the joshua tree - 20 years later

on march 15 1997, a recording that changed the world was released. When I realized it was twenty years ago the I first came into contact with such greatness, I did what any U2 fan woild do. I grabbed my ipod and went on a one way walk until I head the edge wailing the beginning of 'in gods country' and then I started back. On my journey I relived some great memories associated with great music and a great period in my life.

In 1997 I was in my senior year of college in southern california. I'd had already seen the four lads from dublin and been a fan for some time. So I was excited for a new release, but not ready for the maelstrom that ensued. I've always hate pop music, so when a good thing made it big, it was sad yet somewhat satisfying. I mean, the boys made it and huge. Good for them, they were finally real rock stars, good for me, the music I loved had just been justified by the masses. But bad for me, now I had to share.

Although the joshua tree iis not my favorite U2 recording, I do appreciate it and think it is one of the best recordings of all time.

Contenders: pink floyd, dark side of the moon, led zeplin IV, michael jackson thriller, the beatles sgt. peppers lonely hearts club band (although I much prefer the white album) and anything by the rolling stones.

2007 also commemorates the 40 anniversary of sgt. peppers lonely hearts club band.

some facts about TJT

"The Joshua Tree" was certified as DIAMOND in 1987 with sales of over
1,000,000 copies. According to the RIAA, they have sold approximately 50.5 million albums in the U.S., had six #1 albums in the U.S. and are widely considered as one of the most successful groups of the last 25 years. The band is also very politically active in human rights causes, such as the Make Poverty History campaign as well as the spearheaded campaign by Bono, DATA (Debt, AIDS, Trade in Africa).

Singles from The Joshua Tree
"With or Without You"
Released: March 1987
"I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For"
Released: May 1987
"Where the Streets Have No Name"
Released: August 1987
"In God's Country"
Released: November 1987
(North America only)
"One Tree Hill"
Released: March 1988
(New Zealand only)

The Joshua Tree was the fifth studio album by Irish rock band U2, released on March 9, 1987 on Island Records. It was produced by Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois. The album was massively successful, and is considered to have been U2's worldwide commercial breakthrough. In addition, it has often been praised by music critics as the band's best album and one of the best rock albums of all time. In 2003, the album was ranked number 26 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time. The Joshua Tree won the Album of the Year award at the Grammy Awards of 1988.

For more info:

http://david2002002.blogspot.com/2006/01/u2.html
http://www.u2.com/
http://www.one.org/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U2_concert_tours