worse.

 

I try and do my part, too, with donating money and spreading information and such, yes. And you know, it may be boring, and one can certainly discuss the pros and cons of his ideas on how to help those in struggling parts of the world, but I don't doubt for a second that he genuinely cares (he wouldn't have been working at this issue for as long as he has if he didn't), and I'm glad someone is talking about this and opening up people's minds. People think he's annoying because he discusses this issue so much, but if he were just like any other rock star and blew his money on women and drugs and such, people'd be bitching and wondering why he can't do good things with his position. We want our musicians to speak for us, but we also want them to shut up and just make music. You can't win.

 

Then you'll love the Boston Elevation DVD :wink:

 

I've no doubt. You know, I think I've actually got that concert on a VHS tape somewhere, now that I think about it...but of course, the proper DVD would be nice to have, too.

 

Oh I'm sorry for your losses. :sad:

I guess you're a little bit older than me? (I'm 22.)

 

Thanks. Yeah, I just turned 27 a few months ago.

 

Thanks for guiding me through my early days of U2 fandom. :D

I'll watch the Elevation Tour, I like the setlist more than 360's.

 

OK, I've listened to Zooropa and I don't like it. :|

I like some production tricks but I don't like the actual songs.

Maybe Numb and Daddy's Gonna Pay... Lemon is like 7 minutes of 'why am I listening to this'? :D

 

Hey, no problem regarding the help/info! It's what longtime fans should do, I think. How else are the newer ones going to learn?

 

I loved your description of "Lemon" as Prince and Radiohead having sex :laugh3:! That's hilarious (disturbing visual in my head notwithstanding). But I think it's pretty accurate, too. Myself, I love the song "Lemon" simply because it's so weird and out there, but I can definitely see too where that sound's not for everyone. You're not alone in the anti-"Lemon" camp. Like I said, it's a strange album, so it's definitely "either like it or you don't" material.

 

They were so sarcastic and critical in the 90s.

Perhaps people misjudge Pop, it's actually anti-pop, anti-discotheques, anti-Playboy mansions. ;)

I like the 90s U2 but not as much as the 80s. I like half of Achtung Baby (I think the rest will grow on me), and I like Pop equally.

I love Discotheque and Mofo. I've listened to them a lot in the past month or so. All the 90s albums combined would make one awesome album.

 

Yeah, basically you'll find a lot of "hipster, indie" people love the '90s stuff (i.e., lots of the people I know at the U2 board I go to). For those who like things a bit more mainstream, the '90s can be hit and miss (or miss entirely). That's the broadest generalization I can come up with for that divide.

 

I think a lot of people definitely misunderstood Pop-either the band didn't explain it well or some people just couldn't get past U2 doing songs like "Discotheque" (the video did not help matters, either-although I love that video, it cracks me up. Song's great, too, glad we're in agreement on that one :)) to really delve deeply into what the album was about. Like I said, I love it, but I love it because it reminds me of a lot of the sort of music I was listening to in the late '90s, you could take away all the "concepts" of the album and whatnot and I'd still like it. Plus, the band was rushed on that album and it got put out before they felt it was ready, so there was that mess as well. It happens, though. When you're U2 and have a string of successful works, a clunker (or perceived clunker) is bound to come along eventually.

 

OK, only the first 3 albums left. I don't know any songs, but I know they're pre-Eno punk-ish anti-war songs... :)

 

Yep. All Steve Lillywhite influence there. War is generally considered the best of their early works, and is the one where they started having notable singles ("Sunday Bloody Sunday" and "New Year's Day"). But Boy has some interesting stuff as well. October is generally seen as their weakest, but eh, there's some good stuff there, too (and I just like that the album, and a song on it (a lovely song, too), are both named after my birth month :p).

[Nikola]

Oh God, the Discotheque video... 80s porn stars and neon lights... :D

 

I'm not going to listened to the first 3 albums yet. I'm still processing the 90s stuff.

I suppose you became a fan during Pop? Is that the reason why you like it the most, or have "special feelings" about it?

Like I do about Speed Of Sound and X&Y. It's the "original Coldplay" for me, since I was introduced to them during that album.

 

My earliest memory of U2 is Elevation. I think that's the only reason why I prefer ATYCLB to HTDAAB.

But the lines between those two albums are blurred for me now. You can listen to them seamlessly.

How do you feel about those albums? Why did they loose the Album of the Year Grammy for the first one and won it for the second?

(Well, other nominees also have to be considered, but I don't think that the album that ATYCLB lost to was better.)

Also, I think that ATYCLB has the best songs on side A, with almost no surprises on side B, and HTDAAB is more evened out and better produced.

[w1ll1am7]

Boy October and War are all great albums. I'd say War is much more well-rounded, but the evolution of the songs off Boy which were performed live are amazing, such as 'Out of Control' "The Electric Co." and "I Will Follow" they just stand the test of time

[Guest howyousawtheworld]

I've always been a much bigger fan of October myself than Boy. Boy flows seemlessly and still has timeless moments on it as the post above says but I think October is underrated and actually there's probably only 5 or 6 albums by U2 I like more.

[Wintergreen]

Oh God, the Discotheque video... 80s porn stars and neon lights... :D

 

Fun stuff, huh :D? I like how Edge, Adam, and Larry are trying REALLY hard not to bust out laughing, meanwhile Bono's just going along like, "Yeah, this is fun." If there were outtakes from that video shoot I'd kill to see them.

 

I'm not going to listened to the first 3 albums yet. I'm still processing the 90s stuff.

 

Totally fine. Take your time :).

 

I suppose you became a fan during Pop? Is that the reason why you like it the most, or have "special feelings" about it?

Like I do about Speed Of Sound and X&Y. It's the "original Coldplay" for me, since I was introduced to them during that album.

 

My earliest memory of U2 is Elevation. I think that's the only reason why I prefer ATYCLB to HTDAAB.

But the lines between those two albums are blurred for me now. You can listen to them seamlessly.

 

No, actually, I was completely unaware of Pop at the time it was released. All That You Can't Leave Behind was what ignited my interest-I'd always liked the U2 singles I'd heard when I was a kid, but in the late '90s I barely heard squat from them at all for some reason, so when they returned with ATYCLB I was like, "Oh, yeah...I like these guys." Then their songs from that album started getting played all over VH1-that channel kinda became the U2 channel for a while from 2000-2002 or so.

 

Then I heard "Angel Of Harlem" on the radio one night, fell in love with that song, started listening again to all the songs I did know and love by them, and in 2002 I decided to finally start digging deeper into their work. I didn't hear Pop until after I started becoming a really big fan. I just basically like that album because I like the songs on it, I don't think there's a bad moment on it (yeah, even "Miami", people).

 

Like I said, though, The Joshua Tree is kinda in a tie with that album, because that's the first U2 record I brought. Sort of like how Viva La Vida was the first Coldplay album I brought, so that's one reason why it's my favorite (that and, again, perfect album start to finish). I do love X&Y too, however-heck, I love all their albums. Like with U2. I've got my favorites, sure, but I'll happily listen to any one of them and can find something to love about each one.

 

How do you feel about those albums? Why did they loose the Album of the Year Grammy for the first one and won it for the second?

(Well, other nominees also have to be considered, but I don't think that the album that ATYCLB lost to was better.)

Also, I think that ATYCLB has the best songs on side A, with almost no surprises on side B, and HTDAAB is more evened out and better produced.

 

I love All That You Can't Leave Behind and How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb, too. They both have songs on them that are very meaningful to me-"Kite", as I mentioned, "Walk On" (one of the best U2 songs ever), "In A Little While" (I LOVE that one. It's so sweet and charming and makes me smile), "Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own", to name a few. I love how blatantly uplifting and hopeful ATYCLB is, and I like the thoughtfulness of some of the lyrics on HTDAAB. I'm not much of a production expert, I usually just go by, "This album has a lot of stuff I like/that means something to me/that's fun." :p.

 

As for the Grammy thing...got me. I agree, I would've thought All That You Can't Leave Behind would've definitely nabbed that award, given how popular it was, but...rest assured the Grammy picks often leave viewers scratching their heads. Who knows what their voting rationale is.

 

Off topic for a moment, but meant to say, by the way, howyousawtheworld-I LOVE your avatar/sig picture. That's gorgeous.

[Allegra]

U2 are the blueprint of how a band SHOULD do it! I'm surprised you don't like Lemon Nikola! That's in my top 3 all time favourite U2 songs! But I can see why you're not into Zooropa. It's very weird at times! But it's grown into one of my favourite U2 albums.

 

Edit: and thanks allegra for posting THAT Superbowl performance. Pleasure tp watch it again. Sends shivers down my spine and puts a lump in my throat! Everytime The Edge kicks in on the intro to Where The Streets Have No Name it gets me everytime. There's not a better sound in music I've heard.

 

You're welcome! Streets gets to me everytime...no matter where I am...but hearing in cranked up live in a stadium...well you can't beat that. I think on the U2 360 DVD Bono does Amazing Grace followed by Streets...that by far is one of the best change overs...talk about goose bumps!!!...and tears rolling down my face...

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebHOVTCUDso]REAL U2 Amazing Grace/Where The Streets Have No Name 360° Tour At The Rose Bowl - YouTube[/ame]

 

And here's a different approach to Lemon...the remix is much better...

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFWk18abWWA]U2 - Lemon (Perfecto Mix) - YouTube[/ame]

[Allegra]

Not gonna lie, I teared up a bit. :cry: Very emotional...

 

Also, I suspect that Larry is a vampire. :nod: The dude doesn't age.

 

The fooking dude...he just never smiles...and it's very rare that he does...only when getting on or off the stage (before or after a show).

 

And he got to use that talent in a movie...

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87NJhYiMKvY]MAN ON THE TRAIN - Official U.S. Trailer - Tribeca Film - YouTube[/ame]

[Allegra]

My earliest memory of U2 is Elevation. I think that's the only reason why I prefer ATYCLB to HTDAAB.

But the lines between those two albums are blurred for me now. You can listen to them seamlessly.

How do you feel about those albums? Why did they loose the Album of the Year Grammy for the first one and won it for the second?

(Well, other nominees also have to be considered, but I don't think that the album that ATYCLB lost to was better.)

Also, I think that ATYCLB has the best songs on side A, with almost no surprises on side B, and HTDAAB is more evened out and better produced.

 

Don't even get me started! U2 lost to Train that night...freakin' Train! It was because at the time they were so much more "popular" with the general listening public, but U2 got it back the following year...and that's all that matters.

 

Remember that HTDAAB was made after Bono's father died...lots of things bottled up inside exploded. A lot was going down personally for Bono...he and his Dad didn't speak much because all along his Dad thought he was wasting his time being a rock star. It took years to approve what he was doing...but I don't think he ever approved of it 100%. There were always agruments between he and his Dad too.

 

And now for another award where Bono used the "F" word...LMAO!!!...also, they're so cute when they dress up... :wink3:

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEIWI15F6aA]Golden Globes 2003 U2 Wins Best Original Song - YouTube[/ame]

[Allegra]

And here's something to watch and listen too...U2 never released Glastonbury, but Xiren covered it and made it sound like U2's...Xiren does many covers like U2 and Coldplay, as well as he writes his own music...(don't forget to check out Dejavoodoo and Grace!)...SHOOT!...just check out everything he does...he's awesome!!!

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7dL6xNZ1Wk]U2 Glastonbury (Xiren Full Band Cover) - Music Video [HD] - YouTube[/ame]

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PE_PcfeaiZs]Coldplay Paradise New Song 2011 (Xiren Cover feat. Stephanie Graham) - Music Video [HD] - YouTube[/ame]

 

Oh...and he mixed U2's One with John Lennon's Imagine...very pretty...

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-t3lT5Fpvw&feature=relmfu]John Lennon U2 Imagine+One (Xiren Acoustic Mash-Up Lennon+U2) - YouTube[/ame]

 

GOOD NIGHT! :sleeping:

[Wintergreen]

And now for another award where Bono used the "F" word...LMAO!!!...also, they're so cute when they dress up... :wink3:

 

 

It truly boggles my mind that that simple speech caused so much controversy for a number of years-the FCC ruling on that whole thing took a horrifically long time, way past the point when every sane person in America stopped giving a shit, if they did at all. I thought we left behind all that Puritian BS centuries ago, but apparently not.

[Nikola]

We had this little discussion which should be continued here. :)

That's my initial reaction to the first 3 albums. I love October.