HelloAngel
ONE love, blood, life
[SIMG]http://bonovox.interference.com/analysis/october-sml.jpg[/SIMG]
By: Ali Ficklin
2004.11
October and the trees are stripped bare of all that they wear / What do I care?
A change of seasons, a change in U2's sound. Expenses, stress and lost lyrics all tried to hamper the recording of U2's second album "October," however, soul overcame frustration at Windmill Lane Studios in Dublin, and in October 1981 the album was released.
What was the significance behind the month of October that caused U2 to name an album this? A lot happened in the world in 1981 that could have influenced their decision. To name a few things, this was the year AIDS was discovered, Pope John Paul II was almost assassinated, as well as was former President Ronald Reagan. In Northern Ireland, a historical hunger strike was occurring at The Maze Prison where some prisoners were protesting to be called prisoners of war, instead of criminals. All these events could have had some influence on the creation and titling of the bands second LP. Or, perhaps it was just a simple choice in relation to the song of the same title. Either way we're going to get to the bottom of it, starting with the album cover.
With the cover photographed by Ian Finley at the Dublin docks on what appears to be a chilly day, the refrain of the moment is calm and collected with only The Edge and Larry Mullen Jr. looking straight into the camera. Dressed warmly, Bono, in what appears to be a denim jacket (an '80s fashion must), Mullen in a turtleneck (who would've thought), Adam Clayton in some type of wool/tweed sports coat, and The Edge with a classic shirt and jacket. The band members all appear to be deep in thought with their wind swept hair and gray sky behind them, a portrait of the season is being displayed and the scene is set for the title.
In some ways the cover reflects the mood of the album. The songs aren't necessarily filled with sunshine but are warm and crisp, filled with that raw, heartfelt emotion, such as in "I Fall Down," "Fire," and "I Threw a Brick Through a Window." "October" is an album made for autumn and winter ears. The guitar solos have that distinct irreplaceable quality The Edge brings that reaches out and pulls you in, setting the tone for the songs. Mullen's drumming becomes more powerful, and passionate with each beat, and can be felt to the core in songs like "I Threw a Brick through a Window," "With a Shout" and "Scarlet." Bono's voice explodes through the speakers lighting fire to your ears with his energetic vocal expressions, and emotional tones, as heard on songs like "Gloria," "Rejoice," and "Tomorrow."
Close your eyes, and lose yourself in the album. You can easily imagine autumn all around you, falling leaves, burnt colors, and the cool air blowing on your face. This album has a peacefulness that wraps itself around you, as does the winds of fall, in the end leaving you inspired and longing for the season to stay just a little longer.
I believe the sound of the album and feel of autumn in Dublin played a big part in deciding on a suitable title for this album. In the end my conclusion for its naming "October," is rather simple, that was the month U2 was formed—October 1976. The month is undoubtedly filled with special meaning, nostalgia and amazing memories for the band so why not memorialize the month, freeze the October era in time and always be able to reflect upon the moments of those days through music with an album commemorating the month it all started—October.
By: Ali Ficklin
2004.11
October and the trees are stripped bare of all that they wear / What do I care?
A change of seasons, a change in U2's sound. Expenses, stress and lost lyrics all tried to hamper the recording of U2's second album "October," however, soul overcame frustration at Windmill Lane Studios in Dublin, and in October 1981 the album was released.
What was the significance behind the month of October that caused U2 to name an album this? A lot happened in the world in 1981 that could have influenced their decision. To name a few things, this was the year AIDS was discovered, Pope John Paul II was almost assassinated, as well as was former President Ronald Reagan. In Northern Ireland, a historical hunger strike was occurring at The Maze Prison where some prisoners were protesting to be called prisoners of war, instead of criminals. All these events could have had some influence on the creation and titling of the bands second LP. Or, perhaps it was just a simple choice in relation to the song of the same title. Either way we're going to get to the bottom of it, starting with the album cover.
With the cover photographed by Ian Finley at the Dublin docks on what appears to be a chilly day, the refrain of the moment is calm and collected with only The Edge and Larry Mullen Jr. looking straight into the camera. Dressed warmly, Bono, in what appears to be a denim jacket (an '80s fashion must), Mullen in a turtleneck (who would've thought), Adam Clayton in some type of wool/tweed sports coat, and The Edge with a classic shirt and jacket. The band members all appear to be deep in thought with their wind swept hair and gray sky behind them, a portrait of the season is being displayed and the scene is set for the title.
In some ways the cover reflects the mood of the album. The songs aren't necessarily filled with sunshine but are warm and crisp, filled with that raw, heartfelt emotion, such as in "I Fall Down," "Fire," and "I Threw a Brick Through a Window." "October" is an album made for autumn and winter ears. The guitar solos have that distinct irreplaceable quality The Edge brings that reaches out and pulls you in, setting the tone for the songs. Mullen's drumming becomes more powerful, and passionate with each beat, and can be felt to the core in songs like "I Threw a Brick through a Window," "With a Shout" and "Scarlet." Bono's voice explodes through the speakers lighting fire to your ears with his energetic vocal expressions, and emotional tones, as heard on songs like "Gloria," "Rejoice," and "Tomorrow."
Close your eyes, and lose yourself in the album. You can easily imagine autumn all around you, falling leaves, burnt colors, and the cool air blowing on your face. This album has a peacefulness that wraps itself around you, as does the winds of fall, in the end leaving you inspired and longing for the season to stay just a little longer.
I believe the sound of the album and feel of autumn in Dublin played a big part in deciding on a suitable title for this album. In the end my conclusion for its naming "October," is rather simple, that was the month U2 was formed—October 1976. The month is undoubtedly filled with special meaning, nostalgia and amazing memories for the band so why not memorialize the month, freeze the October era in time and always be able to reflect upon the moments of those days through music with an album commemorating the month it all started—October.
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