The Mullet Decade Vs. The Shades Decade
“The Best of: 1990-2000”–a follow-up to U2’s hugely successful “The Best of: 1980-1990”–hits record stores on Nov. 5. Will the new CD sell anything close to the 3 million of its predecessor? Here’s a hint: With the rise of file sharing and bootlegging–and with record sales in such a slump–it doesn’t look good.
Living up to the content of “1980-1990” will be just as difficult. People are uniquely attached to the U2 of the ’80s, when songs such as “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” “New Year’s Day” and “Bullet the Blue Sky” ached with emotion. While the band produced just-as-celebrated music in the ’90s, songs like “Staring at the Sun” and “Gone” never felt as pinned down as their earlier work. Still, if your ’90s collection of U2 records is incomplete, “The Best of: 1990-2000” is a must-have.
Silver and Gold
Bands are usually timid when it comes to admitting they want a paycheck for their music–except for U2. Extracurricular projects continue to play a major role in the band’s cash flow and presence. U2 can be found on two soundtracks this year: The band’s classic “Sweetest Thing” was included in the soundtrack for Adam Sandler’s “Mr. Deeds” and a newly recorded song, “The Hands That Built America,” will appear on the soundtrack to the December film “Gangs of New York.” Bono’s also currently working with Gavin Friday and Brian Seezer on a song called “Time Enough For Tears” for the upcoming Jim Sheridan flick “In America.”
And boy, the band has definitely made the most of its backlog. Type “U2” into the search engine of any online music store and you’ll see the overwhelming number of albums, singles and imports it has released over the years. Some inventories have more than 100 different offerings. Did you know there are already at least eight different versions of 2000’s “Beautiful Day” available? The group also has about 10 DVDs and VHS tapes in circulation and a subscriber-only magazine called “U2 Propaganda.” At least U2 isn’t selling Bono action figures–yet.
Larry Mullen Makes Waves
Is it just us, or does U2’s music video for the new single, “Electrical Storm,” look just like Chris Isaak’s sexy “Wicked Game” from 1989? Of course, this time, it’s formerly media-shy drummer Larry Mullen rolling around in the sand. Mullen has said in the past: “People say, ‘Why don’t you do interviews?’ My job in the band is to play drums, to get up on stage and hold the band together. That’s what I do.” Not anymore. Usually the group’s videos are chock-full of shots of the band performing. But in this one, it’s all about Larry. He even shows some skin. Watch your back, David Hasselhoff.
U2 is loved–no argument there. Even when its not soliciting the spotlight, the band receives accolade upon accolade. Rolling Stone readers put six of that bands albums on the recent list of “100 Greatest Records.” Q magazine called Bono one of the “50 Most Powerful People in Music.” VH1 has included U2 in its countdown of “100 Greatest: Sexiest Artists.”
And of course, not all the band’s honors are that huge. Ireland, U2’s homeland, has put it on a new collection of stamps. Plus, at Cal State University-Sacramento, a dance troupe plans to honor the band next month. The performances will be dubbed “The U2 Experience: Take 3.”
Bono the Politico
Finally, let’s not forget about the world’s chicest crusader. Ten years ago, music industry types used to joke, “How many members of U2 does it take to change a light bulb? Just one: Bono holds the light bulb and the world revolves around him.” But these days, it’s literally the truth. He’s had a seat at the World Economic Forum and has lobbied presidents, popes and corporate magnates on global affairs.
Plus, there was his journey to Africa with Treasury Secretary Paul O’Neill. Bono took MTV along on that jaunt, and this month, fans saw footage from the journey on an episode of the network’s “Diary.” In February 2003, the rock-god-cum-politico will receive the MusicCares Person of the Year Award from the Recording Academy. Eesh–enough already, man. Smash up a hotel room or something.
