Bombs away!
Earlier today I did a quick check on Usenet to see if the new U2 album, How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, had 'arrived' so to say, and lo and behold, it had just been uploaded to abs.mp3.etc.
My first impression of How to dismantle an atomic bomb is very favourable. There are fewer duds on it than on All that you can't leave behind, and I really liked that album. So it bodes well.
I'll be updating this post as I get to know these songs better.
- Vertigo. It's annoying me that U2 feel the need to compete with young contenders in such an overt way. Sure, get fired up in the studio, but why engage in this 'my dick is bigger than your dick' kind of posturing? Vertigo is this album's Elevation - the opening song and single in which U2 re-establish their punk rock roots. I actually like Vertigo a lot better than the pompous Elevation and it sounds good on the radio. But with no hook or great lyric to rememember, as a single it's rather forgettable. Love the start of it, though. Update: Lyrically, I wager this is about stage fright, about finding god in the connection between performer and audience. A song about lift off. (***)
- Miracle drug. I don't quite understand this one lyrically, so I'm having trouble remembering it musically. It references Bono's AIDS related work in Africa as well as matters of the heart at home and I don't quite see what the connection is. Perhaps it's quite simply about his choice to forsake family life for a good part of the year to help people elsewhere. A grower, quite possibly. (***)
- Sometimes you can't make it on your own . Words can't describe the beauty of this tune, originally written for Bono's father. It's gorgeous, I cried. For anyone that's loved and lost, fought and made up with a parent, a partner, a friend, it doesn't matter -- this will hit home. (*****)
- Love and peace or else . The song starts with a rumble reminiscent of Until the end of the world and then the glamrock choir sets in. A noisy, likeable tune that favours rhythm over blues. Its novelty wears off soon, as it's not quite God Part II or Daddy's gonna pay. Nick Cave would have captured that swamp & bible sound better. (***)
- City of Blinding Light. Big music makes a comeback. This tune was first mentioned to us under the title 'Skyhawk' and had been put forward for the Spiderman II movie - but U2 decided they needed another year in the studio with another set of producers. Since then it apparently got re-titled 'Firefly' (Joss Whedon wouldn't have liked that.) and it finally comes to us with yet another name. It doesn't matter what it's called, really, as this is one people will remember regardless. Vintage U2 grandeur with a touch of sean-nos meandering, a driving beat and, god help me, I hear a bit of the Simple Minds in it. (*****)
- All because of you. What. were. they. thinking.? I like my U2 rolling more than rocking, and this awful ditty is what I'd label cock rock. Oh and Bono, man, you're out of tune. (*)
- A man and a woman. An extraordinary, sophisticated song that doesn't sound anything like U2, but it gets under my skin and I like it there. Blue eyed soul, it reminds me of the solo work Tim Booth did with Angelo Badelamenti, the album Booth and the Bad Angel. Lyrically, musically, I'll never get enough of this one. Update: Did ye catch the nod to Gavin Friday in this one? (*****)
- Crumbs from your table. Another song that seems inspired by Bono's DATA work. It's the new Walk On, but musically as well as thematically more complex. Update: Who is Bono talking to in this song? A pretty girl? Or the pretty girl that was the USA? (****)
- One step closer. I'm sure this song will grow on me, like Grace never did, and I'm sure these will be the notes we will hear as we make our way out of the venue when U2 start playing live. It's a hymn, it's about death and it's hopeful. Classic U2, really. (*****)
- Original of the species. Written for or about Bono's daughter Eve (hence the title) this is another tune that confuses me a little lyrically as Bono blurs the line between child and woman child. And... well, let's not go there. Update: A sweeter, more innocent companion song to Last night on earth? (****)
- Yahweh. First mentioned to me as one to look out for a year and a half ago, I must say it's turned out a little disappointing. Musically, I think it's in Wild Horses and Walk On territory, but it's not strong enough for an album closer. And I do hate the way Bono pronounces Yahweh very, very much. (****)
Update: My god, these songs stick in the mind! Fragments keep bubbling up and I'm singing them to myself on my way to work.
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Hmm I guess a little trip to the record store is in order for me today then!
It's not out till November 23.
have to agree with you on most of the tracks von b, A Man and A Woman is gorgeous - adore. give Miracle Drug a chance - the lyrics might be weak but the band is on fire. loving how much the bass has come to fore, big up the back. man, i'm loving this record! too excitied to think about how rocking City of Blinding Lights is going to be live, "oh, you, look, so BEAUTIFUL!" rawk.
After my first couple of days of listening to this, I think I mostly agree with your assessment. In general, this is a superb album. It has the consistency of The Joshua Tree and the maturity of ATYCLB.
I like Vertigo more than you ("Hello, hello, I'm in a place called vertigo..." is the hook, for me) and I don't find All Because Of You particularly offensive to the ears.
I like Love And Peace Or Else a whole lot less than you. To me, it's like Elevation was on the previous album - horrible, grating, totally out of character. It's Personal Jesus lite, the fly in the ointment. Mind you, I learnt to like Elevation eventually, so this might grow on me too.
You forgot to give a score to Crumbs From Your Table. It reminded me of Walk On too, though of course that might be because I'd read your review before I heard the song.
As you know, I've had a fairly patchy interest in U2 over the years until the last album, so I like to think I'm being fairly objective when I say that this is the sound of a band refusing to rest on its laurels and producing some of its best work.
I'm tired of Love and Peace or Else already. No more than two stars. Love Crumbs, four stars.
I was wondering how long it would take you to mention the "rue St. Divine" bit in "A Man And A Woman"... ;-D I really wish that was Gavin singing the high backing vocals in that part too. Ah well.
choose not to download it this time, but i´m listening to the whole bcc stuff from today and nme streams and also the chicago radio station preview from last saturday, and i have to say this is going to be on of the hugest U2 albums to be released yet. it´s amazing from beginning to end, it grows and grows, as it always is with new U2 material. i´m absolutely blown away! and speaking as a guitar player, it feels all so incredibly logic and clear.