There are a handful of albums that have never lost their popularity, but just get stronger over time, and The Joshua Tree would certainly be one of these giant albums. The fifth studio album by U2 would see the group coming back from the experimental feel of their previous album, The Unforgettable Fire, and taking on a more conventional approach. The Joshua Tree took the theme of "America" as the band had been spending significant time on tour in the country, and Bono was reading American novelists like Flannery O'Connor at the time. The Edge was inspired by American blues and country artists, and several tracks on the album have a blues feel.
Autumn Fischer from WSB Radio’s “The Von Haessler Doctrine” (SFW) as well as her own podcast “One Topic” (NSFW) joins us for this week's fun and shenanigans.
Where the Streets Have No Name
This first track on the album takes its name from the idea that you can tell a person's religion and income based on the Belfast street on which they live. The repeating arpeggio with a delay effect that kicks off the song is a signature sound for the band.
One Tree Hill
This song references a volcanic peak in New Zealand which his an important memorial place for the Maori people. It was written in memory of Greg Carroll, a Maori roadie for the band who was killed in a motorcycle accident in Dublin in 1986.
Bullet the Blue Sky
Bono was inspired to write these lyrics as a protest song after a trip to Nicaragua and El Salvador. He saw the toll that the US military intervention in the region placed on local peasants. It has taken on different meanings in concerts, from consumerism to handgun violence to Nazism. The tune started as a jam session.
In God's Country
The idea of this track is that the US is a desert rose, or a siren - both sad and seductive. It also talks about the lack of political ideas in the West, portraying western thought as an arid place.
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
“At This Moment” by Billy Vera and the Beaters
This song was featured in the movie “Blind Date,”and was earlier used in the TV Sitcom "Family Ties."
STAFF PICKS:
“We're Ready” by Boston
Wayne takes us to Boston's third studio album. It was a long time between their second and third efforts, and this one was perceived as a bit of a disappointment. However, the album still maintains that distinctive Boston sound.
“Mandolin Rain” by Bruce Hornsby and the Range
Brian's staff pick features the incredible piano work of Bruce Hornsby from his first album “The Way It Is.” The song is about a failed southern romance.
“Heartbreak Beat” by The Psychedelic Furs
Rob brings us into the alternative rock genre. The band called themselves “The Psychedelic Furs” to separate themselves from the punk movement, who didn't care for psychedelic music. This was their only top 40 song in the U.S.
“(I Just) Died In Your Arms” by Cutting Crew
Special guest Autumn Fischer features the "echo snare" sound of British band Cutting Crew from their debut studio album. She became a fan of this song from the radio on Grand Theft Auto.
“Baby Grand” by Billy Joel
Bruce's staff pick finishes us off this week. It features a double piano duet with Joel and piano legend Ray Charles. Billy Joel named his daughter Alexa Ray, with the middle name being for Charles. When Charles reached out about doing a duet, Joel wrote this song in a single night, using "Georgia On My Mind" as the template for the style he wanted to achieve.
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