Don't let the Bastards drag you down. A week of Achtung Baby.

Introduction: A week ago, Dave asked me on IM, if I would co-write a blog reviewing albums, one a week from 1960-2009. I was excited for the opportunity, as I love music, and writing. Combining both into a blog would be a great idea. After agreeing, he told me the album he chose for the week, Achtung Baby by U2. I have to be honest, I wasn't enthused, a week ago I considered myself an 80's U2 fan, I love Joshua Tree and Unforgettable Fire, but I am less enthused about their later work. But, I agreed, thinking that I should at least give it a shot.

First Impression: My first listen through the album was a surprising one, I was extremely surprised by the flow, the lyrics, and just the tempo of the album. I was also taken aback, by the passion I felt from Bono and the rest of the band. I like some tracks more than others, but I generally liked what I heard. Initial rating: 4 out of 5

Favorite Track: I agree with Dave on this one, Ultraviolet, has to be my favorite track on this album. This song may even be one of my favorite U2 songs, period. In my mind, good music, must have two things. 1) Good lyrics 2) Atmospheric Effect. This song, does both for me, I love the jangly guitar rifts, they have a definite Smith's feel. I love the lyrics, a line from the song:

When I was all messed up and I heard opera in my head
Your love was a light bulb hanging over my bed.

Least Favorite Track: Mysterious Ways, I tried to enjoy this song as much as other songs on the album. But for me, this is the weakest song on the album. It seems a little out of place in comparison to the other outstanding tracks this disc offers. I like this song ok, but its not my favorite.

Final Impression and Conclusion: I think this blog was masterminded by Dave to get me to like more of U2's later work. He was responsible for getting me to begin to like U2. I remember a day, after school, Dave took me to his house in Woodland Hills, and had me listen to U2 songs, he gave me a history of the band, how they were influenced by the Ramones and other punk acts. This left me with a favorable impression, and I began to enjoy many of U2's earlier albums. I must say this week long listening of Achtung Baby, has had the same effect, I left my first thoughts at the door, and listened to this album with an open mind. I enjoyed the flow, the lyrics, and the general atmosphere the album gave. This album is very differet from other U2 albums, but its different in a good way. It was as if U2 wanted to break away from the stereotypes they were given, they wanted to show the world that they could redefine themselves, without losing what makes U2 special. It was supposed to be, as U2 said, four men burning down the Joshua Tree. Final Impression rating 4.6/5.

This next week, we will be reviewing an album from 1964, Mr Robert Allen Zimmerman's The Times They Are a-Changin'