I try very hard not to make a big deal out of U2.
This is a lie.
I just wasn’t sure I wanted to join every other blog in the world that has something to do with Christian music of any sort and blog about the new U2 album. ;) hehe And if you’ve blogged about it, that’s nothing against you…or if it is, than it’s against me, too, for I am now joining your ranks, my brethren! :) On a day such as this, I cannot help but let my big boy musical crushes be known to the world.
Today is March 3, 2009. More importantly, it is the day that U2’s new album comes out. Or, ‘came out.’ I’ve had it for a few hours now. Yes, I was one of the true fans who did not download the album illegally two weeks ago. Now, whether or not I have a friend who downloaded the album illegally, and just happened to play it for me after church, and just happened to accidentally leave the cd in the church computer, and if it just happened to have ended up in my car, that I cannot speak to. (Tim, you rock by the way! Thank you for a week and a half of love…U2 style……yikes, that sounds really bad.)
There’s enough reviews going around, so let’s just say that this is U2 at their finest…writing songs as they come from their hearts, no matter what style that might be. And this time it seems much more reflective, ambient, and soundscape-ish. A lot like their Passengers album of the mid-’90’s. Which bodes fantastic for me, as that album just happens to perhaps be my favorite of theirs…maybe…at least close. So for me, this album is aural joy. For you, I’d suggest taking a listen and seeing if it sings to you like it sings to me. And Fez just may be the most beautiful and haunting song on the album.
Here’s a live rooftop version of one of the tracks in London. Just a flowing, gorgeous soundscape.
As it pertains to guitar work, Edge seems to have turned from the digitally stuff a bit, and gone much more pure and much more warm and dirty. Maybe some of the best tone and musicianship since Achtung Baby (and Slane, of course). I guess, picture the live warmth of the ZooTV tour with the live clarity and note separation of the Vertigo Tour.
And there was much rejoicing.
Splendid.
Karl.
Guitar for Worship 