Customer Reviews

City of Blinding Lights Pt. 1

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Single # 4 from U2's latest release 'How to Dismantle..' is here along with two live tracks from 1992, 'The Fly' and 'Even Better Than The Real Thing'.

'City Of Blinding Lights', is no doubt one of the stand out tracks from their latest disk, which makes it an obvious choice for a single release.

It is presented here in it's 'radio edit' version [4:11] vs the [5:47] album version. The intro is significantly shorter, as is the ending, but in no way does that lessen the effectiveness of the song. In fact, it might even enhance it.

The live tracks are enjoyable as well, but are probably essential only for U2 completists.

Bottom Line: Great Single!

This CD single from the UK contains an edited version of City of Blinding Lights from U2's How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb album, as well as two live tracks from a 1992 concert in Manchester, England. The version of City of Blinding Lights is apparently intended for radio airplay and is about 90 seconds shorter than the wonderful album version. This radio edit is fine, but I much prefer the luminous album version.

The live tracks, a sinister version of The Fly paired with a pretty good version of Even Better Than The Real Thing, are good but not exceptional. The same can be said of the quality of the recording and mixing. Much better versions of these songs can be found on the Achtung Baby album and, in the case of The Fly, on the Elevation Tour 2001 - Live From Boston DVD.

This CD single is therefore a 'must have' only for those who collect everything U2 releases.

City of Blinding Lights shocks me every time I hear it. The sonic chords created by the edge's guitar are amazing and the lyrics are perfect. I have heard just about every U2 song and I think this is the song that sums it all up. City of Blinding Lights is U2 in a nutshell. Sonic architecture (if that makes any sense) that builds and builds until the blazing conclusion. After this song is over "WOW" is all that comes to mind. If you are thinking about buying the single, don't, buy the whole album, it is excellent.

I really enjoy U2's B sides, which is the only reason to purchase this, considering most of us already have the CD version. "City of Blinding Lights" on its own is an outstanding track, but I was a bit disappointed in the live cuts. "The Fly" sounds uninspired and like Bono is singing into a megaphone. "Even Better Than the Real Thing" is an improvement, but it lacks the energy of other live tunes. After the original listening, it wound up in my collection as more of an afterthought, though no regret in purchasing it. It just doesn't compare well with other B sides the band has released.

Awesome!!! City of Blinding Lights is the best song on "How to Dsmatle an Atomic BomB." This single is a must have for U2 fans!

Love the band. Love the concert Love these songs.