Disco de U2: “City of Blinding Lights [Germany CD #1]”

This CD single from the UK contains an edited version of City of Blinding Lights from U2's How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb album, as well as two live tracks from a 1992 concert in Manchester, England. The version of City of Blinding Lights is apparently intended for radio airplay and is about 90 seconds shorter than the wonderful album version. This radio edit is fine, but I much prefer the luminous album version.

The live tracks, a sinister version of The Fly paired with a pretty good version of Even Better Than The Real Thing, are good but not exceptional. The same can be said of the quality of the recording and mixing. Much better versions of these songs can be found on the Achtung Baby album and, in the case of The Fly, on the Elevation Tour 2001 - Live From Boston DVD.

This CD single is therefore a 'must have' only for those who collect everything U2 releases.

I really enjoy U2's B sides, which is the only reason to purchase this, considering most of us already have the CD version. "City of Blinding Lights" on its own is an outstanding track, but I was a bit disappointed in the live cuts. "The Fly" sounds uninspired and like Bono is singing into a megaphone. "Even Better Than the Real Thing" is an improvement, but it lacks the energy of other live tunes. After the original listening, it wound up in my collection as more of an afterthought, though no regret in purchasing it. It just doesn't compare well with other B sides the band has released.

Awesome!!! City of Blinding Lights is the best song on "How to Dsmatle an Atomic BomB." This single is a must have for U2 fans!