For the record, I consider U2 to be one of the most overrated bands of the last two centuries.
That remark is based, of course, on the fact that the active phase of their career stretches across both sides of Y2K — there’s a term you haven’t thought about in a while, I’ll bet! — and not because I think U2 sucks hard enough to make them stand out against the vast catalog of recordings that 200 years would encompass, if there actually was 200 years worth of recorded music. Which there isn’t, because recording technology is only 131 years old. But that’s beside the point, because as I said, U2 doesn’t suck that hard. I actually do like a good bit of their music, at least enough of it to warrant buying the basic greatest hits package that was released a few years back.
However, I’ve never understood the intense, near-religious devotion so many of my acquaintances seem to feel for these guys. A couple of my co-workers speak of Bono as if the man can make the blind see and the lame walk simply through the awesomeness of his blue wraparound shades or something, and, well, I just don’t get it. In fact, I so don’t get it that I find it rather distasteful. C’mon, people! The band has a unique sound, but I don’t think their lyrics are profound so much as opaque (occasionally bordering on the tedious), and I also tend to distrust the sincerity of rock stars with causes. But maybe I’m just an old grump that way.
What I do get is, though, is the power of iconic imagery, and there’s no denying that U2’s biggest album, The Joshua Tree, was graced by some beautiful and unforgettable photography that remains instantly recognizable and evocative even 20 years later. And that’s why, despite my ambivalence about the band itself, I found this site so interesting. I love comparing “then and now” photos of changing landscapes, and when they’re familiar landscapes, as these are, my emotional reaction to the changes can sometimes be unexpectedly strong.
Which is my way of saying that I felt rather bad to learn that the Joshua tree has died and toppled over…
Hmmm, Mike and I were discussing the very same thing a few months back when he read that U2 was said to be bigger than The Police which in of course Mike’s fave band. He was a bit peeved, but had pretty much the same attitude you did. They’re good, just not THAT good. By the way we’re going to see Sting and the boys on the 19th of July at USANA. Lawn seats are I believe around 50.00. You and Annie should think about going with us. Mike took me to Vegas to see them last year for my birthday and it was an amazing experience…..
Sorry got off the subject for a sec.
No worries on going off subject – that’s half the fun!
We have been talking about going to The Police — I can’t believe how expensive the tickets are! — so maybe we can work something out…
Man, I didn’t realize that was a Joshua tree at first. Thought it was Keith Richards after a long night of partying.
Just because Keith has spent years smoking and curing his face into a bark-textured leather…
Joshua Tree is the only U2 album I own, and sometimes I listen to it. Even more, I like to hear what other bands have done with the songs on this album, taking them out of the signature clanging rhythm-guitar style. But I agree that this band has long since exhausted its creative resources.
Also, the lineup features not one, but two of my pet peeves: the monomoniker and the common-noun name. Those bastards.
Indeed… how dare they exhibit not just one but two signs of utter pretentiousness! (Three if you count Bono’s constant-wear sunglasses…)