Month: May 2006

  • U2 – How To Dismantle an Atomic Bomb

    How To Dismantle an Atomic Bomb

    U2 has hit another home run. Try and think of another major rock and roll band this far into it and still making consistently good albums. Hell, at this point in their career, the Rolling Stones were putting out albums as an excuse to go on tour!

    You won’t be surprised by what you hear on this record. The 11 cuts are pure U2. The rhythm section cooks, Bono sings his ass off, the lyrics range from self-righteous indignation (yes, grating at times) to pure loveliness. And as you’d expect as a guitarist, the Edge uses his instrument as a weapon of mass instruction. Every sound we’ve come to expect from him, and more, is here. Just check out the lead cut, “Vertigo.” It’s been everywhere and is one of those songs that just sounds great blasting out of your speakers. The bass and drums lay down the foundation before crunchy chords come flying at you from the speakers. Before the song is over, you get a sampling of the atmospheric playing, soaring notes, and chimey chords that are the trademark of a generation of guitar players. And you hear it from the guy who did it first. And every song has Edge highlights.

    If you love the sound of U2, you’ll love this record. There are amazing hooks, musically and lyrically. Plain-and-simple, this is one of the best rock records you’ll hear this year.


    This article originally appeared in VG‘s Mar. ’05 issue. All copyrights are by the author and Vintage Guitar magazine. Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited.

  • May 2006

    FEATURES

    BASS SPACE
    The Travis Bean TB 4000 Wedge
    Though Travis Bean was a mere flash-in-the-pan ’70s builder, its unique, funky Wedge models left an impression that carries over today with collectors. The company built fewer than 40 Wedge basses. By Willie G. Moseley

    JAKE LANGLEY
    The JUNO award winner grew up in a musical family and is today making his mark both as a solo performer and as one third of the Joey DeFranceso Trio, where he lives out his dream, playing in an old-school-jazz organ trio. By Ann Wickstrom

    NATIONAL STYLE O
    Although it has never been the favorite guitar of Hawaiian players, it stands today as an icon for the Hawaiian music that was the foundation of the resonator guitar’s popularity in the early 1930s. By George Gruhn and Walter Carter

    IN DETAIL
    Fender’s 1966-’71 Stratocaster
    In the mid ’60s, Fender’s flagship models were fitted with decorative elements that ran in stark contrast to its founder’s style. The Stratocaster, however, was less victimized by the CBS takeover. By R.J. Klimpert

    BEYOND THE PARLOR
    Part III: Women
    Having established that the guitar was not limited to the parlor, let us now consider how women did use the guitar in 19th-century America, and what the instrument meant to them. By Tim Brookes

    MAGNATONE G-216
    The Hawaiian phenomenon and Tiki lounges of the 1950s are but a dim memory, but this month we enjoy this artifact from an era when pineapple chicken and “Yellow Bird” were exotic forms of American entertainment! By Michael Wright

    THE DIFFERENT STRUMMER
    The Wacky World of Wiring
    One, two, or three pickups; humbuckers or singles; two, three, or five switching options; volumes and tones. If you ever think about how to improve a guitar’s tone, the topic is resplendent with possibilities. By Michael Wright

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    By Wolf Marshall

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    By Riley Wilson

    TECH

    Dan’s Guitar Rx
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    By Dan Erlewine

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    er Harness: Built-To-Last Wiring
    By Tony Nobles

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    The 12AX7 Preamp Tube
    By Gerald Weber

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    By Gerald Weber

    REVIEWS

    The VG Hit List
    Music, Book and Video Reviews: Bob Brozeman, Jeremy Wakefield, Eric Gales, John Mayer Trio, Lee Rocker, G.A.S.: Living With Guitar Acquisition Syndrome, more!

    Check This Action
    Whole Lot of Shakin’
    Dan Forte

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    RS Guitarworks Rock Master, Fuchs Train 45.

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