U2 by U2
by U2, Neil McCormick
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Book Summary Information
Author: Neil McCormick, U2Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2009-12-01
ISBN: 006190385X
Number of pages: 480
Publisher: It Books
Book Reviews of U2 by U2
Book Review: Bono's ego just keeps getting bigger the more you read into this book.
Summary: 4 Stars
U2 is the iconic rock band of my generation. I consider myself a big fan and like all their music. This book is definitely worth a read for anyone who wants some information on U2 right from the source, the band members themselves. The format of this book (my review is for the IT Books paperback version) is chock full of conversations and tidbits from each of the members of U2. At 440 pages, there is a lot of material to involve yourself in. Its basically a chronological summary of their career, starting from the very early days jamming in Larry Mullen Jr.'s kitchen through to the Vertigo album and tour.
Here are some opinions and observations:
The first 250 pages are totally engaging and excellent. They cover the group through the Rattle and Hum period. I liked these sections most because the best part of any journey is the start. It was interesting to learn how the camaraderie developed between these four guys from Mount Temple School in Ireland, how they started out as less than accomplished musicians, and how they were persistent in getting their first record deal. Of course, U2 ultimately rises to iconic status with The Joshua Tree album.
The rest of the book is more about a band that is concerned with it's band image and the image of it's lead singer. It's an odd (but unfortunately predictable) turn where the focus seems to be more about the style than the substance. U2 goes through it's 1990's period. I still think the music is good, but Bono seems so completely fond of himself. Some people got way too much confidence baby! It's like the guy thinks he's the expert on everything and everything that U2 do is better than anything everyone else is doing. During this period, their lifestyles change and quite frankly, they become a little less likable characters. Even if they are more politically involved.
U2 has a bit of a rebirth in the 2000's when as Bono says: They re-apply for status as the best rock band. They seem mellowed out a bit, but you also get a sense that Adam Clayton and Larry are kinda fed up with the process. They enjoy the financial rewards that come from being a member of U2, but they feel a little left out of the music making process.
Lastly, it was also interesting to see how religion has played a part with U2. From the overtly religious October album and on through their career religion has been a part of the process. Of course, Bono wants you to think that he is the ultimate expert on this topic too!! He is very free at criticizing other people and while he does express his own shortcomings, even this comes across as righteous and superior.
I will always remain a huge fan of U2. Bono is certainly a very interesting character and he is the ultimate showman. If you have the time and the resources, I would highly recommend listening to the entire U2 catalog as you proceed through the book. That's what I did and it really put things in a more vivid perspective. Overall, I'd recommend this book to anyone who is already a fan or is just discovering the greatness of U2.
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