Search - U2 :: All Because of You

This CD could use a little more meat.....

The Straw Man | Aloof October on April's Birthday | 10/18/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I have heard a great deal of hate as of late towards U2. That they are sellouts and Bono is pretentious and has a huge ego. I don't know about all that. U2 earned their place in the realm of music to do whatever they want. As far as Bono being pompous, I don't agree with that. I read the book "Bono in Conversation with Michka Assayas" last year. I have to say that Bono is well educated in the social causes he promotes and uses his celebrity to make a difference. He doesn't need to be a humanitarian to become more popular, U2 did that for him. If people really want to hate on celebrities, perhaps they should hold some disdain for the headlines that involve certain Hollywood couples breaking up and getting back together, then repeat this process a thousand times. Or people who drive under the influence and get a free pass out of jail. Then there are the people who lose custody of their children because they are irresponsible parents. Oh no, U2 gets all the disgust because they are promoting an iPod. I am pretty sure all the people who are upset U2 is promoting iPod probably own one. My diatribe is over.



As for the single/EP for "All Because of You". I felt this single could have been a bit better for content on it for the price. Nevertheless, all record companies have jumped on the bandwagon issuing several versions of CD singles and enticing consumers by offering several versions with different tracks. Therefore, this is a marketing ruse of the music business, not a ploy from U2.



As for the tracks they are as follows:



1) All Because of You (single mix) - A slightly different version from what is found on "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb". I like this song, it is carefree and catchy. Is it the best song U2 has ever written? No. Yet it isn't the worst either.



2) Miss Sarajevo (live) - This live version was recorded in Milan right after the U.K. bombings a couple of years ago. Bono dedicates the song to that and people who lost their lives in the conflict in Iraq. This song is originally from "The Passengers Soundtracks" album. It is a beautiful version of the song and I would say the highlight of this purchase.



3) Man and a Woman (acoustic) - When I saw there was an acoustic version of this song on this CD, I became very excited. Mainly because this is one of my favorite songs on HTDAAB. This song is the exact same version that is featured on HTDAAB without the drums. So I don't know how acoustic it is. Don't get me wrong, it is still cool and I like it, but felt it shouldn't be promoted as "acoustic". If I am not mistaken, acoustic is just a guitar and vocals. Not strip the drums away.



If this CD single had another track, regardless if it was a B-side, remix or live selection, I think it would justify the cost. Incidentally, that isn't how music industry works. I thought HTDAAB was a good album. My only request is that U2 toss it up a bit on their next record and go in the same direction of "Window in the Skies" or "Electrical Storm"."