U2

All That You Can't Leave Behind

U2 All they can't leave behind & all they are now. AMAZING

Review Score:

(10/10)
I got to know & admire U2 in the 80's, during their often dubbed "anthemic" era; these guys had a lot to say about a lot of serious issues. Never just pumping out music, their songs had a message & purpose for them & for us. I've been a fan ever since. Like any Ã¼ber-band, they have adapted all of their music to changing times in the '90's & now, rocked us into the 21st Century. "All that you can't leave behind" is truly one of those rare recordings of start-to-finish excellent songs that one can listen to straight through, again & again. Many say it shows the maturity & mellowing of the band; I see it as a natural progression of talented artists, & at times, activists. The cuts on this latest CD meshed seemlessly with all of their past "anthems" & hits when played live. It wasn't just clever production of the shows; it's exemplary of a band that has grown & changed, along with the rest of us in an ever changing & often troubling world. In this recording, I think they still "hear" the anthems but have gone introspective & progressed on to a way of coping with "all that we can't leave behind," as history always serves to remind us & hopefully, teach us.

The latest CD made up a considerable portion of both concert sets (10/24, 10/25 NYC)which might ordinarily irk a crowd (think Madonna's "Drowned World Tour" which included material from only her last 2 records except for "Holiday" & "La Isla Bonita"; great staging, costumes & effects saved that show!) yearning to hear the blasts from the past. This CD is *so* good (& so in sync with all of their music) that the crowd cheered as loudly for every new tune (maybe louder!!) as they did for the stuff of their early days. Not one of us ever sat down the entire show, & since then, I've been unable to listen to anything but U2 - most notably "All that you can't.." and their "Best of" CD which is missing too many great tunes, leaving room for another greatest hits CD or an awesome box set.

The talent of the band endures & improves as any great band does. Bono, The Edge, Larry Mullen Jr and Adam Clayton have created one of the greatest bands & thank God, they stuck together; not an easy thing in today's crazy music biz. While they are each ultra-talented in their own rights, they seem to know that the collective brilliance of their talent is the greatest gift they can give to each other & to their lifelong & newbie fans. Don't deny yourself the experience of this masterpiece showcasing the remarkable talents of four Irish mates. BUY IT, BUY IT, BUY IT!!

I recently attended back to back shows on the 3rd leg of their 2001 tour (kudos for all their efforts & dedication to their fans, not to mention keeping ticket prices within reach of virtually all of their fans) both of which were INCREDIBLE and slightly different re: sets, but both shows rank high among the best concerts I've ever seen & I've seen most of "the biggies" in rock/pop...I should have seen U2 sooner! Anyway, I've always been a fan, but this CD (and concert) would make a fan of anyone, especially fans a bit younger than me (35) that may not have known them & their politically charged '80's tunes. At the 24th October show, everything seemed to come full circle for Bono & U2 as the IRA laid down their weapons in a move to further solidify the budding peace in Ireland. Just as U2's music has evolved & come full circle, it was a signifigant moment to be there on that special night in history, especially in the aftermath of 9/11.

The show featured many cuts from "All that you can't leave behind" & that helped make the show totally *rock* when combined with the best of their vast catalogue of inspiring, rhythmic music, plus a few surprises that were a treat. What a band! Most touching of all, and *so* U2 was the moment when, midway into the show, a screen rose up behind the band upon which all the names of the victims on all four planes, the NYPD, NYFD scrolled before us while the names of all the other angels and heroes lost in the tragedy were projected above us onto the ceiling of the arena. Few tributes have been as subtly touching & appropriate as this one; the band simply let the names & the music speak to us; no pontificating, just a selfless, respectful remembrance. I can't remember night two, but on night one, the tribute was accompanied by "One" which couldn't have been more perfect & had me in tears. Not sure which song played to the tribute on night two.....it was a transcendental moment that may have numbed me; I live in NYC & at one point in my career, worked on 101st floor of 1 WTC. It's been hard on America & the World, but indescribable here in NYC.

Treat yourself or the music fans on your holiday lists to this "must have" CD & ENJOY! Thanks U2 for this wonderful collection of music & a catalogue that proves you've rightfully earned your place among Rock & Roll's all time greatest bands.

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