U2 and Green Day "The Saints Are Coming" video

http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/02/23/694052.aspx


http://www.futuremovies.co.uk/news.asp?ID=159

Therese Owen

With the release of U2 3D and the re-release of their classic album, The Joshua Tree, it is not hard to see why, aside from the Rolling Stones, U2 is the greatest rock 'n roll band of all time.

From their beginnings as an alternative rock band in 1980, when they released their debut album, Boy, till their latest CD, How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, they have remained true to their unique and timeless sound.

Bono, Adam Clayton, The Edge and the ageless Larry Mullen Jr have released 14 albums and have also produced some of the biggest stadium shows. Who could forget the giant lemon when they toured South Africa in 1997?

To stay together as a band over 27 years is rare. To consistently produce hits over 27 years is even rarer. To consistently produce music of such a high standard over 27 years is unheard of.

U2's lyrics were always politically motivated, but in the last 10 years, Bono has actively taken on the cause of the starving millions by meeting with political leaders and the World Bank .

His enthusiasm can be rather irritating (a bit like his shades) and sometimes shadows the achievements and music of U2. However, one just needs to listen to a few tracks from The Unforgettable Fire or The Joshua Tree to regain a perspective.

The remastered release of the latter has obviously been cleaned up by technology. At times it is perhaps a tad too clean, particularly on tracks like Red Hill Mining Town and In God's Country. But then again, to a younger fan who was born in the digital age, it is inconsequential.

The good news is there appear to be no signs of U2's reign ending soon. The group are currently in studio with original collaborators Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois. The album is set for release in September this year