Chaos and Creation in the Backyard

lennonon · Post by **lennonon** » Fri Dec 09, 2005 8:17 pm

True...true....

However....I always thought it was one of the ultimate rock star perks that you could wear sunglasses ANYTIME...

I'd take that over the limos and groupies any day....

Well - perhaps just over the limos....

winston · Post by **winston** » Fri Dec 09, 2005 10:07 pm

If (big If) I were an aging rock star, I would never wear sunglasses indoors etc, as I would be afraid that I'd miss out on far too much that may be going on. It would be like being disconnected from reality.

Hmmm. Come to think of it that may be a good thing at my age. LOL

gregga41 · Post by **gregga41** » Sat Dec 10, 2005 12:49 am

Nice Rickenbackers creeping into U2's act at present....give the award to them.
Macca has lost many fans downunder as a result of cancelled shows a few years ago!
Still haven't heard any little snippet from his new album down here, getting hardly any airplay!
But , hey, he was the partner in arguably the greatest singer/composers of the 20th century! Got to give him that!

chingnchime · Post by **chingnchime** » Sat Dec 10, 2005 2:01 pm

The guy's a God who tries to live a hassle-free, normal-as-I-can-get-for-a-billionaire existence. I think for the most part he's been a shining example of the best part of success- so much charity work, etc., yet never seems to take himself too seriously. I loathe the day when there's not a Paul McCartney in this world.

winston · Post by **winston** » Sat Dec 10, 2005 2:20 pm

Sorry Steve,

I have to disagree with your analogy. Sir Paul is not omnipresent therefore he is not "a God". If you mean he is a kind hearted, well meaning, talented soul. I would agree 100%.

jonpaul · Post by **jonpaul** » Sat Dec 10, 2005 2:29 pm

Interesting comments about U2 & Bono. It sure would be nice to hear some variety from them once in a while. But I guess with Bono's voice theres not a whole lot they can do. As soon as he opens his mouth and sings his first few words it all sounds the same, not much vocal flexibility, a bit boring to me, same sound over and over and over again. - JMO.

lennonon · Post by **lennonon** » Sat Dec 10, 2005 3:06 pm

Odd comment, considering U2 is one of the FEW bands to follow the example of The Beatles and achieve legitimate staying power and success by constantly evolving and changing their sound.

Bono may have a distinct voice, but since when has that been a bad thing in rock-n-roll?

If you don't hear a difference from the U2 on Boy to Unforgettable Fire to Joshua Tree to Achtung Baby to Pop to All That You Can't Leave Behind/Atomic Bomb, then, brutha, you ain't listening.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Sat Dec 10, 2005 6:17 pm

Bruthas, I know what David's saying--Bono is more of a "shouter" than a real melodic prince. Nothing wrong with a shouter; there's a grand tradition of that vocal style going way back. I, too prefer melodic, but there's an issue of quality and schmaltz that haunts melodic singers. It's hard to compare "Eleanor Rigby" with "Have a Wonderful Christmas (time)", which is right now playing on my radio, making me want to get up and turn it off...That is NOT "evolution".

Don't get me wrong, and don't get Bono's singular style mixed up with the evolution of the band itself. His style, and the Edge's complimentary style of playing, give the band an anchor which holds them together musically while they continue to stretch and evolve.

Their music doesn't get a whole lot of play in my house or car, probably because I come from another age group, But they do still speak to me.

But a name like "The Edge" I can't get behind.

wayang · Post by **wayang** » Sat Dec 10, 2005 6:32 pm

It certainly doesn't hold a candle to 'Zoot Horn Rollo'...

A U.S. Navy anti-drug brochure I picked up in front of the chow hall (just for laughs) had a list of the ten warning signs of 'illicit' drug use...right up there at number one: "The wearing of sunglasses in inappropriate situations." Them cats know their business, don't they?

"Were there a few days missing, Dane?"

Man, Steve...if only...

winston · Post by **winston** » Sat Dec 10, 2005 6:50 pm

There is no question that Maccas catalogue and delivery of songs is far superior in many ways to Bonos. But it almost seems that both artists try to prove they are VIPs at every hands turn, sometimes, to no one in particular. That bugs me.

jonpaul · Post by **jonpaul** » Sat Dec 10, 2005 6:50 pm

Well, it all boils down to opinions, just like any other topic that can be discussed. I've listened to my share of U2 songs over the years and quite honestly when they first came on the seen (back in the 80's) I really thought their music was interesting, something fresh, and as you stated "Bono's distinct voice" was exciting. However, as the years have past Bono's vocal style has always been the same, very little variety. To me his evolution as a lead singer has not parallelled the bands musical growth. Therefore, no matter what new sound they come up with (instrumentally) his (Bono's) vocals will always over ride the feel of the song. Obviously many people love their stuff, and I'm definitely not a U2 hater. I just wish there was more variety in the vocals to help project the new songs in a more exciting manner. It's true Bono has his style, but the lack of vocal versatility is what causes the sameness. Again JMO.

lennonon · Post by **lennonon** » Sat Dec 10, 2005 7:36 pm

Fair enough. Agree to disagree. I think Bono has developed remarkably well as a vocalist. Listen to the vocals on "One", "Love is Blindness", "Stay (Far Away)" compared to earlier songs (even some Joshua Tree) and I think you have genuine growth.

There are a zillion other examples I can point to, but it's cool.

stubby · Post by **stubby** » Sat Dec 10, 2005 8:53 pm

A couple of comments here. First, Howard you've never heard of Mariah Carey down there in the land of Oz? If so, more than ever, I want to visit Australia, maybe even move there!

As for U2, I've never been a big fan but last night, after many cocktails, I crashed on my couch and was watching the tube before heading off to bed. There was a Johnny Cash tribute concert on and U2 was doing a version of Cash's "The Wanderer." Bono was very unspectacular but The Edge (is that his name?) was singing some great falsetto parts and was playing a Gretsch (a Country Classic maybe?). As I said, I've never been a big U2 fan even though I grew up with them, a teenager when they were first coming to the fore of pop music. The rest of the band seemed pretty lethargic but, in this particular tune, The Edge seemed really "on edge," quite engaging. And he had that big *** Gretsch. What else can I say, I was mesmerized (remember of course, I had had many cocktails)....

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Sat Dec 10, 2005 9:34 pm

Zoot Horn Rollo.

How 'bout "Winged Eel Fingerling"?

"Yes, the Mascara Snake. Fast and bulbous.

"Bulbous, also tapered.

"No, you've gotta wait until I say, 'like a tin teardrop'".

ken_swearingen · Post by **ken_swearingen** » Sun Dec 11, 2005 5:24 am

"The guy's a God who tries to live a hassle-free, normal-as-I-can-get-for-a-billionaire existence. I think for the most part he's been a shining example of the best part of success- so much charity work, etc"

I thought this was referring to Bono,hes always doing charity stuff,God Bless him.