New Album Discussion 1 - Songs of..... - Unreasonable guitar album

[super fly guy]

Originally Posted by DeVaul

They’re going to talk it up as new and relevant and play it every night regardless of crowd reaction like they did with American Soul.

Imagine refu-jesus on the screen at the sphere.

[DeVaul]

Originally Posted by super fly guy

Imagine refu-jesus on the screen at the sphere.

They did warn that some folks may experience nausea…

[trevgreg]

Originally Posted by lazarus

I think the same-day release is the right idea. What's the point of releasing it today? To get people to buy tickets before next weekend's shows? Aren't they sold out already?

I think the double-whammy of media outlets being able to talk about the first show and the new single makes it more newsworthy. U2 merely releasing a single, especially a stand-alone, isn't the big deal it used to be for 99% of the public.

True, but that's pretty much the case for any artist out there nowadays. Either way, having something both in the lead up to the shows and the first day can't hurt for bringing the band some attention nowadays. Not like they need help selling the Sphere shows at this point, but for the brand as a whole, it's probably a solid investment.

Originally Posted by DeVaul

They did warn that some folks may experience nausea…

You nearly owed me a near keyboard after that remark!

[TinKnight]

I'm like ten days late on everything, but I literally don't care if it sounds like Blondie. Is it a bit TOO close? I think yeah, a little bit. But I really don't care about people reusing melodies. There are a finite amount of them, who cares.

[TinKnight]

Also I don't think U2's image is foregone. Yes, people still talk about the iPhone thing almost ten years later, but there's still plenty of time for them to pull a Springsteen-style rebrand. I was actively teased in 2005-09 for liking Springsteen, and now EVERYONE likes Springsteen. They gotta tread lightly but I think it's possible

[mikal]

Originally Posted by TinKnight

I'm like ten days late on everything, but I literally don't care if it sounds like Blondie. Is it a bit TOO close? I think yeah, a little bit. But I really don't care about people reusing melodies. There are a finite amount of them, who cares.

If Bono had just stopped at the "Free" and then went into a different vocal pattern that wasn't Blondie, then it probably would have been cool. But instead? Yeah we're stuck with Blondie.

[Gonna Run 2 U]

Originally Posted by TinKnight

Also I don't think U2's image is foregone. Yes, people still talk about the iPhone thing almost ten years later, but there's still plenty of time for them to pull a Springsteen-style rebrand. I was actively teased in 2005-09 for liking Springsteen, and now EVERYONE likes Springsteen. They gotta tread lightly but I think it's possible

If you look at the comment section of the Asbury Park Press on Facebook, you will find that not everyone likes him.

[TinKnight]

Originally Posted by Gonna Run 2 U

If you look at the comment section of the Asbury Park Press on Facebook, you will find that not everyone likes him.

well thats because people from new jersey shouldnt be allowed on facebook. watch yourself bub

[Headache in a Suitcase]

Originally Posted by TinKnight

Also I don't think U2's image is foregone. Yes, people still talk about the iPhone thing almost ten years later, but there's still plenty of time for them to pull a Springsteen-style rebrand. I was actively teased in 2005-09 for liking Springsteen, and now EVERYONE likes Springsteen. They gotta tread lightly but I think it's possible

I don't disagree.

The Stones had a period where they were lame for being old guys still trying to make a living.

Now wearing the Stones logo is cool again. It's a vicious cycle, getting old.

And since I grew up in the general vicinity of New York and New Jersey, I know not of this 2005-2009 dislike for the Boss.

[DomCobb]

Originally Posted by lazarus

I think the same-day release is the right idea. What's the point of releasing it today? To get people to buy tickets before next weekend's shows? Aren't they sold out already?

I think the double-whammy of media outlets being able to talk about the first show and the new single makes it more newsworthy. U2 merely releasing a single, especially a stand-alone, isn't the big deal it used to be for 99% of the public.

Yeah, I completely agree. The show will promote the single and vice versa. There isn't much reason to promote the first batch of dates which all sold out immediately. Most remaining seats are in November and December.

Plus any hardcore fans there (likely a good amount on opening night) should already know the song by now.

[lazarus]

The Stones were never as divisive or hated like U2 has been, even before the SOI iTunes debacle.

[DomCobb]

Yeah I find it a bit hard to believe U2 will ever become cool again (I mean were they ever? 90s maybe?). They’re probably the most made fun of band in the world besides maybe Nickelback.

Maybe in 50 years when everything except their music is forgotten.

[super fly guy]

Originally Posted by lazarus

The Stones were never as divisive or hated like U2 has been, even before the SOI iTunes debacle.

Exactly,I know people who actively hate them with a passion.

[Hewson]

Originally Posted by DomCobb

Yeah I find it a bit hard to believe U2 will ever become cool again (I mean were they ever? 90s maybe?). They’re probably the most made fun of band in the world besides maybe Nickelback.

Maybe in 50 years when everything except their music is forgotten.

They were cool in the 80's and 90's (certainly the early 90's). And not thought of too badly in the early 2000's by most.

[Headache in a Suitcase]

we've had this conversation before.

comparing U2 to nickleback is ridiculous.

those who do hate them are quite vocal - but there's an age range - let's say late 30s and up - where the band is beloved and always have been - by the general public. you don't sell the number of tickets they've sold or the albums they sold (when that was a thing) if there's a 50/50 love 'em or hate 'em thing going on.

again - those who do hate them are very vocal about it. but it's not a huge number. i think people often mistake eye rolling at bono for hatred of U2.

that said - there's a SHARP cut off once we start getting past Vertigo. they tried to hang around with the youngs for too long and faced a sharp backlash - the apple debacle being the culmination. but the fans who became fans in the 80s, 90s and early 2000s are plentiful.

the olds still love U2. how many other bands could come close to selling out 25 shows in a single city for an old album?

their being the old guy in the club thing has hurt their legacy with younger generations. but i do think, in time, that'll swing back.

[mikal]

Originally Posted by Hewson

They were cool in the 80's and 90's (certainly the early 90's). And not thought of too badly in the early 2000's by most.

You could definitely sense the backlash really starting around the 2005. The 2000-2002 resurgence had a lot to do with the back to basics and then 9/11 of course. And once that wore off, people really got sick of the "Africa, Bono met the Pope, U2 is for Soccer Moms" version and they never really recovered from that. SOI was a great opportunity to because the album and tour were both great but yeah the whole iPhone thing ruined that.

[DeVaul]

Originally Posted by Headache in a Suitcase

the olds still love U2. how many other bands could come close to selling out 25 shows in a single city for an old album?

This. No one else of their vintage could manage this.

[Gonna Run 2 U]

The South Park episode too

[Headache in a Suitcase]

they destroyed every touring record on the books, with a meh album , from 2009 to 2011. post south park, post bono meeting with george bush or the pope.

the olds love U2.

[Hewson]

Originally Posted by Headache in a Suitcase

they destroyed every touring record on the books, with a meh album , from 2009 to 2011. post south park, post bono meeting with george bush or the pope.

the olds love U2.

And they've never failed to deliver a quality show/tour, so it keeps folks coming back.