You'll end up living in that van your whole life though. The idea that you put in your dues now and hopefully be able to step up the food chain I think is not going to happen for most folks. Lots of artists are going to die on the vine.
I am of a similar opinion. the album is ok. I don't hate it. A couple/few songs are enjoyable. But as @Mark Wein , no particular edge or energy. It feels to me as though this new material is something for them to play at whatever big shows they may plan as "new material" so they can act like they are still releasing music, sell tickets, and play something between other hits they will play. Basically an adapted strategy at an aging band still attempting to be out there.The album is a carousel; it's slow, predictable, and never goes anywhere.
I don't really care about this non-debacle debacle, TBH.
I haven't listened. Of course, I don't have an iTunes account (or at least haven't logged into it for a few years).
You can stream the "pop cast" without iTunes here it seems: http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/category/music/popcast-music/I'd recommend the most recent NY Times Popcast, focusing the U2 album. Podcast available, obviously, on iTunes.
BTW, as I listen to the pop cast, I think I will give this album a good long chance, after or during reading all the liner notes. The tunes don't catch me right away. But perhaps the liner notes and lyrics will be interesting in some sense. I like the one critic's point that this album is about guys in their 50's remembering what it is like to be guys in their 20's. Being of similar vintage (just a couple/few years behind them), I can relate.
So, who played guitar, then? LOL :PI listened to the first half yesterday while I was on my walk and it didn't really do anything for me. No edge to the songs.
http://www.engadget.com/2014/10/15/bono-apology-for-itunes-giveaway/
Apple and U2 may have touted that Songs of Innocence iTunes giveaway as a breakthrough music deal, but not everyone appreciated seeing an album forced into their collection. And apparently, front man Bono is now well aware of this -- he just used a fan Q&A on Facebook to offer an apology of sorts. He's sorry that U2 got "carried away" with its idea, and claims that the band was worried that years of work "might'nt be heard" if it had a typical launch.
Bono's contrite response seems sincere, and you might appreciate it if you felt that Apple and U2 were too presumptuous about your interest in receiving free arena-friendly rock. Having said this, the apology rings a bit hollow. The damage has been done, and the band isn't about to reverse a deal that reportedly earned it about $100 million. But hey, look at it this way -- at least U2 is unlikely to repeat the ploy and have your friends once more questioning your taste in music.