U2 proves their worth
By Liam Farrell
Scene Music Critic
By the end of the 1980s, U2 was exhausted. The band members were bickering and were almost creatively tapped out. Their attempt to record in the middle of Berlin provided an obvious metaphor for the struggling process U2 was going through.
The band managed to pull through this tough period and has since staged some of the most popular and financially lucrative tours and has made some of the best albums of the past decade.
The newest compilation of greatest hits, a sequel to the earlier collection Greatest Hits 1980-1990 showcases the music from this turbulent and phoenix-like era of U2's music. From the pounding and grinding "Even Better Than the Real Thing" to the final, soothing sounds of "The First Time," U2 has put together a collection of songs that plays like a great mix tape. There is variety and scope, and no stone of the era is left unturned. Songs from Achtung Baby, Zooropa, Pop, All That You Can't Leave Behind and even the Passengers Soundtrack are included. The listener is left with an excellent testament of U2's songwriting achievements over the past 10 years.
Perhaps one of the best parts of this collection is that even if someone already owns all of U2's albums, this collection is still a must-have. There are two new songs, "Electrical Storm" and "The Hands that Built America," the theme song for Martin Scorsese's new film "Gangs of New York." Both songs are excellent examples of how U2 has still maintained the creative energy that was so decisive and brilliant 10 years ago. "Electrical Storm" is a production of grace reminiscent of songs from Achtung Baby. The slow, wandering ode to immigrants, "The Hands that Built America," is a truly beautiful song.
The songs included from Zooropa and Pop are all given new mixes, with the exception of "Stay (faraway so close!)."
Although it would be hard for a casual listener to tell the difference between the album versions and the new mixes, one thing is for certain: The songs recorded for these albums are some of the most underrated work that U2 has done. "Stay" has one of the most intense and haunting guitar lines and choruses ever, and "Staring at the Sun" gets better with every listen.
Placing the song recorded from the Passengers sessions, "Miss Sarajevo" on this collection was a fantastic idea, with the song only being available elsewhere on CD single or a lackluster album. A moving tribute to the victims of the Sarajevo conflict, Luciano Pavarotti's part on the song is chilling and can give even the most jaded listener goosebumps.
There are, unfortunately, some drawbacks to the collection. All U2 fans will have their own personal arguments for or against the songs included. It is disappointing that "If God Will Send His Angels" is only available as a B Side. The song "The Ground Beneath Her Feet" should be made front and center.
The second disc of B Sides is also disappointing for most hardcore U2 fans. There are few new songs included besides "North and South of the River" which is a great addition. If it didn't have "Slow Dancing," "Two Shots of Happy One Shot of Sad," or their version of Elvis Presley's "I Can't Help Falling in Love With You," the B Side disc would be more of a rehashing of older material than a further exploration of U2's career.
The bonus DVD included with the CDs has some good extras such as live performances, interviews, outtakes and song clips. It is amazing that with so many omissions and the hefty price tag, this collection is still a necessity for any CD collection.
All Scene Stories for Tuesday, November 19, 2002
