U2, the Pogues, “Beautiful Day” and “Zoo Station”
We’re talking U2’s new Pogues cover, your “Beautiful Day” memories, tribute bands, and next week’s Cigar Box pick.
Hi, Lemon Tarts!
A new episode of Kissing Lips and Breaking Hearts is here, and honestly? It is a very enthusiastic one.
This week, we are talking about U2’s cover of the Pogues’ “Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah,” which we have affectionately renamed The Yeahs. Is U2’s version charming, light, and ridiculously adorable? Yes.
U2 recorded the song for 20th Century Paddy: The Songs of Shane MacGowan, and we get into why we are happy that this one is playful instead of dark and dramatic. Not every cover has to be a U2 vehicle, you know?
We also talk about something important: check your sources. There are a lot of supposed tour dates, album covers, release rumors and “inside information” floating out there. Some of it may turn out to be true eventually. Some of it is very much not true. Before sharing, take a minute to see whether it has come directly from U2 or from a reliable source that makes it clear when something is still only speculation.
At intermission: “Beautiful Day”
Last week’s Cigar Box pick brought in so many wonderful responses.
For one listener, “Beautiful Day” is tied to the emotional aftermath of September 11, 2001. For others, it is the soundtrack to becoming a parent, getting married, buying a first home, surviving a difficult season, graduating after a long fight or simply feeling like life gave them a little hug at exactly the right moment.
We are so grateful that you share these stories with us. U2 songs have a way of holding whole chapters of our lives, don’t they?
Of course, not everyone feels the same way about “Beautiful Day.” We also heard from some of you who find it overplayed, a little too polished or less exciting in a live set because it appears so often. And yes, “Vertigo” enters the chat too. Opinions were had. No one was harmed. Probably.
A tribute-band double feature
Hillary had an great weekend seeing U2topia, with Coldplay tribute band Back to the Start opening the show.
There were all the important details:
A setlist that traveled from newer U2 songs back toward the early years
“Do You Hear Me Coming, Lord?” worked into “One”
“Shine like stars” with “With or Without You”
A fabulous Back to the Future-inspired intro for Back to the Start
A joint performance of David Bowie’s “Heroes” at the end of the night
A hill we will die on: adding “shine like stars” or “Do You Hear Me Coming...?” costs nothing extra. It is free. So, respectfully, tribute bands (and U2, too): please do it.
Next week: “Zoo Station”
The Cigar Box has spoken, and next week we will be talking about “Zoo Station.”
You know what to do: tell us what the song means to you, your favorite live version, your favorite lyric, your memories, your hot takes...
Listen to the new episode, share it with your U2 people, and if you have not yet subscribed to our YouTube channel, please do. It is free, just like those emotional little song additions we keep talking about.
Thank you, as always, for listening, commenting, sharing and being the best U2 community around.
Kissing lips and breaking hearts,
The Garden Tarts
P.S. If you met Hillary at the U2topia show and got one of her cards, hi! Please let us know you found us.
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