So I’m putting together the playlist for “1987”–my next installment of my “Year That Everything Changed” series on my radio show “Left Of The Dial”–when I run up against the brick wall of “The Joshua Tree.” U2’s flagship record was, of course, released during that year to florid acclaim that has only increased in the intervening years. Even folks whose musical acumen I legitimately respect love this record. Add to this the complicating factor that I actually love some of the songs on here.
But I do not like U2 at all and will hold my nose if I end up adding a “Joshua Tree” song to my 1987 list. Why? What is this…this hypocrisy? Some of it could be generational. In the musical crew I hung out with in college, U2 was persona non grata. They represented apostasy to us: they started out to be one of the antidotes (albeit a weak one) to the bloated rock and roll of the early 80s and then proceeded to become the biggest band ever. By the time Bono hit the stage at Red Rocks, I was vomiting in my mouth. And really, it is Bono that makes them so insufferable, and he was that way well before becoming Mr. United Nations. I think even members of the band can’t stand his grandstanding at this point.
But hot damn, they did some great songs. I have a live version of “Bad” on a cassette somewhere that I played until the tape broke. And you know
what, the more anthemic the songs became, the more I liked them. So, yes, I hate the band, but love some of the songs. Does that make me a hypocrite? Perhaps, but I stand by it, and if I do end up including a “Joshua” cut on my show, it will be the instrumental.
Oh, and please tune in to find out…Monday 3 to 5.
liveoakblues
Live Oak Blues 
Posted by NJ Gator on April 2, 2011 at 3:24 pm
I agree with you completely about U2. I will say though, that if you included Queen on your 1975 show out of a sense of obligation, you’d have to include U2. There’s no way in the world Queen is more important or better than U2 as much as I hate to give Bono the props.
Posted by liveoakblues on April 2, 2011 at 4:10 pm
I did end up including U2, and for that reason.
Posted by Afrobutterfly on April 2, 2011 at 10:50 pm
I’ve yet to hear a U2 record I can sit through from beginning to end, but I whip out ‘Achtung’, ‘War’ and ‘ATYCLB’ from time to time (usually during family reunions, usually to appease my middle-aged aunt).
BTW, I think “that live version of ‘Bad'” has become something of a cultural touchstone. I know EXACTLY the one you’re referring to and I’d venture so does every other person that read this. Hoping to hear “Disturbance at the Heron House.” Not expecting it. But hoping.
Posted by liveoakblues on April 2, 2011 at 10:53 pm
You got it. Switching out “Lightnin’ Hopkins” as we speak.
Posted by godihateyourband on April 3, 2011 at 2:34 am
agree with “bad” thing. an amazing performance. and they are capable of that repeatedly (my wife still plays “a beautiful day” on well, repeat). i hear you. yeah, they have some tunes, but in the scheme of things, they mean little to me. as my formative years solidified, they didn’t stand a chance against bands that actually REALLY spoke to me. the only album i truly connected to at the time sounds horribly dated (“war”). i never liked the first 2 records. i’d have to say, hands down, “achtung baby” is my fave. “one” is an amazing song
Posted by liveoakblues on April 3, 2011 at 11:12 am
Agreed…I watched the Bono “South Park” episode after I wrote this…must see!