Rattle and Hum

Rattle and Hum is a double album by the Irish rock band U2, featuring live recordings, studio tracks, and interviews, showcasing their Joshua Tree Tour with performances at Madison Square Garden, Denver, and Graceland. The album was produced by Jimmy Iovine and features collaborations with B.B. King and Johnny Cash. The project was also accompanied by a documentary film directed by Phil Joanou, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and was later screened at the Cannes Film Festival.

Background

The concept of Rattle and Hum was born out of U2's desire to capture the spirit of their live performances and to explore American music, particularly blues and country music, which had influenced their sound. The band drew inspiration from artists such as Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, and Hank Williams, and they visited iconic locations like Sun Studio and Memphis. During the Joshua Tree Tour, U2 performed with notable musicians, including The New Voices of Freedom and The Memphis Horns, and they were also joined on stage by B.B. King at the Apollo Theater in Harlem.

Recording

The recording process for Rattle and Hum took place in various locations, including Sun Studio, Point Depot in Dublin, and A&M Recording Studios in Los Angeles. The band worked with producers Jimmy Iovine and Daniel Lanois to create a unique sound that blended live and studio recordings. U2 also collaborated with B.B. King on the track When Love Comes to Town, which was recorded at Sun Studio with Dixie Chicks and Scotty Moore. Additionally, the band recorded The Star-Spangled Banner with Jim Keltner and Benmont Tench at A&M Recording Studios.

Film

The documentary film Rattle and Hum, directed by Phil Joanou, follows U2 on their Joshua Tree Tour and features live performances, interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and was later screened at the Cannes Film Festival and the Sundance Film Festival. The film also features appearances by B.B. King, Johnny Cash, and The New Voices of Freedom, and it was edited by Phil Joanou and Michael Hamlyn. The film's cinematography was handled by Robert Brinkmann and Jordan Cronenweth, who also worked on films like Blade Runner and Altered States.

Track listing

The double album features a mix of live and studio recordings, including Helter Skelter, Van Diemen's Land, and Desire. The track listing also includes collaborations with B.B. King and Johnny Cash, as well as performances with The New Voices of Freedom and The Memphis Horns. The album's track listing is as follows: Helter Skelter, Van Diemen's Land, Desire, Hawkmoon 269, All I Want Is You, I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For, Freedom for My People, Silver and Gold, Angel of Harlem, Love Rescue Me, When Love Comes to Town, Heartland, God Part II, The Star-Spangled Banner, Bullet the Blue Sky, Running to Stand Still.

Release and reception

Rattle and Hum was released on October 10, 1988, and it received generally positive reviews from critics, with many praising the band's live performances and their collaborations with other artists. The album was a commercial success, reaching number one on the UK Albums Chart and number one on the US Billboard 200 chart. The album was also certified 4x Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America and 6x Platinum by the Canadian Recording Industry Association. The album's success can be attributed to the band's energetic live performances, which were also praised by critics like Robert Christgau and Greil Marcus.

Legacy

Rattle and Hum has had a lasting impact on U2's career and has been cited as an influence by many other artists, including Radiohead and Coldplay. The album's blend of live and studio recordings has also been praised for its innovative approach to music production. The album's legacy can be seen in U2's subsequent albums, such as Achtung Baby and All That You Can't Leave Behind, which also featured experimental and collaborative approaches to music production. The album has also been recognized by institutions like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Grammy Awards, and it continues to be celebrated by fans and critics alike, including Rolling Stone and NME. Category:U2 albums