- Music
- 30 Sep 16
#U240 Obscure Track of the Day No. 5
In our celebration of the 40th Anniversary of U2’s first rehearsal in Larry Mullen’s kitchen, here on hotpress.com we are featuring a stream of articles, recollections and opinions about U2, over the 7 days of 'U2 Week’. As part of that extravaganza, for your delight and delectation, we are nominating an obscure U2 track every day! Your guide to the vaults: Valentina Magli
5) Electrical Storm – 2002 (The Best of 1990-2000)
Here comes THE track. In my opinion, this is one of the best U2 songs ever written, packed with exquisite, bittersweet, blissful, hypnotic guitars.
Bono said about the track: "It's about a couple in a room feeling a storm brewing in the sky outside and equating that to the pressure they feel in their relationship. I think it captures a sense of unease I feel around the world, especially in America, an air of nervous anticipation."
It was released in 2002 as a single to promote the collection The Best of 1990-2000. Two official versions of the song exist, the "Band Version", mixed by Carl Glanville, and the "William Orbit Mix" that features an evocative, lullaby-like intro. The song was rarely performed live, except in Milan and Gothenburg during the 2009 tour. I was present in both occasions and I remember the chills running down my spine! The live version had a huge impact.
The video was shot on a beach in Eze, France. They started at 6am and did not finish till 3am the following day. The video is centered around Larry Mullen as the main character and a mermaid, played by actress Samantha Morton.
Hot Press will continue it's U2 40th Anniversary coverage all week long on hotpress.com, and in a special commemorative issue out Thursday 29th September.
You can preorder Hot Press 40-17, our U2 40th Anniversary Special direct from hotpress.com
Or it will be available to download from the iOS app for iPad/iPhone
Or download from the Android App upon release
