Let me start by saying I hate U2. I haven't liked anything they've done since War. When it first came out, October, then War were some of my favorites. My brother had them both and I listened to them constantly. When The Joshua Tree came out, I almost puked. I hated it and everything about it. I don't know if this was a product of where I was going in my musical tastes, or if it was just so different that it turned me off. I ceased listening to U2 on anything seeming like a regular basis. Ocassionally, I'd hear a radio single or a friend would be playing one of thier albums. Everything I heard turned me off. I had the tedious joy of getting to listen to Atchung, Baby! from begining to end twice in one night at a party shortly after it was released. I almost came to blows with several people at that party, since I did nothing but cut it to shreds the whole time I heard it. I thought it was the worst piece of crap ever released. From that moment forward, I was an avid U2 anti-fan. Everything about them, I hated. From the simple, looped guitar work of The Edge to the whiny nasal voice of Bono. What the hell was with the one-name thing anyways? When they started wearing the shades everywhere, I hated that too. My father in-law and sister are both super-huge U2 fans, so you can imagine the discussions we've had.
Knowing the above, you ask why I am reviewing not one, but two U2 discs? Well, I happened to be shopping for Christmas presents for my wife. I have discovered the secret to not killing someone while Christmas shopping. Music. I bring my CD player with me and I listen to music while shopping. Inevitably, while shopping, I pick up a CD or two for myself. This day, I was being very good. I hadn't even bought myself anything and I was doing semi-well for my wife. I still had about three places to go to, but I had enough CD's with me to last, so I didn't even go near the music section. Near the cash register was one of those stands with "New Releases" on it. Being a habit of mine to check out what the chain-stores are forcing down people's throats this month, I took a peek. There I spotted a grey cover with a buffalo running across it. Intrigued, I picked it up and checked it out. It turned out to be U2 The Best Of 1990-2000 & B-sides, with a "bonus" DVD preview. I began to put it back, but something stopped me and made me take a look at the tracklisting. I put it down twice and picked it back up. Eventually, I came to the realization that if I didn't buy this, I'd just be coming back or going somewhere else and buying it. So, instead of putting it back, I bought it.
Article comments
1 - Alice
Wow. What a story. Let me start by saying I'm a huge U2--not unlike your father in law and fellow family members. I've loved them since I can remember. That being said, I'm obviously a little biased in any critique in them but I'm also not a person who completely shuts out other people's opinions. In fact, out of boredom and curiosity I decided to search the web for articles containing "I hate U2" just too see what others had to say. Naturally, some of the criticisms had a harsh sting, but I believe that those who are honest and don't simply brush aside artists are worth listening to. I think some people just target mainstream and accalimed aristists for the sake of it--just so they go against the crowd. However, I think that you're artitically was incredibly well written because it was critical, forgiving and honest. Well Done.
P.S. Honestly though, you really hate The Joshua Tree? Guess I'm just gonna have to let it go!
2 - Chris
I can't remember right now whether it is on the B-sides for the Best of 1990-2000, but you really should try and find the single for "Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses." It has what they call the Temple Bar Remix of that song on it and it is genius, it sounds like U2 doing a cover band version of a U2 song. Genius.
3 - david baltrons
i'm glad u hate u2. it's obious that you don't like rock n' roll. go on ahead and listen to likin park and that shit coming out now. but don't ever, ever compare u2 to taht! u don't deserve to listen to them. go play or something...
4 - Reggie
Yeah, i hated (still do) the 'Joshua tree' and 'Achtung baby' too...and the best of 1980-1990 (they came out before i was 6). However i totally liked 'all that you can't leave behind'- just loved it.
The fact that the best of 1990-2000 has my favorite songs from 'all that you can't have' like elevation and electrical storm (with william Orbit!!!!) just made me like all the rest.
i love u2, always will (tear and sniff).