Josh Hurst hosts a U2 love-in. Meanwhile, at artsandfaith.com, Andy Whitman of Paste, who is working on his review of the new album, lets this slip:
Don’t believe the hype. This is not U2’s best album, but it is a really good non-reinvention. I think “Magnificent” is the best U2 worship song since “Gloria,” and that “Unknown Caller” is in the Top 10 of greatest U2 songs ever.
On #3: how crass, and unworthy of the generally insightful discussion on this blog. What, is it Penn’s fault that his peers voted for him? Should he refuse their praise? Of course not. I’m all for recognizing gifted actors in comedic roles (I would have voted for Downey Jr. over Ledger), but Penn worked all throughout Rourke’s acting sabbatical, and if the latter’s chances at Oscars are thus diminished, it’s no fault but his own.
I try not to be affected by all the hype about No Line, positive and negative, but it’s kind of hard.
It seems like people expect new U2 albums to end up being the band’s best, and when the albums aren’t, they get disappointed. I know the band contributes to this- they’ve said No Line may be their best, and I think Bono said something similar about Atomic Bomb.
I think it’s hard to fully appreciate U2’s albums when expectations are built up like that. I just want a really good album. It doesn’t have to be The Joshua Tree.
You’re so right about Don LaFontaine! I’m shocked that he was not included in the montage. And speaking of, the broadcast of the montage was horrible. I’m sure it was great if you were sitting in the theatre, but it difficult to catch it all on the television broadcast. (Maybe Don LaFontaine was in the tribute, afterall?)
I’ve been coming to this site for a long time. I haven’t always agreed with everything I’ve read. I’ve recognized that this is Jeffrey’s blog, and therefore this is an outlet for his opinion, which may or may not be the same as mine, may or may not validate my opinion, or may change my opinion alltogether. But if the man can’t have a sense of humor every now and then and post things like #5, what’s the point?
Aw, this is a really great post. In theory I’d like to write like this too – taking time and real effort to make a good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and never seem to get something done. London,UK