set up a logic puzzle of what dtsc is saying and what you are saying. You'll find they come to the same conclusion. If you don't like someone saying that a band is not good anymore Don't open the thread. He stated the reasons he doesn't like them now in an intelligent fashion - and largely for entertainment. If you want to have an intelligent discussion about the merits of music that is perfectly fine. We don't have to agree about everything we just need to be civil in our discussions.

Well, I certainly haven't been a big U2 fan over the years; I've usually just heard the songs they had on the radio. I picked up their latest album after seeing it in a used CD store and I wasn't disappointed. I love this album which has prompted me to go out and purchase several of their other albums. "Kite" is one of the best songs I've heard in a long time.

Heh, you guys crack me up. You guys get so into your music tastes!

I really couldn't give two *****s about U2. Yeah I like some of their stuff, but I certainly don't lose sleep while I sit in bed getting angry at their last two albums.

Anyway, stay tuned until next week when I write an open letter to Pearl Jam!

First off, my post WAS NOT directed at DTSC. Music is ENTIRELY subjective; if he wants to discuss why he doesn't like U2, that's fine. They are personally my favorite band and have been for nearly 15 years. I enjoy all of their music, but if he doesn't, so what? I was somewhat annoyed that a song that was recorded solely for charity (the attraction WAS all the big name artists collaborating, even if it sounded like shite, which I feel it did) was openly dismissed as horrendous, as if it had something to do with U2's credentials. I dislike that particular song as much as the original poster, but I understand why Bono produced it, and I commend him for his efforts.

Let me take this opportunity to say I respect you for your thoughts and opinions, whether I agree or not.

It's all in fun. I like watered-down modern "punk" music about teenagers getting dumped by chicks.. so sue me.

I just create these threads to spark conversation and they always seem to work.

I normally find your open letters insightful and often funny but this one I disagree with.

While not many would argue that Bono is an arrogant prick I think that "All That You Can't Leave Behind" did more than just make them them the most popular they've ever been.

The first nine tracks (of 11) on the album are truly some of the best work they've ever done.

The use of actual drums instead of a loop was refreshing and the fact that they didn't copycat what was popular at the moment was also a very good touch for this record.

Now, Bono's voice is starting to really go down the gutter but I think it's a testament to music and lyrics that the album comes off so well.

Anyway, keep the open letters coming.

Dear U2, I have loved your music since I first heard "A Celebration" back in the early 80's. What a COOL song and it still sounds great today (download this if you haven't heard it). Most of your music still sounds pretty cool after all these years. You released one of the greatest, if not THE greatest recording in the 80's with "Joshua Tree". After taking a step back with "Rattle and Hum" you released another incredible CD with "Achtung Baby". Your next two releases were different and I applaud you for the "techno" sounds of "Pop"... possibly your most underrated album. "Mofo" is simply incredible...as is "Gone" and "Please".
Since following your whole career I have never been that disappointed with ANY of your recordings.

Then the hype began for your latest effort, "ATYCLB". You guys said it was one of the best of your career. You had Eno on board.
And Lanois on board. Rolling Stone mag gave it 5 stars. How could I be disappointed as a long time fan? I bought it the day it came out. I took it home and sat on the floor in front of my speakers and started listening. "Beautiful Day"... I heard it on the radio before and thought it was okay. Then came "Stuck in a Moment". NO! What the? Huh? THIS is worthy of 5 stars? THIS is a "return to form" that I never was looking for anyway because I was perfectly happy with your "experimentation". I'm a Christian. I'm supposed to like the theme of this song. I'm sorry, but it's the biggest piece of doo doo in your whole career and I'm including every B-side I own from you guys.

Then comes "Elevation". Not bad, but not close to what other little bands are doing today. Then, oh man... what ARE these songs? What about the lyrics? That voice sounds shot. Hey, "In a Little While"... that's different... not too bad. Oh, and previously I heard "Walk On" which has grown to be the best song on this CD. "New York"... horrible attempt at what you already did on "Exit". I never ever dreamed I would see you guys sitting next to the Rolling Stones as a bloated rock band running out of ideas. But it's happening before my eyes.

PLEASE, next time you put out a CD don't go shooting off about how amazing the recording is if it sounds this lame and uncreative. You guys are so much better than this. I don't listen to you guys just because you are U2. I listen to your recordings because they are creative and just happen to be U2... a band that has amazingly been worth hearing for a very long time. I'll preview your next CD first before buying it.

******* Man, some people are getting mad on this thread because some of us like to express opinions. I like sharing my thoughts, good or bad, about music. I'm passionate about bands, including U2.... a group I like very much. By the way, go read some of the negative reviews on Amazon about their latest recording. You'll find there are PLENTY of U2 fans not very happy about ATYCLB.

These threads are funny. I'll laugh harder when you pick on a band or recording I am crazy about!

I would like to take this opportunity to voice my thoughts on the last two U2 albums. Keep in mind that this is entirely subjective and I am in no way attempting to impose my thoughts and feelings on others in an effort to join some elitist ranks.

Let me start with "Pop." I think many people misunderstand this record. Most will see the glossy, kitschy image that the band assumed during this period and find themselves unable to disassociate the actual music from the image. "Pop," like "Achtung Baby" and "Zooropa," were records constructed on an idea of irony within rock music. U2 was slammed for "Rattle and Hum" and its companion film. Consequently, they stopped caring about pleasing critics, and threw it back in their faces with the outlandish rock spectacle known as Zoo TV. While "Achtung Baby" was a more dance-oriented and progressive record, the actual songs contained a depth unlike previous records. Emotions were stripped to the bone, exposed in their barest and at their most vulnerable. "Achtung" was the darkest album that U2 had ever created. After being criticized so heavily on the misconception that they had ingratiated themselves with the likes of Elvis and Johnny Cash, U2 turned it around on the same critics that had lambasted them by conceiving one of the most over the top and visually assaulting rock tours in recent memory. That same idea lay behind "Pop." The cover to "Pop" looks shiny and kitschy, as do the liner notes and the band itself. Take a listen to the record though. There are elements of dance beats and industrial noise absent from other U2 record (at least to this extent), yet "Pop" is essentially a rock record with traces of dance and trance mixed in. The lyrics are dark, the lyrics are questioning, the guitar work is absolutely mindblowing, and the rhythm section is as tight as it has ever been. "Pop" showed a great deal of maturity in U2's music: the songs were meticulously crafted and played with an urgency unlike any past U2 record. People see the band during this period of their career, and view them as being ridiculous, arrogant, and desperate to draw attention to themselves. As a result, I feel most people are distracted from the content of the record, and do not want to recognize that this is a great record. It's easy enough to dismiss, but by giving "Pop" a chance and truly immersing yourself in it, it is a fantastic piece of work, ranking up there as one of U2's best.

I see "All That You Can't Leave Behind" at the opposite side of that spectrum. The lyrics seem less poetic, the music is stripped down and much more rooted in '60 rock (see "Wild Honey," "Stuck In A Moment"). I heard many claim that this was a return to the band's older sound; however, I feel that U2 has never released a record quite like this. Is it so bad to want to craft a record built on hooks and melodies? I don't think so. Many will find this music too commercialized (by U2 standards), or geared specifically towards adult mainstream pop audiences. I personally love what the band has done. They've moved past their post-ironic tendencies and have recorded an album founded on melodies and heartfelt lyrics. These songs are to the point. I simply do not feel that they have sacrificed any artistic integrity in doing this. I have listened to this album probably 100 times since October 31st, 2000. I find something new with each play. Is Bono's voice shot? It obviously lacks much of the depth and passion evidenced in previous albums, but he can still convey more emotion with his voice than 90% of other rock singers. This is a band entering its fourth decade. They have changed, they have evolved, and I eagerly anticipate what they next have to offer. As corny as it sounds, I feel as if ATYCLB is almost a background for the events of September 11. This is music many people need right now, and U2 realize this. They are proud of what they have done. And fifteen years after initially being exposed to this great band, I am eternally grateful for the contributions they have made and for the many, many lives they have touched from a "Sunday Bloody Sunday" right on through to a "Beautiful Day."

Monkey... touche on what you said about "Pop". That CD ranks very high up there with me, too. Music is so subjective and I LIKE that! But I don't find too many great melodies on ATYCLB. I find most of it kind of boring. My wife loves this CD and when she plays it I will admit it does sound a bit better after 9-11. Let's see what U2 does down the road.....

Amen to that. I really like Achtung Baby. I bought Zooropa, promptly gave it away and haven't bought anything they've done since.

I'm amused by all these "U2 has gone downhill -- ATYCLB was lousy and Joshua Tree rules!" comments, because I can remember friends making the same argument... 10 years ago. ("U2 has gone downhill -- Joshua Tree and Rattle and Hum were lousy and War rules!")

The more things change...

FWIW, I think ATYCLB is a pretty good album that probably merits only some of the praise thrown on it by middle-aged critics so sick and tired of teeny-bopper pop/rock. I also think Bono can sometimes be over the top. And let's not forget that U2 has always been self-important -- it's not like they've all of a sudden decided to try to save the world. It's part and parcel of listening to U2 (I kinda like it occasionally).

But keep the letters coming -- they certainly generate a fair amount of discussion.

Dear DTSC

Please stop writing your open letters because nobody gives a sh|t, thank you.

by the way, what did George Harrison say about U2?

I love U2, ATYCLB is some powerful stuff, especially if you were at the concerts this year, the post and pre sept 11 concerts had a big difference, and are amazing.


It was such a fun and moving set of shows

SAShepherd, just one point about saying I like Joshua Tree way better than ATYCLB. I never was expecting U2 to do another album like that and was VERY happy with "Pop". I just wish they had tried something flat out....OUT there with this CD. I would have enjoyed it much more if they played kazoos or something.

Oh, heck, I like Joshua Tree more than ATYCLB, too. But given that they took a few stylistic risks with their last few albums, I'm willing to cut 'em a little slack this time around. Hopefully next time they'll take some risks again.

Nobody gives a Shyite? Incorrect...450+ views suggests that quite a few people care. Now, a judgement call is still left for whether people appreciate the letters.

hope this helps.

views = cares?

not necessarily.

so you just wildly click on threads? You must have far more time than I.

nope, wrong again.

Dear demonio,

**** ***.

Love,

DTSC

Wow, I totally disagree with the letter. I think U2 is one of the best bands out there for 20+ years. Look at so many of the popular bands from a few years ago who are nowhere to be found or just put out the same music over and over.

One of the reasons people dislike U2 or bash them is because after "The Joshua Tree", they did not release "The Joshua Tree Part II, III, IV and V" Too many bands do this today. They have a very successful album, rush into the studio and release the exact same sounding album. U2 deserves credit for their musical evolution from JT to Achtung. (BTW Achtung is the best album ever, bar none) I very much enjoyed Zooropa and POP. Seeing them live was the best concert I've ever been to. (I do rate Pearl Jam a better live band, but since I haven't seen them live, U2 wins)

Did you even read my letter and digest it? I gave them praise for all their albums except for the last two.

More likely it is due to the humor quotient associated with DTSC threads