Category Archives: U2

Music, Review, U2

Live Blogging “Get On Your Boots”

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Good morning folks. Hope everyone had a great weekend.

As I type this the first single off U2’s No Line on the Horizon is downloading on to my computer. I am super excited about hearing it for the first time. Ready, set… GO!

Live Reactions to “Get On Your Boots”
What the hoo-haw?!?!?! Crazy drums to kick start the track
Driving beat. Heavy guitar.
The future needs a big kiss
Satan loves a bomb scare but he won’t scare you
Laughter is eternity if joy is real
(You don’t know…) Was that the bridge or the chorus?
Guitar squelches drive the beat
(You don’t know…) Must be the chorus
Oh! There’s the bridge!!!
Yes! Let me in the sound!
Great guitar solo
Get on your boots!
And we are out.

Initial Reaction
Get On Your Boots is… the ADD kid sister of Vertigo. It is loud, it is all over the place, and is an all-out assault on your senses. You think it is going in one direction and then it punches you in the ear and takes your wallet. Structure and free form dance side by side for almost 3 1/2 minutes as you try to keep up. The first listen was jarring but I quickly caught up. But just then the “Let me in the sound” bridge kicked in and I was left standing there with my mind on the floor. I really like that bridge. That should translate well to the stage in the arena (stadium?) for the tour. Speaking of the tour – “GOYB” would move quite nicely into “Mofo” or “Gone” for what it is worth. This is a very strong effort and is, in my mind, the organic progression of sound from How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb. It is good to hear a band that has been going for this long continue with forward momentum.

I’m a little biased though. What do you think? Have your heard the track?

Music, Popular Culture, U2

Album Info On the Horizon

U2’s new album drops on March 3 and it looks as though the hype machine kicked into full gear yesterday. We got a track listing, an album cover, and confirmation of the first single. So here we go…

Track Listing

1. No Line On The Horizon
2. Magnificent
3. Moment of Surrender
4. Unknown Caller
5. I’ll Go Crazy If I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight
6. Get On Your Boots
7. Stand Up Comedy
8. Fez – Being Born
9. White As Snow
10. Breathe
11. Cedars Of Lebanon

The songs that I’m most looking forward to hearing are Magnificent, Moment of Surrender, White As Snow, & Cedars of Lebanon.

Album Cover


I like this cover a lot. My wife just shrugged her shoulders and asked, “Is that it?” We have different tastes.

First Single
The first single off of No Line On The Horizon is “Get On Your Boots” and by all accounts this song is crazy good. Here is what Neil McCormick had to say about it:

So what can I tell you without infringing copyright? It took two listens to find my way into it, which has to be good a thing. It is dense, twisty, shiny, modern pop music, a big mash up of Eno ambience, Edge electricity, rhythm and soul. There are verses and choruses, though not necessarily in that order (and quite often its hard to tell which is which). It doesn’t feel the need to hit you over the head, but has the Ninja confidence to sneak up and take you unawares. It makes love like its making war. It hasn’t frontloaded all its big guns. There is a surge in the middle perfectly timed to quell any uprising, and a killer twist at the end. It could be the glittering sonic mind meld of pop rock and soul that Zooropa wanted to be. Or maybe, like Bono, I’m am just prone to exaggeration.

The reports are that “Get On Your Boots” will be available for digital download on Feb 15. That’s a Sunday so I’m not sure what to make of that for those of us in the States. We might have to wait until Monday. Who knows?

All of this info was via @U2 and Rolling Stone.

2009, Awesomenessness, Music, Pope Bono, U2

It’s Official

March can’t come any faster! This is your warning- Over the next few months I will probably be a one topic pony. This is not an apology. It is just a warning.

No Line On The Horizon, the new studio album from U2, will be released on Monday 2nd March 2009. (Tuesday March 3 here in the States)

Written and recorded in various locations, No Line On The Horizon is the group’s 12th studio album and is their first release since the 9 million selling album How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb, released in late 2004.

Sessions for No Line On The Horizon began last year in Fez, Morocco, continued in the band’s own studio in Dublin, before moving to New York’s Platinum Sound Recording Studios, and finally being completed at Olympic Studios in London.

The album calls on the production talents of long-time collaborators Brian Eno and Danny Lanois, with additional production by Steve Lillywhite.

from U2.com

Now if those in charge of the tour could schedule around the birth of my first born I would greatly appreciate it. Come to Dallas early spring or late summer guys. Just avoid the end of May/beginning of June. Pleeeeeeaaaaasssse!!!!

2008, U2

Heads Up

As November approaches you’ll start seeing a bit more of this. Just a warning. It begins!!!

U2 Set Sale For a New Horizon
Exclusive: New Studio Album & Tracklist Revealed
Sunday Mirror, July 29, 2008
Stephen Maguire and Seamus Ross

It’s the beautiful day millions of U2 fans around the globe have waited patiently to see for the past four years.

Now we can reveal details of the supergroup’s long-awaited new album. (Whoo-hoo!)

It is believed to be titled No Line On The Horizon and will be on sale in music stores on November 14. (I’ve seen reports of Nov. 18 for the US)

The band’s record company Universal has already registered the internet domain name nolineonthehorizon.com — prompting speculation this will be the new record.

And among the songs to be released on what many music insiders are calling the band’s best work to date are “Moment of Surrender,” “For Your Love,” “Love Is All We Have Left” and “One Bird.”

Others include “If I Could Live My Life Again,” “The Cedars of Lebanon” and “No Line On The Horizon.” (Me likey)

Earlier this week a 19-strong film crew headed to the Spanish city of Cadiz to shoot a video for the band’s first single from the new album although the band were not believed to be present.

Last night an insider said the U2 machine is gearing up for the release of one of the most keenly-awaited albums in recent years.

“The album is more or less all in the bag except for a few minor details,” the source revealed. A lot of people have been waiting a long time for this album as they do with every U2 album.

“But the word coming out is that the band is very, very happy with the end product and when U2 are happy it should be quite a piece of work. They’re not easy to please.”

Legendary producer Steve Lillywhite, who has worked with U2 for more than two decades, said the new album had blown him away.

It is the first original work since the band released the smash-hit How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb in November 2004. It sold an incredible 10 million copies and picked up eight Grammy Awards.

But music commentators think the new record could be even bigger for Bono, the Edge, Larry and Adam.

Again, this is a courtesy warning. Thanks for your time.

via @U2

Advent, Music, U2

Wave of Sorrow (Advent 1)

Heat haze rising on Hell’s own hill
To wake up this morning was an act of will
You walked through the night to get to today
To bring your children to give them a way

Oh, oh this cruel sun
Its daylight never done
Cruelty just begun
To make a shadow of everyone

And if the rain came
And if the rain came now

Souls bent over without a breeze
Blankets on burning trees
I’m sick without disease
Nobility on its knees

And if the rain came
And if the rain came now

Would it wash us all away
On a wave of sorrow
A wave of sorrow

Where now the holy cities
Where all the ancient holy scrolls
Where now the Emperor Menelik
And the Queen of Sheba’s gold
You, my bride, wear her crown
On your finger a precious stone
Has every good thing now been sold

Oh son of the shepherd boy now king
What wisdom can you bring
What lyric could you sing
Where is the music of the seraphim

And if the rain came
And if the rain came now
Would it wash us all away
On a wave of sorrow
A wave, a wave of sorrow

Blessed are the meek who scratch in the dirt
For they shall inherit what’s left of the earth
Blessed are the kings who have left their thrones
They are blessed in this valley of dry bones
Blessed are you with an empty heart
For you have nothing form which you cannot part
Blessed is the ego if it’s all we’ve got this hour
Blessed is the voice that speaks truth to power
Blessed is the sex worker’s body sold tonight
She works with what she’s got to save her children’s life
Blessed are the deaf who cannot hear her scream
Blessed are the stupid who can dream
Blessed are the tin can cardboard slums
And blessed is the spirit that overcomes

Wave of Sorrow
U2
The Joshua Tree 20th Anniversary

Music, Popular Culture, U2

1st Grade

While not my favorite U2 album, The Joshua Tree‘s place in rock ‘n roll history cannot be denied. The album as a whole works everytime you put it on. Never fail.

Streets. Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For. With or Without You. Bullet the Blue Sky.

Bam! Bam! Bam! Bam! Four strong offerings right off the bat. Their not done yet.

Running to Stand Still. Red Hill. In God’s Country (My Fav). Wires. One Tree Hill. Exit. Mothers.

Seven of the most underrated U2 songs ever recorded which also happen to be seven of the best songs that U2 has ever recorded. Every time I listen to Joshua Tree I eagerly anticipate the big breath of Running immediately following Bullet the Blue Sky. Sublime.

On Tuesday, The Joshua Tree was re-released for a 20th Anniversary Re-mastered Box Set including the album (re-mastered), a rarities disc, and a DVD concert from 1987. I have never heard this album sound so good before. The re-master is great but the real gem in the concert DVD. While not as big and ZooTV and nowhere near as gaudy as PopMart the band is tight, the set list is perfect, and the 80’s fashions are on display like never before. No Bono mullet though.

Joshua Tree 20th Anniversary Set

For the record: I was in 1st grade when U2 first released their masterwork The Joshua Tree. I was too busy at the time listening to NKOTB and hanging down at Fraggle Rock. I’ll never regret my time spent with Gobo and Wembly but I give thanks everyday that I got my music ear, ditched the New Kids and their ilk, and found the boys from Dublin.

Now this seminal album has been re-released in a 20th Anniversary edition.

You know what that means? I am officially old.

Life Draining Schlock, Music, Popular Culture, Tragedy, U2

Save the Music. Save the World.

The World Needs Your Help

Presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton has asked her supporters for some advice.

She has asked them to vote for a campaign song. Her husband had Fleetwood Mac’s “Don’t Stop” back in the ’90s and she is looking for the perfect song to help energize the campaign trail from now until November…2008. 20 Months From Now!!!

There’s just two problems: Both “City of Blinding Lights” and “Beautiful Day” by U2 are in the running. In fact, “COBL” is currently at the top of the list. Brothers and Sisters, this should not be.

I, for one, do not want to hear either one of these songs thumping from convention center speakers as Mrs. Clinton tries to be all things to all people. Sincere songs should be attached to sincere people. I can’t hear that old Fleetwood Mac song without thinking of the ’92 campaign trail. Will two of my favorite U2 songs be resigned to the same fate? Something needs to be done!

So here’s what I am asking YOU to do:

Go to HillaryClinton.com and cast a vote for any of the other songs. I don’t care which one you vote for. I don’t care if your a Dem, a GOP supporter, or member of the Whig party. Vote for any of the other songs.

Then, tell everyone you know to do the same.

There are some great choices on the list:
“Right Here, Right Now” by Jesus Jones
“Ready to Run” by The Dixie Chicks
“Get Ready” by The Temptations
“I’m a Believer” by SmashMouth

Please help me out on this.

Together we can make a difference.

Ministry, Music, Pope Bono, Shameless Self Promotion, U2, Youth Ministry

Catch Up

To say that the last few days were eventful would be a huge understaement. In the last 5 days I have traveled over 1500 miles and spent over 23 hours in my car. The bond between me and my iPod has, if can be believed, grown even more strong since Sunday. I haven’t posted since Friday so here is a bit of an update.

1) Press: Yours truly has gotten a little bit of press lately from the blog on some music sites. First, I was quoted by Spin magazine in an online editorial about the XM-Sirius merger. According to Spin I am “tuned in” to the issue. They even spelled my name right! Pretty cool. My original post can be seen here and the article from Spin can be found here.

Secondly, my story in my own voice was featured on the March 2nd edition of the @U2 podcast. The POPcast was celebrating the 10th anniversary of the release of U2’s POP album and the @U2 staff asked listeners to submit their favorite stories about the POP album or the tour, POPmart. I never thought in a million years that they would use my story but they did. You can listen to the podcast online or you can subscribe on iTunes. My part begins at around 54:20. Enjoy.

2) PlanetWisdom: I took my students to a great youth conference called PlanetWisdom last friday and saturday. The event was awesome. We had seats on the very front row and my students had a blast. The featured band was group named Addison Road and they totally rocked. The teaching times were solid and the whole event seemed to go flawlessly and smoothly especially from a youth leader’s perspective. It went so great that my students are already asking to go back next year.

On a related note, instead of driving back and forth from here to the conference, we stayed at my parent’s house.

Note to youth ministers out there: Burn all of your stuff from high school if you are going to let your youth group stay over at your parent’s house! They will find something that they think is hilarious. They will make fun of it. They will take pictures and post them on their Myspace pages. I’m just saying.

3) Bono-Fatigue I wouldn’t go so far as to diagnose what happened this weekend as Bono-fatigue but it was at least a case of over consumption. As I set out on my road trip I thought that it would be a great idea to listen to all of U2’s studio albums in a row without skipping any songs. Between Texas and Mississippi I listened to Boy, October, War, Under a Blood Red Sky, The Unforgettable Fire, The Joshua Tree, and Rattle and Hum. After All I Want is You finished playing I was about spent. “On the U2 timeline,” I thought, “this would be a natural break so I should probably quit this experiment right now before I just lose it.” On my return trip yesterday I picked up where I left off: Actung Baby, Zooropa, Pop, All That You Can’t Leave Behind, and How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb. Again maybe not fatigue but my tummy does hurt.

4) Saturday: I am completely stoked about heading out to Colorado to hit the slopes. We will be shooooshing down the mountain at Monarch starting this weekend. Can’t wait.