What's new
By:
USCHO Fan Forum

This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

  • The USCHO Fan Forum has migrated to a new plaform, xenForo. Most of the function of the forum should work in familiar ways. Please note that you can switch between light and dark modes by clicking on the gear icon in the upper right of the main menu bar. We are hoping that this new platform will prove to be faster and more reliable. Please feel free to explore its features.

USCHO Music Thread 2: Rock On, Amigo.

Status
Not open for further replies.
Re: USCHO Music Thread 2: Rock On, Amigo.

rufus said:
Funny, cause I can't listen to any U2 beyond Achtung Baby. In fact, their more recent stuff has so turned me off to U2 entirely, that i can't even listen to their older stuff anymore. And I was as big a U2 fanboy as there could ever have been for their first five albums.

I'll take something like this any day over their later period stuff. It's structurally simple, maybe even amateurish, but it's got a passion, a freshness, a joy, that i find missing from their newer stuff.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epAeGB0Tecg
Click to expand...


I appreciate you posting this as I now understand better where you're coming from on this band.

I nearly wore out my vhs of Live at Red Rocks. Still have it though. LOVE the performance of Surrender from that show.

I understand where you are coming from though and I felt the same for quite some time - essentially turning away from and hardly listening to the defining band of my teen years. (the Dead would become the defining band of my college years ;))

Slightly different from you is that I saw Achtung Baby and the Zoo Tour as the highlight of their career to that point - and probably still. Something in that collection of songs - I had gone through a soul crushing breakup a year or two before - connected very strongly for me.

The way they were presented in the shows too - probably the best arrangements of Bullet>Running ever (J-tree songs re-imagined) and the Can't Help Falling after Love is Blindness... I remember Bono saying "Let's get go to Vegas and get married... for a while..." before starting Can't Help Falling at the Madison show and I understood exactly what he was getting at - that many relationships are doomed to fail no matter how they start. It was all so perfect for me and really resonated.

I guess I had matured and appreciated that their lyrics had grown along with me and better reflected what I was currently going through. I was no longer the kid who got fired up over Irish car bombings or depravities in Central America because Bono got fired up over them.

Then came Popmart and Bono acting the most ***-clownish of his career and I was on to jambands anyway and a whole new scene and lifestyle. See ya ***-clown! No more U2 for me for almost 10 years - I thought their new songs sounded bland and had very little desire to go back and hear the old.


Anyway... there are several bands that I feel the same way that you feel about U2. The Cure and REM are two bands that I only like up until about 1985-87ish and have never gotten into their later stuff. I realize that others have continued to follow them and like the new stuff like I enjoy U2's. I can't hear in their newer stuff what drew me to their earlier stuff. It's all good - just not for me.


I understand what you're saying about the joy of a song like A Day Without Me (funny to think of "joy" in a song about suicide, but it has it) being missing from their newer stuff, but I'm trying to think of any band that has maintained that boyish enthusiasm into their 30s or beyond.

For me, the joy is still there, it's just different and shaded by the years passing and the performers growing and getting on in life.

That's the great thing about music - we all pull from it what we need and none of us are wrong.


It's funny coz if I were pressed today to name an all-time favorite band - which is something I don't do coz I'm not 16 anymore and don't see the need for such absolutes - I'd have to say U2 although it would only be by a hair over probably 8 or 9 other bands instead of the wide margin that it was back in the 80s.

6 or 7 years ago they would have simply been a favorite band from my youth. Funny how it can come full circle.
 
Last edited:
Re: USCHO Music Thread 2: Rock On, Amigo.

Then came Popmart and Bono acting the most ***-clownish of his career and I was on to jambands anyway and a whole new scene and lifestyle. See ya ***-clown! No more U2 for me for almost 10 years - I thought their new songs sounded bland and had very little desire to go back and hear the old.
Click to expand...

Yes. And that's what killed it for me, and it's just never come back. I just don't think I've ever gotten past that Bono. I bought their 'comeback' album ATYCLB, and while there was some good stuff on it, there was a whole lot of meh too. haven't bothered since.

Slightly different from you is that I saw Achtung Baby and the Zoo Tour as the highlight of their career to that point
Click to expand...

Saw them on an outdoor stadium show during the ZooTV tour, and it was absolutely brilliant. Might have had something to do with the beautiful warm night, the whole vibe of the show, whatever, but when they played One, it was one of the most moving experiences I've ever had at a show. Then saw them around 2000-2001, and I was just bored. Just guys playing songs cause that's what they do. Could have been a Vegas show.

I understand what you're saying about the joy of a song like A Day Without Me (funny to think of "joy" in a song about suicide, but it has it) being missing from their newer stuff, but I'm trying to think of any band that has maintained that boyish enthusiasm into their 30s or beyond.
Click to expand...

And that's the problem, for a lot of bands. How to maintain that youthful intensity and passion, while you've grown older and richer and more comfortable. I left REM behind with Monster, they're the same way for me, although since they've never grown as insufferable to me as Bono has, I don't have that visceral "urghh" about them that I have now with U2.

I've no problem with quieter or more 'mature' music from bands. I mean, I just love Blue Rodeo and Van Morrison, even what they're doing now late in their careers. It's just U2's doesn't touch me any more, I feel most of Bono's lyrics are just trite, the melodies generic, the music uninteresting and dull. Just compare the tone that the Edge has here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQXkNEOKmB8

to this generic metal-ish riffing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSqcsWAveRs

There's drama, mood, power, in that first song that's just totally missing from the new one.

Still, my favorite band for some 30 years now has been the Replacements, and while I had reservations about their reunion shows, I just had to go and see them. And they didn't disappoint in the least, even though they're older, and sober, and nowhere near as hell-raising. But they still brought that energy and enthusiasm, and they looked like they were just having a ball being on stage and playing music together. I don't see that so much with U2, it seems that playing music has just become a job to them.
 
Re: USCHO Music Thread 2: Rock On, Amigo.

rufus said:
Yes. And that's what killed it for me, and it's just never come back. I just don't think I've ever gotten past that Bono. I bought their 'comeback' album ATYCLB, and while there was some good stuff on it, there was a whole lot of meh too. haven't bothered since.



Saw them on an outdoor stadium show during the ZooTV tour, and it was absolutely brilliant. Might have had something to do with the beautiful warm night, the whole vibe of the show, whatever, but when they played One, it was one of the most moving experiences I've ever had at a show. Then saw them around 2000-2001, and I was just bored. Just guys playing songs cause that's what they do. Could have been a Vegas show.



And that's the problem, for a lot of bands. How to maintain that youthful intensity and passion, while you've grown older and richer and more comfortable. I left REM behind with Monster, they're the same way for me, although since they've never grown as insufferable to me as Bono has, I don't have that visceral "urghh" about them that I have now with U2.

I've no problem with quieter or more 'mature' music from bands. I mean, I just love Blue Rodeo and Van Morrison, even what they're doing now late in their careers. It's just U2's doesn't touch me any more, I feel most of Bono's lyrics are just trite, the melodies generic, the music uninteresting and dull. Just compare the tone that the Edge has here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQXkNEOKmB8

to this generic metal-ish riffing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSqcsWAveRs

There's drama, mood, power, in that first song that's just totally missing from the new one.

Still, my favorite band for some 30 years now has been the Replacements, and while I had reservations about their reunion shows, I just had to go and see them. And they didn't disappoint in the least, even though they're older, and sober, and nowhere near as hell-raising. But they still brought that energy and enthusiasm, and they looked like they were just having a ball being on stage and playing music together. I don't see that so much with U2, it seems that playing music has just become a job to them.
Click to expand...


Good stuff there. I don't disagree with your points although I hear different things in there.


As far as The Ballad of Joey Ramone, that seems like an iPod commercial theme to me and I don't find it to be all that interesting of a song.


In terms of that tone that's missing that you find in An Cat Dubh/Into the Heart (an all-time favorite of mine, btw), I find it here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2v4OH39UgM

This song crackles for me and the solo (around 4:00 - although don't skip ahead as you need to build to it) raises the hair on my neck when I'm listening to it loud in the car.


I also find it here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uXitB-FfOQ

On Kite, both Edge and Bono shine, imo.


Both of these songs remind me of the heights that the band (and Edge) can get to.


As far as the Zoo TV shows go - I saw one inside show and 2 outdoors - the outdoor show is still quite possibly the best, most moving, and most visually impressive concert I've been to. Remember the Trabants on cranes that stretched over the floor of the stadium and doubled as spotlights? Wish they had those in the video from Sydney as they were cool (I don't remember them in that video, although I could have that wrong).

The only show that comes close in terms of spectacle is Floyd from the Division Bell tour - the best light show I ever witnessed and another of my all-time favorite bands.


Good chat.
 
Last edited:
Re: USCHO Music Thread 2: Rock On, Amigo.

Oh yeah, and as far as Bono goes, I feel like I see through him and I don't even consider the man/personality when I consume the art. I've made peace with the ***-clown that I once hero-worshipped (as a teen) as I have with nearly all artists and famous people.

Even if you go far enough back and look at the Red Rocks video, you can see him play-acting during the encores where he looks surprised that they're doing another song. It's all BS for the cameras just like the brutal overdub in Rattle & Hum where they're gonna do Watchtower and you hear someone say "Does anyone know all of the lyrics to Watchtower?" when no one on screen is saying it. Was just a ploy to show the risks the band was willing to take. Oh my!! :eek:

Of course I ate it up at the time but see right through it now.

I try my best to separate the musician from the music and the athlete from the team I follow. In my admittedly limited chances of meeting these people, they too often disappoint in real life.


I'd really recommend the book Killing Bono if you feel up to it. Judging by where you're at with the band now (a big ol' MEH), you're probably not too interested, but it's a great read and sheds some interesting light. It's pretty darn funny too.
 
Last edited:
Re: USCHO Music Thread 2: Rock On, Amigo.

I learned the separation thing long ago; although more with actors in general. Musically, I hated Rage initially b/c liberals. Got over it, and fully enjoy their music, but usually not their politics. Same with Vedder/Pearl Jam.

You cannot tie in (personally) art and the artist's off-stage opinions. You'll go crazy.
 
Re: USCHO Music Thread 2: Rock On, Amigo.

Brenthoven said:
I learned the separation thing long ago; although more with actors in general. Musically, I hated Rage initially b/c liberals. Got over it, and fully enjoy their music, but usually not their politics. Same with Vedder/Pearl Jam.

You cannot tie in (personally) art and the artist's off-stage opinions. You'll go crazy.
Click to expand...
I had to do that with both actors and recording artists otherwise I'd not have any sort of entertainment options available to me. The only exception I have to that rule is Drew Barrymore. She horked me off more than I care to discuss.
 
Re: USCHO Music Thread 2: Rock On, Amigo.

Pink Floyd is my favorite of all time. From the 80's era etc my favorites are REM, The Cure, Replacements, The Suburbs, U2, Violent Femmes and perhaps a few others. While REM completely lost me for 3 straight records until their last, I admittedly only shortly gave up on U2 and am still a huge fan of most of what they've put out. But I don't begrudge Rufus' perspective in the least. It's not unexpected even if I managed to hang on personally.
 
Re: USCHO Music Thread 2: Rock On, Amigo.

Having to stream the Badger game, so in the background on the TV is Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers - 30th Anniversary Concert (2006).

Have to say... this is a great show and am enjoying the band.
 
Re: USCHO Music Thread 2: Rock On, Amigo.

Bomber said:
A drive by post to make sure y'all are watching Sonic Highways on HBO. Even if you aren't a Foo Fighters fan it is an amazing hour of music history each week. Go find it OnDemand. You won't be sorry.

The first video. My favorite track of 2014.

http://youtu.be/V_YlZ1JdcVk
Click to expand...
I agree, it's a very good show / series and well worth watching.
 
Re: USCHO Music Thread 2: Rock On, Amigo.

Bomber said:
Love the U2 talk. They are a complex and interesting band.

Be sure to read this review of Songs if Innocence. It's beautifully written and hits the nail on the head IMHO.

http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/19816-u2-songs-of-innocence/
Click to expand...


Scathing review. Ouch.


This line brought back some memories of something that no longer exists though...

"By updating the old Columbia House Record Club scam to the digital age..."


I must have joined Columbia House and BMG about 5-10 times each until I had fully exhausted their catalogues of the stuff I wanted. Had it down to a science of when to quit so as to keep the per cd price at it's lowest. Also referred my alter-ego so I could get the referral bonus discs.

Was always an awesome day when the initial package of 12 cds would arrive.

:)
 
Re: USCHO Music Thread 2: Rock On, Amigo.

Gurtholfin said:
Scathing review. Ouch.


This line brought back some memories of something that no longer exists though...

"By updating the old Columbia House Record Club scam to the digital age..."


I must have joined Columbia House and BMG about 5-10 times each until I had fully exhausted their catalogues of the stuff I wanted. Had it down to a science of when to quit so as to keep the per cd price at it's lowest. Also referred my alter-ego so I could get the referral bonus discs.

Was always an awesome day when the initial package of 12 cds would arrive.

:)
Click to expand...
I have a buddy that signed all of his "brothers" too. My buddy's name was Robert, so his brothers' names were Philbert, Dilbert, Eggbert and a fourth one that I don't recall. Yes, he had the cartoon out. I don't know if his brothers ever purchased the requisite CDs after receiving their freebies.

I joined and canceled a few times, too, but it was just me and I kept it all on the up and up.
 
Re: USCHO Music Thread 2: Rock On, Amigo.

St. Clown said:
I joined and canceled a few times, too, but it was just me and I kept it all on the up and up.
Click to expand...


I paid all of mine, but used my alter ego (middle name, same last name) so I could take advantage of the referral bonus - usually 4 more free cds if you referred a "friend."

My middle name started getting a lot of mail and may even have gotten a credit card sent - can't remember for sure. Was the early 90s and credit cards were easier to come by back then.
 
Re: USCHO Music Thread 2: Rock On, Amigo.

My whole family apparently lived with me and my roommate in our 2BR apt. My grandpa, too. Joined and cancelled, repeat. Like Gurt, I did the math to maximize my buying power.

A buddy joined and cancelled a couple times before he was 18 (under variances of his name) and never paid. Some law that says a minor can't enter a legally binding contract or something so they couldn't go after him. It was weird.
 
Currently sitting up the street from the Barrymore theater here in Madison where my kid and some buddies are seeing G-Eazy. Ugh, but what are ya gonna do?

Hearing:

A Silent Film - Sand & Snow


I feel slightly guilty for sorta liking this. Whatever.
 
Re: USCHO Music Thread 2: Rock On, Amigo.

Gurtholfin said:
Currently sitting up the street from the Barrymore theater here in Madison where my kid and some buddies are seeing G-Eazy. Ugh, but what are ya gonna do?
Click to expand...


I let them have the stereo on the 25 minute ride home and upon further review, G-Eazy wasn't too bad.

They were raving amongst themselves about the show and this song or that song and the drunk college student by them and how cool the red leather jacket was and how hard-*** the security was and how cool the t-shirts are and whether he says he loves every city he's in or if he really likes Madison and how he left the stage and everyone chanted for one more and he came back and not only did one more, but did TWO of his BEST songs... :D

The enthusiasm that only young people growing up can have.

I remember feeling that way about concerts. :)


Brought a big smile to my face on the way home and made my late night jaunt totally worth it.
 
Last edited:
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top