Particularly the last minute or so from the above listed video. Just a thought. If they did, they wouldn't be second guessing themselves and that then causing all of the album delays.
This comment is not meant towards you, per se, but to everyone who says U2 is "second guessing" themselves.
What gives you that impression? Because it's taken a while for this album? Because U2 seem to be "mixing" more than before? If that's your answer, then I don't accept it.
Edge admitted to editing the over-indulgent bits. Immediately U2 fans claimed that this self-editing meant the "best parts" might be chopped and that U2 are limiting their experimentation and blah, blah. There's indulgence for the sake of indulgence, and then there's indulgence that benefits the art. In an era of massive illegal downloads and cherry-picking songs on iTunes, U2 still produces worldwide hits and Platinum albums. I will always defer to them over any fan's opinion here.
If U2 feel the album isn't ready, then it isn't ready. I imagine at this point in their lives, it's not quite the same as it was in their 20's. They have to find that graceful place that allows them to state key view points while still producing great music.
It's interesting that attitude led the creation of classic albums while their current method of operation has led to forgettable records and critical failures.
I'm sure we'd disagree with the "critical failures" bit, but that's not my issue with this statement.
U2 released TUF in 1984. JT, as we all know, wasn't released until 1987. One person I knew said he thought U2 broke up as he hadn't heard anything new from them.
While R&H came out fairly quickly thereafter, I know countless people who consider that a "live album". Fair or not, that is the "casual fan" perspective. To those people, U2 took 4 years until AB. Then another 4 years from "Zooropa" to "Pop". While this album may hit the 5 year mark since the prior release, it's really not that shocking compared to the 3 and 4 year pace of their earlier releases.
Were U2 "second guessing" themselves back then too?
Oh, and I like "Stand Up Comedy". But even if you don't, I do not believe that song was intended to be a single. "Crazy Tonight" clearly was and not only is it terrible, it doesn't belong on the album. So I will agree with that view. But NLOTH also featured some brilliance, like the aforementioned MOS, the title track, "Breathe", "White As Snow", etc. I can accept a few clunkers on an otherwise great album. It's just that none of those songs were really radio-friendly.
Therefore, are you willing to accept a brilliant album that has songs that casual fan never will hear? Or are you willing to accept a very strong album that has that one or two hit songs? Because JT was that way, IMO.
God yes grandpa mullet!
