Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I think that pop stars inevitably feel the need to philosophize (is that even a word?) their positions in the grand scheme of things. You get rich as sin, commit sin, and then try to redeem your sin by some altruistic agenda directed at changing the cultural status quo, or some such rubbish. It is the celebrity plight. Never mind that there is a good chance you elicited cultural change just by being where you were when music took a different turn, and that original change is the only real cultural value that you contributed, in spite of your many trips to African drought-land.

On the other hand, you can do like Sting, brag about your inhuman prowess at yoga, pretend you're a jazz musician and go out and buy a crapload of mansions, cars, and cosmetic improvements for your wife.

When presented with the two options, I tend to gravitate to the altruistic attempts at redemption, in spite of their less-than-genuine motivators.

Even with my Irish/British heritage in the rear view mirror to remind me where I came from. Reminding me in fact, that I should probably try to find something to cheer about in musicians from the homeland that have made it big..............I simply just can't stand this band.

What is wrong with U2 in my view?.................well, James summed it all up nicely for me.

I agree some of their tunes are cool sounding and even hummable but, the band in reality is too predictable. After an hour or so of listening to their music and trying to like them, I realise once again that they have a sameness about their music that just turns me off.

I "get" that not everyone likes U2. But what seems odd is to find a thread here and then complain about them.

I mean no disrespect. I just find that odd.

That said...

The Edge has used mid-1960's Rickenbacker 330/12 strings since 1988 (Recording of 'Rattle And Hum' album). Edge hasn't used them in the more Byrds/R.E.M. jangle sort of way.

Tunes where the Ricks have been used?

"Angel Of Harlem": 'Rattle and Hum' movie and album versions
"Even Better Than The Real Thing" & "Mysterious Ways": 'Achtung Baby' album and subsequent tours.
"Gone": 'Pop' album and subsequent tours.
"Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own": 'How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb' album and Vertigo tour.
"Window in the Skies": 'U2 18 -- The Singles' album and 'Vertigo tour.

They've really done nothing since Achtung Baby that I love, but that early U2 stuff is full of incredible songs. Boy, War, and Joshua Tree are three of the best albums of the last 30ish years IMHO. They are, however, forever in the category of bands I would love to see live, but could never justify spending enough on a decent ticket to go see them, along with The Who, Stones, etc.

add me to the list of U2 should have called it quits after "War". they were great when they were young and had something to say, now it just seems like egoists that have to say something. I will give the Edge credit though. He is a master at creating a sound scape even if it is a lot of effects , I can appreciate the beauty of simplicity and the want for a unique sound.