{"id":7716,"date":"2014-09-15T17:00:45","date_gmt":"2014-09-15T17:00:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/195.21.21.161\/epop\/?p=7716"},"modified":"2018-06-04T16:20:12","modified_gmt":"2018-06-04T15:20:12","slug":"u2s-100-million-deal-with-apple","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/2014\/09\/u2s-100-million-deal-with-apple\/","title":{"rendered":"U2&#8217;s $100 million deal with Apple"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/U2.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"7717\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/2014\/09\/u2s-100-million-deal-with-apple\/u2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/U2.jpg?fit=620%2C400&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"620,400\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-title=\"U2\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/U2.jpg?fit=620%2C400&amp;ssl=1\" class=\" wp-image-7717 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/U2.jpg?resize=640%2C413&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"U2\" width=\"640\" height=\"413\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>When it comes to the crunch, have they bitten off more than they can chew?<\/strong><\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>U2 surprised a lot of people last week when they announced that they had come to an arrangement with Apple to give a free copy of their new album, &#8216;Songs of Innocence&#8217; free to every iTune user.<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">But not in a good way, for many. A good portion of younger iTune users had never heard of the Irish rockers and didn&#8217;t appreciate their music being foisted upon them. They complained that they wanted to choose their own music and they found this freebie more of a nuisance than anything else. Instructions on how to delete the offending download have been all over the Web since.<\/p>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script><br \/>\n<!-- Random Ad stuff --><br \/>\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display: block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-2076862002005673\" data-ad-slot=\"3107208401\" data-ad-format=\"auto\"><\/ins><\/p>\n<p><script>\n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Word is that U2 have received $100 million for this corporate alliance and you can see in one way, why they decided to go down this road. Beyonc\u00e9 shattered all download records when she released her album, &#8216;Beyonc\u00e9&#8217;, last December in a similar way. People did pay for hers, however. Albums just don&#8217;t sell the traditional way anymore. U2&#8217;s previous album, &#8216;No Line on the Horizon&#8217; suffered from poor sales when it was released in 2009, so there was no reason to assume things would have any different for this new release if it had been put out there in the conventional manner.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">But all the same, it has left a sour taste in my mouth. U2 have always been, in my book, synonymous with ultra-cool. I think a lot of us feel they have sold themselves short by selling themselves to Apple. They have always been portrayed as a band who care more about the music they produce than record sales and money in the bank and I suppose now this cynical deal makes it look like it&#8217;s all about the spondoolicks.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The album itself has received mixed reviews. <a href=\"http:\/\/www.rollingstone.com\/music\/albumreviews\/u2-songs-of-innocence-20140911\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rolling Stone<\/a> gave it 5 stars, calling it &#8217;11 tracks of straightforward rapture.&#8217; <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stereogum.com\/1704542\/premature-evaluation-u2-songs-of-innocence\/franchises\/premature-evaluation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sterogum<\/a> called it &#8216;a muddled inert, tired mess.&#8217;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">All in all, even though U2 have pocketed a cool 100 million, I feel they have lost some of their street cred among their core fans (sorry!). I would go as far as to say they have given more of them the pip! (couldn&#8217;t resist).<\/p>\n<p>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When it comes to the crunch, have they bitten off more than they can chew?<\/p>\n<p>U2 surprised a lot of people last week when they announced that they had come to an arrangement with Apple to give a free copy of their new album, &#8216;Songs of Innocence&#8217; free to every iTune user.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":7717,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"jetpack_seo_schema_type":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[7],"tags":[339,340,142,138,341,342,171],"class_list":["post-7716","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-music","tag-apple","tag-beyonce","tag-itunes","tag-rolling-stone","tag-songs-of-innocence","tag-stereogum","tag-u2"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p5yMhl-20s","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":57442,"url":"https:\/\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/2019\/11\/u2-and-a-r-rahman-release-new-track-ahimsa\/","url_meta":{"origin":7716,"position":0},"title":"U2 And A.R. Rahman Release New Track &#8216;Ahimsa&#8217;","author":"Essentially Pop","date":"22\/11\/2019","format":false,"excerpt":"To mark U2\u2019s first ever visit to India, Island\/Interscope Records today announced the release of a new track titled \u2018Ahimsa\u2019 from U2 and legendary composer A.R. Rahman. Available to stream now on all digital platforms.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Concerts&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Concerts","link":"https:\/\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/category\/music\/concerts\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/ahimsa1.jpg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/ahimsa1.jpg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/ahimsa1.jpg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/ahimsa1.jpg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/ahimsa1.jpg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":14364,"url":"https:\/\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/2015\/10\/the-essential-weekly-playlist-of-skyfever\/","url_meta":{"origin":7716,"position":1},"title":"The Essential Weekly Playlist of: Skyfever","author":"Essentially Pop","date":"09\/10\/2015","format":false,"excerpt":"We introduced you last month to Skyfever, an alternative rock band, based in Dublin. Their debut EP, 'Means of Escape', is set for release via iTunes this month.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Music&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Music","link":"https:\/\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/category\/music\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/skyfever1.jpg?fit=1200%2C1183&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/skyfever1.jpg?fit=1200%2C1183&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/skyfever1.jpg?fit=1200%2C1183&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/skyfever1.jpg?fit=1200%2C1183&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/skyfever1.jpg?fit=1200%2C1183&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":12771,"url":"https:\/\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/2015\/08\/damien-j-brennan-shine-ep\/","url_meta":{"origin":7716,"position":2},"title":"Damien J Brennan &#8211; Shine EP","author":"Essentially Pop","date":"11\/08\/2015","format":false,"excerpt":"The Northern Ireland born singer\/songwriter, Damien J Brennan, releases his new EP, Shine, showcasing his vocal talent and pop\/folk acoustic guitar style with three powerful and emotional songs that are due to be released September 14th 2015.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;New Artists&quot;","block_context":{"text":"New Artists","link":"https:\/\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/category\/music\/new-artists\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/11044588_805116036249229_2534213207233956283_n.jpg?fit=960%2C657&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/11044588_805116036249229_2534213207233956283_n.jpg?fit=960%2C657&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/11044588_805116036249229_2534213207233956283_n.jpg?fit=960%2C657&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/11044588_805116036249229_2534213207233956283_n.jpg?fit=960%2C657&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":13764,"url":"https:\/\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/2015\/09\/skyfever-flies-high-with-means-of-escape\/","url_meta":{"origin":7716,"position":3},"title":"Skyfever Flies High With Means Of Escape","author":"Lisa Hafey","date":"16\/09\/2015","format":false,"excerpt":"Skyfever are a new Irish alternative rock band based in Dublin.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;New Artists&quot;","block_context":{"text":"New Artists","link":"https:\/\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/category\/music\/new-artists\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/skyfever1.jpg?fit=1200%2C1183&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/skyfever1.jpg?fit=1200%2C1183&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/skyfever1.jpg?fit=1200%2C1183&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/skyfever1.jpg?fit=1200%2C1183&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/skyfever1.jpg?fit=1200%2C1183&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":14870,"url":"https:\/\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/2015\/11\/open-feel-retrofire\/","url_meta":{"origin":7716,"position":4},"title":"The Open Feel &#8211; &#8216;Retrofire&#8217;","author":"Lisa Hafey","date":"20\/11\/2015","format":false,"excerpt":"Los Angeles Dream Rock duo, The Open Feel, released 'Retrofire' in January this year. The sixth in a series of digital single releases, the song has an early 80s flavour about it - part Punk part New Romantic part New Wave - all parts very agreeable.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;New Artists&quot;","block_context":{"text":"New Artists","link":"https:\/\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/category\/music\/new-artists\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/The-Open-Feel-2.jpg?fit=1000%2C750&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/The-Open-Feel-2.jpg?fit=1000%2C750&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/The-Open-Feel-2.jpg?fit=1000%2C750&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/The-Open-Feel-2.jpg?fit=1000%2C750&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":58453,"url":"https:\/\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/2019\/12\/the-joshua-tree-tour-a-r-rahman-joins-u2-on-stage-in-mumbai-to-perform-their-new-track-ahimsa\/","url_meta":{"origin":7716,"position":5},"title":"The Joshua Tree Tour: A.R. Rahman Joins U2 On Stage In Mumbai To Perform Their New Track &#8216;Ahimsa&#8217;","author":"Essentially Pop","date":"17\/12\/2019","format":false,"excerpt":"Legendary composer A.R. Rahman joined U2 onstage in Mumbai last night to perform new track \u2018Ahimsa\u2019 in celebration of the band\u2019s first ever visit to India. The performance also featured the debut appearance of Rahman\u2019s daughters - Khatija Rahman and Raheema Rahman, along with singer-songwriter Rianjali Bhowmick - all of\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Concerts&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Concerts","link":"https:\/\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/category\/music\/concerts\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/U2.png?fit=460%2C323&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/U2.jpg?fit=620%2C400&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7716","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7716"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7716\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7717"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7716"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7716"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/essentiallypop.com\/epop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7716"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}