1. Welcome! Please take a few seconds to create your free account to post threads, make some friends, remove a few ads while surfing and much more. ClutchFans has been bringing fans together to talk Houston Sports since 1996. Join us!

[Music Review] U2's New Album - Collector's Edition

Discussion in 'BBS Hangout' started by mishii, Nov 21, 2004.

Tags:
Page 1 of 2
  1. mishii

    mishii Member

    Joined:
    May 19, 2002
    Messages:
    250
    Likes Received:
    0
    I noticed there hasn't been a review of U2's latest album, "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb." (or if there was and I missed it, I apologize). It was released here in Japan this past week, and I have been listening to it nonstop. I am sure those of you who are U2 fans have already heard the album (either official streams or unofficially), so I won't comment too much on the tracks but rather comment on the collector's edition for those curious.

    The collector's edition basically contains the CD, DVD, and a special hardcover book. The Japanese edition has a bonus sticker I believe (although it may be in all collector's editions) and an extra track, "Fast Cars" (which is available I believe on all UK, Japan editions but I could be wrong). If you are debating which album version to get, I would have to say unless you are a pretty hard core U2 fan like myself stick with the CD/DVD combo only. The hardcover book is pretty to look at but not really much in terms of contents. Some photos, some words written by Bono, the full Universal Declaration of Human Rights (I think), and various other things. It's not very big either....the size of a DVD case. However, that being said, I reserved my copy here in Japan, and most stores have sold out of their initial copies of the collector's edition that day.

    Lyrics are included in the Japanese version with translations, but I am not sure if there are lyric sheets included in other versions. Usually when there is a separate lyric sheet like this, it means the other non-Japanese versions might not have one. Also, there is no jewel case for either CD or DVD , and no regular CD booklet in the collector's edition (haven't seen the CD booklet in other editions so don't know how it may differ with the hardcover book).

    The DVD, which is same between the two limited and collector's edition, on the otherhand is pretty good, although not very long. It contains various videos for three songs, Vertigo, Crumbs, and Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own. Some of the versions on the DVD are quite interesting. There are a few that just have Bono and the Edge singing and playing guitar. Quite nice. Vertigo "The Temple Bar Mix" is pretty neat, and they really do some weird things with it (It's not a DJ remix but Bono and the Edge playing a cute little version of Vertigo). The documentary is ok, and it uses a lot of clips from the videos in the DVD.

    As far as the album, I think people who like the "stripped down" U2 will like this album. I have to say my first initial reaction was pretty blah, and the songs sounded formulaic and not very inspired (of course, it is still better than 90% of the stuff out on the radios these days). I personally felt their best works were with Eno/Lanois.

    There are a few songs that stand out. My personal favorites are "Miracle Drug" and "A Man and a Woman." That being said I just personally feel that many of the songs sound like B-sides off of "All that You Can't Leave Behind." If you liked "Electrical Storm" you would probably like the album. Anyway, I am hoping it grows on me , and it has since my first initial listen, but it is not going to the top of my list anytime soon... Oh and as far as the bonus track, "Fast Cars", it is a pretty quirky uptempo song that has a good beat and rhythm, but definitely sounds like a B-side.

    If you were curious, my top five are: Joshua Tree, Achtung, All That You Can't Leave Behind tied with Unforgettable Fire, and depending on the day Boy or October or War

    Anyway just my two cents...
     
    #1 mishii, Nov 21, 2004
  2. Oski2005

    Oski2005 Member

    Joined:
    Nov 14, 2001
    Messages:
    18,100
    Likes Received:
    447
    It comes out Monday in Europe and and Tuesday here. I was going to get the CD/DVD one. I don't know if I really want that book, and I'm not too big on collector's items anyways. Also, I've heard that the collector's version doesn't come with the liner notes.

    I've listend to the album and I think it's much better than ATYCLB. I would rank it third behind Achtung Baby and Joshua Tree. We've all heard Vertigo, it's a good song but recently overplayed. Miracle Drug is good, as is City of Blinding Lights. Love and Peace or Else is great, it's T. Rex-esque. All Because of You is awesome, has a great riff and solo. Sometimes You Can't Make it on Your Own a beautiful and personal ballad. Original of the Species, which is supposed to be about the Edge's first daughter, is a nice song that definately sounds like it would be on ATYCLB. The song that I've been listening to the most though is Crumbs From Your Table. The album is more personal the political, but this song is obviously about Africa.

    Where you live should not decide
    Whether you live or whether you die
    Three to a bed
    Sister Ann, she said
    Dignity passes by

    Sister Ann was a nun Bono met in Africa.
     
    #2 Oski2005, Nov 21, 2004
  3. Oski2005

    Oski2005 Member

    Joined:
    Nov 14, 2001
    Messages:
    18,100
    Likes Received:
    447
    Speaking of U2, it seems there's going to be a secret concert in NYC, at Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village, right near NYU. It's starting sometime between 1 and 3 pm. Man, I wish I was in NYC. If this is a TRL thing, then at least it'll be on tv.
     
    #3 Oski2005, Nov 21, 2004
  4. mc mark

    mc mark Member

    Joined:
    Aug 31, 1999
    Messages:
    26,195
    Likes Received:
    471
    Well how about that!

    I'm going to be in the area about that time (early Christmas shopping)! I'll try and check it out!

    :cool:
     
    #4 mc mark, Nov 21, 2004
  5. Oski2005

    Oski2005 Member

    Joined:
    Nov 14, 2001
    Messages:
    18,100
    Likes Received:
    447
    Here's an update for you mc.

    Link


    Good luck to anybody else in the area who's interested in going.
     
    #5 Oski2005, Nov 21, 2004
  6. vj23k

    vj23k Member

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2000
    Messages:
    5,351
    Likes Received:
    46
    Wow, I'm seriously pumped about this album. I've resisted downloading it thus far, so I think I can make it until Tuesday.

    Any word on the tour coming through Houston?
     
    #6 vj23k, Nov 21, 2004
  7. Oski2005

    Oski2005 Member

    Joined:
    Nov 14, 2001
    Messages:
    18,100
    Likes Received:
    447
    The tour starts in Miami in March. If they follow a similar schedule to last time, they'll be in Houston in April.


    BTW, here's the final and official location for the "secret" concert tomorrow in New York.


    Link


    Hope somebody on this board in the NY or NJ area can make it out.
     
    #7 Oski2005, Nov 21, 2004
  8. Jeff

    Jeff Clutch Crew

    Joined:
    Feb 14, 1999
    Messages:
    22,412
    Likes Received:
    362
    Tracks Magazine (a mag I really like and respect when it comes to music) called U2's new record the album of the year. On its top 20 albums list for 2004, it was #1. I'm looking forward to getting it.
     
    #8 Jeff, Nov 22, 2004
  9. mishii

    mishii Member

    Joined:
    May 19, 2002
    Messages:
    250
    Likes Received:
    0
    That's too bad about the secret concert. The one year I am away from NYC...oh well, hopefully I will get a chance to catch them on the upcoming tour.

    Anyway, I have been listening to the album nonstop over the weekend as well, and it has grown on me. I guess I was initially hoping for a great great album considering all the glowing reviews it got. Unfortunately for me, the hype didn't live up to reality. I guess I was spoiled, because all their previous albums from Unforgettable Fire on had quite drastic but great changes in their music style while retaining their "U2 sound."

    This album seems like U2 doing their U2 formula. It's a great formula, but it is also nothing earth-shattering to me like it was when I first heard Joshua Tree or Achtung. Anyway, I do love "Miracle Drug" and a few other songs as I said before.

    Also, one great positive thing is that Bono finally has gotten most of his singing voice back. I think Achtung started a downward spiral of his voice - going for that raspy, I can't hit any of the high notes and I have no richness in my voice. It seems like this album he felt why not go back to the voice that people fell in love with and belts it out on some tunes. That alone is definitely worth the price of the album.
     
    #9 mishii, Nov 22, 2004
  10. Oski2005

    Oski2005 Member

    Joined:
    Nov 14, 2001
    Messages:
    18,100
    Likes Received:
    447
    U2 playing NYC from the back of a truck…
    ~E // 22-11-04 // 04:16 PM // Comments (0)
    Robin contacted us to say U2 were playing in front of Columbia University at approx 11:15 EST. Eyewitness reports say the band are playing from the back of a flatbed truck, and will be making random stops throughout the city all day until the concert at 3. Let’s hope they’ve buckled up!

    More info as it comes in…


    Link


    Wow, NYC is freaking lucky. Can you imagine just walking around like any other day and then the biggest band in the world just stops on the back of a truck to play some music. I hope they tape this.
     
    #10 Oski2005, Nov 22, 2004
  11. mc mark

    mc mark Member

    Joined:
    Aug 31, 1999
    Messages:
    26,195
    Likes Received:
    471
    Didn't see em anywhere Oski!

    I was at Washington Square around 1PM. Hung around until 2. Went up to the west side around 3.

    :(
     
    #11 mc mark, Nov 22, 2004
  12. Oski2005

    Oski2005 Member

    Joined:
    Nov 14, 2001
    Messages:
    18,100
    Likes Received:
    447
    Did you do that yesterday? This is going on right now, they're filming a video on the back of a truck and then will head to the show is today at Empire Fulton Ferry State Park at 3 pm.


    My bad, I guess I never did say it was Monday the first time I mentioned it. Sorry if I made you waste your Sunday mc:(
     
    #12 Oski2005, Nov 22, 2004
  13. MadMax

    MadMax Member

    Joined:
    Sep 19, 1999
    Messages:
    76,683
    Likes Received:
    25,924
    just pre-ordered it from Amazon!! woo hoo! :)
     
    #13 MadMax, Nov 22, 2004
  14. Oski2005

    Oski2005 Member

    Joined:
    Nov 14, 2001
    Messages:
    18,100
    Likes Received:
    447

    Why? You can get it tomorrow for 9.99 from Best Buy, I would cancel that if I were you. I'm not trying to be a smart ass or anything, but won't you have to wait a few days for it to be delivered?


    I'm getting the cd/dvd for $17.
     
    #14 Oski2005, Nov 22, 2004
  15. MadMax

    MadMax Member

    Joined:
    Sep 19, 1999
    Messages:
    76,683
    Likes Received:
    25,924
    thanks for the heads up...i had no idea it would 9.99 at Best Buy. Just saved $5. I owe you lunch, now!! :)
     
    #15 MadMax, Nov 22, 2004
  16. Oski2005

    Oski2005 Member

    Joined:
    Nov 14, 2001
    Messages:
    18,100
    Likes Received:
    447
    No problem.
     
    #16 Oski2005, Nov 22, 2004
  17. Oski2005

    Oski2005 Member

    Joined:
    Nov 14, 2001
    Messages:
    18,100
    Likes Received:
    447
    #17 Oski2005, Nov 22, 2004
  18. mc mark

    mc mark Member

    Joined:
    Aug 31, 1999
    Messages:
    26,195
    Likes Received:
    471
    No worries mate! It was a great day to roam around the city anyway!
     
    #18 mc mark, Nov 22, 2004
  19. Oski2005

    Oski2005 Member

    Joined:
    Nov 14, 2001
    Messages:
    18,100
    Likes Received:
    447
    NEW YORK (Reuters) - Irish rockstar Bono brought traffic to a standstill at the heart of New York on Monday, blasting out songs from U2's latest album as the band cruised down Broadway on a flatbed truck.
    Office workers on their lunch-breaks whipped out their camera phones to catch the surprise appearance by the band whose album "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb" is released in Britain on Monday and in the United States on Tuesday.

    "I can't believe it. I have to call my mom right now," said one tourist in a crowd of hundreds as Bono sang Christmas favorite "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" in Times Square.

    The stunt was filmed for the video of the forthcoming single "All Because of You" and the band was due to make another free appearance in Brooklyn later in the day.

    http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=musicNews&storyID=6888689
     
    #19 Oski2005, Nov 22, 2004
  20. Oski2005

    Oski2005 Member

    Joined:
    Nov 14, 2001
    Messages:
    18,100
    Likes Received:
    447
    A little snippet

    http://sickshow.com/u2/U2_Large.swf


    A NYC news report covering the event.

    Copy Paste:

    350k:
    photos.imageevent.com/cardodo/videos/u2wabc/u2nyc7h.rm

    56k:
    photos.imageevent.com/cardodo/videos/u2wabc/u2nyc7l.rm
     
    #20 Oski2005, Nov 22, 2004
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)
Page 1 of 2

Share This Page