Michael Griffiths
Rock n' Roll Doggie
I was just thinking about how many hardcore U2 fans were displeased, to some extent, over U2's direction with ATYCLB (or, in some people's opinions, lack of direction). If one were to buy the argument that U2 made ATYCLB in order to gain their fan base back (after the *general* disappointment with Pop in the U.S.), do you think that U2 succeeded with this strategy? (I personally believe they made ATYCLB for themselves, first and foremost, and I do believe it IS a new direction, for them, but that's besides the point.) I know if you go strictly by the sales, they obviously have succeeded, but there's a bigger question here. It seems that many U2 fans I know, would rather see them go forward, rather than reach back as they have done, let's admit, to some extent on ATYCLB. I am beginning to believe that most U2 fans would -- at this point -- rather see U2 go forward, in fact. I wonder if U2 believe this, too? If they did, I think they could more easily concentrate on just doing what they want to do, rather than thinking about record sales and what people will buy into, rather than what people like, (as I believe there is a distinction to be made there). If U2 knew we would all support them with open arms, I wonder if they would have the power to forget what the record label/industry has to say about it. I suppose they do have to think about the contemporary market, as it all does come down to business, unfortunately. I do believe, however, that U2 has the power to dictate the market to some degree, and I'd like to believe that they've now earned that position.
Basically, the key idea of this thread is to see if YOU, the general (okay fanatical) U2 fan would like U2 to dive into HEAVY experimentation (to the same degree, say, as The Unforgettable Fire and Zooropa, if not even more so). Would YOU like U2 to take another creative plunge? Would YOU like U2 to compete against the Radioheads, the Elbows, (what other body part can I throw in here?), *as well* as the rock gods of the world? A super experimental ROCK album would be great, don't you think? They could still keep the tunes, but the tunes would come out of something much more interesting. (It just so happens that that is what we might get, but that's besides the point.)
I had to edit this post, as I forgot the other side of this vote: Would you rather see U2 continue down the direction of ATYCLB -- finely tuning their songcrafting, and delving into becoming masters of the "pop" song. There is something to be said for this, aferall. U2 did reach into some rock conventions that they never really nailed before, coming up with some classic Beale-esque sounds (piano, guitar arrangements, etc), some classic soul sounds (mostly vocally), and each song was really well structured on ATYCLB.
Personally, I would like them to take what they've learned on ATYCLB -- and de-construct it. Leave out some of that obvious structure, allow it sound more fluid; allow it to become something that gives the impression that it could wonder anywhere, freely. With intensity, of course (and yes, that means lots of guitars, drums, bass, and soaring vocals
).
So let's take a vote!
I say...EXPERIMENT!
------------------
The Tempest
[This message has been edited by Michael Griffiths (edited 05-21-2002).]
[This message has been edited by Michael Griffiths (edited 05-21-2002).]
Basically, the key idea of this thread is to see if YOU, the general (okay fanatical) U2 fan would like U2 to dive into HEAVY experimentation (to the same degree, say, as The Unforgettable Fire and Zooropa, if not even more so). Would YOU like U2 to take another creative plunge? Would YOU like U2 to compete against the Radioheads, the Elbows, (what other body part can I throw in here?), *as well* as the rock gods of the world? A super experimental ROCK album would be great, don't you think? They could still keep the tunes, but the tunes would come out of something much more interesting. (It just so happens that that is what we might get, but that's besides the point.)
I had to edit this post, as I forgot the other side of this vote: Would you rather see U2 continue down the direction of ATYCLB -- finely tuning their songcrafting, and delving into becoming masters of the "pop" song. There is something to be said for this, aferall. U2 did reach into some rock conventions that they never really nailed before, coming up with some classic Beale-esque sounds (piano, guitar arrangements, etc), some classic soul sounds (mostly vocally), and each song was really well structured on ATYCLB.
Personally, I would like them to take what they've learned on ATYCLB -- and de-construct it. Leave out some of that obvious structure, allow it sound more fluid; allow it to become something that gives the impression that it could wonder anywhere, freely. With intensity, of course (and yes, that means lots of guitars, drums, bass, and soaring vocals
So let's take a vote!
I say...EXPERIMENT!
------------------
The Tempest
[This message has been edited by Michael Griffiths (edited 05-21-2002).]
[This message has been edited by Michael Griffiths (edited 05-21-2002).]
