U2 - I FALL DOWN - October (1981) HiDef :: SOTW #141

Bergo '45 Song of the Week #141 - James' Pick for 3/13/16:
"I Fall Down" by U2 from October (1981)
Island Records

“One of the best kept secrets in U2’s catalogue, this song continues to languish under the public’s radar. Even fans of the band largely don’t know it. So let’s go, people. Tell all your friends about the coolest U2 song they never heard of.” – James Lanier

This is a weekly dive into the musical mind of Bergo '45. Each week, a new song is chosen by a different member of the band. Check out the playlist to see all of the past selections. Grab a towel and give it a listen....

U2 are an Irish rock band from Dublin. Formed in 1976, the group consists of Bono (vocals and rhythm guitar), the Edge (lead guitar, keyboards, and vocals), Adam Clayton (bass guitar), and Larry Mullen, Jr. (drums and percussion). U2's early sound was rooted in post-punk but eventually grew to incorporate influences from many genres of popular music. Throughout the group's musical pursuits, they have maintained a sound built on melodic instrumentals. Their lyrics, often embellished with spiritual imagery, focus on personal themes and sociopolitical concerns.

The band formed at Mount Temple Comprehensive School in 1976 when the members were teenagers with limited musical proficiency. Within four years, they signed with Island Records and released their debut album Boy. By the mid-1980s, U2 had become a top international act. They were more successful as a touring act than they were at selling records until their 1987 album The Joshua Tree which, according to Rolling Stone, elevated the band's stature "from heroes to superstars". Reacting to musical stagnation and criticism of their earnest image and musical direction in the late 1980s, U2 reinvented themselves with their 1991 album, Achtung Baby, and the accompanying Zoo TV Tour; they integrated dance, industrial, and alternative rock influences into their sound, and embraced a more ironic and self-deprecating image. They embraced similar experimentation for the remainder of the 1990s with varying levels of success. U2 regained critical and commercial favour in the 2000s with the records All That You Can't Leave Behind (2000) and How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb (2004), which established a more conventional, mainstream sound for the group. Their U2 360° Tour of 2009–2011 is the highest-attended and highest-grossing concert tour in history.

U2 have released 13 studio albums and are one of the world's best-selling music artists of all time, having sold more than 170 million records worldwide. They have won 22 Grammy Awards, more than any other band, and, in 2005, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility. Rolling Stone ranked U2 at number 22 in its list of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time". Throughout their career, as a band and as individuals, they have campaigned for human rights and philanthropic causes, including Amnesty International, the ONE/DATA campaigns, Product Red, War Child and the Edge's Music Rising.

All rights belong to their respective owners
© Island Records

[amaliazaragozi]

I love this song, can´t believe it`s so underrated!

[claytonmars]

This has always been one of my favourites, it always pops into my head even 35 years after I first heard it

[johnhardesty]

Love U2, thank God I saw these cats, they still rock too!

[sdljvbnskvdsdvkjva]

It'll forever boggle my mind how the October album didn't do well, and isn't highly regarded when it is magical from the first note to the last. A truly special solid and unappreciated album, even from the band themselves. Just unreal how this world of humanity operates in the face of what is so obvious staring back at them.

[davidstuart]

One of their best albums, nearly ended them as a band . Played this album for themselves .Hence a great album

[munki]

The record that got me into U2. So beautiful

I really loved this song, . I heard and heard a cassette with this album over and over in my car on my endless trips from my parents house and the city I lived for work (110 km)....

[deafeningdecibels]

U2 represents class. Well thought out lyrics with deep meaning. I really appreciate everything they have done up to "Joshua Tree". Even "Actung Baby" is a decent album. And, "How To Dismantle an Atomic Bomb" is listenable. Most die hard fans don't care for the later two records. I think music fans need to understand and appreciate that U2 had to reinvent themselves in order to still have a career. Some people call that selling out. In all reality, It is not. I'll give credit where credit is due. There are musicians out there who compromise their artistic integrity just to sell albums. And, that's a shame. At the end of the day. Those musicians who do that can't be happy or fulfilled. My utmost respect goes out to U2 for their creativity.

[alexpetersen]

I listen to this every October every October!

[robertmartin]

Seen U2 in 83 at the Tower in Philly. My daughter was born in October 07. Still play October album in my car during this month. What a CLASSIC

[heywood]

I saw them at Stony Brook 5-1-83, Mayday. It was an epic show and they played so well. This and the unforgettable fire song define them for me.

[siempreserasmiestrella]

El mejor disco de la historia de la música. Genial.

[ge]

I saw them live in Chicago for $9.50 This song has NEVER "Lanquished" under my radar. I'm a music fan.

[Phukugoooglification]

U2 played at the El Mocombo Tavern 1981 Toronto on Spadina st. I was 12 years old and wasnt allowed in. I had the money for admition.

[timmyj.mullins]

Great Song of the Week choice Bergo! Loved the entire OCTOBER set and this would have to be my favorite from it.

[stuartlawsonbeattie]

I was a soldier, I respect this song.

[HighlandMike]

A great choice for track 2 on an album

[lionelf]

Temazo!!! Cada vez que lo escucho me re emociona

[anndavis]

Ty for uploading this. I'm celebrating Bono's 60th today! Listening on my cell to all their albums here in south MN. Brings back good memories when I used to imagine being a dancer & background singer w/them but I can sing Bono very well in karaoke- I've been told. Ty U2 & youtube for good memories. Stay safe in 2020 & God bless

[dianeneumayer]

Our time is one of retrospect.I fear for us now. A time of review and serious analysis.
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