I don't currently own any U2 CD's and was wondering whether I should get the new release when its out or whether I should get the 1980-1990 and 1990-2000 sets. What does everyone here think?

Not a bad plan. I've got the '80-'90 one (with the b-sides disc) and it's a very solid compilation. The only studio album by them that I own is Achtung Baby, and I have the early live EPs on vinyl somewhere, both of which (Blood Red Sky & Wide Awake) are really good.

It's not the most exciting music in the world but it's definitely a good listen every now and then. And they occasionally rise to the level that you'd think their fame & popularity would indicate.

Get it but I would recomend Best Of 1980-1990 and Best of 1990-2000. Those are more complete and interesting.

The tracklisting for U218 Singles has not been released, other than the titles of the 2 new songs, The Saints Are Coming and Window On The Sky. You'll miss out ona lot of their key tracks that are on the 80-90 and 90-00 cds, but besides the 2 new songs, this one should inlcude a couple that are not on those cds like Vertigo, Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own and maybe Walk On or Elevation.

Hold off on making your decision until you see the track listing of the new cd. There is going to be a special version of U218 that will include a 10 live dvd from their Milan show in 2005, so if you get U218, you should try to get this version, if it's not beyond what you want to spend for this cd.

Yes, I think I'll wait 'till I see the track listing for the new release!

Not sure about the latter one, but the 1980-1990 complilation has ben on my CD wanted list for near on a decade!

Big Al Wrote:
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> I don't currently own any U2 CD's and was
> wondering whether I should get the new release
> when its out or whether I should get the 1980-1990
> and 1990-2000 sets. What does everyone here think?


Get 80-90, 90-2000, Achtung Baby, Zooropa, Passengers and Pop. Avoid everything before and especially after. Unless you think post New Gold Dream Simple Minds are a group and get misty eyed when you hear Oasis, in which case buy the lot.

Passengers is boring, Pop is sub-standard (It's U2's Steel Wheels).

Achtung Baby and All That You Can't leave Behind are each amazing albums with no filler.

90-2000; the songs taken from Pop (plus Numb) have been remixed (and partially re-done) and sound a lot better.

Get Boy, War, The Unforgettable Fire, Achtung Baby, Zooropa, All That You Can't Leave Behind and you have the cream.

Haven't played ...Atom Bomb yet.

Most of the stuff is low price any way and if you go to a record fair or second hand shop you could probably get the entire back catalogue for £25.