U2: Say It Isn't So
I heard some disturbing news last week: Will.i.am is producing on the new U2 album due out early 2009. I have a particulary low tolerance for his work, as most of it drives me insane (see: Black Eyed Peas), and I think he has the true gift of making everything he touches turn to crud. Thankfully, it looks like old standbys Daniel Lanois and Brian Eno are also sharing production credits. Back in the day, I was a huge U2 fan, but they lost me somewhere between Achtung Baby and Pop, and they have never regained my full-fledged devotion. I have to say I am looking forward to hearing a U2/Will.i.am collaboration as much as my friend Heather (a die-hard Chris Cornell fan) is looking forward to Cornell's collaboration with Timabaland. We are guessing (and hoping) that their album, Scream, may *never* see the light of day.
What do you think about a potential U2/Will.i.am collaboration?
--Renata Sadunas
Holly on December 22, 2008 at 12:01 PM
Agree with Jon B, and while somebody is pompously deciding we are idiots, I have to agree with Renata. Not waiting with bated breath for this collaboration, but maybe a pleasant surprise is possible. More fantastic things have happened.
Jon Brown on December 19, 2008 at 09:16 PM
Since this is a blog, and not the front page of a serious newspaper, please, Ms. Sadunas, continue sharing your opinions and judgments, regardless of what some misguided souls may advise. Generally speaking, music journalism is going to include at least a hint of criticism, and that criticism can be based on presumptions and predictions without compromising any ethical concerns - especially when said predictions appear on a blog. For instance, I can predict with near certainty that I will not enjoy a "collabo" (what a charming colloquialism), between one or more artists whom I do not care for, or for whom my admiration has waned.
Here's another prediction: I'll wager "Ellipsian" (what a dazzlingly clever nom-de-plume!) is a real knob-job.
Keep up the good work.
Ellipsian on December 18, 2008 at 01:51 PM
What do I think, Renata? I think you're a whiner (I also think your friend Heather is a whiner, much like I think the "Hard Candy" [Madonna] whiners are whiners, too). Just because somebody is dipping his chocolate into someone else's peanut butter does not automatically mean it's going to taste like peanut butter covered poop...it may well turn out to be a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup (c). I don't agree with everything that will.i.am nor Timbaland have done, either, but sometimes interesting collabos do yield interesting results. Save your opinion (and nix the prejudgment) until said results are in fact yielded.
spinthemoon on December 18, 2008 at 05:09 AM
I'm with you all the way. U2 lost me at about the same time as they lost you, and although they've had some good stuff since, it hasn't been enough to make me buy their work with any frequency.
IT SUCKS! on December 17, 2008 at 12:25 PM
Not a good mix, don't mix water with oil...
Nefertari on December 17, 2008 at 06:05 AM
Will actually is a good producer. He's worked with so many different artist. Artist that you wouldn't believe he actually produced their record. I'd say hold your judgement until you have heard the material.
se71 on December 17, 2008 at 01:26 AM
I should love U2, but they lost me around The Joshua Tree. Maybe this collaboration will get them off their high horses a bit and bring a bit of much needed lightness into their music.
theresa on December 16, 2008 at 03:27 PM
It could be okay if Will makes a U2 record and not a Black Eyed Peas/will.i.am record.
RealityGal on December 16, 2008 at 03:25 PM
Right On!!!!!
Comehomenow on December 16, 2008 at 03:13 PM
Will.i.am's last solo album had some great tracks, and I can mostly tolerate the Black Eyed Peas (they are simply over-exposed). He actually did the beat on "American Boy." Not too shabby. Looking forward to this.