The Beatles versus U2
Moderator: Marduk
I'm not going to dispute the fact that The Beatles are the greatest band ever, but there's no denying I'm a huge U2 fan as well. I mean, my cat's name is Bono, for crying out loud. (Next cat I get is totally going to be named The Edge.) And the 2005 Vertigo tour was hands down one of the best concerts I've ever attended.
Foreman, Claudio, and Cognoscente? Normally I agree with your music views 100%, but this could cause problems.
Foreman, Claudio, and Cognoscente? Normally I agree with your music views 100%, but this could cause problems.
So many different types of sparrows!
Buttercup, I never said U2 sucked (nor did I say that their guitarist does not have one of the best names in rock and roll!)! The problem is when people elevate them too high. They're a good band, they just happen to be one of the most overblown bands of all time. Comparing them to the Beatles...just...doesn't make sense!
It's like when people start getting TOO into the church and start worshiping Joseph Smith.
Yeah, just like that.
It's like when people start getting TOO into the church and start worshiping Joseph Smith.
Yeah, just like that.
- Cognoscente
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The correct answer is Queen. No, they weren't as influential or versatile as the Beatles, but every member of Queen musically outperformed their Beatles counterpart, and in my opinion, Freddie Mercury was a better songwriter than the McCartney/Lennon duo. And Queen's live performances KILLED. I only wish I could have seen some in real life, instead of just over the innernets.
It's always tough to compare musical groups. No two bands are the same. And it gets a lot harder when you are working with different eras. I actually like U2 very much; I was still a fan even in the dark days when they released Pop. However, I think most people recognize that U2 wouldn't exist without The Beatles, so it's hard to measure. I voted Beatles, just because they managed to fit the public consciousness so perfectly. And they never really made a bad album, although some are definitely better than others. In 50 years maybe U2 will have a good argument for being better, but until then, Beatles all the way.
- Benvolio
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It's the anti-lemming mentality. It's meant to counteract mob mentality, but paradoxically it requires the exact same lack of individual thinking (I think I've guilty of succumbing to both mob mentality and anti-lemming mentality in my day (but not at the same time)).Claudio wrote:So...your major reasoning is simply that you want to be in the minority?Portia wrote:Real answer: I like both, but given the recent Board Beatles Mania (TM), I think I'll have to vote U2.
Ah, it was not meant to be "different," but just as you think U2 are (is?) overrated, I think the Beatles are good, but not necessarily God's gift to music. I'm with Cognoscente on "Simply Having a Wonderful Christmastime" by that . . . one guy whom I don't care to look up, who was a member of the Beatles . . . taking them down significant notches.
U2 songs like "Sunday, Bloody Sunday," really move me because of the historical events involved. Granted, they're not all like that, but I really do like them. The Beatles are great, and I think songs like "Yesterday," with the 7 measure-phrases, are rather revolutionary, but some of their stuff seems rather fluffy to me. And I hate their drug-addled later stuff. "I Am the Walrus" just annoys me.
So no, it wasn't just to be "cool" and not go with the crowd. I think I'd really rather buy a U2 album than a Beatles one.
Still, I voted for Hobbes--he really is quite a good musician, from the little I've heard.
P.S. Eh, I've just seen that the title of this is "Greatest Band Ever," and I don't think any of these 3 would top my list.
U2 songs like "Sunday, Bloody Sunday," really move me because of the historical events involved. Granted, they're not all like that, but I really do like them. The Beatles are great, and I think songs like "Yesterday," with the 7 measure-phrases, are rather revolutionary, but some of their stuff seems rather fluffy to me. And I hate their drug-addled later stuff. "I Am the Walrus" just annoys me.
So no, it wasn't just to be "cool" and not go with the crowd. I think I'd really rather buy a U2 album than a Beatles one.
Still, I voted for Hobbes--he really is quite a good musician, from the little I've heard.
P.S. Eh, I've just seen that the title of this is "Greatest Band Ever," and I don't think any of these 3 would top my list.
Last edited by Portia on Thu Apr 03, 2008 12:45 am, edited 1 time in total.
Cognescente, I am almost certain I have seen you all over campus. Did you get my PM about the show in Vegas? My friends said it was absolutely epic.Cognoscente wrote:I can't vote in this poll... I don't see an option for Bad Religion.
Okay, on topic... I agree with Me First and the Gimme Gimmes on their live album "Ruin Johnny's Bar Mitzpah." They introduced "Strawberry Fields Forever" by saying "This song is by the most overrated band of all time."
The Beatles may be the most influential band ever, but they are the most overrated band ever. They were just in the right place at the right time with the right connections. [/curmudgeonness]
Could you please walk back through the detectors again and empty out your backpack?
- Cognoscente
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THANK YOU, Portia. Dear Lord I hate that song so much.Portia wrote:Ah, it was not meant to be "different," but just as you think U2 are (is?) overrated, I think the Beatles are good, but not necessarily God's gift to music. I'm with Cognoscente on "Simply Having a Wonderful Christmastime" by that . . . one guy whom I don't care to look up, who was a member of the Beatles . . . taking them down significant notches.
Early to bed and early to rise
Precludes you from seeing the most brilliant starry nights
Precludes you from seeing the most brilliant starry nights
- Cognoscente
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I've approached you at least once. I dunno if you've seen me lately, since I don't get to campus much right now.727 wrote:Cognescente, I am almost certain I have seen you all over campus. Did you get my PM about the show in Vegas? My friends said it was absolutely epic.
Sadly, I had work scheduled already, and couldn't make time for a Vegas trip. I WILL see them someday. If only they'd tour in SLC once in a while. I just wish more people here actually listened to them. They are genius.
Early to bed and early to rise
Precludes you from seeing the most brilliant starry nights
Precludes you from seeing the most brilliant starry nights
Dude, I KNEW that was you (are you 727?) but I doubted myself... I should never second guess myself. I think Kurt Madsen pointed you out and said he knew your brother or something like that... unless you don't have a brother and I am mistaking our interaction a month ago with the other 7,000 people I interact with every day. Yeah, I could definitely pick you out in a crowd now, though, haha. Neckbeard? Is that a good hint?Cognoscente wrote:I've approached you at least once. I dunno if you've seen me lately, since I don't get to campus much right now.727 wrote:Cognescente, I am almost certain I have seen you all over campus. Did you get my PM about the show in Vegas? My friends said it was absolutely epic.
Sadly, I had work scheduled already, and couldn't make time for a Vegas trip. I WILL see them someday. If only they'd tour in SLC once in a while. I just wish more people here actually listened to them. They are genius.
p.s. my informants say that Bad Religion said they would be coming to the SLC next year. I don't know if that's true though, because the Bosstones said that six years ago... Maybe they're just driving through Salt Lake on their way from Boise to Vegas or something.
Could you please walk back through the detectors again and empty out your backpack?