Rock 'N' Roll Might Be Over, Says...U2?
It seems inconceivable to many to suggest rock music is going the way of the dodo--but it's even tougher to hear it from U2.
Bono is disappointed in their latest album's sales, lamenting that No Line On The Horizon "didn't pull off the pop songs." However, he also places some of the blame on a marketplace that holds little promise for the dinosaur-like album format.
"We weren't really in that mindset and we felt that the album was a kind of an almost extinct species, and we should approach it in totality and create a mood and a feeling, and a beginning, middle, and an end," Bono told Spinnermusic.co.uk.
"And I suppose we've made a work that is a bit challenging for people who have grown up on a diet of pop stars."
Adam Clayton, U2's bassist, argued that traditional music fans don't exist anymore.
"What is rock 'n 'roll in this changing world? Because, to some extent, the concept of the music fan--the concept of the person who buys music and listens to music for the pleasure of music itself--is an outdated idea," Clayton told the AP.
Clayton sees rock turning into ancient history. He said older music like jazz "was for people who took life a certain way, but it wasn't part of the modern world for me. I worry that the world of rock 'n' roll that I grew up in is destined to end up that way."
Such sentiment makes sense in a time when MTV hardly plays music at all and hip-hop, not rock, is the choice music for teenage rebellion. But is U2 doomed to obsolescence?
Drummer Larry Mullen Jr. said: "The biggest danger for a band like U2 is accepting that you've reached a certain age, and, therefore you can just actually sit back. That's not what we signed up to do. We want to make relevant, great music."
There's an as-yet-unheard new U2 record, Songs Of Ascent, coming in 2010. So, is U2 going to go neon? Is Bono going to rap? Let's hope not...
All the scoop is on www.musictoob.com.
Music is dying in itself. Nearly all artists are generic and pop, and there's no more....good music. There's a hit every 3 years but...that's it. I literally like only 2 bands that's still making music. Only 2. That's sad.
why Is it that the bands that flop always say "the album is dead"?
What in the world is he talking about... Bono IS a pop star, even if he tries to make us think otherwise. U2's past legacy is, undeniable, yeah. but this comments just make me think they're gettin' old. Being honest they did a long time ago. The pop music taste is by definition always bigger and that's the way it's been. the new fresh rock bands are no longer on the same road U2 is going, i mean they're in the safe zone. new rock is being made as always on the alternative and indie underground... don't know what Bono's talking about.
on myspace... a song "THE EARTH IS YOUR MOTHER" making with a laptop and just a usb keyboard...
The new artists is on the way... no need producers or big promo
just need the talent...you can help this artist if you diffuse
on the net this song...
http://myspace.com/jostandre
thanks to all..
I guess I'm one of the minority who still buys the entire album and more often than not, I find songs on the tracklisting that are gems and aren't released as singles. I don't buy online, because I like having the actual cd in my hands, along with the accompanying booklet.
As for albums, I still have my vinyl and like you say Sgt.Pepper, there are gems on those CD's/vinyl that buying online might have you miss. Case in point; John Doe's A Year in the Wilderness: Grain of Salt; the most beautiful love song ever, check it out. Peace
I've never seen U2 in concert, and only have the Joshua Tree and Rattle & Hum albums...after that, I lost interest. I can understand your embarrassment and fury at the 2nd US show! I guess Bono had an agenda, even back then!
Thanks for the tip about the song. I'll check it out, for sure! Have yuorself a good one!
When U2 first came out (1980) everyone touted them as "Alternative" music, as "rebels who provide a refreshing change from the Pop music" of the day. But by their Joshua Tree album, they had essentially morphed into Pop-music clones, and it was really difficult to distinguish their music from all the other Pop music of the day.
Lets face it Bono, you put out an album that is a stinker, live with it. And based on what they played on SNL last week, if that is representative of the album, then I can see why sales are poor.
I've never been a big U2 fan, in fact "Bad" is the probably their one song I really like, because I think its one of the only songs where they weren't trying to appeal to the masses, they were just doing a heartfelt tune and who cares what anybody thinks.
Like some of the others here, I have been shying away from all the Pop-music of the day. It is very empty and hollow. I've always preferred lesser-known bands like Marillion, because although they have done the odd pop-tune here and there in the past, the majority of their recent albums take you on a journey through their moods and emotions. Their music doesn't attempt to fit the flavour of the day, and they don't really care, it rarely gets air-play, because its not "POP" or commercial enough.
Anyway Bono, cheer up, I'm sure there will be another album next year.