Borders: The Best Of U2

[Danny Boy]

I was at my local Borders yesterday, and in the CD section was a new display with the title "The Best Of U2." This wasn't just some employee's idea for a display; it was a full-color, professionally printed endcap.

I assume Borders ordered these up to promote U2 By U2 or the Zoo TV DVD or both.

So, according to Borders, the "best" of U2 is:

War
The Joshua Tree
Achtung Baby
The Best of 1980-1990
The Best of 1990-2000
Zoo TV Live from Sidney

I started to get outraged, but then I thought, "Meh, sounds about right."

Discuss...

 

[U2girl]

I'd add in UF.

Not a bad place to start with the band with either of those albums. (Sydney might be a bit much for a new fan, with Macphisto and all)

 

[Reggie Thee Dog]

This will definitely get the fanbase here up in arms. Music is so subjective...isn't it?

 

[corianderstem]

I have a hard time getting worked up about what a big bookstore feels is the "best" of U2.

 

[LemonMelon]

Zooropa, Pop, and HTDAAB, b*tches!

Actually, I think my top three would be

Zooropa
Joshua Tree
Pop

And then War and HTDAAB. So I guess it's not that bad a list.

 

[Bug]

That actually covers a large amount, I think.
The lack of any October material is a bit unsettling but whatever.

 

[Snowlock]

If I were to do the display of the Best Of U2 it would be:

War
The Joshua Tree
Classic Albums - U2: The Joshua Tree DVD
Best of 1990-2000 (covers AB & ATYCLB pretty well)
HTDAAB
ZooTV Live In Sydney DVD
U2 Go Home: Live at Slane Castle DVD
Rattle & Hum DVD
U2 by U2 Book
U2 At The End of The World book

 

[yolland]

I assume Borders ordered these up to promote U2 By U2 or the Zoo TV DVD or both.

Not necessarily; it's certainly possible (in which case the selection likely represents what their buyers reckon will sell best and/or which titles they're overstocked on), but in most cases, those displays are actally paid for by the record company and it's primarily they who determine what's featured. Either way, it's unlikely that an honest critical assessment was the main criterion.