One thing I love about this newsletter is that it often reconnects me to music I haven't heard recently. Here's a couple songs I listened to after reading this:
You can love or hate this cover, but the man gives it his all.
Who else can they get to play the Sphere that will do it justice? Radiohead, maybe, but I can’t see them doing it. Coldplay, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift. It really does seem like it was made for U2 and U2 alone.
What a lot of people dislike about U2 and Bono in particular is a feature, not a bug. I can sort of get put off by Bono's attitude as well, but without it, there's no "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For." I get why U2 can be insufferable, but it's part of the package.
I'm glad you enjoy U2 so much, Will. I used to really enjoy them. My older brother bought me "Boy" shortly after it came out. Really ground breaking music, considering all the other stuff being released in 1980 (my freshman year at UI). I saw them from the 10th row at the (now named) Foellinger Auditorium in 1982 during their "October" tour. Incredible show, they even did a Hendrix cover.
Then I read their biography in the late 80's. I haven't been such a fan since. Way too into themselves. Yes, the music is really good, but really?
Same thing happened with Pete Townshend. I was a huge "Who" fan and after reading his biography I couldn't stand the guy for about a decade. I'm now finally listening to his work again. And I'd put him on a completely higher pedestal than U2.
I have a Grateful Dead biography. Haven't read it and don't plan on.
Springsteen basic? Oof. Opinions can vary. But damn. Poetry is one thing, and there is no shortage in the Springsteen catalog. but there is an entire novel in some of those songs.
One thing I love about this newsletter is that it often reconnects me to music I haven't heard recently. Here's a couple songs I listened to after reading this:
You can love or hate this cover, but the man gives it his all.
Eddie Vedder - Masters of War https://youtu.be/dwa2jK0xglk?feature=shared
Juliana Hatfield Three - My Sister https://youtu.be/czL5FLV_K0k?feature=shared
Will did your dad sit at the same blackjack table all night again? You guys have fun at the game tomorrow!
I saw the Sphere as well! Not U2 though. https://socalbaseball.substack.com/p/the-future-has-arrived
Who else can they get to play the Sphere that will do it justice? Radiohead, maybe, but I can’t see them doing it. Coldplay, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift. It really does seem like it was made for U2 and U2 alone.
What a great article! Thanks!
And the links! Awesome!
Well that venue just needs to have a 90s style rave in it at some point
What a lot of people dislike about U2 and Bono in particular is a feature, not a bug. I can sort of get put off by Bono's attitude as well, but without it, there's no "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For." I get why U2 can be insufferable, but it's part of the package.
Going Sunday night -- can't wait!
I'm glad you enjoy U2 so much, Will. I used to really enjoy them. My older brother bought me "Boy" shortly after it came out. Really ground breaking music, considering all the other stuff being released in 1980 (my freshman year at UI). I saw them from the 10th row at the (now named) Foellinger Auditorium in 1982 during their "October" tour. Incredible show, they even did a Hendrix cover.
Then I read their biography in the late 80's. I haven't been such a fan since. Way too into themselves. Yes, the music is really good, but really?
Same thing happened with Pete Townshend. I was a huge "Who" fan and after reading his biography I couldn't stand the guy for about a decade. I'm now finally listening to his work again. And I'd put him on a completely higher pedestal than U2.
I have a Grateful Dead biography. Haven't read it and don't plan on.
Springsteen basic? Oof. Opinions can vary. But damn. Poetry is one thing, and there is no shortage in the Springsteen catalog. but there is an entire novel in some of those songs.
Have you watched BONO & THE EDGE: A SORT OF HOMECOMING, WITH DAVE LETTERMAN on Disney? You’ll like it.
We're going to the U2 show next Saturday, really looking forward to it. My wife keeps reading that it's hot in there? Did you notice anything?