Fly

"The Fly" - Bono described this track as being the sound of four men cutting down the Joshua Tree with a chainsaw, and many horrified U2 fans probably agreed with him. As the first single released since the JOSHUA TREE/RATTLE'N'HUM days, this song came as a bit of a shock to many as it is obviously quite different from what had gone before. There was no trace of the American and early rock/blues influences seen on their previous two albums. In their place were cool European rhythms, loud guitars, and surrealistic lyrics. On the back of the CD case, the photo of Bono wearing his "Fly" sunglasses and grinning like a madman describes this song perfectly. Definitely a fun U2 song, with a great beat and fun, clever lyrics.

"Alex Descends Into Hell For a Bottle Of Milk/Korova 1" -- Rather reminiscent of The Edge's solo soundtrack for THE CAPTIVE, this track is a distillation of music written by Bono and The Edge for a stage (RSC) production of THE CLOCKWORK ORANGE. An interesting piece, featuring a chorus of boy sopranos and a heavy drum beat. This is a soundtrack piece, so it's more about creating a mood than making a catchy pop song. It's quite good though, musically very strong, and worth a listen or two.

"The Lounge Fly Mix" - Exactly what it says on the box - a six and a half minute version of "The Fly" done in a lounge style. Fewer guitars, muffled vocals, more obvious keyboards, and a more prominent rhythm section feature on this track. Some of the lyrics contain minor reworking. This isn't a bad alternative version of what is already a great song. On the other hand, for some sections, there seems to be no difference between this and the album version.

Since this CD is only available as an import now, it's, unfortunately, quite expensive. There are only three songs and yet one would spend the same for this as one would for a full album. I'd recommend trying to get this one second-hand, since it is definitely worth owning, and cheap copies can be found relatively easily.


Very worthwhile import   August 16, 2001
N. P. Stathoulopoulos (Brooklyn, NY)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

I believe the domestic release of this CD single is out of print. However, it's certainly worth the extra dollars picking up the import. (It usually is with U2 import singles in my opinion.) The Fly remains one of my favorite U2 singles ever. Appearing after a hiatus of a couple of years while the band was "reinventing" itself, this song blew me away with Edge's powerful guitar riff. If you listen closely, it seems like both The Fly and Ultraviolet (Light My Way) must have started off as the same song with a similar riff.

The Lounge Fly Mix is very cool indeed, and sounds exactly like the title. A little more laid back, and Bono even changes a line or 2. A solid remix that is not too dancy and not repetitive, but a perfectly subtle job of shifting the rhythm of the track.

And another B-Side gem is Adam Descends Into Hell for a Bottle of Milk, which was apparently utilized for a stage production of A Clockwork Orange. Fans of Passengers will certainly appreciate this track, which sounds like a techno-industrial soundscape. No vocals by Bono, but a haunting boys choir and some ominous and threatening industrial sounds followed by a really slamming beat and classic Edge guitar used to great effect.

Highly recommended!


Every artist is a cannibal, every poet is a thief...   February 19, 2001
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

"... all kill their inspiration, and sing about the grief"

The Fly was U2's first single off of "Achtung Baby". This was the world's first glimpse of the "new U2". U2 were no longer pretending to be the good little political boys, but rather, they were now hamming up their roles as rock stars... giving the world a bit of rock with bite and attitude! Well, the song "The Fly" definitely has that edgy, ambitious rock with bite, and the lyrics have the attitude. Adam and Larry cook up a very fast-paced in-your-face drum & bass. The Edge demonstrates his ability at distorted electric guitar and fierce soloing. Bono's lyrics are full of contraditions, confessions and catchy phrases (see the title and first line of my review) while his falsettos and bad-boy vocal styles give diversity throughout the song. This is one of my all-time favourite U2 songs, and a highlight off of Achtung Baby.

So goodbye Joshua Tree/Rattle & Hum era U2. Hello Zoo TV/Achtung Baby U2!

1: The Fly. This is the identical to The Fly off of Achtung Baby.

2: Alex Descends Into Hell For a Bottle of Milk/Korovo 1. While the song is written by Bono and The Edge, the only vocals on this short track come from a choir of school children. This track was originally recorded for a modern soundtrack of A Clockwork Orange. This is probably the coolest non-U2 type U2 song there is. It's almost on the verge of electro-industrial music. A soft synth-type intro with the choir, climaxes into a frenzy of beats and noise, which fades out in the end into silence. This song is more or less a soundscape, and not your typical song. Note: in the written credits on the CD, you'll notice a thanks to Albert Bradshaw. Apparently Albert used to be U2's old music teacher while in high school!

3: The Lounge Fly Mix. The Fly gone "street smart"! If you've seen the music video for The Fly, this is where they get the intro music from. It starts off with Bono singing the falsetto of the chorus over a drum & synth loop. Then in comes the heavy bassline. The guitars eventually kick in, bringing the song into full gear. Bono actually changes a few lyrics in this version of The Fly. "A man will beg, a man will crawl, but it's never too late to take his call, it's no secret at all".


Essential if you really like the song or U2 instrumentals   November 18, 2000
S. Baker (Phoenix, Arizona United States)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

"The Fly" happens to be one of my favorite songs of U2, and although I liked early-U2, I agree with the band's interpretation of this first single of the 1990s - the sound of a joshua tree being chopped down. Continuing lyrically along a theme of irony first on "God Part II" from 'Rattle & Hum', "The Fly" also has one of the best guitar solos by the Edge.

"The Lounge Fly" This is a re-mixed version of "The Fly" with a groovier production and a few different lyrics. If you really like the song, this would be a good addition to your collection.

"Alex Descends Into Hell for a Bottle of Milk/Korova 1". This was originally a soundtrack piece for a stage production of Clockwork Orange. As instrumentals go, this is one of U2's best, and so if you liked "Passengers: Original Soundtracks 1", this one is for you.