Usual/Unusual

By Gabriel

POP by U2

2 was, not so long ago, one of those bands that I thought could do no wrong. Foolish of me to underestimate Bono's ego and unlimited aspiration. I understand that the "80's U2" was revolutionary in a sense that they kind of pulled us away from some of the pop-synth trappings of the decade. I didn't pick up on them until The Joshua Tree, though. Achtung Baby seemed too ridiculous to entertain in high school but I came around to loving it in college. I felt the same way about POP – over the top, ridiculous, homoerotic, and far too honorable of Andy Warhol's work, which I also hate. POP slipped in and somehow made it OK to dance to the sounds of 4 Irishmen with crew cuts with painted muscle shirts. I might even admit that it was a work of genius. It was a good crossover in a time when rock bands were getting tired of their instruments… again. True to form, U2 made another album that embraced both sides and their pompous artistry bled through. Then, they decided to go rock again. It was all too clear that the risk and weaker reception of POP scared them into making tired, accessible adult-contemporary crap. It was a cop out. Ever since All That You Can't Leave Behind, I've felt used and betrayed by U2. They can no longer be trusted. U2 sucks now. The end.

Undoing Ruin by Darkest Hour

Many would consider this to be the DC metal band's perfect album. I guess I developed an affection for them because they were so close to home. Their work has also matured in a really unique way because – being so easily categorized as thrash/speed metal – Undoing throws in the chunk for the hardcore sound that I love. Plus, it's just fun to listen to while driving through the city — an unusual but simple choice.