http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/getback/338/u2-and-the-bands-who-pretend-to-be-them
U2 and the Bands Who Pretend To Be Them
Here's our favorite '80s U2 moment and our list of their Top 5 best songs. Yours?
Are you sitting down? It's been 28 years since U2's debut release. 28 freaking YEARS! That's older than the median age of most dudes on the rock charts these days. You were probably in high school when you first heard U2. You're hopefully not in high school now. 28 years. I just have to say it out loud again.
Today U2's first three albums, Boy (1980), October (1981), and War (1983) have been re-released to remind us of their humble Dublin beginnings. And while some would say they've worn out their welcome, I say that any band who stays together, works hard, and plays every show like it's their last is all right with me. They've made the world safe for anthemic rock. Any modern rock band who plays two chords before jumping a dramatic octave owes something to U2.
Here are three bands who wouldn't exist without U2. I'm sure you'll have your opinions. Go ahead and have at it. I can take it.
THE KILLERS
Listen to "Mr. Brightside." Ignore the matching '80s suits and listen to that guitar sound and the bass pumping out root notes. Sound familiar?
RADIOHEAD
Before they beautifully detoured into art rock esoterica, Radiohead was vying for the anthem rock throne. Their aching "High And Dry" was offered up as their version of "With Or Without You."
COLDPLAY
They stole U2's producer. They stole U2's iPod commerical. They stole U2's super-sincerity. They are U2 with a piano.
