The Biggest Album Release of All Time...

Bono never fails to disappoint me.

My favorite U2 song is that one Johnny Cash sang.

I've listened four times now, and I think the album is absolutely fabulous. It rocks, plain and simple. The Edge is on fire, Bono is in great voice, his lyrics are strong, and Clayton and Mullen are as solid as ever. (This, of course, is based on the crappy iTunes sound; I'll buy the vinyl next month when it is released.)

From the first, U2 always reached high, aiming for the stars. Even when the band was new and was playing little clubs, it was striving for something extraordinary. Over the years, it sometimes achieved its goals -- "The Joshua Tree," "Achtung Baby"; on other occasions --- "Rattle and Hum" -- not so much. But U2, unlike so many other bands, never settled, never stayed still.

I won't know -- none of us will -- how this new record will hold up until some more time has passed, but I'm excited to see the biggest band in the world continuing to strive for greatness. It's even possible that they've again hit the mark.

I'd suggest that even those who might be otherwise disposed give it a listen. You've got nothing to lose but your cynicism.

-- Howard

Yeah, U2 may not appeal to the 70's prog-rock nerds, Prince types, country fans, or to those who cannot leave their Led Zep, Doors, Eagles, etc. Jazz, blues, and classical fans are excused. If you like most everything, but not U2, well--you tried. Is there anyone I have not insulted?

The first time I heard U2 was the Live Aid broadcast. As with most of the UK acts I heard that day, I didn't think they were anything special and felt no need to hear them again. As they've evolved I have grown to appreciate their musicianship but have yet to hear them do anything that grabs me or makes me want to hear the particular song again. But I might grab this freebie and give it a chance.

09-10-14: Azaud
Sgt. Pepper was highly anticipated, and lived up to the hype, to say the least.

1967 was an incredible year, seeing the release of "Jefferson Airplane's "Surrealistic Pillow," "The Doors," Hendrix's "Axis: Bold as Love," and Moody Blues' "Days of Future Past." But the biggest that year--or any year--was "Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band."

In the midst of that incredible burst of creativity, it's a shame that Brian Wilson couldn't bring "Smile" to completion or it would have rivaled those other landmark releases. Other notable releases that year included Cream's "Disraeli Gears," "The Who Sell Out," and the Stones' "Their Satanic Majesty's Request."