I would say that the previous poster was a fan of music, and that he
had a particular opinion about U2's present music. Which is good in
the sense that he is not blind enough to follow whatever U2 puts out.
To say that you are just a fan of U2 (and NOT their MUSIC) and that
whatever they put out is good, or that you could "get used to it" is
not an indication that U2 is on the cutting edge of alternative rock;
in fact, it says to me that you believe that they establish the edge
(no pun intended), and that whatever it is, you'll like it. Which is
sort of a sad statement, given the fact that U2's arguably strongest
points (which brought them to the forefront) were the harsh edge,
strong drums, and delayed guitars of Steve Lillywhite's expert
production -- an element no longer present in their albums after
_War_, though flashes appeared throughout _The Unforgettable Fire_ and
_The Joshua Tree_, but not at all on _Rattle & Hum_.

I remember this band back in 1981 when no one even cared about them --
their driving rhythms, angry lyrics, delayed/echoed guitars, and
Bono's voice. The production was what really made this band take off
(I tip my hat to Steve Lillywhite who has done this with countless
bands, most notably Simple Minds and Big Country). Proper marketing
and propaganda converted them into arena pop/alternative, and of
course, their music radically changed. To say that whatever they do is
cutting edge is ridiculous. I just wish that some of what made them
great to begin with -- the guitars, the production, the anger and
energy -- would come back ... and with less hoopla and spectacle. I'd
like to see more musician than rock celebrity.  We have more than
enough celebrities cranking out musical fodder for image-conscious
teenagers ....

- Joe