Records: U2's The Best of 1980-1990

By Peter Smith

Rather than continuing the electronic chaos that percolated in their two previous two releases, U2 have glanced back to their earlier years with their double-CD set, The Best of 1980-1990.

The first disc is a straight-up greatest hits collection. From the delayed guitar on "I Will Follow" to the distinctive horns of "Angel of Harlem," almost all the classics are present. Notably absent are "Running to Stand Still" and "40." In their place, the band included not only the original and more emotionally honest version of their soul-pop "Sweetest Thing," but also the far weaker radio version.

The second CD of the set is B-sides and opens with "The Three Sunrises," originally recorded in 1985 for The Unforgettable Fire. Even with its stabbing, hard-rock guitar and Beatles-style pop harmonies, it was too far out there to be comercially successful. "Bass Trap," also from '85, is an ambient instrumental with a texture redolent of Philip Glass.

Several superb tracks that didn't make the Joshua Tree cut grace the second disc. Highlights include "Luminous Times (Hold on to Love)" and "Walk to the Water." The latter sounds like it came straight off Joshua Tree, except for the fact that the band didn't have time to finish it until after the Joshua Tree's final mastering.

Disc Two also includes three cover songs. "Everlasting Love" and "Unchained Melody," the two live standards, must be more fun to play than to record, as these versions are little more than space fillers, while Patti Smith's grungy "Dancing Barefoot," with the stadium reverb on Bono's voice, sounds like it came straight out of a soundcheck.

Though far less thoughtful than their previous releases, this set is perfect background music for pre-partying relaxation or an intense 3 a.m. conversation. (Island)

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