Pitchfork likes Pop

The friendliest place on the web for anyone that follows U2.
If you have answers, please help by responding to the unanswered posts.
I'm new to this forum, but, seeing Pitchfork's review sort of started this new reflection on my appreciation of the group. I became a fan because of Pop, but I've wrestled over the album since that time. When creating mix CD's for friends and other new fans, I'd waste so much time self-righteously and self-indulgently trying to make the album "better" by way of changing track order, swapping out album versions for single versions, popping in the b-sides and replacing other tracks. It didn't need my help. Never has.

It's such a profound effort. I'm not a Pitchfork fan for their sense of self-importance of their critical voice on the industry, but, I did like this review. I'm not sure it was necessary given they weren't around for the effort (again, that sense of self-importance), but I think they struggled with it similarly to how I have over the years. The best parts of the album may be what isn't on it by way of single versions or b-sides, or its contextualization through the Pop Mart Tour. I don't even know if I'd give the album that 8.0 score for what it actually is, though I'd collectively put that album's era around there, or higher. I agree that the band hasn't been as artistic or experimental since (and this was a reason why I slowly tuned out over the years).

I keep hoping any renewed focus or rediscovery of the album will prompt more special editions or cutting floor content (and actual original cuts, not cobbled together/refinished stuff). This was a nice review to see.
 
Back
Top Bottom