Was the tank ever truly full?

I voted somewhat. Why? Because much as u2 have made some great music, they never achieved, for example, Radiohead levels of excellence. To illustrate, AB, arguably their best LP, never reaches the highs of In Rainbows. Equally, TUF, an astonishing piece of work by anyone’s standards, pride notwithstanding, cannot match Kid A. At the peak of their powers they were a better live band than Radiohead. But their artistry has never, in my view, been fully realised.

I think you could make a strong case for 1983-1991 being one of the best runs any band has had. I like what came before and much of what came after, but that period is pretty highly regarded by both fans and critics.

I voted somewhat. Why? Because much as u2 have made some great music, they never achieved, for example, Radiohead levels of excellence. To illustrate, AB, arguably their best LP, never reaches the highs of In Rainbows. Equally, TUF, an astonishing piece of work by anyone’s standards, pride notwithstanding, cannot match Kid A. At the peak of their powers they were a better live band than Radiohead. But their artistry has never, in my view, been fully realised.

The 90’s would like to have a word.

Quote from: Larry Lovebucket on July 18, 2024, 11:51:28 AM

I voted somewhat. Why? Because much as u2 have made some great music, they never achieved, for example, Radiohead levels of excellence. To illustrate, AB, arguably their best LP, never reaches the highs of In Rainbows. Equally, TUF, an astonishing piece of work by anyone’s standards, pride notwithstanding, cannot match Kid A. At the peak of their powers they were a better live band than Radiohead. But their artistry has never, in my view, been fully realised.

The 90’s would like to have a word.

POP and AB? Nah

AB - It’s got some great songs on it but then again, it also has, for example, mysterious ways, or EBTTRT

POP - honestly, I don’t really understand the fuss about this record. When it works, it really works, MOFO, Please or VD, for example, but the production is awful, despite them trying really hard. I never listen to it, and I don’t care about it.

The only U2 records that still truly resonate with me are October and TUF, pride, notwithstanding. Really, if you ran with the u2 with a full tank idea, they’ve probably made 4 full tank records. But that’s spread across a decades long career. Not a great strike rate, in my view.

I voted somewhat. Why? Because much as u2 have made some great music, they never achieved, for example, Radiohead levels of excellence. To illustrate, AB, arguably their best LP, never reaches the highs of In Rainbows. Equally, TUF, an astonishing piece of work by anyone’s standards, pride notwithstanding, cannot match Kid A. At the peak of their powers they were a better live band than Radiohead. But their artistry has never, in my view, been fully realised.

In Rainbows?

Of course it was full.  I'd say up through Zooropa they had a full tank and a reserve.

Quote from: Larry Lovebucket on July 18, 2024, 11:51:28 AM

I voted somewhat. Why? Because much as u2 have made some great music, they never achieved, for example, Radiohead levels of excellence. To illustrate, AB, arguably their best LP, never reaches the highs of In Rainbows. Equally, TUF, an astonishing piece of work by anyone’s standards, pride notwithstanding, cannot match Kid A. At the peak of their powers they were a better live band than Radiohead. But their artistry has never, in my view, been fully realised.

In Rainbows?

Granted, Hot For Teacher is better than In Rainbows. Beyond that, there’s not much competition

Quote from: So Cruel on July 18, 2024, 12:48:15 PM

Quote from: Larry Lovebucket on July 18, 2024, 11:51:28 AM

I voted somewhat. Why? Because much as u2 have made some great music, they never achieved, for example, Radiohead levels of excellence. To illustrate, AB, arguably their best LP, never reaches the highs of In Rainbows. Equally, TUF, an astonishing piece of work by anyone’s standards, pride notwithstanding, cannot match Kid A. At the peak of their powers they were a better live band than Radiohead. But their artistry has never, in my view, been fully realised.

In Rainbows?

Granted, Hot

For Teacher is better than In Rainbows. Beyond that, there’s not much competition

Good call Larry. Hot for Teacher is better than In Rainbows. Complete agreement here. Cheers!

Tank full of what?

Full of shit?  Check. 
Full of pomposity?  Check. 
Full of themselves?  Check check check check check.

I voted somewhat. Why? Because much as u2 have made some great music, they never achieved, for example, Radiohead levels of excellence. To illustrate, AB, arguably their best LP, never reaches the highs of In Rainbows. Equally, TUF, an astonishing piece of work by anyone’s standards, pride notwithstanding, cannot match Kid A. At the peak of their powers they were a better live band than Radiohead. But their artistry has never, in my view, been fully realised.

I love Radiohead and Kid A + In Rainbows rank as some of my favorite albums. That said, I'd rank AB above both of them. Zooropa is close to Kid A in my book. U2 had more gas in the tank for 20 years than pretty much any other band.

I voted somewhat. Why? Because much as u2 have made some great music, they never achieved, for example, Radiohead levels of excellence. To illustrate, AB, arguably their best LP, never reaches the highs of In Rainbows. Equally, TUF, an astonishing piece of work by anyone’s standards, pride notwithstanding, cannot match Kid A. At the peak of their powers they were a better live band than Radiohead. But their artistry has never, in my view, been fully realised.

I've never been the RH freak TBH.

1984 through 1997.

I voted Yes, because by "full tank" I understand it to mean that the band had more creative energy, and therefore more material, than they needed at a given time. I think the Joshua Tree era demonstrates this pretty conclusively.

There 20 year peak - 80-2000 saw several huge and classic albums. Together with  Passengers and several strong stand alone songs.

They were also the best live band during this period.