Kind of pointless to add another viewpoint to this debate, but what the heck.
Far as I can see, there's three major viewpoints:
1.) People disappointed that this release wasn't more aimed at loyal fans and showcased truly the band's best work, whatever it be. Stay, One Tree Hill, Acrobat, Gone, what have you.
2.) People who understood and accepted the single-driven, casual-fan nature of the release but were still bewildered by some selections. No "I Will Follow"? Two songs from all of the '90s? Four songs from a recent album but zero from the first two?
3.) People who think the band can do whatever it wants and are pretty much okay with that.
All pretty valid viewpoints. I put myself in the number-two camp, but I'm not getting too upset about it.
Just for kicks, I pulled the playlist together on iTunes and gave it a listen. I'm surprisingly impressed with the way the songs flow.
Lastly, a theory. There are 16 tracks of previous work here, and they seem to be curiously selected and grouped. Is it possible that each group of four songs was the preferred selection of each member of the band (4 times 4 = 16).
Look at tracks 5 through 8: mostly bass-driven songs. Adam's selection?
Tracks 9 through 12: Could very well be Bono's favorites--three lyrical powerhouses plus Sweetest Thing, which obviously has personal significance.
Tracks 1 through 4: All songs with very strong or innovative drumming (maybe not With or Without You so much, but listen closely and there is some cool percussive bursts).
Which leaves tracks 13 through 16: Okay, hard to imagine these are the songs The Edge is most proud of, but certainly he must love to play Desire and Elevation because they are very fun guitar parts. I always thought the guitar melody was the best part of Walk On.
So not a perfect theory (Stuck in a Moment is not *that* heavy on bass), but a fun exercise.
Instead of coming up with a half assed effort like this one they should be working in the studio. FUCK THESE LAZY OLD GEEZERS.
