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Adam Clayton

#41
Dean N said:
I just commented on the "stage presence" thread, and managed to forget about Clayton. Does anyone look cooler on stage than Clayton? Can anyone look cooler than him on stage? Once a buddy of mine came up to me between sets and said "Dude, you look like Adam Clayton up there. Only later, after watching a U2 show, did I realize what a compliment it was (no, I am definitely not anywhere near that cool :rolleyes: ).

He's dignified. He's confident. He plays tasty and appropriate stuff. Just because his bass fills don't sound like Teen Town doesn't mean he can't play like that. Oh yeah, and no matter who he's with, he's the coolest guy in the room. Consider me in the Adam Clayton fan club.
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Proof positive that it's ALL subjective. I totally disagree but, hey, vive la difference!! ;) ;) ;) ;)
 
#42
ScottyBoy said:
Saw U2 this week here in Brisbane. Adams playing and tone was fantastic. His laklands sounded amazing. Another thing is he was having a great time - smiling through the whole concert.
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This man was definitely a major influence on the purchase of my Lakand Jazz bass. I wish I could afford to get a rig like his too.
As for his playing, he's doing a pretty good job, if you ask me.
He's got his own solid original sound and feel. He owns every note.
 
#43
Dee Dubya said:
I think you're a bit confused...

If you listen to his work on the first album, you'll hear very simple lines. As in almost nothing but 8th notes. The next album was a lot more interesting, but after that album I can think of less then 10 of his lines that are nothing but 8th note runs. That may be more then other bassists, but when you've got around 150 songs under your belt, not all of them are gonna be nuts.

And listen to the songs Lemon and Please... Nothin but groove...
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Perhaps my "time frame" might describe Larry Mullen's drumming better-exciting in the beginning and overly restrained later on.

I will track down Lemon, but I still stand by the second half of my post.
 
#44
I personally find adam and the rest of U2 very bland and uninteresting especially the new stuff. As was said U2 write for the people and not musicians (thats not to say it impossible to do both) but for the most part me and the general population have very different tastes in music. Generally I like something musically interesting and I don't find that with U2
 
#47
Having just seen them in concert in Sydney, I have a new appreciation for his playing. He and Larry Mullen Jr did a fantastic job. Supremely tight, those two. I really like that when he plays something more than the root, you notice. He never goes overboard (although sometimes I think he could do a bit more) but he does enough to give the song a completely different feel.

The gig was fantastic by the way. Never seen a stage show as impressive as that. Amazing.
 
#49
musicman5string said:
I know aliitle bit about that tune actually; Edge wrote that bassline in the studio, and as a tradition he and Adam switch instruments on that tune live. It's called "40" and to be honest isn't exactly the greatest line.
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The rumour I heard was that Adam wasn't in the studio the day that was recorded, and Edge put down the bassline, and they continued the tradition at live sets. It is also rumoured that Adam's loves to take opportunity to be the lead guitarist for at least once in a gig!

I agree with alot of the sentiments here..... he doesn't play in eberyone's preferred style but he locks into the music that's required - he adds to the music and U2 as a whole must be foing something right soundwise or they would have disappeared in2 musical oblivion years ago!! I mean, I've listened to the early Cliff Burton Metallica material, and despite quite effective and dexterious on bass (and musically on the whole), it does absolutely nothing for me. I guess level of desxterity does not define good musicianship.

And his just plain coolness that adds 2 it all!
 
#55
One thing I will add is that U2 songs are usually harder to play than they sound... They have a lot of weirdness in, especially the guitar. All the U2 songs I've tried to learn I've never bothered finishing, because there's always something annoying about them and making them sound good.
 
#57
James_B said:
U2 is about the feel.

Why does everyone want super complex music? It takes so much more skill and talent to explain something with one word then 30 words.
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Why does "eveyone" think the only two options are Victor Wooten or Cliff Williams?

Look at REM. A comparable rock band that is more about songs than chops. Mike Mills has so many memorable, melodic basslines. Most importantly, he has a VOICE on the instrument. Take Mills out of REM and they would sound different. Take Clayton out of U2 and no one would notice.
 
#58
Alan Vorse said:
Why does "eveyone" think the only two options are Victor Wooten or Cliff Williams?

Look at REM. A comparable rock band that is more about songs than chops. Mike Mills has so many memorable, melodic basslines. Most importantly, he has a VOICE on the instrument. Take Mills out of REM and they would sound different. Take Clayton out of U2 and no one would notice.
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Well put my friend - I couldn't agree more.:smug: :smug:
 
#60
Disco_Gee said:
lol that is hilarious!
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I also hear he is an arrogant PITA. And he certainly has a smug air about him.

IF my assumption is correct in that he doesnt write a bulk of the material ( assumption) then my opinion on him, which he couldnt care less about i am sure, is that he is a one peg up the ladder from Ringo in the fab 4.

and yes, i am a fan of U2, and YES i have seen them numerous times over numerous tours.


everyones got opinions.
 

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