Timothy McIntyre ([email protected])
Sat, 16 Jan 1999 22:44:37 -0800 (PST)
..Someone from Penn State just posted about the U2 book "Into the Heart",
which explains Bono's intentions behind his song lyrics, and I just wanted
to add that there is a new version of the book that includes discussion
of the tracks from 'Pop'.
Speaking of the tracks from 'Pop', I really, really hope that the quality
of Bono's lyrics improves on the new record. I've complained before about
what I think was a sort of laziness by Bono in penning the Pop songs, but
on the off-chance that someone at Principle scrolls through this edition
of WIRE, please pass word on to Bono that this fan hopes he actually
applies himself on the next album! :)
I know Bono wanted a lot of those lyrics to be "throwaway," as he's said
in interviews, but to me that seems like an excuse for uninspired writing.
I mean, "Miami, my mammy?" "If you scratch it won't disappear?"
Whatever happened to "I'll see you again when the stars fall from the
sky," and "In dreams begin responsibilities"? *grumble* When Bono writes
well, the result is spectacular; when he tries to get too cute with
language and sound street-savvy, I think he stumbles sometimes... Anyway,
I still think he's the best writer in music today when he's on, and I hope
he redeems himself on the new record. Thank goodness he's said this
record is going to be "direct"!
...As for the thread about American tourists, I absolutely agree. In the
spirit of good-natured and immature country-teasing, here are some of my
humble (and probably wrong) observations about a few countries:
1. America: the big, obnoxious, drunken uncle at the family reunion that
talks about himself a lot. America thinks it's the boss of the whole
world, because, well, it is. Except no one else really wants to hear
about it. We Americans set international policy, and other democracies
follow. This goes to America's head, and as a result, American tourists
can't always appreciate other countries. I always cringe when I'm abroad
and hear some Americans talking loudly about how "weird the food is" or
whatever. Best export: free-market democratic capitalism.
2. Ireland: The melodramatic drama queen. Always carrying on about its
long, national struggle, etc., and trying hard to appear modern. Home of
the coolest people on the planet, and the best beer, too. Best export:
1991's Achtung Baby.
3. England: The Mr. Macphisto of countries--it was once great, but now
it's playing Vegas and trying to relive past glories. Looks
condescendingly towards the United States, and takes a maternalistic
attitude towards America: "Oh, isn't that nice. Our little colony is
doing so well these days," it seems to be saying. Copies America but
tries to pretend that it's not. Best export: Premier League football.
4. France: The sulking teenager who doesn't even want to be at the
family reunion in the first place: France is a member of NATO, the Allied
forces, etc., but never quite cooperates with policy initiatives.
AMerica, UK, Germany, etc. have to threaten to "ground" France if it
doesn't cooperate, so then it always comes around in the end. Totally
arrogant country, but with good reason: the French have the most beautiful
language, are the best lovers, make the best food, have the best taste,
and they KNOW it, damn it! Best export: Boursin pepper cheese.
5. Canada: The super-friendly country that is the equivalent of the
yellow-smiley-face symbol. Always in a good mood, always sensible, but
liable to get railroaded by big snotty American interests because it's
sort of a push-over. Best export: Winnipeg Jets-turned-Colorado
Avalanche.
Okay I've probably succeeded in unintentionally offending lots of people
so I'll stop now. Plus, I haven't been anywhere else enough to think
that I even vaguely understand any other countries' culture :) These are
meant in complete jest, and are, of course, nothing but sweeping
stereotypes that serve no practical purpose other than hopefully providing
a small flicker of sarcastic humor :)
cheers
Tim
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Timothy McIntyre
Boston University School of Law
[email protected]
http://www.csua.berkeley.edu/~timothym
"The writer never seeks admiration.
He wants to be believed."
--Jean LeCocteau
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