The U2 Debate: EZ Responds

Our man EZ has responded to the article I posted yesterday regarding U2. Here 'tis . . .

While I can relate to this viewpoint a little bit myself, i can understand the relevance that U2 has to an extent First off, they came out of a messed up ireland at the time that really was war torn and "on-edge" to say the least. I went to college with a guy from Belfast and have been there twice to visit and he has given me great perspective on this. Basically, he has described music in Ireland as b.u2 and a.u2 ( before U2 and after U2). He is 33 years old and grew right through this movement. He has said that the music before that was just punk bullshit trying to imitate things heard on English radio and American records or just traditional Irish music. U2 came along and basically changed all the rules.

I agree that the early records, especially if you were around then to understand the relevance, were kick ass, something totally different, great lyrics, the whole package really. A good friend of mine absolutely loves u2 and i'm a bit like Shoe. I don't get it either.

I think people relate to and love these qualities and characteristics about u2:

1) The band has stuck together, through thick and thin, since the beginning. I don't know all the squables and fights but i do remember the drummer wanting to leave at one point in the late 80's and who knows how they've put up with Bono all these years.. but people dig that shit. I think of examples of bands like Jane's Addiction, Journey, Van Halen, Blind Melon just to name 4 weird ones that came to mind right away. Each one of those bands had thing happen that changed their face or sound, or that downright killed them (singers leaving, dying, losing members etc) and that has never been the case with U2. I think that shows loyalty and honor and their fans give that back to them. I may be mistaken too, but I think Bono has been married to the same woman for like 20 years too and she is no looker. But people respect that and they give that back to them.

2) the band has an unmistakable sound and not many bands can claim that. They have some serious hits and they thing about their hits (like it or not) is that they seems to be written straight from the heart and soul about themes ranging from love and war, to family relationships and the politacl arena.

3) They can sell it all. Their concerts have been some of the largest selling over all-time and have done that for a number of years. Not only that, but they have had some of the most cutting edge concerts (I know there were a couple that were pretty crazy at the time, like the Zooropa tour or something like that). I realize some of them were maybe hailed as "busts" but they helped set the stage for many other concerts afterward.

Personally, I think Bono and The Edge are doing a great thing with all their advocacy work and humanitarian stuff. I, like most people I'm sure, are sick of seeing it and hearing about it, and having it thrown in our face constantly, but it's good stuff and the Red Campaign that Bono has put together has been pretty damn successful.

My buddy I mentioned above that loves U2, we go skiing out west every year once or twice and we caught a U2 show in Salt Lake City when they were on their "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb" tour. I think that was the album. Personally, I thought the show was pretty fucking good. The band sounded great, unlike other huge bands I've seen live and would rather just hide in my basement listening to their records. The had great energy, there wasn't a whole lot of political bullshit thrown out, the lights and stage were cool.. I was impressed. Would i pay a ton of money to see them again? Probably not but if you haven't seen them, I'd recommend it.

I've been a fan of Phish for years and the comment show made in his post, something like U2 can piss of their mountain and their fans will just lap up whatever comes there way--- that isn't really the point. Over the years, music critics have said this repeatedly about Phish, about the Grateful Dead too. If you watch the documentary "Bittersweet Motel" which is about Phish, directed by Todd Phillips of Road Trip and Old School fame, you'll see a great clip in there.. Trey is being interviewed by someone and they ask him something like "a critic says that if Phish were to stand on stage and just piss out of the speakers, their fans would let it go right into their ears and love every second of it." Trey has a great response to this and you should check it out.

It boils down to the fact the U2 has touched a ton of peoples lives over the years, they've been true to their causes, they've been true to their country, they've given their all and people respond to that.

ez

80's Conundrum: U2 Obsession

The following piece was published on The Big Lead yesterday.

U2 was a decent band. Their first couple of albums were interesting. Joshua Tree was a seminal 80s album, even if it is the same song eleven times. They were the biggest pop stars of their time. People enjoyed them.

That said, their albums since 1987 have been underwhelming or worse. Bono has become an insufferable prick who opines about helping the world’s poor but refuses to pay taxes to help them in Ireland.

What I don’t understand is their unique generational relevance. There is an entire generation of thirty-somethings who listen, live and breathe U2. The band unloads their latest excrement from Mt. Pious and this fawning flock awaits it with mouth wide open.

Bill Simmons once wrote a column claiming that U2 had no parallel in sports. No athlete could replicate their extended run of greatness in athletic terms.

Viewing them soberly, I think Nomar Garciaparra is the perfect parallel. People who were there at the time where transfixed by him. He looked like a hall of famer before his career went all crazy and weird. No one who was not there at the time and seeing him afterward would understand it.

Older people don’t know who U2 are. My generation knows all about U2, but we don’t get what all the fuss is about.

For those cognizant in the 80s, what is the deal with the U2 obsession?

Eric Clapton: King Of The Supergoup

If there ever was a musician you'd want to use to play Six Degrees of Separation with, it would have to be Eric Clapton. The guy has seemingly played with everyone. He's synonymous with the term "supergroup," coined in the late 60's. A supergroup is a band formed by musicians who have already made a name for themselves in the business for the purpose of well, being a band. Not a collaboration, like the hip-hop stuff you see today where a rapper will enlist all of his label mates to add a line here or there. Nor is it like Kid Rock sitting in with his newest BFF, or Alison Krauss being enlisted for the 980th time to provide backing vocals for someone. The supergroup is just what it says it is: taking components that are at their peak & reorganizing them into another unit. Kinda like the Yankees...or is it the Damn Yankees?

There are an endless list of great supergroups. Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, The Traveling Wilburys, Asia, The Firm, Velvet Revolver, Temple Of The Dog. I could go on & on. however, when you look back on the career of Eric Clapton, it seems like he's moved on from one supergroup to another. After leaving The Yardbirds in 1965, a disgruntled Clapton joined John Mayall's Bluesbreakers for a short period, only put on his walking shoes again and form Cream with Jack Bruce & Ginger Baker. Perhaps the first "supergroup," Cream - as in "cream of the crop" - the band recorded 4 landmark albums: Fresh Cream (1966), Disraeli Gears (1967), Wheels of Fire (1968), & Goodbye (1969).

By this time, Clapton needed to explore other possibilities for his brand of blues. A side project with John Lennon, Keith Richards & Mitch Mitchell called The Dirty Mac netted the great "Yer Blues" but couldn't last for obvious reasons. He had originally tried to recruit Steve Winwood (Traffic, Spencer Davis Group) into Cream as a buffer between Baker & Bruce. Clapton & Winwood had played together before, but along with Baker decided to form Blind Faith in 1969, which even though a one album deal produced the classics "Can't Find My Way Home" and "Presence Of The Lord." Clapton then migrated to Delaney Bonnie & Friends, preferring to stay in the background and work on what was to become his first solo material. Clapton also put in a lot of work on George Harrison's album All Things Must Pass (1970). During this time what was to become Derek & The Dominos came together.

Bobby Whitlock, Carl Radle, & Jim Gordon had been the rhythm section for Delaney & Bonnie, and Duane Allman inadvertently became the 5th member by chance. Of course, fueled by his yearning for Harrison's wife Pattie, the Dominos' signature tune is "Layla." Other greats are "Bell Bottom Blues" and my personal favorite, "Tell The Truth" which contains some of the best slide guitar ever by Mr. Allman. Such ended Derek & The Dominos and Clapton's "supergroup era" as Allman was killed in a motorcycle accident in the fall of 1971.

Therefore, in a period of about 5 years Eric Clapton had done what he's set out to do: play the best blues he was capable of playing with the the finest musicians in the world. Clapton has played with pretty much a steady crew since the 80's, and now has his own Crossroads Guitar Festival annually to showcase the best players in the world, jam with old friends, & remember those passed. It's not been an easy life for Clapton, but what a life indeed.

(Note: Can't wait to see Clapton & Winwood live in C-bus on 6/15...!!!)

Superman Songs (Seriously)

I was posting that video of the Crash Test Dummies and their tune “Superman’s Song” and it got me to thinking, which is always a dangerous proposition. It suddenly occurred to me that, oddly enough, The Black Hole Archives contain several songs that are about or reference Superman in some way. In addition, they’re almost all good songs (the key there being the word “almost”). Is this an interesting topic? Maybe, to some people. To most? Probably not. But since the Rock Hard Times readers are a sophisticated lot, I can be sure you’ll be glued to every word. Ah, what the hell, it fascinates me and that all that matters. Hey, it's my site.

Believe it or not I had to narrow it down to my Top 5 with 1 Honorable Mention. I couldn’t, in good conscience, keep “Black Superman (Muhammed Ali)” by The Kinshasa Band in the mix. Yes, I have that song in my collection, and I like it, damn it. Open mind, Vesey. Open mind. Without further ado, here’s my list (click on the title to see and hear whatever the hell I could find on YouTube):

1. Superman – R.E.M. (1986)

This is actually a cover of a song done in the 60’s by a band called The Clique. To be specific, it was the B-Side of The Clique’s only hit, “Sugar on Sunday.” “Sugar on Sunday,” by the way, was originally written and recorded by Tommy James & the Shondells (click on this link, man. Tommy still sounds really good). I swear all this stuff is in my head and not Wikipedia. I retain this kind of information but lock myself out of the house at least once a week. Anyway, a great song by R.E.M. from Lifes Rich Pageant that has some strong vocals by both Michael Stipe and Mike Mills. Cool Peter Buck intro as well.

2. (Wish I Could Fly Like) Superman – The Kinks (1979)

From the “Low Budget” album, this song has some of the familiar, clever Ray Davies lyrics we all know and love. A sampling:

Woke up this morning, started to sneeze
I had a cigarette and a cup of tea
I looked in the mirror what did I see
A nine stone weakling with knobbly knees
I did my knees bend press ups touch my toes
I had another sneeze and I blew my nose
I looked in the mirror at my pigeon chest
I had to put on my clothes because it made me depressed
Surely there must be a way
For me to change the shape I'm in
Dissatisfied is what I am I want to be a better man.
Superman, Superman, wish I could fly like Superman.

3. O Superman – Laurie Anderson (1981)

I know, Laurie Anderson is not everyone’s cup of tea. Her music has been described as Art Rock, Progressive Rock, Experimental Rock, and Avant-Garde Rock. Again, it’s not for everybody, but I love it. If you ever want an interesting and original music experience, rent the DVD “Home of the Brave”, Laurie’s 1986 concert film. I wouldn’t have friends over to share it with though, unless it’s me. “O Superman” is half sung, half spoken, and all weird. I’d print some lyrics but they’d either confuse you or frighten you, but more than likely do both. It’s on her “Big Science” album from the early ‘80’s. So, just click on the title up there, don’t watch the stupid homemade video that goes with it, close your eyes, and float downstream . . .

4. Superman’s Song – Crash Test Dummies (1991)

Some people I know (Marianne) hear Brad Robert’s voice and want to go out and shoot up a mall. Then again, that’s no shocker because MY voice sometimes makes her want to go out and shoot up a mall. Me? I always liked the Dummies, and this song is sung with such earnestness that you really believe these guys are lamenting the sad life of Superman with a true sincerity.

But probably not. Dig this:

Hey Bob, Supe had a straight job
Even though he could have smashed through any bank
In the United States, he had the strength, but he would not
Folks said his family were all dead
Their planet crumbled but Superman, he forced himself
To carry on, forget Krypton, and keep going.
Supermen never made any money
For saving the world from Solomon Grundy
And sometimes I despair the world will never see
Another man like him.

Good stuff right there.

5. Superman’s Ghost – Don McLean (1989) (Great lyrics - listen!)

This song is about George Reeves, the actor who portrayed Superman on the 50’s television show and ended up shooting himself in the head. That's him up top. The guy could never get past the stereotype after playing the role (by the way, there’s a very good movie starring Ben Affleck called Hollywoodland that addresses this very subject). Anyway, check out some lyrics:

I'm red white and blue, I've got justice to do
I'm the man of your fantasy dreams
But I'm an alien man from an alien land
Who's alive on your orthicon screens.
I once ruled the world and when flags were unfurled
I performed for you live not on tape.
But the public is cruel when played for a fool
As you see by the blood on my cape.

As I listened to this today it occurred to me that McLean could be singing about himself and the fact that he's never been able to get past "American Pie." Just throwin' it out there.

Honorable Mention:

Superman (It’s Not Easy) – Five for Fighting (2000)

This version could have been inspired by the Dummies song for all I know. The lyrics are similar and the feel is along the same lines as well. To wit . . .

I can’t stand to fly
I’m not that naive
Men weren’t meant to ride
With clouds between their knees
I’m only a man in a silly red sheet
Digging for kryptonite on this one way street
Only a man in a funny red sheet
Looking for special things inside of me
It’s not easy to be . . . . me.

I know, there’s all kinds of meanings you can read into the lyrics of songs like “Superman (It’s Not Easy)” and “Superman’s Song”. The whole “even though I’m strong and seem to have everything I still have problems blah-blah-blah” line of psychobabble bullshit. I prefer to take these songs at face value, but that’s just me. But interpret as you will. That’s what music is all about, no?

Mom Songs You Shouldn't Really Share With Mom

So you're scrambling for a last minute Mother's Day compilation CD or e-card for your mom? Well, you probably shouldn't use these...

1. Mother - Pink Floyd. Maybe a tad...umm...dark. If you really need to ask your mum all these questions, chances are you already know the answer. Great song, though.

2. Mother - Danzig. Unless you have that kind of special relationship with your mom where she even considers heeding your evil warnings, you might steer clear of this one. "If you wanna find hell" with mom, play this one for her though.

3. Mama Said Knock You Out - L.L. Cool J. Whenever I hear this, I envision Mike Tyson walking to the ring, circa 1992. A visual I'd rather not share with my mom. She'd not be impressed.

4. Mama I'm Coming Home - Ozzy Osbourne. Written for that crazy wife of his (SHAAAARONNN!!), I'd just as soon leave The Osbournes out of my Mother's Day. If I'm coming home, it's probably because I got kicked out of my own house, & that's never a good thing.

5. Mama Mia - ABBA. Uh, long story here. You see, my mom is (was) an ABBA fan, and I used to have a crush on the blonde singer when I was a kid, so this song is OK for me, but not you. Chances are, your mom wasn't an ABBA fan or doesn't understand your fascination with Swedish blondes...especially if you're single and don't date much. If you're a female reader though, by all means rent the Meryl Streep flick, buy some bon-bons, and go see mom.

DJ's Required Listening: Jack White

The greatest musician of the past decade. Period. Jack White. Of White Stripes, The Raconteurs, and most recently The Dead Weather. Eccentric, eclectic, minimalist, versatile, bluesy, raunchy, ballsy. Whatever you want to call him, just be sure to call him damn good.

Very few musicians in this era of music we're currently in are audibly instantly recognizable. Hendrix was. Clapton was. Townshend was. Van Halen was. Vaughan was. Jack White is. He's made such an impression in such a short period of time that Rolling Stone ranks White #17 in its Greatest Guitarists Of All-Time. He's already to the point in his career where he has the opportunity to do artistically whatever he wants. Think about it, every artist wants to be at that level, but probably 99% never get there. To have that level of acceptance from the public accompanied by an intense inner-confidence means you're in rarefied air, folks. It doesn't happen often, so we're witnessing the evolution of an icon right now. These days it's pretty hard to set your own boundaries, make your own rules, or forge your own path. Jack White has, and should be applauded for it.

1. "Fell In Love With A Girl" - White Blood Cells, 2002. I distinctly remember where I was & what I was doing the first time I heard this song by a new group Rolling Stone had recently reviewed. Saw this video while getting dressed to go to my wife's class reunion - I had to stop and gawk at the TV. I was shocked & amazed at what I heard. So simple, yet so powerful. Awesome. BTW...MTV used to show videos back then.

2. "7 Nation Army" - Elephant, 2003. "How in the hell does he do it?" That's what I wanted to know. All this great noise - bass riffs, fuzz, distortion, & a solo from the same damn guitar? You gotta be kiddin' me...

3. "Hypnotize" - Elephant, 2003. I'm pretty confident in saying that Elephant is perhaps the greatest album of this decade. This song just works my mind up into a frenzy every time I hear it. A good, old-fashioned ass-kicker coming in at 1:48 long. Can't beat it. Also loved "Hardest Button To Button" from Elephant.

4. "Little Bird" and "Hello Operator" - De Stijl, 2000. By the time I had absorbed Elephant, I had to go back a see what I had missed. De Stijl is an incredible blues album. This is where the legend is born, 2 years before "Fell In Love With A Girl" was released. These two songs accompany me wherever I go in my trusty ipod...

5. "Portland, Oregon" - Van Lear Rose, 2004. A highly acclaimed collaboration with Ms. Loretta Lynn, this album was produced by Jack White & won the both of them a Grammy for Best Country Collaboration With Vocals.

6. "My Doorbell" - Get Behind Me Satan, 2005. I first heard this album, and I'm like "What the...?" Jack turned in his electric guitar for a piano, man! Took a while to get used to, but this song shines as the best on the album (Grammy Winner!). Will get your rump a'shakin', without a doubt...

7. "Steady As She Goes" - Broken Boy Soldiers, 2006. The song co-written by White & Brendan Benson the led to the formation of the ultimate side-project band, The Raconteurs. Unique sound, especially rhythmically without Meg White's hypnotic drum beats. Also loved "Hands" from this album.

8. "Icky Thump" - Icky Thump, 2007. Back to basics for The Stripes. Is there ANY other guitar but a Gretsch...? Damn those things sound great......so dirrrrty.

9. "Salute Your Solution" - Consolers Of The Lonely, 2008. Second go 'round with The Raconteurs...pretty good tune right here. "Carolina Drama" is the ballad from this album that really shows a deeper edge to White's songwriting and has caught my ear though...

10. "Are Friends Electric?" - Horehound, 2009. Catchy tune from the latest project for Jack White, The Dead Weather. White is the drummer in this outfit, believe it or not. The album is due out in June, I believe. Here's another, Hang You From The Heavens, which is their debut single, actually. Not bad...