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Is The Tank Empty?

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So Cruel

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Is The Tank Empty?
« on: July 13, 2024, 03:50:14 PM »
We’ve all questioned the output the last decade or so. All lot of us have questioned the direction the band has taken, but I’m starting to think no matter what direction they go, the tank is on E…the cupboard is bare, the bands shelf life expired a long time ago.

Throughout the week, I was working on my computer and had my 80’s U2 playlist on. The band was energetic, the songs were fresh and dynamic. A band rising to an unbelievable peak.

Today I’m doing work and put on SOE for the first time in years. There are some nice highs on the album, but they also shamelessly reused ideas that had already been done on prior albums. I don’t mind Get Out of Your Own Way, but my God, they basically lifted the bass and drums from Beautiful Day and placed another song over it. The very mediocre American Soul was taken from the equally mediocre Volcano. 13 takes the cringy Song for Someone and I guess makes it a bit better. Every thing they’ve released since ranges from shit to trash.

I think creatively there’s just not much left. If we can get a few more Little Things, Sleep Like a Baby, Land Lady, etc.. that will be the best we can likely hope for. I hope they prove me wrong.
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Amor fati

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Re: Is The Tank Empty?
« Reply #1 on: July 13, 2024, 04:27:48 PM »
After several lagers and whitbeers last evening, i retired to the couch and managed to watch LNOE and UTEOTW from POPMART Mexico City - the enhanced versions - before drifting off to dreamland.  They were full throttle back then,  very interesting,  and unapologetic.  Thats the band i remember.

Not the snoozefest award show band who hangs out with other elites such as themselves and politicians,  kings/queens, etc. It is interesting how the music went to shit around the time Bono became a regular at the White House. 

There are still moments that make me think greatness is still possible;  Moment of Surrender,  for instance.  I actually like Atomic City better than most here - even though i would admit if that song were recorded 30 years ago it would have been a b-side at best. 

While i try to remain optimistic about the future of the band i would be more excited for a POP box set than any new material they would release in the coming years.  And there is likely no hope for that.  So im probably just going to have to settle for more lager and whitbeers and memories/stories about the good ole days. 
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Very good

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Re: Is The Tank Empty?
« Reply #2 on: July 13, 2024, 07:17:39 PM »
I think there have been enough moments in this century that adds their phenomenal output to keep the enjoyment going. And if you disagree, it’s been nearly 30 year since Pop (WHAT an album by the way), probably time to let it go people. 30 years…
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So Cruel

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Re: Is The Tank Empty?
« Reply #3 on: July 13, 2024, 07:28:05 PM »
Quote from: Very good on July 13, 2024, 07:17:39 PM
I think there have been enough moments in this century that adds their phenomenal output to keep the enjoyment going. And if you disagree, it’s been nearly 30 year since Pop (WHAT an album by the way), probably time to let it go people. 30 years…

I agree there are some great moments, but when there’s multi-year gaps between albums, and then they end up regurgitating songs from the past, to me it looks like they are running out of ideas. 3 songs from the last album had significant portions lifted from prior U2 songs. Their last single lifted the melody from a Blondie song.
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The Exile

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Re: Is The Tank Empty?
« Reply #4 on: July 13, 2024, 08:44:18 PM »
I feel like this criticism is fair, but it's partially the band's own doing. They're stuck in the 10-song LP mentality, which is fine if you're a young band bursting with ideas and creative energy. But if you're a veteran band whose best material has already been released years ago, there is absolutely NO reason to remain in this outdated commercial straitjacket.

I mean FFS, the only reason for albums with around 10 tracks apiece is that that was how much room there was on a 12-inch vinyl disc. Most younger bands understand this, and release 4-5 song EPs as the songs emerge organically. If U2 could break free from their ancient mentality they wouldn't have to wait until they have a whole 10 tracks to release them (especially since half those tracks will be filler anyway). You don't need "filler" if there is nothing to fill. That's what U2 cannot seem to grasp.
« Last Edit: July 13, 2024, 09:50:07 PM by The Exile »
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THRILLHO

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Re: Is The Tank Empty?
« Reply #5 on: July 13, 2024, 09:08:47 PM »
yes. i do think they still have moments were they fly high, but so much of it is just MOR and has been since Pop <not that 1980-97 were infallible cmon>but the tank is empty. Atomic City? no. just fucking no. they just keep tryin to re-create Elevation/Veritgo and don't get near it. Hell i like Blackout more than Atomic City
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SlyDanner

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Re: Is The Tank Empty?
« Reply #6 on: July 13, 2024, 09:15:00 PM »
Quote from: The Exile on July 13, 2024, 08:44:18 PM
I feel like this criticism is fair, but it's partially the band's own doing. They're stuck in the 10-song LP mentality, which is fine if you're a young band bursting with ideas and creative energy. But if you're a veteran band whose best material has already been released years ago, there is absolutely NO reason to remain in this outdated commercial straitjacket.

I mean FFS, the only reason for albums with around 10 tracks apiece is that that was how much room there was on a 12-inch vinyl disc. Most younger bands understand this, and release 4-5 song EPs. If U2 could break free from their ancient mentality they wouldn't have to wait until they have a whole 10 tracks to release them (especially since half those tracks will be filler anyway). You don't need "filler" if there is nothing to fill. That's what U2 cannot seem to grasp.

I don’t disagree however if they released a 6 track EP, people would go apeshit saying it’s proof the band have nothing left and can’t even muster a full album.  I couldn’t really give a shit but that’s their new reality.
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The Exile

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Re: Is The Tank Empty?
« Reply #7 on: July 13, 2024, 09:54:53 PM »
Quote from: SlyDanner on July 13, 2024, 09:15:00 PM
Quote from: The Exile on July 13, 2024, 08:44:18 PM
I feel like this criticism is fair, but it's partially the band's own doing. They're stuck in the 10-song LP mentality, which is fine if you're a young band bursting with ideas and creative energy. But if you're a veteran band whose best material has already been released years ago, there is absolutely NO reason to remain in this outdated commercial straitjacket.

I mean FFS, the only reason for albums with around 10 tracks apiece is that that was how much room there was on a 12-inch vinyl disc. Most younger bands understand this, and release 4-5 song EPs. If U2 could break free from their ancient mentality they wouldn't have to wait until they have a whole 10 tracks to release them (especially since half those tracks will be filler anyway). You don't need "filler" if there is nothing to fill. That's what U2 cannot seem to grasp.

I don’t disagree however if they released a 6 track EP, people would go apeshit saying it’s proof the band have nothing left and can’t even muster a full album.  I couldn’t really give a shit but that’s their new reality.

Well if they "have nothing left" then people will criticize them regardless of what they release, as they should. But my point is that if they have 4 songs now, release them. And if you have 5 more in a year, release them. This would be better than sitting on all those songs until there's enough material to fill a two-sided 12-inch vinyl disc (especially when you're not even putting the songs on one of those anyway).

Plus this would mean the band couldn't endlessly tinker with the songs they do have. Just nut up and put them out once a few of them are done and move on to the next batch.

This is all wishful thinking, of course. U2 are dinosaurs and couldn't change even if they wanted to.  ;D
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SlyDanner

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Re: Is The Tank Empty?
« Reply #8 on: July 13, 2024, 10:17:51 PM »
True dat.
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SlyDanner

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Re: Is The Tank Empty?
« Reply #9 on: July 13, 2024, 10:20:39 PM »
Quote from: Amor fati on July 13, 2024, 04:27:48 PM
After several lagers and whitbeers last evening, i retired to the couch and managed to watch LNOE and UTEOTW from POPMART Mexico City - the enhanced versions - before drifting off to dreamland.  They were full throttle back then,  very interesting,  and unapologetic.  Thats the band i remember.

Not the snoozefest award show band who hangs out with other elites such as themselves and politicians,  kings/queens, etc. It is interesting how the music went to shit around the time Bono became a regular at the White House. 

There are still moments that make me think greatness is still possible;  Moment of Surrender,  for instance.  I actually like Atomic City better than most here - even though i would admit if that song were recorded 30 years ago it would have been a b-side at best. 

While i try to remain optimistic about the future of the band i would be more excited for a POP box set than any new material they would release in the coming years.  And there is likely no hope for that.  So im probably just going to have to settle for more lager and whitbeers and memories/stories about the good ole days.

SC and MPare salute your choice of beverage.



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So Cruel

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Re: Is The Tank Empty?
« Reply #10 on: July 13, 2024, 10:50:28 PM »
Quote from: SlyDanner on July 13, 2024, 10:20:39 PM
Quote from: Amor fati on July 13, 2024, 04:27:48 PM
After several lagers and whitbeers last evening, i retired to the couch and managed to watch LNOE and UTEOTW from POPMART Mexico City - the enhanced versions - before drifting off to dreamland.  They were full throttle back then,  very interesting,  and unapologetic.  Thats the band i remember.

Not the snoozefest award show band who hangs out with other elites such as themselves and politicians,  kings/queens, etc. It is interesting how the music went to shit around the time Bono became a regular at the White House. 

There are still moments that make me think greatness is still possible;  Moment of Surrender,  for instance.  I actually like Atomic City better than most here - even though i would admit if that song were recorded 30 years ago it would have been a b-side at best. 

While i try to remain optimistic about the future of the band i would be more excited for a POP box set than any new material they would release in the coming years.  And there is likely no hope for that.  So im probably just going to have to settle for more lager and whitbeers and memories/stories about the good ole days.

SC and MPare salute your choice of beverage.



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Larry Lovebucket

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Re: Is The Tank Empty?
« Reply #11 on: July 14, 2024, 04:09:24 AM »
Guys, U2 are probably locked into an album deal. And a very lucrative one. Until they fulfil that deal you’ll all be getting 10 song albums full of disappointing songs until the contract expires. Yes, they are out of ideas but I doubt even they care when tens of millions can be made from yet another tour we’ll all moan about because the set list will be predictable and boring.
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MPare1966

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Re: Is The Tank Empty?
« Reply #12 on: July 14, 2024, 07:07:34 AM »
Quote from: SlyDanner on July 13, 2024, 10:20:39 PM
Quote from: Amor fati on July 13, 2024, 04:27:48 PM
After several lagers and whitbeers last evening, i retired to the couch and managed to watch LNOE and UTEOTW from POPMART Mexico City - the enhanced versions - before drifting off to dreamland.  They were full throttle back then,  very interesting,  and unapologetic.  Thats the band i remember.

Not the snoozefest award show band who hangs out with other elites such as themselves and politicians,  kings/queens, etc. It is interesting how the music went to shit around the time Bono became a regular at the White House. 

There are still moments that make me think greatness is still possible;  Moment of Surrender,  for instance.  I actually like Atomic City better than most here - even though i would admit if that song were recorded 30 years ago it would have been a b-side at best. 

While i try to remain optimistic about the future of the band i would be more excited for a POP box set than any new material they would release in the coming years.  And there is likely no hope for that.  So im probably just going to have to settle for more lager and whitbeers and memories/stories about the good ole days.

SC and MPare salute your choice of beverage.



That’s a good pic of us!
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Re: Is The Tank Empty?
« Reply #13 on: July 14, 2024, 12:09:12 PM »
At the risk of irritating a number of people around here, i do still enjoy ALL u2 albums. Sure, the 80s and 90s material is way better than anything we have heard since 2000.....but they still float my musical boat, unlike any other act.
I will say this tho. Id like to see Bonos stiffy for "hits" lose its potency. Instead of trying to crowd please and appeal to the younger crowd....go back to what they do best....and that is making atmospheric and life impacting music. Forget the throw away crap, like Elevation, Vertigo and Beautiful Day....think more along the lines of Exit, Acrobat, promenade etc. PS, at the risk of irking some even more, get Lanois and Eno back in control of things
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Amor fati

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Re: Is The Tank Empty?
« Reply #14 on: July 14, 2024, 12:44:33 PM »
Quote from: MPare1966 on July 14, 2024, 07:07:34 AM
Quote from: SlyDanner on July 13, 2024, 10:20:39 PM
Quote from: Amor fati on July 13, 2024, 04:27:48 PM
After several lagers and whitbeers last evening, i retired to the couch and managed to watch LNOE and UTEOTW from POPMART Mexico City - the enhanced versions - before drifting off to dreamland.  They were full throttle back then,  very interesting,  and unapologetic.  Thats the band i remember.

Not the snoozefest award show band who hangs out with other elites such as themselves and politicians,  kings/queens, etc. It is interesting how the music went to shit around the time Bono became a regular at the White House. 

There are still moments that make me think greatness is still possible;  Moment of Surrender,  for instance.  I actually like Atomic City better than most here - even though i would admit if that song were recorded 30 years ago it would have been a b-side at best. 

While i try to remain optimistic about the future of the band i would be more excited for a POP box set than any new material they would release in the coming years.  And there is likely no hope for that.  So im probably just going to have to settle for more lager and whitbeers and memories/stories about the good ole days.

SC and MPare salute your choice of beverage.



That’s a good pic of us!

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