British music tabloid N.M.E. has been getting all misty-eyed and retrospective as they celebrate their fiftieth anniversary. Their latest feature is a listing of the ten bands that had the most influence on the magazine’s editorial direction — and U2 are in at #9, in front of (former ZOOTV opening act) Public Enemy and behind the list’s #1, Morrissey and The Smiths. Grumble grumble mopey bastards grumble.
Criteria for placement included “Appearances on front covers. Volume and significance of features. Dominance of end of year writers polls. The response from our readers in the weekly letters page. The presence of their name and influence in the paper (e.g. the number of acts referred to as the new them, the endless questioning of other artists for their opinions of them, the terrible pun headlines on their name or song titles…). And the speed with which they took over.”
Speaking of the N.M.E., this week’s issue — the last in the magazine’s famous pulpy-paper oversized tabloid format — features a cover story on the deservedly-soon-to-be-ubiquitous Doves, who affirm that their new album (pegged as an uplifting masterpiece or somesuch) is “nothing like U-fucking-2” (though this writer hears a more than superficial similarity). Apparently they tire of the comparison, though you may recall that their previous album, LOST SOULS, topped Adam Clayton’s 2000 best-of list…
N.M.E., what
N.M.E., what
Good list, I thought U2 was not on the 10 list… But most impressionant was The Smiths in front of Beatles. Not a problem, they really influenced me too! But in my case is U2 on the 1st and on the 10th!
Good list, I thought U2 was not on the 10 list… But most impressionant was The Smiths in front of Beatles. Not a problem, they really influenced me too! But in my case is U2 on the 1st and on the 10th!
“hmmm…let’s see…who’s more interesting to write about…Morrissey or Bono?? BIG TOSS UP”
:o) :op :oD :o/
I want their job!!!
“hmmm…let’s see…who’s more interesting to write about…Morrissey or Bono?? BIG TOSS UP”
:o) :op :oD :o/
I want their job!!!
Having read the NME for many a year now, you can see how The Smiths/Morrisey top their list of influence. It’s a shame the “80’s” nostalgia always throws up Spandau/Duran/Haircut 100 et al and not what was happening with the guy with the flowers in his pants and the mullet clad, anthem toting dubliners.
Having read the NME for many a year now, you can see how The Smiths/Morrisey top their list of influence. It’s a shame the “80’s” nostalgia always throws up Spandau/Duran/Haircut 100 et al and not what was happening with the guy with the flowers in his pants and the mullet clad, anthem toting dubliners.
U2=Irish
NME=British
Suprised they even mentioned them!
U2=Irish
NME=British
Suprised they even mentioned them!
Not surprising they’re in the top ten, LemonEdge – don’t try and bring any Irish/British issues into it. UK has long been one of the band’s biggest markets and they are loved there.
Not surprising they’re in the top ten, LemonEdge – don’t try and bring any Irish/British issues into it. UK has long been one of the band’s biggest markets and they are loved there.