New U2 video premieres

sycmi-video.jpg

Now showing at U2.com: the video for “Sometimes You Can’t Make It On Your Own.” (members only)

We like it. A lot.

114 thoughts on “New U2 video premieres”

  5. just another thought to this members only stuff. i know U2 play in a different sales class than let´s say artists in classical music like hilary hahn, nevertheless i find the way classical artists receive web-based support for their products a lot more sympathetic (full length free audio + video interviews), in comparison to what the makers of U2.com choose to deliver to their customers, for free!

    all the more because U2 is a multi billion dollar business, it should be possible to deliver videos and stuff like that on a non membership basis.

    i repeat myself in saying that, but the old U2.com was alot better in these matters. less fuzz, more straight quality info, for free!

  6. just another thought to this members only stuff. i know U2 play in a different sales class than let´s say artists in classical music like hilary hahn, nevertheless i find the way classical artists receive web-based support for their products a lot more sympathetic (full length free audio + video interviews), in comparison to what the makers of U2.com choose to deliver to their customers, for free!

    all the more because U2 is a multi billion dollar business, it should be possible to deliver videos and stuff like that on a non membership basis.

    i repeat myself in saying that, but the old U2.com was alot better in these matters. less fuzz, more straight quality info, for free!

  7. Yeah, exactly what bernhard said… i can’t believe that the band would let their own popularity be exploited like this… I aint paying Clayton’s brother to see this clip, nor should i have to!

  8. Yeah, exactly what bernhard said… i can’t believe that the band would let their own popularity be exploited like this… I aint paying Clayton’s brother to see this clip, nor should i have to!

  9. Sheesh, there’s no pleasing some people. Spare a thought for those who have actually paid their $40 to join the site. Most have just endured weeks of misery and frustration, the least U2.com can do for them (apart from give them the tickets they want) is offer exclusive content like they promised in the first place.

    Is waiting a few days until the clip surfaces on the net really that hard? lol We’ll see it on commercial TV here in Australia on saturday morning, and as great as it is to hear such positive feedback about the clip, I’m sure I can wait a few more days to see it.

    Personally, I think the entire site should be free. But that’s irrelevant. The fact is that its not, and for those people who have paid money to join… be happy for them that they’re actually starting to get their moneys worth 🙂

  10. Sheesh, there’s no pleasing some people. Spare a thought for those who have actually paid their $40 to join the site. Most have just endured weeks of misery and frustration, the least U2.com can do for them (apart from give them the tickets they want) is offer exclusive content like they promised in the first place.

    Is waiting a few days until the clip surfaces on the net really that hard? lol We’ll see it on commercial TV here in Australia on saturday morning, and as great as it is to hear such positive feedback about the clip, I’m sure I can wait a few more days to see it.

    Personally, I think the entire site should be free. But that’s irrelevant. The fact is that its not, and for those people who have paid money to join… be happy for them that they’re actually starting to get their moneys worth 🙂

  15. kids, share the wealth here. mirror, mirror on the wall… unfinished sympathy? they’re walking down the street?

  16. kids, share the wealth here. mirror, mirror on the wall… unfinished sympathy? they’re walking down the street?

  19. Yep, I like it too!

    Also nice that it is the full version, I heared a shocking version on the radio, where the climax of the song is cut out!!

  20. Yep, I like it too!

    Also nice that it is the full version, I heared a shocking version on the radio, where the climax of the song is cut out!!

  21. well i guess most people (non members that is) would be pleased with a 30 second snippet in this case….;-)

    oh wahtever…..

  22. well i guess most people (non members that is) would be pleased with a 30 second snippet in this case….;-)

    oh wahtever…..

  25. I’ll be interested to see where the video takes this song. Whilst its a flagship for the new album (and a very poor song IMO) I do hope that if Bono can’t manage the high notes they re-work it or leave it out entirely. It’d be too much to watch Bono rasp and wheeze his way through this. Do You Feel Loved was cut because it was too vocally demanding (as was In God’s Country IIRC?), so I suppose there’s a chance they’ll at least snip the end of the song. As long as they play Mysterious Ways I’ll be happy 🙂

  26. I’ll be interested to see where the video takes this song. Whilst its a flagship for the new album (and a very poor song IMO) I do hope that if Bono can’t manage the high notes they re-work it or leave it out entirely. It’d be too much to watch Bono rasp and wheeze his way through this. Do You Feel Loved was cut because it was too vocally demanding (as was In God’s Country IIRC?), so I suppose there’s a chance they’ll at least snip the end of the song. As long as they play Mysterious Ways I’ll be happy 🙂

  29. I like the street/Unfinished Sympathy parts. However, I still have to get used to the band bits on stage. I’m all for obscure lighting and stuff… but those shots look too skewed to ever get that edgy ‘graphical’ look they were probably after.. It makes the video look like a bit of a mash between 2 videos.
    I’m just not Phil Joanou’s biggest fan I guess (except the If God will Send His Angels video)

  30. I like the street/Unfinished Sympathy parts. However, I still have to get used to the band bits on stage. I’m all for obscure lighting and stuff… but those shots look too skewed to ever get that edgy ‘graphical’ look they were probably after.. It makes the video look like a bit of a mash between 2 videos.
    I’m just not Phil Joanou’s biggest fan I guess (except the If God will Send His Angels video)

  31. Am I missing something ?
    I am a paid-up member of U2.com and yet can only see the first 2 lines of the video before it cuts out.
    Are members supposed to be able to see the whole video ?

  32. Am I missing something ?
    I am a paid-up member of U2.com and yet can only see the first 2 lines of the video before it cuts out.
    Are members supposed to be able to see the whole video ?

  35. I know what you mean andymh! I’ve got the same problem over and over again with the video’s on U2.com. I log in, get confirmation of that, but only get acces to the first 30 seconds…. They are not making it easy for paying members unfortunately…

  36. I know what you mean andymh! I’ve got the same problem over and over again with the video’s on U2.com. I log in, get confirmation of that, but only get acces to the first 30 seconds…. They are not making it easy for paying members unfortunately…

  39. Caroline: I’d much rather they played songs they were actually capable of performing properly than fuck up constantly.

  40. Caroline: I’d much rather they played songs they were actually capable of performing properly than fuck up constantly.

  41. the full video is available for download at u2star.com just look for their news item similar to this one.

    Ah, my first post @ u2log.com!!

  42. the full video is available for download at u2star.com just look for their news item similar to this one.

    Ah, my first post @ u2log.com!!

  43. Wow, now there’s the band I love… Tremendous video, Phil’s best since the bar version of “One”, maybe even better than that (IMO)… I’m more of an Anton guy myself, but this is a truely gorgeous video!!! Ryan-Texas (now that there’s a Ryan-Sydney;)…

  44. Wow, now there’s the band I love… Tremendous video, Phil’s best since the bar version of “One”, maybe even better than that (IMO)… I’m more of an Anton guy myself, but this is a truely gorgeous video!!! Ryan-Texas (now that there’s a Ryan-Sydney;)…

  49. wow. very, very touching. deep.

    @sara859: thanks for the link, that´s very kind.

    how do these guys do it, making a video, that´s either ahead of it´s time (like vertigo) or just in place, as this one. amazing.

    i have to see it a lot more though, the song is just taking me away ever since i heard it for the first time. it´s so big, so tremendous. it´s hard to find words, since i´m not a native speaker. when i sit down with an acoustic guitar playing this song to myself, singing along, it´s strange, there´s a very strong connection.

    got the corbijn book today, and i didn´t know of the pics with their fathers before i received it, so this kind of shook me in a warm and positive way. it´s amazing, edge´s father, they just look so alike.

    and yes! edge´s ricky gets it´s credit in a video after all, long overdue. haha 😉

  50. wow. very, very touching. deep.

    @sara859: thanks for the link, that´s very kind.

    how do these guys do it, making a video, that´s either ahead of it´s time (like vertigo) or just in place, as this one. amazing.

    i have to see it a lot more though, the song is just taking me away ever since i heard it for the first time. it´s so big, so tremendous. it´s hard to find words, since i´m not a native speaker. when i sit down with an acoustic guitar playing this song to myself, singing along, it´s strange, there´s a very strong connection.

    got the corbijn book today, and i didn´t know of the pics with their fathers before i received it, so this kind of shook me in a warm and positive way. it´s amazing, edge´s father, they just look so alike.

    and yes! edge´s ricky gets it´s credit in a video after all, long overdue. haha 😉

  55. Well, its a valiant attempt but this song is not good at all. This whole album seems like U2 tried so hard , but they come up short. I would have waited 2 or 3 more years for a better album, that i know U2 is capable of.

  56. Well, its a valiant attempt but this song is not good at all. This whole album seems like U2 tried so hard , but they come up short. I would have waited 2 or 3 more years for a better album, that i know U2 is capable of.

  57. “Spike: see you at the greatest hits tour.”

    Sorry, but that doesn’t make any sense whatsoever as a response to my comment, if you re-read what I said. I’m not saying that the band should play the big hits and aim to please 90% of those at the gigs (although I don’t think anyone could blame them if they did), I’m simply saying that it I, personally, would rather they performed songs live that they are capable of playing. It is exactly the same scenario as Edge not quite being able to play the solo to The Fly all the way through.

    Brian Eno’s suggestions that they write songs they cannot perform live for various reasons (mainly production) are sound, in my opinion, because I’d like to hear an experiment or two – the ambient noise of Mothers Of The Disappeared springs to mind. I’m firmly in the camp that U2 should experiment as much as possible – it gave the world Pop and Achtung Baby, my two favourite albums post-Joshua Tree, so there’s only good in it for me.

    However I question the logic in playing a song that you cannot play correctly. That’s why I’m hoping they rework it or drop it – it’d be great if Bono delivered “best you can do is to fake it” with a really Johnny Cash drawl.

    As for me being a low-brow ‘greatest hits’ fan, I’d expect that kind of comment from a twelve year old “saw them before they were famous” type! As it is, I’m about as far from that stereotype as you can imagine, although I’m admittedly not a fan of the new album. If I could have any song in the set-list it’d be Miami or October. Is that indie enough for you?

  58. “Spike: see you at the greatest hits tour.”

    Sorry, but that doesn’t make any sense whatsoever as a response to my comment, if you re-read what I said. I’m not saying that the band should play the big hits and aim to please 90% of those at the gigs (although I don’t think anyone could blame them if they did), I’m simply saying that it I, personally, would rather they performed songs live that they are capable of playing. It is exactly the same scenario as Edge not quite being able to play the solo to The Fly all the way through.

    Brian Eno’s suggestions that they write songs they cannot perform live for various reasons (mainly production) are sound, in my opinion, because I’d like to hear an experiment or two – the ambient noise of Mothers Of The Disappeared springs to mind. I’m firmly in the camp that U2 should experiment as much as possible – it gave the world Pop and Achtung Baby, my two favourite albums post-Joshua Tree, so there’s only good in it for me.

    However I question the logic in playing a song that you cannot play correctly. That’s why I’m hoping they rework it or drop it – it’d be great if Bono delivered “best you can do is to fake it” with a really Johnny Cash drawl.

    As for me being a low-brow ‘greatest hits’ fan, I’d expect that kind of comment from a twelve year old “saw them before they were famous” type! As it is, I’m about as far from that stereotype as you can imagine, although I’m admittedly not a fan of the new album. If I could have any song in the set-list it’d be Miami or October. Is that indie enough for you?

  59. It’s a great video of an amazing song. the picture of the dads was nice, thanks!
    This song should not be edited and if Bono needs the audience to help, we always have. Remember the polups on his chords during the UF tour, we love to help!!
    This song, imo of 24 years of fanship, is in the top 5. My list, for all that it’s worth.
    1. One
    2. SYCMIOYO
    3. Walk On ( i am a new yorker and it’s timing made it jump into the top 5 )
    4. Streets
    5. Pride, One Tree Hill, Drowning Man, Electric co and more …

  60. It’s a great video of an amazing song. the picture of the dads was nice, thanks!
    This song should not be edited and if Bono needs the audience to help, we always have. Remember the polups on his chords during the UF tour, we love to help!!
    This song, imo of 24 years of fanship, is in the top 5. My list, for all that it’s worth.
    1. One
    2. SYCMIOYO
    3. Walk On ( i am a new yorker and it’s timing made it jump into the top 5 )
    4. Streets
    5. Pride, One Tree Hill, Drowning Man, Electric co and more …

  61. By the wat “best you can do is to fake it” is perfectly delivered in a bit of a falsetto (sp?)slight. Aslo missing from my list, Angel, Bullet, SBS acoustic, Watchtower fav. cover.

  62. By the wat “best you can do is to fake it” is perfectly delivered in a bit of a falsetto (sp?)slight. Aslo missing from my list, Angel, Bullet, SBS acoustic, Watchtower fav. cover.

  65. > This song should not be edited and if Bono needs the audience to help, we always have.

    It’s true, the audience always help Bono when he’s feeling a bit raspy, and I hope his few recent performances have been nothing more than him warming up to full-speed, but – loathed as I am to agree with Justin Hawkins – Bono’s voice, as you would expect, isn’t what it used to be – in many cases I think it has improved (see: his hair-raising bellows before Streets on the Slane DVD, or the new inflection he added to ‘Cradle’ in All I Want Is You.

    U2, however, are a band all about playing to your strengths: The Edge doesn’t consider himself a big soloer, so he doesn’t solo for any period of time very often (Bullet being the magnificent exception to the rule). Their technical inferiority when forming was what lead to such a unique sound and their inability to play cover songs meant they had to write their own. So if Bono can’t sing insanely high notes anymore, it makes irrefutably perfect sense to limit their range so that he doesn’t have to rasp and fuck up his voice further by straining it to reach them on tour.

    I love the video – wasn’t wild about the Vertigo video, it was missing that certain spark that, imo, the album was, but this is one of their best videos.

  66. > This song should not be edited and if Bono needs the audience to help, we always have.

    It’s true, the audience always help Bono when he’s feeling a bit raspy, and I hope his few recent performances have been nothing more than him warming up to full-speed, but – loathed as I am to agree with Justin Hawkins – Bono’s voice, as you would expect, isn’t what it used to be – in many cases I think it has improved (see: his hair-raising bellows before Streets on the Slane DVD, or the new inflection he added to ‘Cradle’ in All I Want Is You.

    U2, however, are a band all about playing to your strengths: The Edge doesn’t consider himself a big soloer, so he doesn’t solo for any period of time very often (Bullet being the magnificent exception to the rule). Their technical inferiority when forming was what lead to such a unique sound and their inability to play cover songs meant they had to write their own. So if Bono can’t sing insanely high notes anymore, it makes irrefutably perfect sense to limit their range so that he doesn’t have to rasp and fuck up his voice further by straining it to reach them on tour.

    I love the video – wasn’t wild about the Vertigo video, it was missing that certain spark that, imo, the album was, but this is one of their best videos.

  67. The soul comes out when a singer is hitting the top of his range. You can hear Bono’s voice break/crack on many songs, but it doesn’t detract from the performance or emotional impact. Bad wouldn’t be the same without the crack in his voice during the last refrain. I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For- Same thing. Daniel Lanois- (paraphrased) “There’s something compelling about a singer hitting the top of his range”- “Aretha-esque”. I like it when Bono takes chances, and I agree with Caroline…

    See you at the greatest hits tour Spike.

  68. The soul comes out when a singer is hitting the top of his range. You can hear Bono’s voice break/crack on many songs, but it doesn’t detract from the performance or emotional impact. Bad wouldn’t be the same without the crack in his voice during the last refrain. I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For- Same thing. Daniel Lanois- (paraphrased) “There’s something compelling about a singer hitting the top of his range”- “Aretha-esque”. I like it when Bono takes chances, and I agree with Caroline…

    See you at the greatest hits tour Spike.

  69. > See you at the greatest hits tour Spike.

    And yet you’ve not really answered any of the points. It is so frustrating when you meet troll-like U2 fans who are incapable of intelligent discussion. Bono isn’t hitting the top of his range, he’s missing it – that’s the point.

    Lanois is right that a singer hitting the top of his range is magical. But there’s nothing sadder than seeing one die a slow death, and by straining his voice that’s all he’ll really achieve.

    Watching the Jonathon Ross performance was great, but all eyes were on Bono when he didn’t hit the note – his voice barely registered at all.

    Please do me the courtesy of actually reading what is said before you make an unfounded judgement.

  70. > See you at the greatest hits tour Spike.

    And yet you’ve not really answered any of the points. It is so frustrating when you meet troll-like U2 fans who are incapable of intelligent discussion. Bono isn’t hitting the top of his range, he’s missing it – that’s the point.

    Lanois is right that a singer hitting the top of his range is magical. But there’s nothing sadder than seeing one die a slow death, and by straining his voice that’s all he’ll really achieve.

    Watching the Jonathon Ross performance was great, but all eyes were on Bono when he didn’t hit the note – his voice barely registered at all.

    Please do me the courtesy of actually reading what is said before you make an unfounded judgement.

  71. Back off. Intelligent discussion- How is this not? I read and understood everything you were trying to convey. Just because a singer has a few bad nights doesn’t discount his ability to sing..or is it indicative of his ability to pull the songs off on the forthcoming tour.

    You seem to have an emotional attachment to an era of Bono’s voice that is gone and will never return.

    You can call me a troll if I can call you a badger. Do you give singing lessons, because you sound like a teacher.

  72. Back off. Intelligent discussion- How is this not? I read and understood everything you were trying to convey. Just because a singer has a few bad nights doesn’t discount his ability to sing..or is it indicative of his ability to pull the songs off on the forthcoming tour.

    You seem to have an emotional attachment to an era of Bono’s voice that is gone and will never return.

    You can call me a troll if I can call you a badger. Do you give singing lessons, because you sound like a teacher.

  73. cool! thanks for that – what a killer video. lovely. and doesn’t the photo of the pops just prove that U2 would look so damn good in suits on this tour. oh yeah.

  74. cool! thanks for that – what a killer video. lovely. and doesn’t the photo of the pops just prove that U2 would look so damn good in suits on this tour. oh yeah.

  75. I meant you and Caroline collectively. You didn’t really address the issue of Bono straining his voice, which is one of my main points. It’s ultimately all a matter of personal opinion, I just objected to the troll-like sarcasm (“Because we all know that singing songs is about reaching high notes” / “See you on the greatest hits tour”). Given that the intention of the comments section is to stimulate intelligent discussion I’d have thought the editor of the site would be more substantial in her argument.

    “Just because a singer has a few bad nights doesn’t discount his ability to sing..or is it indicative of his ability to pull the songs off on the forthcoming tour.”

    I don’t think I’ve stated anywhere that Bono is a poor singer. His voice has, in the past, certainly taken time to adjust to new material, and I did originally say that IF he can’t perform it I think they should rework it or remove it. I’m not a great fan of the song as a song, although I appreciate the sentiment, so perhaps those who are more attached to it would be sadder to see it go.

    I’m not sure about this particular note though, in reference to his current performance being indicative of how he will do on tour – it is an extremely difficult line, kudos to him for being able to do it on the album. If he can’t do it on tour I’m not particularly bothered, I’d much rather see him take it in a more sullen direction anyway.

    I’m not particularly attached to Bono’s voice in any of its stages, although I should have known better to suggest any artistic limitations about the band in-front of their fans, I’m simply saying that if you can’t perform something you wrote you need to rethink. I’m sure it bothers Bono that he can’t seem to hit it, given his statements about it being a gift from his Dad, so I’m not sure where he’ll go with it.

    lol @ the thought of me giving singing lessons of any kind. I can just about sing in key if I’m playing guitar or piano, but not especially well.

    U2 appear to be the grandaddys of art-rock fashion. Truly, renaissance men.

  76. I meant you and Caroline collectively. You didn’t really address the issue of Bono straining his voice, which is one of my main points. It’s ultimately all a matter of personal opinion, I just objected to the troll-like sarcasm (“Because we all know that singing songs is about reaching high notes” / “See you on the greatest hits tour”). Given that the intention of the comments section is to stimulate intelligent discussion I’d have thought the editor of the site would be more substantial in her argument.

    “Just because a singer has a few bad nights doesn’t discount his ability to sing..or is it indicative of his ability to pull the songs off on the forthcoming tour.”

    I don’t think I’ve stated anywhere that Bono is a poor singer. His voice has, in the past, certainly taken time to adjust to new material, and I did originally say that IF he can’t perform it I think they should rework it or remove it. I’m not a great fan of the song as a song, although I appreciate the sentiment, so perhaps those who are more attached to it would be sadder to see it go.

    I’m not sure about this particular note though, in reference to his current performance being indicative of how he will do on tour – it is an extremely difficult line, kudos to him for being able to do it on the album. If he can’t do it on tour I’m not particularly bothered, I’d much rather see him take it in a more sullen direction anyway.

    I’m not particularly attached to Bono’s voice in any of its stages, although I should have known better to suggest any artistic limitations about the band in-front of their fans, I’m simply saying that if you can’t perform something you wrote you need to rethink. I’m sure it bothers Bono that he can’t seem to hit it, given his statements about it being a gift from his Dad, so I’m not sure where he’ll go with it.

    lol @ the thought of me giving singing lessons of any kind. I can just about sing in key if I’m playing guitar or piano, but not especially well.

    U2 appear to be the grandaddys of art-rock fashion. Truly, renaissance men.

  77. And I’m sure if you asked Bono to “rethink” Red Hill Mining Town he’d surely tell you two words. Perhaps Bono is overwrought with emotion and chokes at the climax of the most personal song he has ever written. I admire someone who is willing to expose his heart and his feelings for the sake of art- whether or not is was a textbook performance. If he wants to smoke a pack of Marlboros before a show so be it. Personally, I’m not worried about his ability to pull it off. He will do just fine. Consistency is one reason I pledged my allegiance to U2.

  78. And I’m sure if you asked Bono to “rethink” Red Hill Mining Town he’d surely tell you two words. Perhaps Bono is overwrought with emotion and chokes at the climax of the most personal song he has ever written. I admire someone who is willing to expose his heart and his feelings for the sake of art- whether or not is was a textbook performance. If he wants to smoke a pack of Marlboros before a show so be it. Personally, I’m not worried about his ability to pull it off. He will do just fine. Consistency is one reason I pledged my allegiance to U2.

  79. Spike, I’m puzzled by your comments. Have you not heard the live versions of this song? There are at least three out there, and in each case, Bono has sung the song admirably. He has nailed that note in each case. He has indeed “hit it”.
    And, just out of curiosity, why would you “much rather see him take it in a more sullen direction”, to quote your rather precious prose?

  80. Spike, I’m puzzled by your comments. Have you not heard the live versions of this song? There are at least three out there, and in each case, Bono has sung the song admirably. He has nailed that note in each case. He has indeed “hit it”.
    And, just out of curiosity, why would you “much rather see him take it in a more sullen direction”, to quote your rather precious prose?

  83. You guys kind of remind me of those chickens that are preened for battle…but ones with really big heads. You all make clear, intellegent points (hence the increased head size), but then you have to add some sort of little jab to provoke the other. I don’t say this to start something (oh man, that’s the last thing I want), but just to offer an on-looker’s view point.

    But I digress…to the topic of this thread:
    Love, love, love this video. It reminded me of the special sumpin’ that U2 has that I thought I was no longer impressed by. Between the 2-3 years since touring and the hoopla around this tour’s tickets, I was worried I was losing the strong devotion I once had for the band. Time pressed on and I assumed that my 8 yr romance had fizzled. But oh no…it just needed to be coaxed a little bit. And this was the ticket to do it. The video is classic and fresh at the same time. It makes me giddy like “Who’s Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses?” did, but with a much better video. I am also a fan of the a capella beginning; it grounds the video and emphasizes the simplicity of the single.

    And finally, on to the materialistic stuff: I don’t think I would have recognized the man without his glasses if he were to bump into me on the street. The baby blues are back. And note to Phil: you can pan up and down Bono’s body any day. Auckerland used it to great avail with a certain conveyer belt in “Beautiful Day” and there’s a touch of the same in “Mysterious Ways”. Between those three, it makes me want to visit Morocco via Charles de Gaulle with a visit to Dublin on the way back. U2 does great stuff for tourism.

  84. You guys kind of remind me of those chickens that are preened for battle…but ones with really big heads. You all make clear, intellegent points (hence the increased head size), but then you have to add some sort of little jab to provoke the other. I don’t say this to start something (oh man, that’s the last thing I want), but just to offer an on-looker’s view point.

    But I digress…to the topic of this thread:
    Love, love, love this video. It reminded me of the special sumpin’ that U2 has that I thought I was no longer impressed by. Between the 2-3 years since touring and the hoopla around this tour’s tickets, I was worried I was losing the strong devotion I once had for the band. Time pressed on and I assumed that my 8 yr romance had fizzled. But oh no…it just needed to be coaxed a little bit. And this was the ticket to do it. The video is classic and fresh at the same time. It makes me giddy like “Who’s Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses?” did, but with a much better video. I am also a fan of the a capella beginning; it grounds the video and emphasizes the simplicity of the single.

    And finally, on to the materialistic stuff: I don’t think I would have recognized the man without his glasses if he were to bump into me on the street. The baby blues are back. And note to Phil: you can pan up and down Bono’s body any day. Auckerland used it to great avail with a certain conveyer belt in “Beautiful Day” and there’s a touch of the same in “Mysterious Ways”. Between those three, it makes me want to visit Morocco via Charles de Gaulle with a visit to Dublin on the way back. U2 does great stuff for tourism.

  85. I’ve been talking about Bono voice a lot since the album came out, but watching the video I suddenly realized the point of keeping the “fake it” in. In a 4-year production, no need to argue that every single beat on the album is there on purpose.
    And to have this great opposite of getting something from your dad, wether it’s your voice or attitude (or a lot of both…), and the struggle you have with it when he’s gone, it’s great. I hope they play this song live, and that Bono can take it off every single night…

  86. I’ve been talking about Bono voice a lot since the album came out, but watching the video I suddenly realized the point of keeping the “fake it” in. In a 4-year production, no need to argue that every single beat on the album is there on purpose.
    And to have this great opposite of getting something from your dad, wether it’s your voice or attitude (or a lot of both…), and the struggle you have with it when he’s gone, it’s great. I hope they play this song live, and that Bono can take it off every single night…

  87. i am sure they will not edit the song when playing live. they never did with other difficult songs. besides i don’t think bono would like to cut out that part (maybe the most important in the song).

  88. i am sure they will not edit the song when playing live. they never did with other difficult songs. besides i don’t think bono would like to cut out that part (maybe the most important in the song).

  89. I ain’t tryin’ to provoke noone noway. I was just reiterating our fabulous Caroline’s replies. I’m a good U2 fan. I agree and love this video as well. I’m kind of in the same boat with you as this video just rekindled my slightly waning admiration/mysticism for the band. I think it’s just tour anxiety. ha.

  90. I ain’t tryin’ to provoke noone noway. I was just reiterating our fabulous Caroline’s replies. I’m a good U2 fan. I agree and love this video as well. I’m kind of in the same boat with you as this video just rekindled my slightly waning admiration/mysticism for the band. I think it’s just tour anxiety. ha.

  91. rock_martyr: “And I’m sure if you asked Bono to “rethink” Red Hill Mining Town he’d surely tell you two words.”

    A fan who the band don’t know from Jack walks up to Bono and asks him if he’ll rework a song he wrote twenty years ago? What has this got to do with anything? U2 often rework their songs on tour, and Bono often – sadly – continues to struggle with songs that you can’t possibly expect to be capable of singing night after night.

    rupe: He hasn’t even come close in the performances I have heard. There’s been coverage of it both on u2log and other websites. I’d much rather see a darker version of the song because I love it when U2 come over all evil and mysterious. I also love performances of One when Bono ducks the “hiiigh-hiiiiigh” part at the end and does something else.

    I think this argument actually got started by provocation. You can’t possibly quantify opinion, so when both sides are offering opposing views you can only discuss it. Instead you’ve tried to discredit me in some way by suggesting I’m a casual fan, as if that should give them the moral high ground.

    Newsflash: My girlfriend’s thirteen year old sister, who plays ‘Vertigo’ on repeat from the album and hates the rest of it is equally important to the the band as you.

    Newsflash #2: Name-calling and provocation for questioning Bono’s ability to perform a song also reminds me of my girlfriend’s thirteen year old sister.

  92. rock_martyr: “And I’m sure if you asked Bono to “rethink” Red Hill Mining Town he’d surely tell you two words.”

    A fan who the band don’t know from Jack walks up to Bono and asks him if he’ll rework a song he wrote twenty years ago? What has this got to do with anything? U2 often rework their songs on tour, and Bono often – sadly – continues to struggle with songs that you can’t possibly expect to be capable of singing night after night.

    rupe: He hasn’t even come close in the performances I have heard. There’s been coverage of it both on u2log and other websites. I’d much rather see a darker version of the song because I love it when U2 come over all evil and mysterious. I also love performances of One when Bono ducks the “hiiigh-hiiiiigh” part at the end and does something else.

    I think this argument actually got started by provocation. You can’t possibly quantify opinion, so when both sides are offering opposing views you can only discuss it. Instead you’ve tried to discredit me in some way by suggesting I’m a casual fan, as if that should give them the moral high ground.

    Newsflash: My girlfriend’s thirteen year old sister, who plays ‘Vertigo’ on repeat from the album and hates the rest of it is equally important to the the band as you.

    Newsflash #2: Name-calling and provocation for questioning Bono’s ability to perform a song also reminds me of my girlfriend’s thirteen year old sister.

  93. My point in this from the start was that fans have been moaning about Bono’s voice for the last 15 years on each and every forum and mailing list that I’ve been on. I’m tired of the discussion, I’d pay hard cash not to have to see one again, especially here.

  94. My point in this from the start was that fans have been moaning about Bono’s voice for the last 15 years on each and every forum and mailing list that I’ve been on. I’m tired of the discussion, I’d pay hard cash not to have to see one again, especially here.

  95. i agree, totally. i was about to pick up on the argument, but deleted everything i wrote, because i just got so pissed off about it.

    it´s one of these ten-thousand-ton discussions. love it or leave it, that´s the conclusion pretty much.

    the goal is soul. that´s also true for bono´s voice. and there´s plenty of it for the next few years.

  96. i agree, totally. i was about to pick up on the argument, but deleted everything i wrote, because i just got so pissed off about it.

    it´s one of these ten-thousand-ton discussions. love it or leave it, that´s the conclusion pretty much.

    the goal is soul. that´s also true for bono´s voice. and there´s plenty of it for the next few years.

  97. I too like this video. A lot.

    @ Bono’s voice, I’d like to quote this, which I read in the newsgroup alt.fan.u2 in February 2002:

    “I’m tired of hearing people complain about Bono’s cracking voice lately.
    A lot of amazing treasures have cracks in them: the painting of the Mona Lisa, the Liberty Bell and the Great Pyramids…”

    Bono’s voice has changed, that’s for sure, but as long as he can bring us hair-raising bellows like before Streets on the Slane DVD, I’m not that concerned…..

  98. I too like this video. A lot.

    @ Bono’s voice, I’d like to quote this, which I read in the newsgroup alt.fan.u2 in February 2002:

    “I’m tired of hearing people complain about Bono’s cracking voice lately.
    A lot of amazing treasures have cracks in them: the painting of the Mona Lisa, the Liberty Bell and the Great Pyramids…”

    Bono’s voice has changed, that’s for sure, but as long as he can bring us hair-raising bellows like before Streets on the Slane DVD, I’m not that concerned…..

  99. Spike- have you exhausted yourself yet? Taste is subjective, and as Bono says, “Is the enemy of art”. Whether or not Red Hill Mining Town was 20 years ago is besides the point. I never called you a casual fan nor implied it. I’m also not arguing…but within the realm of cyberspace you can take it how you wish. I’m glad your gf’s sister is a fan…cool. I’m still trying to convert my own sister.

    “Newsflash #2: Name-calling and provocation for questioning Bono’s ability to perform a song also reminds me of my girlfriend’s thirteen year old sister.”—Isn’t this what you’ve been doing? I agree with Caroline, Bernhard, and friendlysolarflare.

  100. Spike- have you exhausted yourself yet? Taste is subjective, and as Bono says, “Is the enemy of art”. Whether or not Red Hill Mining Town was 20 years ago is besides the point. I never called you a casual fan nor implied it. I’m also not arguing…but within the realm of cyberspace you can take it how you wish. I’m glad your gf’s sister is a fan…cool. I’m still trying to convert my own sister.

    “Newsflash #2: Name-calling and provocation for questioning Bono’s ability to perform a song also reminds me of my girlfriend’s thirteen year old sister.”—Isn’t this what you’ve been doing? I agree with Caroline, Bernhard, and friendlysolarflare.

  101. footnote- I’m not moaning about Bono’s voice. I freaking love it in all shapes and forms.

    random- My favorite Bono quote that I’ve just heard is, “Songs are like smells!”…lol.

  102. footnote- I’m not moaning about Bono’s voice. I freaking love it in all shapes and forms.

    random- My favorite Bono quote that I’ve just heard is, “Songs are like smells!”…lol.

  103. “My point in this from the start was that fans have been moaning about Bono’s voice for the last 15 years…”

    I’ve re-read your comments in the thread six times and I still don’t see where you said that anywhere. Obviously some kind of internet hiccup.

    I’m not really making the old argument about his voice because I don’t see any point in it – no amount of arguing on the internet will bring back Bono’s voice of old. I’m simply questioning the prudence of attempting the (seemingly) impossible repeatedly on a lengthy tour.

    “Have you exhausted yourself yet?”
    I’ve not run out of compelling argument, no. “Taste is subjective” seems to indicate that you may have 🙂

    “I never called you a casual fan nor implied it”. I’ve clearly misunderstood the meaning of ‘See you at the greatest hits show’ then 🙂 Don’t backpedal! I don’t really care what you think, its the internet, as you point out 🙂

    “I’m not arguing”
    Of course this is arguing. I’m making an argument for the case to drop what I believe to be a mediocre song from the set and to protect Bono’s voice, you’re making the counter-argument.

    “Name-calling and provocation for questioning Bono’s ability to perform a song also reminds me of my girlfriend’s thirteen year old sister.”—Isn’t this what you’ve been doing?”

    Not in the slightest: If I’m provoked I’ll give as good as I get, its only fair. I didn’t ask for snide / sarcastic remarks in the absence of / in the midst of intelligent discussion…

  104. “My point in this from the start was that fans have been moaning about Bono’s voice for the last 15 years…”

    I’ve re-read your comments in the thread six times and I still don’t see where you said that anywhere. Obviously some kind of internet hiccup.

    I’m not really making the old argument about his voice because I don’t see any point in it – no amount of arguing on the internet will bring back Bono’s voice of old. I’m simply questioning the prudence of attempting the (seemingly) impossible repeatedly on a lengthy tour.

    “Have you exhausted yourself yet?”
    I’ve not run out of compelling argument, no. “Taste is subjective” seems to indicate that you may have 🙂

    “I never called you a casual fan nor implied it”. I’ve clearly misunderstood the meaning of ‘See you at the greatest hits show’ then 🙂 Don’t backpedal! I don’t really care what you think, its the internet, as you point out 🙂

    “I’m not arguing”
    Of course this is arguing. I’m making an argument for the case to drop what I believe to be a mediocre song from the set and to protect Bono’s voice, you’re making the counter-argument.

    “Name-calling and provocation for questioning Bono’s ability to perform a song also reminds me of my girlfriend’s thirteen year old sister.”—Isn’t this what you’ve been doing?”

    Not in the slightest: If I’m provoked I’ll give as good as I get, its only fair. I didn’t ask for snide / sarcastic remarks in the absence of / in the midst of intelligent discussion…

  105. Please; tell me where I’ve called you names in the course of your “argument”. Talk about inferiority complex.

    Also- I’m going to honor Caroline’s wish and not paddle this back and forth with you.

    If you wish to e-mail me to discuss this further…I welcome your written query.

    rock_martyr@yahoo.com

  106. Please; tell me where I’ve called you names in the course of your “argument”. Talk about inferiority complex.

    Also- I’m going to honor Caroline’s wish and not paddle this back and forth with you.

    If you wish to e-mail me to discuss this further…I welcome your written query.

    rock_martyr@yahoo.com

  107. It all makes sense now . . . I made a comment following the live Dublin show on Radio One back in November about that expressed some concern about the number of songs on the new album that require some pretty high notes. My post was removed in a few minutes’ time, and I’ve been wondering why ever since. Guess I didn’t realize the can of worms I might open! At that point I was just excited that Bono had gone for and hit those notes in the Radio One performance, because it’s great to hear, but I’m definitely sympathetic to Spike’s viewpoint here. That having been said, I actually think Bono’s voice is at its most beautiful in a song like When the Stars Go Blue – such a mature yet emotional sound that his voice has evolved into over the years. No pining for the old days here!

  108. It all makes sense now . . . I made a comment following the live Dublin show on Radio One back in November about that expressed some concern about the number of songs on the new album that require some pretty high notes. My post was removed in a few minutes’ time, and I’ve been wondering why ever since. Guess I didn’t realize the can of worms I might open! At that point I was just excited that Bono had gone for and hit those notes in the Radio One performance, because it’s great to hear, but I’m definitely sympathetic to Spike’s viewpoint here. That having been said, I actually think Bono’s voice is at its most beautiful in a song like When the Stars Go Blue – such a mature yet emotional sound that his voice has evolved into over the years. No pining for the old days here!

  109. dsmith – I’d love to hear them play Your Blue Room live at some point. The spoken word bit would really suit his voice now.

    Is that Adam talking at the end? “Zooming in / Zooming out” at about 4:54.

  110. dsmith – I’d love to hear them play Your Blue Room live at some point. The spoken word bit would really suit his voice now.

    Is that Adam talking at the end? “Zooming in / Zooming out” at about 4:54.

  111. Yes, that’s Adam talking on Your Blue Room. Here’s a quote from Bono:
    “Adam was talking about the song to me, and I just wrote down an approximation of what he said and then we decided it’d be best if Adam actually spoke it. ‘A lens to see it all up close’ – we wanted to use concrete images to balance the headiness of it all. Perspective is an extraordinary thing. Everything depends on how you look at it. You get moments of clarity every now and then, when you see things for a second and they make sense. I think religious experiences are like that. You see things from a higher perspective and you feel reassured by that. You quickly forget why – but it DID make sense. The astronauts had that kind of experience, and I think that’s to do with perspective. When you see the Earth as this little blue marble, the perspective you have on yourself and on the planet is so dramatic.”

    Sadly, I don’t think we’re likely to hear that song, (and even less likely When Stars Go Blue which dsmith mentioned) on the next tour. Such a wealth of great material!

  112. Yes, that’s Adam talking on Your Blue Room. Here’s a quote from Bono:
    “Adam was talking about the song to me, and I just wrote down an approximation of what he said and then we decided it’d be best if Adam actually spoke it. ‘A lens to see it all up close’ – we wanted to use concrete images to balance the headiness of it all. Perspective is an extraordinary thing. Everything depends on how you look at it. You get moments of clarity every now and then, when you see things for a second and they make sense. I think religious experiences are like that. You see things from a higher perspective and you feel reassured by that. You quickly forget why – but it DID make sense. The astronauts had that kind of experience, and I think that’s to do with perspective. When you see the Earth as this little blue marble, the perspective you have on yourself and on the planet is so dramatic.”

    Sadly, I don’t think we’re likely to hear that song, (and even less likely When Stars Go Blue which dsmith mentioned) on the next tour. Such a wealth of great material!

Comments are closed.