Pitchfork

So, while flipping channels recently, I came across the new U2 video in which Bono spends upwards of four minutes-- believe it-- miming. What?! Where the hell does this guy get off miming? And why? Isn't it common knowledge that a mime is no one's friend? What is he even thinking?

Jesus, what the hell happened to U2? Throughout the 1980s, they were recognized as one of the most politically active and emotionally charged bands in modern rock. Bono was a talented, good-looking, charming young man. But you know how it is-- you buy half of Ireland, you embark on countless over-budget world tours, you go around in a pair of ridiculous Oakleys, and the next thing you know, you're a fucking mime.

Okay, so this isn't typically how it happens, but that's how it happened to Bono. And how about that Edge fella? Does it make him a little uncomfortable to know that he has no place in music history because the world can't take his nickname seriously? I'm sure he's nicely consoled by a sweet bank account, but for god's sake, the man really calls himself that! Where is the sense?

I could almost swear there was a time when U2 vowed they'd never go limp. But limp they have gone, and it could not be clearer at the end of the Year of Our Lord, 1998, that it is now all about the Benjamins for our lovable Irish tunesmiths. From their legal run-in with Negativland (during which they tossed out any last trace of their forever-dwindling credibility) to their packaging a limited edition version of this anthology with an additional disc of throwaway b-sides, there's little doubt that these aging rock icons are money-nuts. Or at least making a last-ditch effort to recoup some of their Popmart Tour losses.

Regardless, The Best of 1980-1990 exhibits the band at their peak, working with top-notch producers like Brian Eno, Daniel Lanois and Steve Lillywhite. And from the dramatic "Pride (In the Name of Love)" to the sincere, heartfelt ballad "All I Want Is You", this collection hits the nail squarely on the head. "Bullet the Blue Sky" withstanding, all of U2's 80s classics are compiled here-- "New Year's Day", "Sunday Bloody Sunday", "Where the Streets Have No Name", "Angel of Harlem", and the list goes on. It allows us to momentarily forget tragic mishaps like Zooropa and Pop-- shall they grace America's cutout bins evermore. Of course, Achtung Baby, the band's last great record, isn't represented here. But you can bet those tracks'll be on next year's greatest hits record The Best of 1990-2000. And just in time for Christmas!