In an earlier post, I already explained my reasons for purchasing remasters. In this particular case, I like the packaging very much. The inclusion of the full-scale original single artwork is great as well. So much for the pros of this remaster. The downside of this release is its lacking of interesting bonus material and incomplete liner notes.
Let’s start with the bonus material. Yes (almost) all the b-sides are there, but apart from Endless Deep and Treasure the rest are all remixes of Two Hearts Beat As One and New Year’s Day. Weren’t there any radio sessions available to include? The answer to this is: No. Searching the U2 Live book it seems that no radio sessions were done. However, in March 1983 U2 performed a live session for the television show ‘The Tube’ which included three songs from their then just-released album. Broadcasted radio shows on the other hand, were exclusively live performances. The album Under A Blood Red Sky features one song from a concert in Boston that was broadcasted. Other broadcasts, on radio as well as on TV, included various festivals, such as The US Festival in Devore CA., Werchter in Belgium and the Loreley Rockpalast festival. The latter provided some songs that are featured on Under a Blood Red Sky. On some bit torrent networks demos of Two Hearts are available. There are not that much interesting, but it’s inclusion would in my opinion make it a more interesting bonus CD.
On the other remasters, The Edge provided liner notes on the bonus material. On this release, much to my annoyance, nothing is said about Angels Too Tied to the Ground . I know I’m not alone in my craving for more information on this song. I would really like to know what’s the story behind this one. What’s the reason why it was abandoned during the War-sessions? Why adding vocals to it? Why? Too much questions and unfortunately no answers. I even have a misprint, so the first few days I didn’t even know that they had a recording session earlier this year. So concluding, this release doesn’t live up to its expectations in stark contrast to the other two titles.
