U2 | Songs of Innocence

[Kaius]

Die

Die

Die

Die

Die

[McParadigm]

Die

Die

Die

Die

Die

Looks like we've got another convert, stip.

[Heathen]

Die

Die

Die

Die

Die

See you in the metal thread.

[BigRedLedbetter]

Hopefully this is followed by a 2015 tour. I saw U2 in 2005 (Kanye opened) and it was a killer show.

[stip]

Surely people as jaded and cynical as yourselves can imagine a world where immensely important bands...get into the habit of giving away their albums for free, and...condition people to expect more and more artists to give stuff away (saves the trouble of stealing it, after all)

Today I learned that, for all my disappointment in the world of man, even I have more faith in people than stip stipperson does.

His newly-revealed "failed masses" cynicism is quite alarming. By which I mean it has potential.

Oh I don't believe it. But you need to use the language of the streets when you want to rap with the kids

[Heathen]

Surely people as jaded and cynical as yourselves can imagine a world where immensely important bands...get into the habit of giving away their albums for free, and...condition people to expect more and more artists to give stuff away (saves the trouble of stealing it, after all)

Today I learned that, for all my disappointment in the world of man, even I have more faith in people than stip stipperson does.

His newly-revealed "failed masses" cynicism is quite alarming. By which I mean it has potential.

Oh I don't believe it. But you need to use the language of the streets when you want to rap with the kids

[BurtReynolds]

Surely people as jaded and cynical as yourselves can imagine a world where immensely important bands...get into the habit of giving away their albums for free, and...condition people to expect more and more artists to give stuff away (saves the trouble of stealing it, after all)

Today I learned that, for all my disappointment in the world of man, even I have more faith in people than stip stipperson does.

His newly-revealed "failed masses" cynicism is quite alarming. By which I mean it has potential.

Oh I don't believe it. But you need to use the language of the streets when you want to rap with the kids

For the record, I totally believe in this "failed masses" cynicism. Perhaps there is hope for me and Stip after all.

[BigRedLedbetter]

Is it STILL free on iTunes or was it just free yesterday?

[VinylGuy]

Just finished my first listen, and yes i really liked it. It has the best elements of the last two and it adds some new interesting paths.

Very cool album.

[lowlight79]

Two songs in, first track eh, 2nd track pretty good. But let me ask you!

What's your deductible bro?

[McParadigm]

U2 now officially look like Halloween costumes.

[Blaine Ryan]

Which songs would you classify as "true garbage"? Haha.

I was only on my second listen when I wrote that.

I think the opening track is pretty forgettable. And the California one. I can't remember anything about them, once they're over. But maybe with time...

I like the guitar sound on the opening track. And the wordless hook. The rest of it, not as much. I like the "California" track other than the "Santa Barbara" chant at the beginning.

[Blaine Ryan]

Steven Hyden on the record.

[LetMeSleep]

This certainly isn't a free album. U2 have a distribution deal with Apple in the same way that Prince did with The Daily Mail back in 2007. You have 2 strong brands that can mutually (or not) benefit from some dual exposure. Apple are definitely the stronger brand at the moment but U2's crowd/fanbase may be the demographic that Apple feel they are losing.

Simple. Pay U2 2-5mil (I'm guessing) for a limited exclusive deal that can only be taken advantage of by using a product (in this case 2 products. iTunes the software and iTunes Store). Even the traditional hard copy music buyers have to visit the store to get the album a month before it's physical release (Oct 13). It's a massive win for Apple and U2 get more publicity than they would have if this had been a traditional rollout. U2 fans who bought their last will get it, U2 fans from yesteryear will have a listen (that's me) and even people who maybe haven't checked them out in the first place.

Additionally, u2 will have a massive tour off the back of this which should result in a slight ticket boost (more cash in their pockets). And there is a second album reportedly ready to go. It'll be interesting to see how that one sells against the Horizon album.

[bada]

On first listen I dig about half the songs. I wish Edge wouldn't be so self conscious but he is what he is I guess.

[McParadigm]

More than anything, it continues to push Apple in the public eye as the musician/artist-friendly brand...an image they've been chasing ever since musicians threw fits during the original iTunes rollout.

I'm assuming they'll benefit in more substantial ways than Target did.

[BurtReynolds]

I'm hoping the album I'm working on will be a big hit with McDonald's corp. Lead single is "The Miracle (of ChickenMcNuggets)"

[McParadigm]

"The Miracle (of ChickenMcNuggets)"

how do they work?

[BurtReynolds]

"The Miracle (of ChickenMcNuggets)"

how do they work?

Spoiler: show

The secret is the rat feces!

[LetMeSleep]

The Guardian says....