Amongst reissues, this is one of value and thoroughness in its composition and, in turn, value. So much so that it re-presents rarity material that U2 has done several times in the past, but is now accompanied by the rest of what was shelved from this era. With the exception of “Disappearing Act,” the new extras from these sessions aren’t all that impressive, but are in close company on disc two with other treasured fan favorite rarities such as “Love Comes Tumbling” and stellar live renditions of “A Sort Of Homecoming” and “Bad,” found originally in the US on the out-of-print Wide Awake In America EP. The music aficionados will like to make note of famed Factory Records producer Martin Hannett putting his touches on “11 O’Clock Tick Tock,” a song whose original version appears on U2’s first record, but now sounds like Joy Division with Bono on the mic. Also, on the Daniel Lanois remix of “A Sort Of Homecoming,” Peter Gabriel gets backing vocals credit. Again, it’s not a great extras track, but enjoyable, and at this point you’ve weighed things out in your mind on disc two and feel better about your acquisition.
This kind of information is also what’s good about U2’s reissues thus far: short essays from the related parties and an expanded bit of photos and artwork from that time way back in 1984. One should not feel squeamish about plunking down another set of greenbacks for U2’s pivotal transitional album. And besides, you know you still have this one on 12” or cassette somewhere and know you really need to update your collection, and what better way than this? |