The Ripple Effect: The Music Commentary Radio Show  

The concept of the Musical Martyrs series, was to identify albums in a band's cannon that routinely draw the ire or disdain of fans and critics, when in reality, the albums have a tremendous amount to offer. Every band has their bad albums, but that's not what we're writing about. We're writing about albums that stand strong amongst the band's catalog, but for some reason (often a minor fan or critical contrivance) the album is held at arm's length as if my dog had just peed on it.

And when it comes to U2, that album is October. Even Pop, which is undeniably their weakest moment has it's fans, and those who don't like it, just dismiss it entirely. But October actually has critics mystified, bows drawn, arrows slung. I've seen the album described as a "stumble." A "collection of half-finished songs and desperately inarticulate lyrics." But here's the thing, without a doubt, October is my single favorite U2 album, and an essential, even critical stepping stone in the creation of what became the biggest band on the planet.

more . . . http://ripplemusic.blogspot.com/2009/08/musical-martyrs-vilified-albums-u2.html