mikemiller48

People on various forums don't like these U2 comparisons, but watching the first three songs I got very strong U2 PopMart vibes. The close-cropped hair, Chris holding the mic like a kazoo, the address to the audience while the guitarist chimes the intro to the soulful anthem. Rhythmically, "Clocks" is fairly similar to "I Will Follow" as the classic second track. A band twenty years in, engaging with transformative times (1997 having been the dawn of the online/youth culture era). I was there the first time around at the old Soldier Field--roll on May! Reading of the band's possible dissatisfaction with its own performance only adds to the list, of course.

I enjoyed the album even more after buying a physical CD to play in my car, where I have the bass cranked up all the way and can get the full effect of the bass pedals and synth bass. I imagine this effect will be exponentially greater in concert with the huge subwoofers. Do people suppose that the tour shows will begin with Higher Power as the preview showcases have? I picture spacey walk-on music playing, HP starts up, house lights off, Xylobands on! 🕺