…If you buy the box set. According to Billboard, No Line On The Horizon (out 3/3) will come in three limited edition versions in addition to the regular CD and vinyl options. The digi-pack has a 36-page booklet, the middle-priced one has a 60-page soft cover “magazine,” and the expensive one referred to in this post title has this mysterious read in hardcover. All three deluxe editions come with a film by Anton Corbijn, but also the album includes a song with will.i.am, so those sort of cancel each other out. I get that U2 has megafans who want pricey souvenirs, but these deluxe box sets are getting out of control, no?
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they really have evolved into THE. WORST.
Grace1197…why don’t you just go back to listening to Animal Collective and being miserable and ironic in your skinny jeans. Probably don’t even know half the bands on your iPod were influenced by “Boy”.
And you’re probably some fourty-six year-old Irish moron who would actually waste their money on this to prove to your wife and drunken friends that you are the ultimate U2 fan, when in reality you’re the ultimate tool. I hate Animal Collective and indie kids just as much as the next guy, but I think I had to mention the other group you’ve forgot to lump yourself into, the aging hipster. Grow up, you old fogey.
Michael what the FUCK does being IRISH have to do with it you RACIST FUCK. You’re lucky you have the anonymous internet to save you, because I know you’re a scrawny yellow coward who would never say something like that to my face. Pussy.
U2 can put out as many box sets as they’d like- as long as we don’t have to buy them!
Better than 3 Doors Down doing a box set for $96 – IT COULD BE WORSE!
A song with Will.i.am on the album? Pretty sure that’s just Kanye getting confused.
The solution is to not buy it
U2=conceited
Yeah, the Ben Folds thing was ridiculous. I opted to just get the regular version of “Way to Normal” since the deluxe edition of “Songs for Silverman” left me unimpressed. Did anyone actually purchase that massive $90 box?
I know I bought the vinyl only and don’t even listen to that. Way To Normal is one of the biggest disappointments of the year.
This is the future of making money with music. Downloads are the way to go for the average fan/casual listener/whatever.
Then the real fans of the bands can go buy a value-added package. Music on a disc with a booklet is going to be the collector’s item, not the default way to get new music. Eventually, I figure it’ll be free to get the tunes themselves but if you’re a fan you’ll always want to rip it yourself and have the package around or whatever. I don’t see how this is anything but a winning situation for the consumer.
i’ll buy 3 of them, if only to help the guys in U2 out, since they’ve been struggling for so long now.
Wow. And I thought the $45 “Collector’s Edition” of Stadium Arcadium was expensive.
i can only assume the majority of monies spent on this will go to aid Africa, y’know, in the Bono do gooder way, right Bono?
what baffles me is that anyone cares still. crap band then, crap band now…
Cheers to that!
I appreciate this move by the band, as it reinforces everything that I despise about them. It would be better for us all if Stereogum would quit even mentioning this worthless band.
Fuck all y’all. How many of you dropped like 90 bucks on the In Rainbows disc box?? now it’s the most arrogant thing to expect as much from U2? Nope. Wrong. Different doesn’t mean bad. I spent the money on Radiohead, I won’t on U2. Okay. Next.
I bought the bookset of U2′s Dismantle album and the problems evident in both will keep me from going for this new extravagance… Unmemorable songs, pointless book innards. It was, in many ways, a clear indication of how the band has taken their fans for granted.
truer words have never been spoken.
Hmm nice selective amnesia, In Rainbows, Sigur Ros box set. All the cool kids are doing it. And there is still a CD or download only option. It’s the band everyone loves to hate. I get it. But seriously don’t get your tight white jeans in a bundle hipsters, no one is making you buy it.
Ugh – how selectively biased. Its fine for Radiohead or Sigur Ros to do this and only give two options but when U2 decides to try it and offers some slightly more affordable options that still contain some of the cool stuff just in less high quality options you guys scoff.
If this had been Animal Collective you guys would have been offering you @$$holes for some extra merch.
U2 could make the world a much better place by never recording, playing or releasing any music ever again. U2 makes me hate. Not just regular hate. We’re talking hulk smash level of hating. So much hate.
I don’t think some of the idiots on here understand that you can simply purchase the regular CD for 9.99 at Best Buy if you want. Nobody has to buy any of the fancy editions — it’s a choice.
but that takes away all the fun of bitching about it in this thread, dude.
My bad, brah
If it were the new album that came packaged with a known quantity, i.e. old and well-loved track that would make the expenditure worth it, then it wouldn’t seem so arrogant. I didn’t realize that this was a trend in the music business, but from reading the comments I see that it’s not unheard of. I don’t know whether it’s an indication of bands getting more arrogant, consumers getting dumber, or record companies assuming that both of those things are occurring. In any case, it’s a deplorable trend.
It’s none of the above. No one believes that they have to pay for music anymore, so bands are trying to create a collectible item that true fans will value enough to actually pay for.
Jesus, it’s amazing how much of a catch 22 we’ve created for bands. We don’t think that we should pay for their music, but when they try to include tangibles, we call them arrogant. I guess people won’t be happy until we get back to the old “traveling minstrel” era.
Why all the hate for this stuff? If you don’t like U2, don’t buy any of it. If you only sort of like U2, just buy the cheap digi-pak, or download from I-Tunes. If you love you some U2 like nobody’s business, buy the super-expensive one. I really don’t see what is wrong with any band doing this — if there is a market for the super-duper mega-deluxe set, more power to them for putting it out there. I was happy with my In Rainbows discbox, but also fine with buying only the cheap version of Nine Inch Nails “Ghosts” instrumental project. But I don’t begrudge Reznor all the super-pricey deluxe sets he sold – they were for NIN super-fans, who bought them and were presumably happy in their NIN super-fandom. As long as a reasonably price option is also presented, I can’t see how the super-deluxe option hurts anyone, except people who just feel like talking trash about Bono, or Ben Folds, or Reznor, or whoever else happens to drop one of these.
U2 are the best band in the world… have been for a very long time. They are also one of the best at the business aspect of rock. Good for them.
This $96 box set for the ultra-U2 fan and is the most expensive of (5) five different (CD) related packages that will be available for much less than $96, not to mention forthcoming online related details, which apparently very interesting and innovative.
I am looking forward to hearing the “album of the decade” in about two months!
boy, they’re really going to have to work hard to top ‘how to dismantle an atomic bomb.’
I can only hope it has tracks as powerful as “stuck in a moment” or “vertigo”. You don’t have to be a snobby indie kid to realize how shitty that shit is, to be redundant.
U2 sucks, U2 overrated, blah blah blah. Shut up. The bands you love love and stand on the shoulders of U2.
How could U2 charge $6 let alone $96? The most overrated band ever? Very close.
You people are hilarious. If you don’t want it, don’t buy it. I don’t hate expensive steakhouses for selling 10 oz ribeyes for $30, I just simply don’t eat at those establishments. You won’t find me bitching about it on the internets, that’s for sure.
On topic, I’m a U2 fan, but I just don’t see myself forking over a bill for the new album, even if it was the only option. Can’t wait to spend my $10 on March 3.
Forgive me for seeing U2 8 times between 1981 and 1988 and legitimating them; we have truly created a monster that needs to be destroyed. They were good then, but not as good as the bad which has ensued.
$96? hmmm… I was gonna send that money to help the poor people of Africa, but it’s a COLLECTIBLE book, you say?!? P.S. Who the f*ck is Paul Hewson? *wink*
Can’t fucking wait for the new U2! Been loving them since the age of 6. Thank you for posting on them.
I would not be bragging about that, A,J, I’ve been making dick and fart jokes since I was six but ceased being proud of them a while ago.
And to which International organization is this money going to?
It’s true…Bono has somehow turned into a giant douche in the past decade, and has become quite a parody of himself. But this happens to lots of bands…’80′s U2 is still great. “Achtung, Baby” is still one of the greatest and most overlooked albums of the ’90′s.
So I’m not exactly sticking up for Bono these days, but you 19 year-old hipsters need to realize that before you were born U2 made better music than Grizzly Bear could ever dream of making!
Really? I thought Grizzly Bear were the greatest band ever. Can you teach me more about music?
U2 can be a total moron! Go out and buy this now!
suckahz. don’t they have enough money already?
bono clearly isn’t trying to save the economy. nor his own soul.
butthead.
They’re Irish, so forgive them if they’re not exactly concerned about the USA’s economy.
Also, I’m disappointed that “out of control” link didn’t link to the Under a Blood Red Sky performance of the song “Out of Control”.
I love U2, from the beginning. From the moment I heard their first record, I knew they were going to be very big. I was right. Bono has one of the most distinctive voices in the biz, and the band’s sound is so different from everyone else’s. I’m glad they are a decent band, one that does not swear, abuse alcohol or drugs, and does not promote violence. Rock on, U2!
dad get off the internet.
uh….your kidding right. bono swears all the time and they use to drink alot.
i can see where they would want to make a special set for people who actually SPEND money on it, okay, cool. but $96 is a little crazy, and i doubt it has a bunch of totally awesome shit in it. that being said, you don’t have to be 19 or a hipster to dislike U2. you just have to listen to their last album or two and realize their music is stale and soulless now.
who the fuck is bono?
yes.
Don’t care about U2, but looking forward to Pearl Jam’s re-release box set of Ten. Probably just for the die hards, but it’s going to have some cool extras.
Is it after October, Boy or War?. No? Then who really cares? The shelf life is long since expired…………………………………………….
Whatever people feel about U2, okay, fine, I get it. People don’t like bands that actually wear their ambition anymore. Great. What really fucking annoys me is when people start questioning U2′s charitable work, like “HAR HAR I WONDER HOW MUCH OF THAT 96 BUCKS IS GOING TO AFRICA HAR HAR.” First of all, how much of it IS going to Africa? Do you fucking know? Do you audit their books? I’m sure if you did, I bet you’d find a good amount of what they earn really does go to worthwhile causes, and not just for tax purposes. Second, would you rather Bono or U2 not do anything at all? Or maybe they should just tone it down a little bit, maybe only blog about it instead, or play some charity gigs once in a while, like 99% of every other fucking band out there. Yeah, that’d be much better than actually sacrificing REAL time and energy personally lobbying politicians or starting things like (RED) or visiting third world nations to help build wells. Yeah, what a bunch of assholes! Ugh.
i think everyone is just
1) spoiled by the convenience of technology.
2) cynical at the established
3) annoyed at having to crawl blogs for music. trying an effin p2p.
4) addicted.
i think everyone knows the reasoning and validity of U2′s work, but just want to make snide, pseudo-analytical comments to join the rebellious whole who are trying to climb up the ladder. both musicians and their ‘fans’ fall into this camp. Just remember that even the big boys are struggling, thus, such package offerings must be created. Long tail.
Technically speaking, the offer is building upon Radiohead’s and NIN’s model, which worked. NIN, of course, is the true innovator, utilizing the hunt-and-find tactics of music marketing x tangible x www. Add to it that U2 is in a unique position to actually do things for the world, compensating for the rest of the emobrat-cokerap-synthpop-noisedance heads around the world, who are, sadly, a little self-involved right now. but hey some would say that’s a description of U2/Bono.
to make music for the sake of music. certainly a valid goal.. though, putting your music into tangible form – quite debatable. It will become the case where a committee will decide what music gets pressed for posterity and archives, because, its all a material waste. then again “freedom of the press is guaranteed only to those who own one”
then again, who am I? I don’t even listen to lyrics all that much. boomboombap all day.
who the fuck is bono?
Oh, so ironic!
Oh come on people. They are releasing multiple versions of the album. So what? You do realize that THEY realize they will lose money on this. Is it so bad they would like to offer their fans options with some cool things? They have, after all, earned the right. Plus, it really could be worse…it really could be Three Doors Down doing this. Or what if the Jonas Brothers did it? That would be insane. However, this is U2…the biggest band in the world that have influenced more bands that you can shake your fist at. Oh, and here is the shocker…you don’t have to buy the expensive album…you can just get the regular CD. Wow, now that was hard to figure out, wasn’t it?
Screw this. I’ll be spending my money on the Mastadon Best Buy Deluxe Set that will only be $125 and a lot better music. Ha, take that U2! Stupid Bono. Lame. The Worst! Sellouts! HIPSTERS UNITE AND TAKE OVER!
just steal the album online then. this is sad american style greed from supposed Irish humanitarians
both oasis and BEN friggin FOLDS had album packages around the same price.
Animal Collective is one of my favorite bands but their new album is awful. Also, would everyone please get the FUCK off of Department of Eagles and Grizzly Bear’s nuts!?
Hey, it’s U2! Bring out the Freelance Rage Squad!
Honestly, just let people like what they want. What’s so hard about that? If you don’t like U2, don’t buy the fucking album. If you like them, buy it. That is exactly how simple it is. And while you may accuse U2 of being hypocrites, you seem to forget that, while they do try to encourage people to think about AIDS- and poverty-related issues, they are still a rock and roll band. Much as many of you would hate to admit it, Bono has done way more for the cause he supports than most of your favorite musicians have done for anything that they believe in.
If nothing else, respect the fact that they used to put out some fucking awesome records. I don’t really have high expectations for this one.
How much of the price is being donated to Project Red? $1.
Which is likely $1 more than you contributed.
Seriously, U2 sucks and i hate them, but wtf is with you people criticizing Bono for his humanitarian work? Hate him or not, the guy has done a lot of good in this world, and a hell of a lot more than 99% of the rest of the world.
I think y’all know this, and are just f**king around, so whatever… Then again…a lot of people hate on Mother Theresa, so you never know.
i just never understood it when people hated on others for doing good – like if you do something good, that means you should never be allowed to make a dollar or screw up again.
I want to make it clear that i hate U2, and i think the Edge sucks at guitar. Seriously, the guy f**king sucks.
I bout In Rainbows disc set and love it. I would have bought the Sigur Ros one but I didn’t know it existed.
High School, college, and nearly thirties posting away…
Thanx…. U2 haters for showing your absolute ignorance. You pricks are obsesed enough about this band to waste your time on here. You losers remind of that obsessive guy in highschool that spent all his time to try put down that ex-girl friend that you secretly wanted back.
U2 is my absolute favorite band of all time along with LedZep and the Doors. I hate the disco tunes they have done just as much as I hate the last half of LedZeps carreer. not because I don’t like U2 but hate dance music, Rap, Hip hop…. is no music at all. it is for the mindless artless soulless scum that has spread like cancer since the 70′s.
Will I buy the 100$ set… NO WAY but a 10$ album …..can’t wait.
You also remind me of the PS3 fan boys that act like every accesory to the 360 is of some kinda nesecity. Don’t want it don’t buy it. Don’t like any of it GOOD FOR YOU!
Coment on my spelling and you loose. I have beter theing s to due than revise this messgae that is intended for scum!
U2 Rocks. Keep it up and stay away from the disco scum.
It wasnt such a big deal when radiohead or NIN released a hyped up overpirced limited edition box set on their last albums….the music world is redesigning their biz plan to compensate and accept that file sharing is a unavoidable part of their world now…