There are some great tracks on this disc including "Please", "Last Night On Earth". Overall though there are more than a few forgetable moments that make this one of the band's most uneven recordings.
Another in the line of 90's studio wizardry experiments which included "Zooropa", this collection disappointed more than a few fans at its release. The problem is it sounds like U2 is trying so hard to cut tracks in the vein of the master craftsmen of electronica. You can't blame them for trying, it's important for any band to branch out and expore their art.
Yet U2 is a rock band, one of the greatest ever. Their most satisfying collections yield powerful recordings when they get back to basics and do what they do best. As the slower and more serious songs that comprise most of the CD are the stand outs here, the CD moves slowly and is difficult to listen to all the way through. A shame as the last three songs are all very good. Some of the more notable recordings here might prove better eventually on a compilation disc mixed in with more upbeat material.
There are some great tracks on this disc including "Please", "Last Night On Earth". Overall though there are more than a few forgetable moments that make this one of the band's most uneven recordings. Another in the line of 90's studio wizardry experiments which included "Zooropa", this collection disappointed more than a few fans at its release. The problem is it sounds like U2 is trying so hard to cut tracks in the vein of the master craftsmen of electronica. You can't blame them for trying, it's important for any band to branch out and expore their art. Yet U2 is a rock band, one of the greatest ever. Their most satisfying collections yield powerful recordings when they get back to basics and do what they do best. As the slower and more serious songs that comprise most of the CD are the stand outs here, the CD moves slowly and is difficult to listen to all the way through. A shame as the last three songs are all very good. Some of the more notable recordings here might prove better eventually on a compilation disc mixed in with more upbeat material.