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Big Ideas Continue To Roll From The U2 Machine

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By CURTIS ROSS

cross@tampatrib.com

Published: March 5, 2009

Updated:

There's plenty to dislike about U2 and most of them are named Bono. He's pompous and self-righteous, will hobnob with any sleazy politico if it gets him on the news, and is eager to chide fans who've paid $100-plus to see his band that they need to donate to his causes. Meanwhile, he moves his business operations out of Ireland to avoid paying taxes, while complaining that the Irish government doesn't do enough to help Africa. Grrr.

Beware of small men with big ideas, the height-challenged singer warns on this album's "Stand Up Comedy." At least he's self-aware.

This is especially irksome given that U2 has been on a roll with its last three albums, which continues with "No Line on the Horizon." It couples the grandeur of "The Joshua Tree" with the experimentalism of "Achtung Baby" and is, to say the least, far better than one tends to expect from a band of U2's vintage.

Bono, predictably, tosses a few lyrical roadblocks that threaten to but don't quite derail the proceedings. I was speeding on the subway / Past the stations of the cross, from "Moment of Surrender," goes so far past bordering on parody as to become a naturalized citizen of it. The title "I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy" could have come from a "M*A*S*H*" episode - the Harry Morgan years - while I wasn't gonna buy just anyone's cockatoo is only the most notable of the non sequiturs which make up "Breathe."

And yet, "No Line on the Horizon" works, even the cuts quoted above. The performances - yes, even Bono's - are compelling, the production, by long-time associates Brian Eno, Danny Lanois and Steve Lilywhite, is dense but sparkling, and the songs, even the weakest, are packed with hooks. And all Bono's baggage isn't enough to sink it.

Download this: "No Line on the Horizon"

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