U2 Album: “Last Night on Earth, Pt. 1”

I agree with the last reviewer; this is essential for U2 fans who saw them on their Pop tour because of Pop Musik. The title track is also better than the album version. It's probably the one they intended to release but they were already in a rush to finish the album before the '97 tour. Happiness Is A Warm Gun is one of their best covers ever, with a Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me Kill me vibe going on. I would have given this 5 stars, but apparently this one is missing the Numb remix, which isn't that great but I don't know why they wouldn't include it on this disc. The other 3 tracks are far better than Numb and it won't be missed that much.

It seems that too many of U2's US maxi-single releases are being taken out of print? Why? Fans have to pour out some extra dollars for 2 versions of most singles. Anyway, this disc is recommended mainly for those who need Pop Muzik on CD, and it is certainly awesome and will immediately evoke memories of seeing PopMart live. The single version of Last Night on Earth is actually preferable to the album version. The single is a bit more electronic, with a smoother opening.

Another interesting U2 B-side is a cover of the classic Beatles tune Happiness is a Warm Gun. It's a bit funky, and was intended for an ill-fated TV show, but it's a welcome change and a decent cover in the Pop mold.

This disc is certainly for the U2 completist, but I would suggest tracking down the (out of print(?)) US release, which at least contains a 4th track (the Numb Soul Assasins Mix).

This is not the best U2 single available from the 'Pop' releases.

"Last Night on Earth" [Single Version]. Compared to the version on 'Pop', this single version has an abbreviated intro, added vocals in the middle section, and louder guitars in the chorus.

"Pop Muzik" [Pop Mart Mix]. The first 4:30 of the instrumental track were used in the opening sequence of the Pop Mart tour, but in this version, Bono "sings". However, the last 4:00 minutes have no purpose at all.

"Happiness is a Warm Gun" [The Gun Mix]. This is an interesting cover of the Beatles classic, originally recorded for an ill-fated TV show. However, for those who were not enthralled with some of the more overworked material on 'Pop', this will be a disappointment.

This single is a good buy for your money, nearly 30 minutes long. The Last Night on Earth track is a lengthy remix. Very different from the traditional U2 style, using electronic beats and rythms to create a dance mix. The entire CD is borderline of being techno. Mild U2 fans won't like it since it strays from earlier material. However, it is a good buy for fans who appreciate the more cutting edge material from Pop and Zooropa. Other tracks include a remix of Numb, accompanied by the Soul Assasins. The third track is a cover of the Beatles song, Happiness is a warm gun.