HELL YES!

looking forward to this album, but i do think the cover is a bit dreary.

oh look…..big shocker the new U2 cover looks all dark, depressing, and dreary. who gives a fuck? It is just bono trying to be the artistic dark mysterious frontman. he’s such a tool…….i wish he’d just go away. fake ass jesus……these guys have done nothing w passion since the 80’s. anybody who thinks other wise has had the blanket pulled over there head. get over it people………

If you hate bono so much — why comment?

(ASSHOLE)

hey kj go take a long walk off a short pier…you fucking douche…U2 haven’t done anything w/passion since the 80’s??

Their widely considered best album “Acthung Baby” came out in the 90’s you dunce….talking out of your ass again…aren’t we?

looks like they stole the album cover from Trent Reznor/Nine Inch Nails!!

Great cover! This is a very strong image in its simplicity and atmospheric character. It´s perfectly suitable for the album´s title. And the two rectangles work very well as technical elements in natural surroundings.

I´m looking forward to the new canvas from U2 and I´m sure that this painting will have “IT”!

Bono needs to either shut up or get himself elected to something other than singer of a crappy rock band. Who listens to this stuff besides cougars and edgy accountants anyway. Lost whatever cred they did have when they became hypocritical tax dodgers. Boring rich old men.

love the album title…love the cover..i am very excited about this album.

as far as the dumb comments on here…when your on top people get jealous…and there ain’t a band out there that can hold a candle to U2. just ignore the idiots.

Oops…the two rectangles are an equals sign. Hopefully my wrong interpretation is also okay…

Apparently killtheindustry listens.

go back to MGMT and smoke a bowl whilst we get the real shit from the best band out there.

….still trying to find which NIN album cover this resembles.

God, the whiners on this site are amazing. U2 are an amazing band. Period.

I guess you’d all prefer the latest offering from Lady Gaga or Britney. Idiots.

Maybe these whiners should work together as a band. I think I can already propose an innovative bandname: What about “You Fools”?

Anyone else think the album cover’s “equal sign” (like the ubiquitous blue and yellow bumperstickers) is a thinly veiled call for gay rights? Which I, of course, think is pretty dope…

maybe u2 was relevant in the 80’s but now they are just tired old men writing unoriginal not very good music.

Anyone else think the album cover’s “equal sign” (like those that appear on the ubiquitous blue and yellow bumper stickers) is a thinly veiled show of support for gay rights? Kudos to U2.

still have their sleeveless WAR tour t-shirts

Let’s see who’s on the Top 10 of the Billboard charts right now: Taylor Swift, Nickelback, Kanye West, Beyonce, the soundtrack to a movie only teenagers would like-”Twilight”, Britney Spears (what a fucking joke!), Keyshia Cole (who?), Jamie Foxx (an even BIGGER joke!), one of those stupid “Now That’s What I Call Music” (even though I would call it CRAP!!), and Akon.
I would rather listen to U2’s newest upcoming album than any of that shit I just listed any fuckin’ day of the week!!

Silence=death both in life and in protest. Nice one, U2. Never be silent. Keep trying to find what you’re looking for. We’ll be right there with ya.

The album cover is almost IDENTICAL to Brothomstates ‘Claro’ album.

I’m serious, check it out if you don’t believe me. The front cover of ‘Claro’ has a square on a horizon, but there’s ‘two lines on a horizon’ on the back of it.

its similar, but not nearly identical. Are we gonna get Colplay-Joe Satriani arguments now? Jeez.

Look, k, if you have a problem with u2, I can’t change that…but to all the rest you, this kid is dead wrong. U2’s last two albums have been two of their best…especially All That You Can’t Leave Behind. I think that if this new album is anything like the last two, it will be incredible. So there.

HisPrinceMichael=trailing Bush/Cheney on his knees out the White House door

Looking forward to the release but how many songs are already named ‘Breathe’- c’mon Bono!

Generic Clone-like assumptions
+
Lame attempts at cleverness
= SIMPLE math

the thinly veiled virulent racism comes out with terms like “pharaoh”. Same d-bags who probably thought “Mr. Democracy” Bush was elected fairly in 2000.

Arty cover( I prefer this to the usual cheap looking band shot) It does remind me of the Nine Inch Nails artwork for GHOSTS I-IV

hismajestyJacko thinks im clever. I love it.

Yeah, U2 sells out. every arena they play and every album they release. Barstool philosophers like hismajestyMichaelJackson sit there and eat their hats until the green-eyed monster consumes them. Awesome!

REGARDLESS, U2 is still gonna kick ass, much like they have done for 30 years. Sorry, Miguel.

comments for U2 none for Fall Out Boy’s new tour

Perhaps there is justice in this world

Interesting album art, but it does look similar to NIN’s Ghosts.

dg | 1/16/2009, 1:07 pm EST

maybe u2 was relevant in the 80’s but now they are just tired old men writing unoriginal not very good music.

Look, if uve got a fuckin problem with U2 dnt listen 2 them. But slag them off. I would love 2 see u write so many fuckin awesomr and inspire an entire generation of music. Nearly 30 years on there stil turning out top class records. Basically FUCK YOU AND UR OPINION IF UVE GT NOWT DECENT 2 SAY THEN FUCK OFF

When i think of the new U2 album, then i think of that Q photo that shows Bono wearing eyeliner. Barf!
The girls and the girly men may like it Bono,,, But that only confirms that you look like a confused girl who´s unsure whether to buy a ticket for Tokio Hotel or the Jones sisters.
Stop it bono, you´re killing the band.

Still i hope the new album will be somewhat acceptable. I doubt it but lets see.

Wow, such an anti-U2 vibe here! Well, at least a few of us are looking forward to the new album. The U2 love may be the minority here, but at least we’re happy!

….the music, and no one brings it more consistently or better than U2. Who cares what he’s wearing? Obviously you, “macho man” (closet repressor of his own latent homosexual feelings). I pity you, Ono. I pity you.

Wow. There’s “Artistic Vision” and then there’s just plain ol’ lack of imagination. I place this cover art squarely in the latter category. Blech. Good thing we don’t buy albums for their visual merits…

U2 and Guns n’ Roses get more comments than any band out there. Sounds like people are still jealous of the last rockstars in town. Viva U2!

I sure didn’t mind when Bono and the boys dressed in drag for the “One” video

Great song and great video.

Keep “the Drab Four” away from AC/DC’s Back in Black and the Beatles’ White Album! That kitten has claws! LOL

I have a feeling that U2 has cranked out a masterpiece again.

A very awful cover…

Something quite eternal about it I like it a lot.

I think you are 100% correct, Papa Smurf.

I can’t really say I like U2 all that much, but I can say with certainty that this will be better than the crap played on the radio these days. I’ll pick the album up just to see how they sound, and with the bleak state that music is in right now, it will probably end up in my top 10 for the year.

Good band
Weak album cover

KJ the tool(very creative by the way….the name you gave yourself is just a short cut to thinking) you can take jack and hey kj’s comments about what i said and throw them out the window. Take some time to stop and think about how hard you all want to blow bono…..and then put that to the side and really look hard at this shitty excuse for an album cover, cliche repetitive song titles, and really go back in time to when U2 wasn’t charging people $300 for the shittiest seat in the house……just to watch bono prance around like some fake ass savior on a heart shaped stage….and then go ahead and listen to every album put out by this so called dynasty rock band and tell me honestly which u2 you enjoy. then or now……..cuz im betting the house that the 80’s out wiegh the 90’s to current? i am happy to see there is a nice balance of haters to all you lovers cuz it does show me that there are still people who use there brains and ears when determining what good music is as apposed to something that is put out to make a dollar. face it folks U2 is a buissness these days not a band…….another shitty album another tour around the world=$$$$$$$$$$$$$……did you ever stop to think the equal sign on the cover of the new album means just that? good for bono and his band though for making so much money in a country & time when there are many people struggling to even put food on the table, hold a job, a make a mortgage payment……really good for them for keeping that greedy money machine rolling…….seriously. I’m really ok w/ it folks cuz if your stupid enough to throw your money at mediocre music at it’s best and the show they put on when it comes to your city……oh wait, that’s rite most can’t afford to see them live……well except all the cougers that suck cock for tickets and all those edgy buissness folk that my boy killtheindustry commented about. oh well people i guess what ever makes you sleep at night…….rite?

I for one cant wait u2 are the biggest kick ass bands in the world , they have been since the unforgettable fire which was in 1984and they blow everthing else out of the window ,Bono has so much talent ,the Edge is a magician Larry is a great drummer and Adam is so cool.I dont know how you people can criticise Bono , he doesnt have to do is political stuff ,he has enough to do with thye band and his family ,etc he chooses to do this cause he is one the most caring sincere human beings on this planet , if you have been to his concerts you will no what i mean.

I think you made a mistake, Rolling Stone. I think Will.i.am is doing a REMIX of Magnificent but did actual work on the album version of “I’ll Go Crazy”.

There’s only one U2 song I’ve ever really fell in love with and continue to fawn over to this day, nearly a quarter of a century after it’s release on the B-Side of “The Unforgettable Fire”…”Love Comes Tumbling”: the best radio single that never was!…

The album cover is not good

(KJ+killtheindustry)x Anonymus=tool that makes me laugh

I wonder did the people who designed this album cover, also design Nine Inch Nails, “Ghosts” album cover??

They never gonna be the band they were in the 80s. But still make the odd great tune. Sometimes i do feel Bono lets the band down. Coz the other boys are always great

anonymous—- “my boy killtheindustry” is you. Name any other band you take as much time dissecting as U2. I spent 80 bucks (and so did thousands of others) to get an incredible seat feet from the band during the Vertigo tour. Pull your head out of your ass and shut the fuck up. You have no fucking idea what you are talking about. Obviously this band is just as relevant now as in the 80’s, or you wouldn’t care.

its so hilarious how much time people like anonymous (aka killtheindustry, aka snarky douchebag) take to slag success. They wont harrass Oasis, they wont harass KISS, they won’t harass Madonna, they wont harass ANY OTHER BAND IN THE FUCKWING WORLD THAT MAKES MONEY, but for some reason they slag U2. Why? Because they secretly love the music but want to look cool to get pussy, which they cant get anyway.

Anonymous is “my boy” killtheindustry, who apparently believes that any band they like aren’t in it for the money and success. When you break it down, U2 are the biggest and best, and unfortunately for all the haters out there, that’s where U2 lives. Bourgeosie college boys like anonymous feel like they are fighting for a cause that doesnt exist. This is how they deal with it, by constantly spitting out venom. Oh well. Hilarious. U2 once again will show all the pretenders how is done, and the blueprint will be laid down (i.e., Achtung Baby, the POPMart tour) and then the followers will copy. No worries mate, we all know how it works.

anonymous……dick head!!!!

You fools(Anonymous)is not killtheindustry……it is me kj again……look agree or disagree w/ my comments, i don’t care….really i don’t. my hate for u2 is that it is forced fed to me…..i am sick of seeing bono’s face every time i turn around. he’s not the only musician(rock star)out there. i could name many bands that continue to make awesome music….as well a some new comers(very few but there are some)….if you took some time to tune into something that is not top 40 you mite find that lil wayne, and britnay aren’t the only ones making music these days. you people can’t hide in your little box forever……it is a new year and w/ the new year comes change people….so please keep your ears open for some new music cuz u2 is not the only act alive…..not 2 mention very boring to see live been there done that…..i never hate until i have experienced….remember once a u2 fan i was…and continue to give them a chance everytime they release something new…..but i just don’t like it. SORRY. i am intitlted to my opinion the same as you. call me dick, asshole, wehatever it is you want but for all you who think your in the driver seat on this one….think about all those who disagree……really insignifigate argument if you ask me……50/50…. -kj-

How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb sold almost 12 million copies worldwide. Doesn’t sound like a band that is falling off. U2 is the best.

This guy is so hot… I love his pink clear glasses… it reminds me of elton john. Their music nowadays is about as exciting as their new cover, pretty basic. They’re riding their days of the 80’s-90’s. Circling the drain faster & faster. They’re hanging on to thier past so tight I’m suprised the new release isn’t only available on cassette tape…

How to dismantle an atomic bomb… was an awsome album. Thier next album sould be titled, “how to dismantle a wheelchair” Bono is so old, when he farts he blows dust!!!! Hey, that’s a cool name for an album!! Bono Blows Dust. Damn that has platinum written all over it.

with a giant defiant crying argument that they are one and the same (anonymous, kj, killthe industry. et al). such an “insignifigate” argument that he/she it types TONS about it. really, there is no argument. you are right. U2 rocks. end of story.

Anonymous | 1/17/2009, 3:10 pm EST

You fools(Anonymous)is not killtheindustry……it is me kj again

UHH….ok….even though your name is anonymous. LOL

This guy reminds me of the before Urlacher in those Old Spice commercials (”It is I the Urlacher!!! I challenge you to a duEL!!!!”). Fall Out Boy is coming. Shouldnt you leave your ecstatic orgasmic posts there?

You FOOLS!!! it is I, KJ!!!! Here to CRUSH Flash Gordon!!!

On a serious note, Achtung Baby, 1991 is a beautiful masterpiece full of reckless abandon and PASSION.

ZOOROPA, 1993- “Stay” “Dirty Day” and “Lemon” are very passionate songs.

POP 1997, while maligned in spots for its experimental nature, had lotsa passion and heart and emotion with songs such as “Gone” “Please” “Wake up Dead Man” and “If God Will Send His Angels”

Atomic Bomb and Leave Behind had such emotional and heartfelt PASSIONATE songs such as

KITE
In a Little While
Stuck in a Moment
Peace on Earth
Sometimes you cant Make it (Song of the Year, 2004)
Original of the Species
City of Blinding Lights

the very essence of this band is passion and emotion and they carry it through on every album and they will do it again on this one.
I think KJ has lost his mind. being too close to the death ray will do that to ya.

Whether you call it love or hate, your deep passion and eloquence in talking about U2 is most evident. I understand completely. Most people who dont like U2 just asy “I dont like U2″ but you take it to new heights and frontiers. Bravo KJ. I know they still bring out a deep emotional reaction from you. See you at the concert. I’ll know how to spot you. You’ll be wearing the thick, lustrous Bono mullet and the Joshua Tree tour T-shirt.

You will never see U2 take the douchebag way out, break up, and then reunite 10 or 15 years later to do a money train tour. They always have new material, love it or hate it, to fashion their tours around. And they more often than not are great songs. 200 millions albums sold, a 30 year career still going strong, and a slam dunk Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction bear immutable witness to the fact that haters gonna hate, ballers gonna ball….but U2 will still kick ass.

Hey, KJ, Ming, Sybil, whatever the fuck you’re calling yourself now. I love U2! I loved U2 in the 80’s (”New Year’s Day” is my all-time favorite U2 song ever!) I loved them in the 90’s and I love them now and forever!
Yes, you hate them because since the 90’s, they kind of mainstreamed their sound. And I understand that! Even I think they’ve gone mainstream. But I’d rather listen to them than all the other mainstream crap out there!
And, by the way, I also like non-mainstream music–like No Age, The Gutter Twins, Travis, The Stills, Glasvegas, Franz Ferdinand, etc., etc.
Why can’t we all like the music we like and just leave it at that? If you don’t like U2, then shut the fuck up and go whine about it somewhere else!! LEAVE!! Why don’t you go bother the idiots that like Nickelback and Fall Out Boy? Now that’s REAL CRAP!!

If you are arguing album covers that is one thing. Taste is taste and that can not be argued. If U2 are a business then they are the best business around. They are actually gaining steam with every album and that is creating more fandom and revenue. If you want to hate recognize why you are hating. You don”t like Bono and the holier than thou presentation. Well I hate to break the news he has always been that guy. If your stuck in nostalgia land, then don’t taint it with your fractured views of adolescence. If the media existed like it does today during the “War Tour” we would have heard Bono talk about change and ending the struggles in Northern Ireland, Germany, and Russia. He helped start LiveAid in 84. What is strange to me is that Bono is doing the same type of media pushing as Obama. Why hate a guy who is talking about positive things who is more versed on subjects that chances are you cant comprehend. Long live Bono and long live bi partisan change.

Do you even understand where the image is coming from? Have you been in on the meetings with the band and there plans for financial domination or how they just want to make commercial music? Then shut up. Quit pushing I am cool because I listen to unknown music by unknown artists it does not make you better than the next guy at the coffee shop. Your a wank and apparently you think that your opinion means something to others. How can you measure passion? The only passion you have is hating a band that has done the miraculous by staying together for 30+ years without any personnel changes. Now how many bands have done that?

like the new album design. the hype is building quite high around this release, i’m very excited and can’t wait to hear the new tracks. NLOTH could be the the most anticipated LP of the year. here’s hoping for big things for U2 in 09…

The phenomenon KJ

Now I slowly realize that some U2 haters are former fans in reality! Obviously there´s not a long way between love and hate. So where does this hate come from? Fans often tend to idealize U2 (and maybe that also concerns me), but once they are disappointed by their “holy men” or whatever they let them fall immediately. The fallen angels, isn´t it? It looks as if these people wanted to throw their whole U2 collection into the fire and even pour some petrol over it… This is truly very sad.

U2´s music still moves me very much and I´m anticipating the new record. It´s absolutely okay for me if somebody says “I don´t like U2 anymore”, but not THAT way, KJ!!

It´s very dangerous to be deceived by the image the mass media try to suggest to us. U2 are great artists, fascinating people and also…just HUMAN BEINGS.

Boy that’s a beat album cover . Hope the music is better

its the exact same photo and box shape as Specification 15 by Richard Chartier and Taylor Deupree. was to go designers! late to the game.

OMG. i just found that other cd cover on the 12k blog. can’t U2 do anything original? way to steal cover ideas from artists smaller than you.

further irony! the label its on it called LINE! no LINE on the horizon.

boys and girls…..guess who? only please refer to me as rock n roll superman in future posts…..please. look you guys it has been fun to ruffel your feathers for the last 48 hrs…..thx you. it was very entertaining and helped me get through a 48 hr. shift at work. maybe i was a little harsh and i am sorry to have made so many of you upset. I am intitled to my opinion the same as you……..i do have a bitter taste in my mouth about this band i once loved and now despise………. Mea Bonamusica said it best when she stated at the end of the day they are just human beings. she is rite they do what they do to make there world go round the same as each of us do day to day. so who am i to hate? humans people is what they are….not immortal gods. i will stop hating so harshly if you all stop worshiping them as if they are gods……and we can all come to reality and call them what they are…..a band that has succeded and survived the industry for over 3 decades……..good day to them! love it or hate it…..it is what it is. is everyone happy now? i do want to set some things straight about myself……..i do listen to underground music the same as most people do…..this doesn’t make me cool and nor do i think i am. i don’t hate on u2 because i think it is going to get me pussy, or makes me look cool either…..no i do not have a mullet but i do have a sleeveless war tour t-shirt! you all have a lovely new year in 2009……i wish you all the best! even if you are a U2 fan?

if 12k | LINE released specification.fifteen AFTER this release, U2 would’ve served them with a cease and desist letter faster than the time it took the ink to dry.

this is a simple case of david v. goliath.

Thank you, KJ. Best wishes to you and a happy year 2009!
Pamela

Wow. I have never seen a band generate as much response as U2. They must be doing something right. Even their largest “detractors” like KJ cant stop talking about them. Heres KJ’s first post

oh look…..big shocker the new U2 cover looks all dark, depressing, and dreary. who gives a fuck? It is just bono trying to be the artistic dark mysterious frontman. he’s such a tool…….i wish he’d just go away. fake ass jesus……these guys have done nothing w passion since the 80’s. anybody who thinks other wise has had the blanket pulled over there head. get over it people………

and then he/she’s most recent post

and we can all come to reality and call them what they are…..a band that has succeded and survived the industry for over 3 decades……..good day to them! love it or hate it…..it is what it is.

I think Joseph S. and Biological put it best on this thread. In a way, U2 is like Howard Stern. Both their greatest fans and most vicious detractors cant get enough.

May U2 continue to do what they do best, which is make great music and play the best live show around. I have seen them 3 times and each time was an awesome experience. Their catalog of great songs cannot be disputed. Wash off your hate and find a blog or a website of bands you really like. Negativity is so much easier to express than joy. That’s why U2 strikes a chord with their fans. They express joy.

Nice rip-off of specification.fifteen, guys.

I hear Chartier & Deupree are coming out with new album, titled “The Joshua Tree”….

Still generate debate… still release heartfelt innovative music… still matter… still legendary… If you don’t like them get over it… for all of you that have had their lives changed or impacted because of this bands sonic and emotional beauty… just something else to greatly look forward to.

“Carry each other, carry each other, ONE”

Oh, this is so much fun to read during the dreary days of winter.

I will buy the album when it comes out, as I did with all of their previous albums. Will it change my life; doubtful. Will I find a few songs that I can really groove on; very likely. Will I go see them at least once on the tour; oh yeah. What is nice is they will play a bunch of the new songs on tour and not stick to only “the hits”. And hopefully, they will pull out a few classic album cuts too. At least, they will try something fresh as they do on every tour.

I have my “big bands” that I will always support because they had a major impact on me at some point in my life. U2 and R.E.M are two. They are still making new music and not just releasing compilations. I’m not 20 years old anymore so I don’t want to be sang to as a 20 year old. I have those moments of nostalgia but find my listening going into new areas, which often times is actual old. In my 40’s now I find myself “hanging out” with John Hiatt, The subdudes, Dr. John, Delbert McClinton, Steve Earle, Todd Snider, Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, and Mark Knopfler.

And then there are the new bands that either make me smile or dance or think. Wilco, Foxboro Hot Tubs, The Kilborn Alley Blues Band, Kings of Leon, My Morning Jacket, Bog Mike Aguirre, Derek Trucks.

I go to more $5, $10, $20 shows than $150 shows. I would much rather see somebody I don’t really know in a small venue than some superstar in an arena. And the nice thing is I have 3 teenage children that like to go to shows with me. We alternate between “my” bands and “their” bands. One week it mught be Brave Combo the next Blue October. And it is rare that I am completely let down. They dance to Tom Petty; I dance to All Time Low.

Like the bands you like. Nobody is forced to listen to particular entertainers. If you don’t like something; move on. If you do; support them.

Peace and hugs.

The artists’ work is for him to distribute as he sees fit. So, by that logic, specification.fifteen ripped off Sugimoto.

Artsy-fartsy douchebags. Shut up already.

they got permission from the photographer who took the pic. they don’t need to ask the bands who used the photo!! ALL THEY NEED IS THE PHOTOGRAPHERS PERMISSION!!

to quote dougfreshone from the 12K blog: “That is Sugimoto’s photo, and he can do whatever the hell he wants to do with it. It’s just that there’s a much more personal level of connection between that photo, all three artists involved, and the sound piece directly related to all of this. There’s something so much more cherished about that whole connection.”

then the complaint should be with the photographer, who seems to have violated this ‘personal level of connection’ by licensing his photo to another artist for another album cover, when he knew it’d already been used for an album – not just any album but one that was inspired by his works. of course, any artist or record label representing said artist should do due diligence to ensure that materials used within and to promote an album are unique or at least, for licensed materials, protected by copyright and from an aesthetic standpoint, not overused. but i’d argue that, if such a personal connection exists between the photographer and the Taylor/Richard team, it’s more of the photographer’s responsibility to notify them of this situation. 12K posted originally, ‘For U2 it’s just a phone call.” If there is indeed any artistic fraternity between 12K and the photographer, then the phone call should have come from the photog, to 12K. This reflects much worse on him than on U2, in my opinion.

Yo. Just wanted to remind you guys that my album came out in November of 08. Buy it now. Please. Slash keeps laughing at me.

I still don’t like U2. Even their biggest albums aren’t the classics they’re made out to be.

They’re a decent rock band. Nothing more, nothing less. Overrated!

I just heard the new song on their website. Sounded kinda stoopid to me. As far as lead-off singles, this sure ain’t “I Will Follow,” “Gloria,” “New Year’s Day,” “In the Name of Love,” “With or Without You,” “Beautiful Day” or “Vertigo.” Not even sure if it’s up there with “Desire” or “Numb.” To me, it’s as dull as “Discotheque.”

I download “Get On Your Boots” off Itunes this morning, so I’m not sure that digital release date is correct. Let me listen several more times, before I pass judgement, plus I’d like to hear it with the complete album too. It’s going to be a great year.

“Even their biggest albums aren’t the classics they’re made out to be” Guess what dummy, the biggest selling albums were’nt the classics anyway.”Overrated”? Now that’s funny.You sound too young to know any better, so I’ll tell you.Forget for a moment what a total cesspool the music scene is today.I remember when these guys first came on the scene.It was a fantastic time for music.Not only were there so many great artists at the time, many of the artists were in their absolute prime.For U2’s splash to be big, it HAD to be good. And it WAS.As far as the biggest album’s joke comment,as good as Boy was, October was even better, I think the best ever.Guess what. October is probably the worst selling U2 album ever. Joshua Tree was a top selling smash,which I hated every minute of with the exception of Bullet The Blue Sky. I hate it when a great band is forced to “dumb” down the material for the masses.

There’s millions of people that will be introduced to the artist’s photography now because he allowed U2 to use it for their cover.

That’s millions more that will see it than that those that saw it on the album that other band released 2 years ago that also used the photograph.

Let’s face the facts here folks.. The song is crap. U2 has been crap ever since they chopped down the Joshua Tree. If it wasn’t for Bono’s Africa mission, the band wouldn’t sell crap. A typical ploy to sell albums using emotion.

I have to agree with some earlier posts.The only truly GREAT albums were the early ones.They sold out on Joshua Tree big time.The lone exception is Achtung Baby, which is definately the last great album and maybe the last GREAT tour by anyone.

it would just make sense for any band to want an image on their new cd to be new and not previously used on another artists cd. thats common artistic sense.

Jeez…enough already about the dumb cover.If you’re a U2 fan, you should be more concerned if this new record is gonna suck or not.(Like the last two especially).

Wow. A lot of passionate, if not articulate, venting going on here. Depressed, or self-loathing, anyone? Look, if you are mad at the world, or untalented, or married to a Windows machine in a basement somewhere, please save it for youtube. And if you must speak up here, try saying something genuinely positive, hopefully without irony, and maybe with some spell checking. After that, cheer up!!! (BIG LOVE U2! Can’t wait for the new album. I hope you sell 20 million of them.)

HAHAHAHAH. All i have to say to the haters is make an album as good as ANY of their albums, THEN talk

Dantes proves you can have a positive post and be a babbling fucktard at the same time.

I can take or leave U2, these days. (Though I have to admit they were a favorite back in the 80’s when I was in college).

But the album cover, while striking, HAS already been done before. I wouldn’t think it was a big deal, but the designer pretty much used it EXACTLY the same way it was used on Specification.Fifteen. Fill up the cover with the stark photo, and add minimal black/white/gray design elements. Speaking as an artist/designer, it’s the exact same photo and the exact same artistic approach.

I personally think U2 needs to spend some of their hard-earned millions to scrap this cover and take the next two months to do something different. (And if I were Chartier and Deupree, I’d start looking for a good attorney. I’m sure there is no shortage of lawyers who’d be willing to take this one on contingency.)

great cover, about time we get the Ocean on a U2 cover…long over due. I’ve been a U2 fan since 84. This new songs rocks…once again U2 showing why they are the best band in the world.

great album cover, sounds great! awesome in fact, sort of build on you! its nice to know that at least africa can rely on one fund raising band for hiv drugs.
can’t wait to here the album.

did anyone see this cover? http://www.discogs.com/im age/R-13511-1163708286.jpeg

did anyone see the back cover of Brothomstates cd Claro? it a horizon WITH an equal sign.

“rip-off” cover on NLOTH?! c’mon really! Hiroshi Sugimoto’s photo that U2 and Four5One used for the new cover is not the same picture as Specification15 says… they may be from the same collection, called “Seascapes” (Sugimoto has been doing this since 1980). I love the cover, I love the band. The new album I believe represents purity, change, and equality. Get me in the sound boys! I’m ready to leave the ground………

Funny. The fans who defend the band the most heartily often turn out to be young and relatively new to the band. I remember the days before internet, when I was a member of WIRE-L before Zooropa. Trust me when I say nothing has changed. It’s the fans that over-informed me and also made it tough to go on with this and other bands. Fans of “our boys” do tend to worship too much.

Yes, if this is the album cover, then it’s too similar to the other two mentioned. The photographer would be silly to deny U2. He wants to share his work with others. It’s the graphic designers that have the obligation to apply it in a different way. Look at Anton’s packaging of Achtung Baby and then Bon Jovi;s comeback “Keep the Faith” as another example. As far as that, I’ve not been excited by the design of LEAVE or BOMB. Pop was the last big effort. (I know…big wasn’t what they wanted for LEAVE/BOMB but yet neither were more organic than Pop. How is it that their electronic album was more raw than the two following?

One second, fans will praise the artistic vision and passion of the band..against “commercial crap”. Then, when someone challenges that the guys have fallen off…the same fans will say “BOMB or LEAVE BEHIND album sales and grammies would argue otherwise!”

This band has become criticism-proof, according to too many fans. If you don’t like the band/new album, then here’s the condescending assumptions (about you):

1a. …a “Holy BonOE” fan will argue that you’re “shallow and want the band to recycle their signature hit sounds like AC/DC or …and want them to play WOWY/MW/ONE for the rest of their lives…but they are insatiable artists and get bored with repeating themselves.”

1b. …or you’re “not open-minded (or cultured/educated) enough to appreciate the innovation and artistry of ‘our boys’!” Well, news flash…although the fellas do things that are new for them, they rarely measure up to the hyperbolic claims of their marketing. The new sounds (Martian rock, molten rock, blah blah) rarely strays too far. If it does, then it’s a side project (OS1). This is an intelligent, anthemic rock band. They DO care about maintaining some mainstream status. Pop was great…but it was the commercial failure that inspired the group to retreat to a “just a band playing along with each other in the studio.” That also coincided with the underwhelming impact of Electronica (go Underworld!).

This is not a band starting off. They are an institution that employs many. By that nature, they are are a tank that can’t take dramatic left turns. Bono is too much a fan of the music paradigm and is usually inspired by the biggies–not necessarily the most commercially successful groups, but at least the big names to those who know music. That’s not a bad thing. Following the band has turned me on to plenty of my favorite groups. They also do a good job of reaching into the pool of new talent.

–or worse, you supposedly “hate U2 because of Bono. He’s an amazing man who’s done more positive work for this world than you ever will.” and, “I’d like to see you make any album as good as even their worst.”

What about an objective review of the new material? Does Bono invest the same amount of sincere risk in his lyrics as he used to? Pop was great at that. Kite and a few others since then have maintained that (but damaged by slick, conservative production). Too many songs during the LEAVE/BOMB era have had me wondering if he was along for the ride or making it his weekend job. I have nothing against his humanitarian efforts.

I’m an artist. I like to explore and take chances, but it’s the best when you can both connect with those who are following along with you..while you introduce new things. And creativity isn’t always divinely inspired in a vacuum. Sometimes, the best new work comes from channeling other artists into your own voice. That’s what these guys do. People would hate to hear this, but it’s not that different from what Madonna does. Neither of them redefines things as much as their marketing boasts. I don’t need cutting edge fromt hem. I just need good material that I connect with. (No, I’m not a Madonna fan, but the connection is there.)

Sorry about the length of the post. I prefer to put it all out at once, and it’s been building for years.

WORST ARGUMENT: fans will counter by criticisng the spelling of a post. Will make assumptions about clothing/hair/age. The band accepts criticisms more casually than the army of fans who fight their battles. Yes, Bono can be obnoxious. Yes, he does amazing humanitarian work. Yes, they are hypocrites for being millionaires and for leaving Ireland and palling around with Republican terrorists, etc. But there is an argument to counter each of those things…and a fan will tell you all about it.

I love this band and hope the new album pulls me back into the fold. I’ve connected with every one of their artistice periods, but the last two albums don’t hold up. There are some great songs that I’d love to hear live (again) or acoustically…but the album versions weaken them. Maybe it’s similar to REM. Their last few albums have been inconsistent but occasionally rewarding. I appreciate them redefining themselves. The new album is good…but even though it sounds like the band I remember, the production doesn’t work for me. It’s going to be remembered as a transition album…not the masterpiece it’s billed as. LEAVE/BOMB will be remembered as transitions. I just hope the new work makes that period worthwhile.

I really don’t care what the cover looks like just so long as they are still indeed making music. With everything that Bono has involved himself in……….The man deserves R.E.S.P.E.C.T. ROCK on Bono & U2……I for one will continue to buy your music & follow your band till the end

dudes! i am so excited for it to come out! i’ve been waiting for a new album since Atomic Bomb!!!! and although i’ve only been a fan since 2005 (when i was 9)i love all their 80’s albums the best. I have GOYB on my iPod and it sounds kind of a mix of HTDAAB and achtung baby, so i’m really excited and can’t wait!

dudes! i am so excited for it to come out! i’ve been waiting for a new album since Atomic Bomb!!!! and although i’ve only been a fan since 2005 (when i was 9)i love all their 80’s albums the best. I have GOYB on my iPod and it sounds kind of a mix of HTDAAB and achtung baby, so i’m really excited and can’t wait!

point #1 – its an album cover. You will look at it once and probably leave it in your cd rack after you’ve ripped it to i-tunes.

point #2 – U2 don’t need your personal approval, much like the bands I don’t like don’t need mine. For every one person whining about U2’s music there are 3 people who love it. So what, move on. Find something you do like, and stop being a whiny moron.

point #3 – Anyone who ever uses the words “sell out” immediately flushes their credibility and chances of making a well informed statement straight down the toilet. Are you an idiot? This question, by the way is rhetorical, since I have no doubt that you are.

Thats all I have to say. Save your silly attacks on me if you choose to disagree with me. I won’t be reading them. See the last sentence of point #2.

I have it now!!!!!! Two hours ago, went to the cd shop, and GOT IT!!!!
I really like the songs…really do!!!
yes! yes!

fuck u2 they,re shite

u dont know good music when u ear it mate

some music burns better than others