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"I remember the frustration of hearing a melody in my head but not being able to quite put it down. So you learn to rely on other people, the band, and you start thinking that's a weakness. But it's a strength to rely on others." -- Bono, 2004 |
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"I remember the frustration of hearing a melody in my head but not being able to quite put it down. So you learn to rely on other people, the band, and you start thinking that's a weakness. But it's a strength to rely on others." -- Bono, 2004 |
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Column: off the record..., vol. 9-351
@U2,
March 22, 2009
Am I the only fan who couldn't keep up with all the U2 news these past few weeks? My inbox for the @U2 news list has over 100 unread news stories and reviews of No Line on the Horizon that I have deluded myself into believing I will actually go back and read. I purposely avoided the reviews in particular for two reasons: First, because I wanted to write my own review of the new release and I didn't want someone else's words creeping into my brain. Second, as is always the case when U2 releases anything new (albums, DVDs, etc.), critics love to take potshots at Pop, and of course this occasion was no exception. I can't stand to read the revised version of events and how Pop (and the subsequent PopMart tour) was such a disaster for the band. As I recall, that album did quite well as far as album sales go, and while the tour may not have been a complete sell out, Bono just recently said:
He sounds so surprised! The band is no exception; they are just as derogatory as the critics when talking about it. What about the people who love Pop? How do you think we feel when we hear this drivel coming from the people who made the album? I'd like to join our friend and @U2 blogger Cara in calling a truce on the Pop-bashing. I too, am a cranky Pop lover who's tired of it. Enough is enough. Sheesh. A few weeks ago, Tassoula used this space to create a unique position for herself within the U2 organization. I'd also like to apply for a job with U2's tour this year, albeit one that probably already exists. Hey, U2, can I please be your Opening Band Coordinator? I'm sorry, I didn't think the person who handled this did a very good job on the last tour, at least not in the U.S. My qualifications, you ask? I've seen more live bands than you. No really, I have. Kings of Leon were the opening band of choice for the U.S. leg of the Vertigo tour (with sprinklings of Damien Marley and Kanye West here and there). They were full of energy but very green in terms of performing in front of large crowds, so it wasn't such a great choice for fans, especially when the Followill boys would flip off the crowds during their set. Five years later, KOL is ready and able to play to a stadium crowd, but are now on their own arena tour for their album Only By the Night. Nobody panic! KOL are not the only band in America! There are a number of bands that have the chops to handle a stadium:
Even if I don't get the job, I'll kindly ask U2 to choose more than one band to open for them. There are countless bands that I haven't even listed who deserve to be heard; it doesn't seem fair to pick only one. There are few things that I'm obsessive-compulsive about, but certain music can bring out that tendency in me. If some album or song hooks me, I'll listen to it nonstop for days or weeks or however long it takes to wear off. Since No Line on the Horizon was released, that song has been "Breathe." I have a 10-minute walk between work and my car each morning and evening, which means I can listen to the entire song twice. I walk through a fairly deserted area so I have no qualms about taking Bono's advice to "sing my heart out," but it's no deterrent if there are people around. I love how the words of the verses wildly bounce around my mouth on their way out, and the equilibrium brought on by the softer, longer held notes of the chorus. The song is a joy to sing at top volume, and it almost makes me wish I had Bono's job. If any song is set to burst into flames during the upcoming tour, it will be this one. Did you read about this show? It's a wonderful idea that would be fabulous with U2's music. Someone should get on that right away. :)
Have a great week. © @U2, 2009.
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