Post by Charlie O. on Sept 19, 2024 22:31:59 GMT
i'd say they're both showbiz, but in different forms.
Interesting. I'd've said they're both art!
It's not an entirely fair match-up - an uncharacteristically (but understandably) self-conscious Joy Division making their first (?) TV appearance vs. U2 in more or less their full pomp (but still early enough that their exuberance seems wholly unforced and sincere). On the other hand, they're both strikingly distinctive bands playing really good songs (though it will never have the gravitas of Unknown Pleasures, Boy is truly a wonderful album, you know), and both clips are suitably striking visually, beyond the actual physical performances.
If I were just judging the songs - I prefer "Shadowplay" to "Electric Co.". But taking the performances and visuals into account - and I'm surprising myself in saying this (as with fearlessfreap, U2 had started to lose me by Red Rocks) - I'm going the other way.
Now, if it had been this version of "Shadowplay" vs. any audio-only performance of "Electric Co.", that'd be different.