U2 in concert

Press, 1 March 1984, Page 16

U2 in concert

U2 “Under A Blood Red Sky” (Island C 28004). Many live albums contain either inferior versions of studio recordings or drawnout “audience participation” type songs. Nearly all also lack the excitement of actually being there — why then are they so often inflicted on the pop public? Often, they are an interim measure during a creative drought, but I suspect laziness is a prime factor — Public Image Ltd’s “Live in Tokyo” LP, for instance, featuring only two new songs since their last studio LP over two years ago. Irish band, U2, however, are currently on such a commercial and creative high that “Under A Blood Red Sky” seems to serve little purpose other than being a virtual greatest hits package.

Their last studio LP, “War,” was released at a time when there was growing tiredness with the likes of Kid Creole and ABC, and

their brand of rock found a niche in charts worldwide, enjoying hits with the singles “New Year’s Day” and “Two Hearts Beat As One.”

Bono Vox sings with a passion that gives many of U2’s songs an almost spiritual feel, which may not be surprising because three of the four band members are Christians. But there is no preaching or self-righteous approach here, just a purity of intent that gives U2 music much of its soul.

“Under A Blood Red Sky,” however, showcases U2 as the rock band, the guitarist, the Edge, dominating the sound with his metallic style, and Bona’s voice teetering between passion and pomp. The subtlety of many earlier recordings is lost in an ominously mainstream U.S. production (courtesy of mega-engineer Jimmy lovine). After starting out with a raunchy version of “Gloria,”

U2’s first single “11 O’Clock Tick-Tock” appears, and it is probably the worst victim of the poor live sound, sounding sluggish in comparison to the eerie sparseness of the original, which is still one of their best moments.

“Sunday Bloody Sunday,” “I Will Follow,” and “New Year’s Day” are all played powerfully, but do not improve on earlier versions. “Party Girl” is the best song here, a quiet gem sung and played with a soulful precision that stands out from the sweaty rock elsewhere on the LP.

“Under A Blood Red Sky” adds little to the original versions of the songs, but it serves well as an introduction to their music (especially as it sells below retail price). However, I hope future records show a little more musical freedom — the mainstream seems a stifling vehicle for a band with U2’s vision. —TONY GREEN.