edgeplaytheblue
War Child
Reposting my thoughts on GOYB as they seem pertinent to this discussion:
Let me start by saying that I love Get On Your Boots, and I am a fan of U2's work this decade. I think Get On Your Boots rocks harder and has more depth than Vertigo; so far I think it's a better lead-off single.
That being said, I just don't see this as a "new sound" for U2. The track is derivative of Vertigo, Big Girls Are Best, Fast Cars, Discotheque, Bono's rock/rap improv on Rockin' In The Free World, and other previous works. Electronic drums and some squeaks in the background do not a "new sound" make.
Yes, there are some sonic differences between Vertigo and Get On Your Boots, but are they as big as the yawning chasm between Desire and The Fly, two previous consecutive lead off singles. Certainly not. I just think that with their post-punk beginnings, the atmospheric UF-JT era, the experimentation of the 90's, and the back to basics sound of the last two albums, they've covered too much sonic ground in their career for me to be shocked and amazed by any "new sound" that they've created.
true true .. it is almost impossible to create a new sound. You will always recognizes edges guitar work ... the pride-esque / ultra violet way of riffs .. that's edge. Maybe that the eno sounds can add a new sound. It's difficult i think. I will only be shocked if they starting make dance music or R&B ...