Hardcore U2 fans will surely salivate at the multi-disc box sets. The Super Deluxe Edition offers six CDs and four DVDs. In addition to Achtung Baby and the B-sides and rarities, the set also includes U2's followup album Zooropa, remix discs entitled "Uber" and "Unter," and a particularly fascinating CD entitled "Kindergarten: The Alternative Achtung Baby." Essentially an early version of the final album, it allows listeners to experience the creation process. Hearing a very simple, acoustic guitar-driven "One," then comparing it to the majestic, powerful final version illustrates how the band clearly meticulously crafted every track on that album. Bono's passionate vocals shine through even more on this early take. Those who can't hear enough remixes of Zooropa's "Numb" may elect to purchase the Super Deluxe Edition. Ultimate fans may opt for the Uber Deluxe Edition, which includes not only all the CDs and DVDs previously mentioned, but a hardback book, limited edition prints, the double vinyl album plus singles, and even a pair of Bono's famed sunglasses from the video "The Fly."
All of the extras are sure to please longtime enthusiasts and completists who must own every U2-related item. However, the truly valuable item here is the original Achtung Baby. Amazingly, it sounds as modern yet timeless today as it did back in 1991. Comparing this material with Rattle and Hum and everything before, it is evident that U2 decided to update and reinvent their sound without sacrificing their original rock roots. ""Even Better Than the Real Thing" may have a stronger, faster beat, but The Edge's distinctive guitar licks, Larry Mullen, Jr.'s pounding drums, and Bono's hard yet sensual vocals predominate. "Until the End of the World" rocks with The Edge's knife-sharp guitar lines and Bono's soaring voice—in other words, it represents classic U2, but updated for 1990s audiences. The guitar also takes front and center on "Ultra Violet (Light My Way)," which demonstrates why The Edge is considered one of rock's most distinctive musicians.
Article comments
1 - g alexander
IMHO, they, U2, need to go away again and reinvent themselves, seriously.
bono should dump the stupid sunglasses he's been wearing since zootv, due to his smoking, he really can't hit high notes anymore. tell him not to sing 'The Wanderer" ever again. he's not baritone like Cash, never will be and doesn't have the life of experience of Cash to bring some honesty/truth to the song.
u2 shelter/launder their money in holland, spend millions on stocks like Palm, buying houses in Malibu (the edge). Cash spent a lifetime on the road, singing about the poor, the beaten down, those livin' on the hungry side of town.
edge ruins the older songs by trying to 'modernize' them and it doesn't work, it sounds terrible. it's like Spielberg screwing with E.T., or Lucas with SW, just leave the work alone. his style has really gotten boring and same old, same old. adding electronic effects to whammy bars, using 'dirty' guitar sounds is not creative or engaging. he's an example of trying to remarket the same crap by changing the package and calling it 'new and improved'. i don't think he can even read sheet music.
bass player, needs to go, can anyone remember any decent bass riffs from any song? listen/watch geddy lee from rush for some inspiration. even sting plays better bass.
drummer is probably the only one who can keep a good rock beat/tempo. he should be more expressive in the songs.
cheers
2 - Joann
Yikes! to g alexander--are the remixes really that bad? I'll have to find out for myself, as I have a true U2 fan on my holiday shopping list. Thanks for bringing these "new" releases to my attention, Kit! I'm off to find them online!
3 - Kit O'Toole
Mark will love these remixes; they are for true U2 fans! Thanks for commenting.
4 - Jordan Richardson
bass player, needs to go, can anyone remember any decent bass riffs from any song?
Sure, let's go with "New Year's Day," "Seconds," "With or Without You," "Stay (Faraway So Close)," "Bullet the Blue Sky," "Mysterious Ways," and "The First Time" to start.