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U2’s latest a muddle of music both memorable, middling

by David John Farinella

That giant whooshing sound you hear is the collective breath of relief coming from U2 fans around the world. The band that defined anthem-like protest alternative-rock during the 1980s is back.

Well, nearly.

All That You Can’t Leave Behind is not exactly akin to the guitar-centered fiery rockers U2 released during the 1980s, nor is it like any of the techno-laced junk from the 1990s. Rather, it is a blend that’s sure to please few, irritate some, and land flaccidly in the middle of modern-day musical relevance.

It’s not that the album is boring; it’s just not what’s happening now. Sure, that’s a good thing. Do we really need another Limp Bizkit release? But for the first time in their careers, the lads of U2 are standing at the crossroads: Are they hip? Are they revolutionary? Or are they soft? Read the rest of this story »

Eager to simplify after the restlessness and experimentalism that characterized much of the group’s output during the 90s, Irish rockers U2 recruited the all-star production team of Daniel Lanois and Brian Eno and entered the studio with a back-to-basics philosophy. The result is All That You Can’t Leave Behind, a work that revisits the sonic palette of earlier classics The Unforgettable Fire and The Joshua Tree.

The stripped-down sound of All That You Can’t Leave Behind is complemented by vocalist Bono’s wistful and reflective lyrical themes, which give the album a tenderness and warmth missing in recent U2 releases. The meditative closer “Grace” finds divinity embodied in a woman. The Byrds-like “Wild Honey” is a straightforward slab of jangly pop pleasure. Best of all is the melodic gem “In A Little While,” which finds Bono’s ever-powerful voice scratchy, vulnerable, and endearing-this is perhaps the best love song of U2’s venerable career.

Despite the gentle, relaxed feel of All That You Can’t Leave Behind, by no means has U2 gone completely soft: the echo-laden opener “Beautiful Day” and the crunchy “Elevation” crackle with energy and spunk, reminding listeners that this band still knows how to rock. The contributions of Lanois and Eno, who have worked with the band before, should not be underestimated; the two producers have masterfully captured the nuances that make U2 such an enduring talent. The level of sonic detail on this disc is impressive, and is best heard through headphones or a great stereo system.

If there is any weakness in this record, it is the lack of anything revelatory or groundbreaking-U2 seems to have forsaken exploratory zeal for competent professionalism and craftsmanship. Although not a masterpiece, All That You Can’t Leave Behind is an accomplished, mature album from one of the pre-eminent bands of this generation. Perhaps, U2 still hasn’t found what it’s looking for, but Ireland’s best-known group seems to be settling into rock ‘n’ roll middle age with dignity and grace.

© 2000 by Pete Pruden, Musictoday.com. All rights reserved.

Comparing it to a Beatles record, “in that every song feels like a single”, Bono and U2 have finally unveiled the contents on their upcoming album, “All That You Can’t Leave Behind”.

Due out in late October, the long-gestating follow-up to “Pop” will contain 11 songs that Bono characterizes as “tunes rather than just ideas. There’s no storytelling or artifice,” he writes on the band’s official website. “It’s about the pure joy of playing in a band, with or without an audience.”

“All That You Can’t Leave Behind” was produced by Daniel Lanois and Brian Eno. Here is the complete track listing:

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U2 are to go on line, at last. Speaking to ShowBiz Ireland recently Paul McGuiness, U2’s manager confirmed www.U2.com is soon to become a reality for their new album. "We now want to go on-line with U2.com and it’s just something we haven’t got around to yet. Well, at least until now."
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Courtesy of U2’s Bono, Wim Wenders will make a rare appearance at the Foyle film festival this week, reports MICK HEANEY.

by Mick Heaney

It has taken more than a decade, but Wim Wenders, the German film director, has finally brought to the screen The Million Dollar Hotel, the pet project of Bono, the U2 singer. As an ardent traveller it is no surprise that Wenders - currently riding high with his documentary film The Buena Vista Social Club and appearing this week at the Foyle film festival in Londonderry - was drawn to the film’s transient setting. Throughout his career he has been obsessed with journeys and dislocation, and his key artistic influences are largely foreign - American, British and Irish rock’n'roll are as important to him as the culture of his homeland. So it was natural that he should be drawn to a story formulated by an Irish rock singer.

“Bono is the one who started the whole movie,” says Wenders in his laid-back but precise English. “He wrote the story to begin with, a long time ago, and suggested it to me. He then developed the script with Nicholas Klein.

“Now we’re finally finishing it. We’ve been working on this project for almost eight years. If it’s all worth it in the end it’s fine, and I think this is.” Read the rest of this story »

The four members of Irish supergroup U2 are to be granted the Freedom of Dublin, the city council has decreed.

Bono, the Edge, Larry Mullen and Adam Clayton, as well as their manager Paul McGuinness - all from the Irish capital - will be conferred with the honour for their contribution to life in the city, said Lord Mayor Mary Freehill.

She added: “Despite their international success they continue to live, record and plan their world-class campaigns here.

“The band are always quick to support the city’s charities and cultural initiatives.”

Members of the council voted unanimously to honour the band, which found fame in the early 1980s and has maintained its status over the years as one of the most popular groups in the world.

Ms Freehill said: “U2 placed Dublin on the map as an attractive destination for many young music lovers who would never have visited Ireland otherwise.”

© 1999 Reuters. All rights reserved.