oliveU2cm, thanks for the link and I absolutely LOVED the MacPhisto version, I think I even prefered it to the original! Honestly, I was showing the recording to my best friend, and he pointed out that when he does the 'slur' thing and tries to put on the sleazy posh English accent he actually sounded a lot like me when I sing (and as I only sing when I'm drunk, its not too hard to believe). So thanks again, I would love to hear his rendition of WOWY.
Anyway, going back to the discussion. This has been simply one of the most absorbing and fascinating threads ever, and I'd like to thank 80sU2isBest, while also trying an answer. The funny thing abot 80sU2isBEst, is her actual name, because I remember the first thing I thought when I saw the name; I thought... 'I agree, 80's U2 IS best.
Let me explain.
The first time I even heard of anything of U2 was, ironically enough, was in the Irish terrorist film of 'BLOWN AWAY'; remember the one where Tommy Lee Jones plays an IRA terrorist exacting his revenge on Jeff Bridges? Well, I remember Jones hopping around in his boat, and since he's a particularly patriotic Irish man in the film, he was listening to U2's 'I STILL HAVEN'T FOUND WHAT I'M LOOKING FOR'. When I heard it I think I must've gone into a trance, it was SO beautiful, so moving; the first time I heard it the moment was so intense I thought I was going to die. It was as if someone had reached into my soul and uncovered all of its secrets, all of its passions and all of its doubts. It was simply amazing, and to this day, it is not only my favourite U2 song, it is also my favourite song of all time; becuase it IS me. I still haven't found what I'm looking for, despite everything.
However, I did not become a U2 fan in 1994 despite all this, it took me the following year when I was watching MTV and I saw the video for 'HMTMKMKM', when the cartoon of MacPhisto grabbed me instantly. I found the concept fascinating, this man turning into the devil and then not only causing havok in Gotham City and attacking this innocent woman, but also the sheer confidance he had in his wickedness. The character of MacPhisto did intrigue me, and so I did some research into the band and realised that they were the same people responsible for 'I Still Haven't Found...'. This took me by surprise; how can someone sing lyrics so devoted to God and the mystery of God and then prance around as confidantly as the devil?
IF you know me, you'll know that I'm a man who LOVES contradictions. I find the duality of human nature incredibly fascinating, so this contradiction of 'natures' didn't put me off one bit, it made me look deeper and deeper into U2. And, the more I went back in time to their music, I began to piece it altogether. I do prefer the 80's U2 a lot more, not because of image (if anything, I prefer their NEW image. I hate Bono's hair long and I hate them in cowboy gear, it just doesn't suit them), what I do prefer is Bono's lyrics. Not that his lyrics have lost their potency in the last decade, its just I'd like to think it was the start of their journey that got me into them, even though I wasn't there to begin with.
Everytime I look at an artist, whether its poetry by W.B. Yeats or artistic career of Salvador Dali, I find it important to be aware of their themes and their evolution, once you look at that, you find the essence of the artist; I have found the case to be with U2. Oh sure, I might find their older music a BIT closer to my heart, but that doesnt mean I don't like where they're going - I LOVE where they have been and where they're going. I love how at the beginning of the 90's they changed almost completely; they became all glitz and 'pop', all dark and slightly cynical, but, I'm sure in years to come, when their careers ARE over (God forbid), we will probably look upon such an era as their 'prodigal son' era - having searched everywhere for God and not found It they were finally tempted by the devil. And in a way its very beautiful, its beautiful because its a reflection of our own humanity, the idea of MacPhisto may be far from divine, however, the lesson being taught is pretty divine, the catch is I think that U2 were also learning the lesson along with their fans.
MacPhisto to me represents not only the dark side of say, Bono, but also the dark side of stardom and faith, yes, faith does have a dark side when its invested in the wrong thigs. It also shows how people can turn from God in a moment of desperation, only to be welcomed back to Its arms again. Look at U2 now, I think they have returned to their image back in the 80's, pretty much, with the exception of the 80's gear, as we live in a very fashionable and trendy age. They can't go around looking like they did in the 80s, that would just be wrong.
If anything, the MODERN U2 is quite tame and well, sanitised compared to the anger in the old days and the dark side shown in the 90's.
And its this progression that makes this band just so amazing, its a band that evolves and develops, and a lot of it has to do with Bono's own spiritual development, and like any spiritual development, there are moments of despair and cynicism, as well as moments where you think that God is right there with you, carrying you away or 'taking you higher'.
For me, its about looking at the whole scheme of things, looking at their progression and trying to see the whole picture. It must have been hard for the fans who looked to U2 for the answers, however, that is not U2's fault. Bono, in my opinion, has always been humble before being 'showy', he has always said and proven that he is before anything else, a man. A man like any other, but has the opportunity to express himself, and boy does he. Just because U2 fans looked to his lyrics and the band's attitude doesn't change the fact that the man had his own doubts and his own dark moments, shall we say, but it does NOT make him less of an artist, in fact, it makes him more than such.
As for his comments of 'we don't need the old fans', as hurtful as it might have been (I know I would have been really REALLY hurt)I think the comment might have been put out of context, and if it hadn't, one has to ask the question of whether or not Bono has a point. I mean, if someone had asked me just that, I probably would have said what he did, if not something more impolite. I mean, if I had been doing my job, singing my song and simply doing what I did best and suddenly decided to explore something about myself in a different way with the result of people not liking what I was doing all of a sudden, then the only attitude to actually have is 'well, if you don't like it you can go...'. Its not a nice attitude but its a natural one, an attitude anyone of us would have. The best artists are those who realise that they are human, just as human as their audience is, and the only way to be true to yourself is to explore these themes.
I mentioned earlier about artists having recurring themes, if I had to describe U2 I would say onwe word; GOD. Despite the differences in attitude behind MacPhisto and the attitude behind 80s U2, I still think that it was their quest for God. Bono's exploration of his dark side, or 'devil side' is his quest for God. Its a complex and confusing path, but its one we all must take, and its truly beautiful. Its what makes us human.
Oh, what if Lucifer would come to some awakening one day and sing 'With or Without You' to God just before repenting. It is true that Lucifer hates God, but you can not have hate without love. People often mistake that the opposite of Love is hate, it isnt; its indifference.
Ant.
