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From the Vault...
01/11/1998
#559 |
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info
U2
"Rattle And Hum"
© Island Records
Year of Release: 1988
Rating:
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track listing
Helter Skelter
Van Diemen's Land
Desire
Hawkmoon 269
All Along The Watchtower
I Still Haven't Found
What I'm Looking For
Freedom For My People
Silver And Gold
Pride
(In The Name Of Love)
Angel Of Harlem
Love Rescue Me
When Love Comes To Town
Heartland
God Part II
The Star Spangled Banner
Bullet The Blue Sky
All I Want Is You
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U2
"Rattle And Hum"
If there is one group that stood out in the
1980s, it would have to be Ireland's own, U2.
By 1988 they have had three albums and an EP released.
They were just getting recognition with 1983's War,
with the unforgettable tunes New Year's Day and
Sunday Bloody Sunday. 1984's Unforgettable
Fire finally broke the ground, and 1987's Joshua
Tree featured two number one hits, finally putting U2
on the map, and they've been unstoppable since.
With emphasis on lead singer Bono, and the excellent
musical talents of guitarist The Edge, bassist Adam
Clayton, and drummer Larry Mullen Jr., their
songs consisted more on social and political themes.
1988's Rattle And Hum has these themes; as it mixed
live recordings from the Joshua Tree tour, and also
features some well done new studio tracks. Despite critics'
undesire for this album, it was well received by many of U2's
fans.
Originally released as a double album, it's highlights
are many. Their live version of The Beatles' Helter Skelter
starts out the album with a great kick. The studio track,
Desire, is probably considered the biggest hit off
the album, and it is a great, great tune. Another remake
is their live version of All Along The Watchtower, originally
written and recorded by Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix's version
is the one people would relate to as the best.
U2's live version is exceptionally well; almost as good as
Hendrix's.
Rattle And Hum contains I Still Haven't Found
What I'm Looking For. Originally from the Joshua Tree,
it was recorded with the New Voices of Freedom church vocal
choir. The Voices' vocals gives this song a true quality touch.
Angel Of Harlem was another radio favorite. God Part
II is U2's answer to John Lennon's God (considered
Part I), from Lennon's first solo album, Plastic Ono Band.
Lennon originally stated that he pretty much didn't believe in
the many things that were considered major parts in his life
anymore. U2 turned around and stated that they were believers, saying
they believed in love.
But probably the best highlight I enjoyed from this album,
is where U2 teams up with the legendary B.B. King on When Love Comes
To Town, another live track. If this song doesn't get
up and groovin', I don't know what else will. B.B King is a
true giant in the blues field. It was just grand that U2
wanted to do a duet. Not just any duet; a duet with a legendary
musical artist and influence.
And lastly, many of the studio tracks for this album were
recorded at Memphis' Sun Records Studio, where in the early Fifties,
owner Sam Phillips was trying to discover a new talent for
his record label. At the right place, and the right time, a
young man by the name of Elvis Presley walked in and asked to
record a single for his mother. After playing around with That's
All Right Mama, Sam Phillips was astounded by what he had
heard. It was the sound he was looking for, and he found it
by accident. The year was 1954, and the rest, well, you know,
is musical history.
The remaining songs on the U2 album are exceptionally done.
And, there are some live tracks of studio songs that were
originally recorded from previous U2 albums: (Pride) In The
Name Of Love, and Bullet The Blue Sky, which opening
music features Jimi Hendrix's Woodstock version of The Star
Spangled Banner. All I Want Is You, sounds so
similar to the Unforgettable Fire's Bad.
Love Rescues Me is a nice, slow blues tune.
Even The Edge participates on lead vocal on a tune he wrote,
Van Diemen's Land.
Rattle And Hum is an album well enjoyed for the
U2 fan. It's concert/studio video is also excellent to watch.
It was great to see the band working in the studio, and
their performances on the stage were astounding. U2 is
another band where you're better off getting their original
albums rather than a greatest hits/box set package. There
isn't such a package out yet, but they do have enough material
for one or two.
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Review or any portion may not be reproduced
without written permission. Cover art is the
intellectual property of
Island Records
and is used for reference purposes only.
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