Friday, January 23, 2009

Get On Your Boots


Song: Get On Your Boots
Artist: U2
Album: No Line on the Horizon




A new U2 song is cause for discussion, but the first single off a new U2 album is cause for a serious listen. And given that their new album (their twelfth) is their first since 2004’s “How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb” (the longest gap between new albums for the band in its entire history,) I was absolutely very excited about hearing their brand new single “Get on Your Boots” from their new album “No Line on the Horizon,” which is being released in March.

The album was initially going to be produced by Rick Rubin, but the material from those sessions was scrapped, and they returned to work with two of the band’s biggest collaborators; Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois. Eno is hot off the heels of his amazing collaboration with David Byrne as well as producing the latest Coldplay album. It has been said that after their last two albums, which saw them return to their early sound, that they are once again going a bit more experimental sound of their “Achtung Baby,” “Zooropa,” & “Pop” period. (“Achtung” is my favorite album of theirs.)

Based on “Boots” I have no idea what to expect from the album. Initially it sounded like “Vertigo” to me, but there are some odd blimps and bleeps happening in the background… and while I have no idea what on earth he’s talking about lyrically, Bono’s delivery is typically dynamic. The guy sings with such conviction, it’s hard not to take notice. And after a few listens, the sexy groove really got to me. Is it a “Beautiful Day?” No. Heck it’s not even “The Fly,” but it’s no more ridiculous than “Discothèque.” And I LIKE that song.

Enjoy.

Get on Your Boots

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

This single is their Alice in Chains....with of Montreal thrown in....heh.

Thanks for the single my friend.

Unknown said...

i wholeheartedly agree: a new u2 single is always a good topic of discussion and a reason for celebration. but, i'm a u2 fanatic, so, i guess i'm a bit biased.

"boots" has been receiving lukewarm to mixed reviews (from fans), at best, from what i can tell in the u2 cyberspace world.

from a strictly musical standpoint, i would have to agree with the other u2 critics: "boots" doesn't compel me to hit the repeat button, again and again, like other u2 standout singles, like "one" or "vertigo." however, sonically-speaking, it really excites me. "boots" reminds me of when i first listened to "pop." now, i know "pop" is still regarded as more of a failure than a success, but, i still find that recording -- to this day -- an exciting experience because it is such a departure from their staple sound.

"boots" may not be an instant u2 classic but it does promise big, exciting sounds to come.