Most Helpful Customer Reviews
|
|
14 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Essential, 27 Jun 2008
A must have for any self-respecting U2 fan, these deluxe editions follow in the footsteps of last year's Joshua Tree anniversary release.
Overseen by The Edge himself, the original albums have been fully remastered, but its the 2nd disc that will most appeal - containing B-sides, rarities and live versions that would take a small fortune to track down on the original singles. Notable on October Deluxe, is the great lost U2 single, 'A Celebration', which was released between October and War in 1982, but then fell out of favour with the band. (Although it's B-side '...Party Girl', also included, has become a live favourite to this day). Extensive liner notes, lyrics and unseen photographs are included in each version.
The first three albums represent the band's early punk influences (Boy) religious leanings (October) and the first steps toward stadium rock (War) and the fact that U2 still play songs from this period in their live set today is testament to the quality of the albums.
|
|
|
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Not so much a `difficult second album', as nowadays a `Christian' album, 13 Feb 2009
BY AUTUMN '81, a long time in music then, with fashions changing so quickly - U2 were verging on splitting up. Well, not quite; that was still to come. For now, they struggled with a case of stolen lyrics and a crisis of faith, as they lived that `difficult' second album.
Listening again, it's interesting how the naivety and innocence of their debut, in terms of sound, had progressed from dinky drums and xylophone to the sparse production and bleak soundscape of post-Punk, Joy Divison-esque 'October'. Intriguing were the reviews of the time, clearly already informed of the group's Christian beliefs. Listening afresh, their so-called `Christian' album is no more overtly-religious than any which have followed, in lyrical concern. Largely gone, however, is the adolescent angst. Still to come, the political commentary. Only two years previously, Bob Dylan announced his conversion to Christ with the evangelistic 'Slow Train Coming' and coupled with Cliff and After The Fire both in chart ascendancy, a new wave act with spiritual sympathies wasn't a complete surprise to the listening public. Indeed, 'October' sat well with 'Slow Train' and complimented the latter's preaching with a work of art remarkable for it's genuine doubt, confusion and apprehension.
In amongst it, the sheer joy of 'Scarlet'; the still-raw bereavement of 'Tomorrow', the anthemic 'Gloria'. Dense, intense and atmospheric, the Uilleann pipes suggest Ireland as a geographical place. The album's title and lyrical feel countenance a time for death and re-birth.
JOHN CHEEK
|
|
|
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Album, 12 Jan 2009
One reviewer describes "October" as "underwhelming". I disagree. As soon as "Gloria" bursts through the speakers you know you are onto a good thing. I'll admit that "I Fall Down" and "I Threw a Brick" are a little dull (with better versions on the bonus disk); but the rest of the album is first class - one of their best five albums in my view.
This remastering gives a slightly richer, fuller, sound and clearer vocals, but it is not a massive improvement in the original. The bonus disk is a revelation, with energetic live tracks; a fantastic BBC session and some rare tracks. It is every bit as enjoyable as the original album.
If, like me, you think that U2 did their best work in the 1980's, this is a very enjoyable purchase.
|
|
|
Most Recent Customer Reviews
|
See all 11 tracks on this disc
