Would You Like The New Album To Be Experimental? Let's Take A Vote...

Michael Griffiths · 05-21-2002, 04:00 PM

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).]

sulawesigirl4 · 05-21-2002, 04:03 PM

definitely

experiment

no question.

404 Not Found · 05-21-2002, 04:16 PM

great post
i agree, experiment

Lemonboy · 05-21-2002, 04:18 PM

well as long as it rocks my world you can call it what you want!!!

------------------
"PLEBA Mansion Bootler"

"Lemons, the chicks- they love the lemon"
-Bono in Rotterdam-

"Proud member of the U2 gender"

wertsie · 05-21-2002, 04:23 PM

Yeah, I really hope they do go more experimental with this one.

I truly believe that they made ATYCLB for themselves. People HAVE called it "safe," to a certain extent, and maybe it was, but it was great, in any case (but for me, ANY U2 album can be nothing less than great!).

------------------
"We're one, but we're not the same..."

http://U2Baby.com

oliveu2cm · 05-21-2002, 04:26 PM

"The band was strong on Pop. This is not a personality crisis. This is us growing into other areas. And we won't have our knuckles rapped for that. That is the very thing that is keeping us alive and the reason why, as a group, love us or hate us, we're still on an incline. It's stasis that kills you off in the end, not ambition." - Bono, 1997

------------------
I was like a two year old, wanting more....

*U2 Take Me Higher*

[This message has been edited by oliveu2cm (edited 05-21-2002).]

kariatari · 05-21-2002, 04:40 PM

Behind The Joshua Tree, The Unforgettable Fire and Pop are my favorite albums. When listening to the latter two, I often find myself yearning for some more experimental music and wondering what would kind of music would have been created had they stayed on either of those two paths. So, in light of this, I'd vote HELL YES!!!

womanfish · 05-21-2002, 04:46 PM

Well, I would love to see a more experimental turn on this album. BUT - to me experimentation just for the sake of experimentation is not always good. To make records just to be different and crazy is as sickening and calculated as Britney and nsync.

this is how i have felt in recent years with Radiohead. When a band can create a masterpiece like the Bends with mindblowing, soaring songs like Fake Plastic Trees - why do they muddle around with the Kid A / Amnesiac crap.

To me they wanted to take their place in the music world as the "way out there, always pushing every concept and strange out of tune noise, experimental band" instead of just doing great songs - and the truth is that ends up selling them a ton of more records than if they just kept going on the same path.

Now some people think that those experimental/out of tune songs are great, and that's fine, to each his own. But my point is, i don't want U2 to be a band that just goes off in some strange direction just because they think they need to career-wise. I want them to make the music they really want to make and explore. I would love a little more poking in different directions like Zooropa/Pop/UF, ect... did. But hey they poked around with Blues and soul on R&H and it's my least favorite record. It's all a matter of taste and what direction they end up taking.

I love ATYCLB, but as Bono said a few months ago, it's missing a bit of the anarchist feel that has been a part of their music throughout their career. So YES - U2 - go free, play what your heart desires, let it all loose, blow us away - again

Desire4Bono · 05-21-2002, 05:08 PM

Experimental is not always a good thing. It can be bad, if it's not you. It's not good for a teenager to 'experiment' with drugs or sex just to be like the crowd and do something they've never done just to say they did, and 'took a chance.' It can be a wrong, and really dumb, move.

I want them to do what THEY really want to do, what is coming from their hearts, and what they feel is right without being pressured or influenced by anyone or anything!

------------------
~"Everybody seems to think I'm lazy,
I don't mind, think they're crazy
running everywhere at such a speed
'til they find, there's no need!
Please don't spoil my day,
I'm miles away,
and after all, I'm only sleeping!"~
John Lennon

Angel · 05-21-2002, 05:09 PM

I think all U2 albums have been 'experimental' in a U2 way. Some see ATYCLB as going back to their roots, however I totally disagree with that observation. That album sounds nothing like their previous albums, it just so happens that this time round they experimented with pop music. It's still new for U2, as has been every album they have done in the past.
I don't see their approach with this new album being any different. The end result will be something new for U2 and therefore, if you want to use the word- experimental. I really don't think when U2 create new songs they go in there with a premeditated plan to be different. They just have that ability naturally. ATYCLB is still different than mainstream pop, it's just super listener friendly. IMO, that doesn't make it unexperimental or any less of a masterpiece as their previous albums.

My vote is just for good music that's got soul, heart and emotion. All U2 albums have had that in the past and I believe this next one will too. I hope to hell they don't pull a 'Radiohead', but to each his own. I am sure I will like and appreciate anything U2 creates, unless they experiment with Rap or Country, it's all good.

------------------
"Steal me, deal me, anyway you heal me
Maim me, tame me, you can never change me
Love me, like me, come ahead and fight me
Please me, tease me, go ahead and leave me..."

[This message has been edited by Angel (edited 05-21-2002).]

Basstrap · 05-21-2002, 05:12 PM

anything but another ATYCLB (which I love but has gone down the ladder of my love to somewhere just above unforgettable fire)

Also, I dearly love Kida and amnesiac

....
end.
....

------------------
I'm not living
I'm just killing time

martha · 05-21-2002, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Michael Griffiths:

if YOU, the general (okay fanatical) U2 fan would like U2 to dive into HEAVY experimentation

Fuck no! I want it to ROCK!

------------------

You have fairly generic bunions. --my podiatrist, 4-11-02

typhoon · 05-21-2002, 05:34 PM

ATYCLB was boring. Between the soaring guitars and euphoric choruses, everything was in place, but it was boring. I'd like something substantial this time.

Michael Griffiths · 05-21-2002, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Angel:
I think all U2 albums have been 'experimental' in a U2 way. Some see ATYCLB as going back to their roots, however I totally disagree with that observation. That album sounds nothing like their previous albums, it just so happens that this time round they experimented with pop music. It's still new for U2, as has been every album they have done in the past.
I don't see their approach with this new album being any different. The end result will be something new for U2 and therefore, if you want to use the word- experimental. I really don't think when U2 create new songs they go in there with a premeditated plan to be different. They just have that ability naturally. ATYCLB is still different than mainstream pop, it's just super listener friendly. IMO, that doesn't make it unexperimental or any less of a masterpiece as their previous albums.

My vote is just for good music that's got soul, heart and emotion. All U2 albums have had that in the past and I believe this next one will too. I hope to hell they don't pull a 'Radiohead', but to each his own. I am sure I will like and appreciate anything U2 creates, unless they experiment with Rap or Country, it's all good.

Angel,

I agree with everything you've written in your post. I just wanted to clarify that when I said U2 were reaching back a bit on ATYCLB, I meant with some of the ideas they employed (ie, the guitar riff, and soaring vocals of 'Beautiful Day' and 'Walk On'; the brash dance/rock sound of Elevation, which sounds much like a poppier version of something from the Pop album; the Achtung Baby-esque rhythem and guitar of 'When I Look At The World' mixed with some sounds similar to those used in 'The Unforgettable Fire'; some of the sounds of 'Exit' and the spaceyness of 'Unforgettable Fire' in a song like 'New York').

So, what I mean is, there was a bit of a reaching back to some of those ideas, but overall, I totally agree with you that ATYCLB is much more of a poppy album than anything U2 have ever released before, and for the most part is totally new territory for them. 'Stuck In A Moment' and 'Wild Honey' are probably the finest pop songs they've ever written. These two songs, incidently, sound the most "new" (to U2) out of anything on ATYCLB.

I suppose that is really what I'm driving at -- that ATYCLB is new territory, but only for U2. On their previous records, I really got the feeling that no one had released an album full songs that sounded the same way. ATYCLB, however, reminds many people of all sorts of greats -- from the Beatles to John Lennon ('Wild Honey'; 'Peace On Earth'), to Van Morrison and Otis Redding ('Stuck In A Moment'; 'In A Little While').

Put another way, one of these two things (or both) can be said about pretty much every song on ATYCLB: 1) "It reminds me of this or that song, by this or that artist," or 2) "It reminds me of this or that song by U2". I think that's the difference between the experimentation found on ATYCLB and the experimentation found on pretty much every other U2 record (with the exception of R&H). Still a great record (one of my favoutites), but there is really no new territory that hasn't been covered by either U2 or someone else. And I'm sure that they wanted it that way, so it's really a mute point! Kind of funny that we're all having this discussion, haha.

To me, it's a U2 fan record (U2 being the fans this time), celebrating classic soul and rock, while at the same time delivering a heart-warming soul record in that process.

And to everyone who wants U2 to experiment only if that's what they feel they want to do:

I totally agree. It has to come from within, otherwise it won't be sincere. True art comes from within, and I don't think U2 has ever not done this, anyway.

------------------
The Tempest

[This message has been edited by Michael Griffiths (edited 05-21-2002).]

SkeeK · 05-21-2002, 05:49 PM

experiment.

Michael Griffiths · 05-21-2002, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by martha:
Fuck no! I want it to ROCK!

You do know it can rock AND be experimental, right?

------------------
The Tempest

wertsie · 05-21-2002, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Michael Griffiths:

Quote:

Originally posted by martha:
Fuck no! I want it to ROCK!

You do know it can rock AND be experimental, right?

Ah, sounds like heaven!

------------------
"We're one, but we're not the same..."

http://U2Baby.com

martha · 05-21-2002, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Michael Griffiths:

Quote:

Originally posted by martha:
Fuck no! I want it to ROCK!

You do know it can rock AND be experimental, right?

Ya, but I'd like it to rock first.

------------------

You have fairly generic bunions. --my podiatrist, 4-11-02

Giant Lemon · 05-21-2002, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Michael Griffiths:
You do know it can rock AND be experimental, right?

I'd love for the next album to rock and be experimental, although I'd gladly take either!

PopDreamBeliever · 05-21-2002, 06:34 PM

a few months ago didn't Bono/Edge say something about they would like to make a "guitar" album? i think i remember something about this.

------------------
"Emancipate yourself from mental slavery none but ourselves can free our minds." -REDEMPTION SONG/Bob Marley

05-21-2002, 04:00 PM	#1
Michael Griffiths Rock n' Roll Doggie Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Playa Del Carmen, Mexico Posts: 3,925 Local Time: 11:55 PM	Would You Like The New Album To Be Experimental? Let's Take A Vote... 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).] __________________

05-21-2002, 04:03 PM	#2
sulawesigirl4 Rock n' Roll Doggie ALL ACCESS Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Virginia Posts: 7,415 Local Time: 06:55 PM	definitely experiment no question. __________________

05-21-2002, 06:34 PM	#20
PopDreamBeliever The Fly Join Date: Jan 2001 Posts: 48 Local Time: 06:55 PM	a few months ago didn't Bono/Edge say something about they would like to make a "guitar" album? i think i remember something about this. ------------------ "Emancipate yourself from mental slavery none but ourselves can free our minds." -REDEMPTION SONG/Bob Marley __________________

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05-21-2002, 04:16 PM	#3
404 Not Found The Fly Join Date: May 2002 Location: the heart Posts: 119 Local Time: 06:55 PM	great post i agree, experiment

05-21-2002, 04:18 PM	#4
Lemonboy Refugee Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Inside the Popmart Lemon Posts: 1,843 Local Time: 12:55 AM	well as long as it rocks my world you can call it what you want!!! ------------------ "PLEBA Mansion Bootler" "Lemons, the chicks- they love the lemon" -Bono in Rotterdam- "Proud member of the U2 gender"

05-21-2002, 04:23 PM	#5
wertsie Rock n' Roll Doggie Band-aid Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: on a country road... Posts: 4,752 Local Time: 06:55 PM	Yeah, I really hope they do go more experimental with this one. I truly believe that they made ATYCLB for themselves. People HAVE called it "safe," to a certain extent, and maybe it was, but it was great, in any case (but for me, ANY U2 album can be nothing less than great!). ------------------ "We're one, but we're not the same..." http://U2Baby.com

05-21-2002, 04:26 PM	#6
oliveu2cm Rock n' Roll Doggie FOB Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Live from Boston Posts: 8,334 Local Time: 07:55 PM	"The band was strong on Pop. This is not a personality crisis. This is us growing into other areas. And we won't have our knuckles rapped for that. That is the very thing that is keeping us alive and the reason why, as a group, love us or hate us, we're still on an incline. It's stasis that kills you off in the end, not ambition." - Bono, 1997 ------------------ I was like a two year old, wanting more.... U2 Take Me Higher [This message has been edited by oliveu2cm (edited 05-21-2002).]

05-21-2002, 04:40 PM	#7
kariatari War Child Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Iowa Posts: 935 Local Time: 06:55 PM	Behind The Joshua Tree, The Unforgettable Fire and Pop are my favorite albums. When listening to the latter two, I often find myself yearning for some more experimental music and wondering what would kind of music would have been created had they stayed on either of those two paths. So, in light of this, I'd vote HELL YES!!!

05-21-2002, 04:46 PM	#8
womanfish Rock n' Roll Doggie ALL ACCESS Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: moons of Zooropa Posts: 7,817 Local Time: 11:55 PM	Well, I would love to see a more experimental turn on this album. BUT - to me experimentation just for the sake of experimentation is not always good. To make records just to be different and crazy is as sickening and calculated as Britney and nsync. this is how i have felt in recent years with Radiohead. When a band can create a masterpiece like the Bends with mindblowing, soaring songs like Fake Plastic Trees - why do they muddle around with the Kid A / Amnesiac crap. To me they wanted to take their place in the music world as the "way out there, always pushing every concept and strange out of tune noise, experimental band" instead of just doing great songs - and the truth is that ends up selling them a ton of more records than if they just kept going on the same path. Now some people think that those experimental/out of tune songs are great, and that's fine, to each his own. But my point is, i don't want U2 to be a band that just goes off in some strange direction just because they think they need to career-wise. I want them to make the music they really want to make and explore. I would love a little more poking in different directions like Zooropa/Pop/UF, ect... did. But hey they poked around with Blues and soul on R&H and it's my least favorite record. It's all a matter of taste and what direction they end up taking. I love ATYCLB, but as Bono said a few months ago, it's missing a bit of the anarchist feel that has been a part of their music throughout their career. So YES - U2 - go free, play what your heart desires, let it all loose, blow us away - again

05-21-2002, 05:08 PM	#9
Desire4Bono Refugee Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: living in a rock and roll fantasy- and what's wrong with that? Posts: 1,921 Local Time: 06:55 PM	Experimental is not always a good thing. It can be bad, if it's not you. It's not good for a teenager to 'experiment' with drugs or sex just to be like the crowd and do something they've never done just to say they did, and 'took a chance.' It can be a wrong, and really dumb, move. I want them to do what THEY really want to do, what is coming from their hearts, and what they feel is right without being pressured or influenced by anyone or anything! ------------------ ~"Everybody seems to think I'm lazy, I don't mind, think they're crazy running everywhere at such a speed 'til they find, there's no need! Please don't spoil my day, I'm miles away, and after all, I'm only sleeping!"~ John Lennon

05-21-2002, 05:09 PM	#10
Angel Elvis' Naughty Angel Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: not here Posts: 4,609 Local Time: 07:55 PM	I think all U2 albums have been 'experimental' in a U2 way. Some see ATYCLB as going back to their roots, however I totally disagree with that observation. That album sounds nothing like their previous albums, it just so happens that this time round they experimented with pop music. It's still new for U2, as has been every album they have done in the past. I don't see their approach with this new album being any different. The end result will be something new for U2 and therefore, if you want to use the word- experimental. I really don't think when U2 create new songs they go in there with a premeditated plan to be different. They just have that ability naturally. ATYCLB is still different than mainstream pop, it's just super listener friendly. IMO, that doesn't make it unexperimental or any less of a masterpiece as their previous albums. My vote is just for good music that's got soul, heart and emotion. All U2 albums have had that in the past and I believe this next one will too. I hope to hell they don't pull a 'Radiohead', but to each his own. I am sure I will like and appreciate anything U2 creates, unless they experiment with Rap or Country, it's all good. ------------------ "Steal me, deal me, anyway you heal me Maim me, tame me, you can never change me Love me, like me, come ahead and fight me Please me, tease me, go ahead and leave me..." [This message has been edited by Angel (edited 05-21-2002).]

05-21-2002, 05:12 PM	#11
Basstrap ONE love, blood, life Join Date: Jul 2000 Posts: 10,726 Local Time: 09:25 PM	anything but another ATYCLB (which I love but has gone down the ladder of my love to somewhere just above unforgettable fire) Also, I dearly love Kida and amnesiac .... end. .... ------------------ I'm not living I'm just killing time

05-21-2002, 05:34 PM	#13
typhoon New Yorker Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 3,021 Local Time: 04:55 PM	ATYCLB was boring. Between the soaring guitars and euphoric choruses, everything was in place, but it was boring. I'd like something substantial this time.

05-21-2002, 05:49 PM	#15
SkeeK The Original Rock n' Roll Doggie VIP PASS Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Hamilton, ON Posts: 4,163 Local Time: 06:55 PM	experiment.