NOT IN TO U2

When I first read that some consider U2’s “The Joshua Tree” one of the greatest albums ever made, I laughed. Then I listened to the record. Soon after I realized there was nothing to laugh about. Maybe I should have cried.

People everywhere are fascinated by U2. One writer didn’t believe rock music could “sound this beautiful.” Beautiful? When I listened to “The Joshua Tree” I didn’t hear a series of songs. I heard one long song, broken at certain points by silence.

This is U2. Lyrics that begin to describe some powerful human emotion (God only knows which one, though) become love lyrics, then suddenly comment on some aspect of society. What is this? Music?

The Beatles made music. “Sgt. Pepper’s Lone Hearts Club Band’s” songs are each in themselves unique creations. U2’s monotonous droning of guitar and bass cannot be classified as music by any appreciating musician.

So how can so many people go crazy over such a boring (and depressing!) group as U2? Maybe it’s just the “in” group. No, that couldn’t be the only reason, could it. Could it?

EVAN MARLOWE

Calabasas