donkeytimes
The Fly
- Joined
- Jan 14, 2009
- Messages
- 150
Every so often I am compelled to write something on what the next steps for U2 should be. With the re-release of Achtung Baby and the documentary, etc. there have been several vague quotes discussing what U2 will do or “not” do next from Bono himself.
I think we all know U2 will do something, in other words – they aren’t breaking up or merely ending on No Line…But, I think the quote which riles some of us up is the whole notion that U2 needs be relevant again by getting airplay, etc – yet, Bono would like to get lost in the music. If I had my way, and I were calling the shots: the points below would serve as some loose direction to the band AND perhaps truly inspire U2 to focus and/or get lost in the music.
1. First off, U2 have always wanted to appeal to the masses. AND TRUST ME, I get it. They have sold millions, they have done pretty much everything you can imagine. With so much accomplishment, it seems they are now consumed to staying relevant (maybe not with a 1# record, but they want to be a contemporary of the other pop artists and do damage. I just think they need to readjust what relevance is, and what musical legacy they want to still contribute to the world.
2. I would suggest they take a step back. They know they have the core audience locked in. Instead of going after pop charts, and Jay-Z, and Rihanna, etc. Why not try and appeal back to the crowd which they left? That is, the art, Pitchfork, savvy rock/more art side of the house. My opinion only, U2 could with the right production team – could write a serious album, still have some hooks, have the critics happy, play arena’s, and yet still capture the intimate yet serious grandeur of years past.
3. Before people scoff, when I say win over the critics – it means making another record from top to bottom, and letting the mastery of the sound they created shine through and appeal to a crowd that has long written them off. The song Soon was beautiful, Fez/Being Born, etc. If U2 could learn to just do the music for craft, and listen more to Danny Lanois – the world would be a better place.
4. I think they should tour arena’s. I think they should invite other indie artists (much like they did with Arcade Fire in 05’ and 06’) I would suggest bands like “The National and M83.” These bands have large tunes, and could be every bit as popular and are becoming more popular. It would be nice to see U2 interact with bands that want to do good records, art, yet still maintain the hooks with graceful albums that really touch the crowd that still like indie rock.
5. I would hire Lanois, I would use Eno as a consultant only. I think they should go to New Orleans or something and crank out a record with Danny at his studio. Let him be the zen master of tone that he is.
6. I would tell Bono to get rid of the modern shades, still wear the shades but perhaps go simple. Edge should wear his street clothes. In other words, the bedazzled stage pants have got to go.
7. Point 6 is relevant because if U2 is truly about the music, then I think the style of the band goes hand in hand with the demographic they are trying to hit. I want them to be graceful now and grow into that elder statesmen role.
8. When its music time, I would prefer if Bono could listen to his band for a prolonged time and dedicate himself to that craft and just keep an eye on the good deed stuff and limit interviews that do not discuss music.
I think we all know U2 will do something, in other words – they aren’t breaking up or merely ending on No Line…But, I think the quote which riles some of us up is the whole notion that U2 needs be relevant again by getting airplay, etc – yet, Bono would like to get lost in the music. If I had my way, and I were calling the shots: the points below would serve as some loose direction to the band AND perhaps truly inspire U2 to focus and/or get lost in the music.
1. First off, U2 have always wanted to appeal to the masses. AND TRUST ME, I get it. They have sold millions, they have done pretty much everything you can imagine. With so much accomplishment, it seems they are now consumed to staying relevant (maybe not with a 1# record, but they want to be a contemporary of the other pop artists and do damage. I just think they need to readjust what relevance is, and what musical legacy they want to still contribute to the world.
2. I would suggest they take a step back. They know they have the core audience locked in. Instead of going after pop charts, and Jay-Z, and Rihanna, etc. Why not try and appeal back to the crowd which they left? That is, the art, Pitchfork, savvy rock/more art side of the house. My opinion only, U2 could with the right production team – could write a serious album, still have some hooks, have the critics happy, play arena’s, and yet still capture the intimate yet serious grandeur of years past.
3. Before people scoff, when I say win over the critics – it means making another record from top to bottom, and letting the mastery of the sound they created shine through and appeal to a crowd that has long written them off. The song Soon was beautiful, Fez/Being Born, etc. If U2 could learn to just do the music for craft, and listen more to Danny Lanois – the world would be a better place.
4. I think they should tour arena’s. I think they should invite other indie artists (much like they did with Arcade Fire in 05’ and 06’) I would suggest bands like “The National and M83.” These bands have large tunes, and could be every bit as popular and are becoming more popular. It would be nice to see U2 interact with bands that want to do good records, art, yet still maintain the hooks with graceful albums that really touch the crowd that still like indie rock.
5. I would hire Lanois, I would use Eno as a consultant only. I think they should go to New Orleans or something and crank out a record with Danny at his studio. Let him be the zen master of tone that he is.
6. I would tell Bono to get rid of the modern shades, still wear the shades but perhaps go simple. Edge should wear his street clothes. In other words, the bedazzled stage pants have got to go.
7. Point 6 is relevant because if U2 is truly about the music, then I think the style of the band goes hand in hand with the demographic they are trying to hit. I want them to be graceful now and grow into that elder statesmen role.
8. When its music time, I would prefer if Bono could listen to his band for a prolonged time and dedicate himself to that craft and just keep an eye on the good deed stuff and limit interviews that do not discuss music.
