U2 to Rick Rubin: Thanks But No Thanks

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/launch/20081126/en_launch/61903658;_ylt=AhJrldo6na3pu90icUS3je2VEhkF

Too many big-named chefs spoil the pot? Maybe. The Edge cites their decision to scrap all of the Rubin-produced tracks on the album was because Rick's style did not match their own in recording. Namely, the Hall of Fame rockers didn't like the fact that he believes in waiting until you're completely prepared for everything you're going to do before setting foot in the studio.

Obviously, this does not reflect U2's philosophy.

"UNO, DOS, TRES...CATORCE!" Yeah, they don't like preparing much at all.

I think that there are two ways to look at this news story. Either the Irish rock band is completely right for doing this, because they've always done well for themselves with Eno and the others that they are comfortable with.

OR:

Rick Rubin could've been the way to get back into the spotlight that had diminished after a sort of mediocre reception of How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb, and scrapping the tracks on the album might further alienate them from the largest music-listening generation right now, the one that eats up tracks by Jay-Z and other artists that have had Rubin craft their songs. Also, Rubin helped another band that was fading out of the rock scene resurrect their careers with Red Hot Chili Pepper's Stadium Arcadium.

To each their own, of course. I have no authority to tell U2 what to do with their record, which will probably still be good. I just think a Rick Rubin track on a U2 album is a guaranteed hit. Oh well.