Friday, March 04, 2005

U2 - Rattle and Hum (1988)

I was fortunate enough to get my very own copy of the DVD: U2 - Rattle and Hum (1988) from my youngest daughter for Christmas and I'm presently on my second play-through of it. There is a lot to like in this film and I remember watching it soon after it came out. One thing I didn't notice before is another example of where Bono's seemingly unthinking actions while he sings are often tied directly to what he's singing. The case in point this morning which I noticed while eating my morning pop-tart (Strawberry) was during "Bad" when he sings about "this lifeless lifeline" and the microphone cord that he's been playing with is there, being held up as a lifeless lifeline. If I hadn't noticed that this stuff happens often with him I wouldn't have thought anything of it but Bono apparently puts a LOT of thought into what he does while he's singing.

Just another reason to like U2.

I should mention that my current reading of Stockman's book has added to my understanding and appreciation for this film. I think Stockman is right on target with his analysis of this film as a journey through the mostly American U2 influences and I think the album has been unfairly religated by some (not Stockman) to the "oh yeah, they also released this" pile partly because it is hidden in the twin shadows of Joshua Tree and Achtung Baby.

1 comment:

U2 Sermons said...

Bono is the Maria Callas of rock 'n' roll frontmen.