U2: Expert Level

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laoghaire

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U2: Expert Level
« on: April 09, 2019, 03:31:04 PM »
A song like Beautiful Day could be U2 Beginner's Level. (I'm speaking of the listener level, not the band). It's super catchy and easy to like, even for those who have never heard of the band. It probably translates really well outside of the English speaking world, too.

On the other end of the spectrum is the ability to appreciate excellent songs that you would never start somebody out with. These songs will not be understood or enjoyed by people at a beginner, intermediate, or maybe even advanced level of U2 appreciation.

Nominate some songs for this level. Here are three from me.

Miami

Grating, almost atonal, seemingly vapid lyrics. The genius that is Miami is pretty hard to grasp.

Elvis Presley and America

It sounds like a song done in one take because that's precisely what it is. Imagine playing this for your coworker or neighbor. Um, no. But jesus, it sure is something.

Wake Up Dead Man

Mumbled, distorted vocals. "Jesus" in a rock song, repeatedly. Disorder in the music. Awesome, sign me up.
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JTNash

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Re: U2: Expert Level
« Reply #1 on: April 09, 2019, 03:42:10 PM »
My pick is 40, its too preachy for mainstream
Plant a demon seed raise a flower of fire

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shineinthesummernight

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Re: U2: Expert Level
« Reply #2 on: April 09, 2019, 03:57:52 PM »
Winter, Soon, Breathe, and Troubles would be some higher level songs, I think.

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acrobat62

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Re: U2: Expert Level
« Reply #3 on: April 09, 2019, 03:59:32 PM »
Your Blue Room - Oh, but then the debate if that is actually a U2 song or not  ;D

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Shank Asu

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Re: U2: Expert Level
« Reply #4 on: April 09, 2019, 04:11:23 PM »
Your Blue Room - Oh, but then the debate if that is actually a U2 song or not  ;D
Adding to this, i think we could add any of material from the side-projects as 'advanced level' u2 fandom- Passengers band, Bono and the MDH, Spiderman Turn off the Dark, etc.

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73October

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Re: U2: Expert Level
« Reply #5 on: April 09, 2019, 04:49:11 PM »
She's A Mystery to Me????
One love, One blood, One life;
You got to do what you should.
One life; With each other
Sisters, Brothers
One life; But we're not the same
We get to carry each other, Carry each other

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laoghaire

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Re: U2: Expert Level
« Reply #6 on: April 09, 2019, 04:54:31 PM »
She's A Mystery to Me????

That one belongs on the radio! Beginner level. I understand it has some current popularity via Aquaman.
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JTNash

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Re: U2: Expert Level
« Reply #7 on: April 09, 2019, 04:56:30 PM »
Mercy? 
Plant a demon seed raise a flower of fire

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Shank Asu

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Re: U2: Expert Level
« Reply #8 on: April 09, 2019, 05:10:17 PM »
There's been a lot of songs that have come up on the Rate A Song topics on here that i have never heard about prior. Those would be the obscure of the obscure songs.

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laoghaire

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Re: U2: Expert Level
« Reply #9 on: April 09, 2019, 05:29:47 PM »
It's sometimes hard to seperate but I was thinking not so much about obscure songs as songs that are excellent but a non-fan would be unlikely to hear its excellence.

Like, A Sort of Homecoming is relatively obscure, but if you played it for a rock fan they would not be like, what the hell did you just play?

Whereas with EPAA, I think they would be like, this song is ... really weird, man. BUT not looking for bad songs, but good ones that most people aren't going to "get."
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Amor fati

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Re: U2: Expert Level
« Reply #10 on: April 09, 2019, 05:39:53 PM »
If you wear that Velvet Dress

Slug

Oh Berlin


am i an e><pert?



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Shank Asu

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Re: U2: Expert Level
« Reply #11 on: April 09, 2019, 05:54:42 PM »
If you wear that Velvet Dress

Slug

Oh Berlin


am i an e><pert?
Oh Berlin?

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Codeguy

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Re: U2: Expert Level
« Reply #12 on: April 09, 2019, 06:21:06 PM »
Disappearing Act
Oh Berlin
Lady with the spinning head
-------

Too tall to be a despot

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guest259

Re: U2: Expert Level
« Reply #13 on: April 09, 2019, 06:24:52 PM »
Can't really top the ones in the OP, they're the ones I'd pick. Possibly Walk to the Water also.

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Amor fati

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Re: U2: Expert Level
« Reply #14 on: April 09, 2019, 06:54:46 PM »
If you wear that Velvet Dress

Slug

Oh Berlin


am i an e><pert?
Oh Berlin?


This appeared on one of the AB 20th editions - i don't recall which one though.  Until then nobody had even heard of it  :o