Blue Room said:
Wow Elvis, you were more entertained by Simon and Garfunkel than U2??????????????? Why are you even running this site? lol You didnt care for the lighting on Elevation? Whatever, you seem to have lost touch with what U2 is about when performing live. Its the songs and the music that are the important part, not the production. Sure some of the production is cool and Zoo and Popmart were great. But I wouldnt care if U2 went back to the minimalist days of Joshua Tree as far as the stage production, it would still be great. I prefered the Joshua Tree tour over Zoo because it was about the music completely. I just cant believe for someone that runs this site, and wants Principle to make you the official message board that you are so cynical about it. You preferred Simon and Garfunkal because their lighting was better???? Each his own, but WOW. I guess we will agree to disagree on that one, but I think you are definately in the minority. Maybe I misunderstood what you were trying to say though, man I hope I did.
I do think you may be correct with the album though. They did tentatively plan to tour this coming year but that was all contingent on the album being ready. But if the album isnt the greatest of all time you are going to lose interest quickly??? So I assume you will be shutting Inteference down and not going to the shows if this is the case?? What if it is a great album but JT and Achtung Baby are still slightly better?? I guess its time to pack it in!! ridiculous Good music is good music. ATYCLB isnt as good as JT or AB but I still love the album. They may never top JT or AB, two of the greatest albums of all time in my opinion. But even if they dont, it doesnt mean they are not making great music.
Let me address your questions and assumptions...
a. I am running this site because I love the world of U2, the music, the art, the fans, etc
b. I believe I said I enjoyed the lighting at S&G more, not that I didn't like Elevation's at all.
c. As far as the songs and the music being the only important aspect, that's purely your opinion. While I do agree to a certain point, I also have to say that in my opinion the production, visual aspect, and over indulgence in technology are important to me as well... I came onboard with U2 during Achtung Baby and ZOOTV. After the recent survey we just ran on the site, the results show that the average U2 fan (that did the survey) is in the same boat - they came into U2 during the AB/ZOOTV era. It does seem that I'm not in the minority at all, atleast among online U2 fans.
d. I'm a creative and intellectual individual, and I constantly expect more from myself as well as others like me... I hold U2 to this standard as well. They need to keep impressing me, keep blowing me away. Rehashing old tricks isn't going to INCREASE my interest. Perhaps I'm harder to please, but I believe the world revolves around change, not stagnation.
e. When did I say anything about shutting Interference down, or not attending ANY shows? I didn't.
f. AB and JT are both incredible albums, and both incredibly different. I dont rank one against the other, each album has it's own merit. Again, this goes back to whether or not it's a rehash of old tricks or not. While I loved POP, I don't think it was one of their best albums - I didn't pack it in then did I? I don't scare THAT easily
g. ATYCLB is an excellent album, but in my opinion, I agree... it's not up there with JT or AB.