Many artists have been going to a poppier sound lately, with a great deal of success. R.E.M.'s Reveal, ATYCLB, Sheryl Crow, Alanis Morisette have all gone in this direction. Pop = high album sales. High album sales = lots and lots of money. Nothing profound there.
With U2, everything has been planned to happen in a certain order, with excellent timing, to maximize sales. Performances at sporting events (NBA finals, Super Bowl), a quickly released DVD conveniently in time for the Christmas season and a bizarre, and very tacky, exclusive Target release just in time for Valentine's day. And now that they're back on top, another Best Of, which will undoubtedly make them even more money (probably in time for Christmas again).
Has the art been sacrificed in this endeavor to make the big bucks? Or can one be a millionaire many times over, while still maximizing profits, and continue to be considered an artist? Are they smart businessmen and good artists simultaneously, or have they just turned U2 into a big business?
With U2, everything has been planned to happen in a certain order, with excellent timing, to maximize sales. Performances at sporting events (NBA finals, Super Bowl), a quickly released DVD conveniently in time for the Christmas season and a bizarre, and very tacky, exclusive Target release just in time for Valentine's day. And now that they're back on top, another Best Of, which will undoubtedly make them even more money (probably in time for Christmas again).
Has the art been sacrificed in this endeavor to make the big bucks? Or can one be a millionaire many times over, while still maximizing profits, and continue to be considered an artist? Are they smart businessmen and good artists simultaneously, or have they just turned U2 into a big business?