-The lyrics struck me as less forced than the last couple albums. More conversational and a little impressionistic at times. I didn't hear any reference to "kneeling" or "soul" that jumped out at me, so that should relieve a lot of you!
-I don't have any scoops on the release date, but I'm sure it's imminent if they're doing all this press and taking the song around for first impressions. It is my SPECULATION that the 1/19 date should be accurate but that did not come from the label. Release dates can move up and back for various reasons. It's not unheard of, especially for high profile releases like this. They could pull a Joshua Tree on us and change the lead off single at the last minute for all we know. So I can't confirm any of the dates floating around the internet. I can just tell you my gut feeling that we're probably within a week, barring anything unforeseen.
-You know how in U2byU2, Bono says something along the lines of HTDAAB being the strongest collection of songs they've ever put out, but for some reason it doesn't completely gel as an album? I agree with that for the most part. It's a great collection of songs, but maybe a little too "safe" as far as production and pushing the edge (not The Edge). But I don't think that album is about pushing the edge. I feel like they took two albums to get comfortable in their own skin again, and now they have some confidence and artistic capital to spend.
Bottom line, yes. I like HTDAAB. I wouldn't say "Boots" fits with anything on that album, other than it being semi related to Vertigo in the big heavy rock riff department.
-Yes. It caught me by surprise, much like the first time I heard "The Fly" or "Zoo Station". I'd characterize my reaction as "WTFU2!" but in the best way.
-Maybe some bizarre car crash between Bomb and Pop if Pop had a producer who was actually cut out for the job? (cue can of worms)
I don't think it fits in nicely with any album. Maybe if U2 had a song on the soundtrack of Wanted that was playing during the train crash scene? Howabout that? I'm really starting to run out of descriptive language here, guys and girls!
-Bono's voice was in good form but it didn't strike me as a super challenging song to sing, which is fine. It's not like the bridge in "Kite" or "Bad" or that huge note he holds in "Native Son" or anything like that. It's solid and it suits the feel of the song.
Ovo je od lika koji je svojevremeno bio izvor za Mercy...
