Nothing New on the Horizon

It has been bleeding ages since I’ve seen a live David Letterman show, let alone five in a row.
Last week it became the launch pad of U2 returning to claim its throne as rock’s greatest band.
In a climate of Teen pop, Rap and Hip hop the relevance of a rock band is a challenge U2 loves to embrace.

Being earnest and highly ambitious at the same time, they strive to make music that endures and flies of the shelf (or downloads) at a brisk pace.
The fact U2 sought it wise to play every night on the Letterman show illustrates their days of heavy radio play are diminishing. Prone to commerce stunts such as the Letterman show and Apple’s release of the IPod for their last album, reflects a marketing campaign hell bent on maximum exposure and maximum profits. The days of albums resting on the top of the charts for months on end finished long ago.

One bright spot in the Rock genre would be Coldplay, who’s last album ‘Viva la Vida’ sold over six million copies worldwide. Ironic perhaps, considering they've made a career of lifting practically every note from U2.
So with that in mind, what does U2 have to worry about? (Assuming they worry)

They will fill stadiums across the planet, and over a two year touring cycle even with recession priced tickets will satisfy Live Nation’s investment leaving them to restart the Celtic Tiger.
Well that’s the money side.

With all that bollocks said, Is the music any good?
Ahem…great in parts, but not an epic. They have made an U2 record that will please loyal fans,but falls short of recruiting new fans. It feels and sounds as if they have relied on old influences such as The Beatles, Bowie, Talk Talk, Led Zeppelin, Sting and The Who fused with the trademark U2 sound.
While these are wonderful artists to emulate there is no daring or surprise. The album sounds safe among its surroundings. Brilliant producers as Brian Eno and Daniel Lanios are, it is time for them to disappear. Where are the women producers in this business? It is time ladies.
I can hear Alison Goldfrapp, Kate Bush, Tori Amos and Feist making sizable contributions. If Bono and the boys want to be The Irish Beatles, hire one of them, or all of them. There’s your moment of surrender.

Standout songs: Cedars of Lebanon, Moment of Surrender and Unknown Caller.
Ones to delete: White as Snow and Fez.

Out of five tree houses, I give them three and a half.