In 2004 Apple's iTunes store released a "Digital Box Set"
of U2 Recordings entitled The Complete U2.
The set included 446 downloadable tracks which are grouped into albums
and singles. Due to the duplication of tracks between albums and
singles, only 398 of these tracks are unique in this set, the other 48
tracks are duplicate tracks.
Included in the set is a representation of all albums and singles released
between 1979 and 2004. Not all of the tracks have made it to this
set however, as many of the cover songs which have been recorded through
the years did not make the final set. Also not appearing are many
U2 recordings which were released as part of various compilations over
the years.
Included in the set are some tracks which have never before been released
by U2. These are grouped into four sets, and each are given their
own cover images in the accompanying liner notes. These four subsections
are each given their own discography entry, and are as follows: Unreleased
& Rare, Live from Boston 1981, U2
Love: Live from the Point Depot, and Early Demos.
The release of these tracks show a new willingness by U2 to delve into
their past, and recent interviews with the band have pointed towards the
release of more of these digital compilations in the future, specifically
discussion about the release of live shows in this format in the future.
Artwork for this set was done by Four5One Creative group in Dublin,
who have provided artwork for U2's albums throughout their 25 year career. |