Glaswegians, December, shower us with another selection of uniquely intimate U2 covers plucked from the Irish quartets vast discography.

Released: 2nd November 2024

Label: Self Released

Format: Digital

DECEMBER

December are a band that have been creating beautiful music for quite a while now. One of their many inspirations is the work of U2. football:radio is their third release featuring covers of U2 songs. For those not in the know, December are huge fans of U2; and not just skin deep. This is reflected in the songs choices for football:radio (and selections from 33 and Shadowlands Barrowlands). Whilst paying homage to their musical heroes, December also have a string of excellent albums full of original material; see Sisters & Brothers and God Is Not A Man (our review here).

MLK

One of the best things about cover versions is that artists get the chance to reinterpret songs. Hell, even U2 did it…40 of them on Songs Of Surrender. On football:radio however, MLK opens the set in a close to the original piece. The thing that sets it apart here is the wonderful vocals of Ails. Her vocals throughout the discography of December have always been wrought with emotion. A subtle restraint increases the power of the words and delivery here.

Another piece from The Unforgettable Fire is the track of the same name. When U2 toured in 2009/10 this song made a welcome return to the live set. December strip it back and use haunting strings and sparse guitars to create a soundscape that Ails again paints with her vocal brush.

THE EARLY DAYS

U2 have so many hugely well known songs that it is easy to lose some through the cracks. Not a chance of that here. December go back to October with the brilliant With A Shout (Jerusalem). Going back further, Shadows & Tall Trees closed out U2’s debut, Boy. Both of these songs are given a powerful revitalising boost by December.

War is represented with a faithful interpretation of ’40’; a song that uses the verses of Psalm 40. This is a song that U2 have used to close out shows in a spiritual and spectacular way on many an occasion with The Edge and Adam Clayton swapping instrument. December do the song justice and add a violin into the melody which enhances the mood of the song; giving it a more Celtic feel.

DEEPER CUTS

A Room At The Heartbreak Hotel was originally a B-Side to Angel Of Harlem. U2 gave it both barrels during their Rattle & Hum era; December strip away the bombast and place a heavy focus on the lyrics. Another late 80’s B-Side included is Luminous Times (Hold On To Love). December actually reverse the rulebook and deliver the song with more vigour than U2. Some of the lyrical motifs sound like a sketchbook before U2 got to All I Want Is You.

A surprising inclusion here might be that of Always. B-Side to U2’s uber hit; Beautiful Day; the song actually uses elements of the melody of Beautiful Day. December, yet again, spark the song into life. Some of the words here are brilliant. The fact that some of these ideas were consigned to B-Sides is testament to the output that U2 had at the time.

Be the arrow and the target
Put your head over the parapet
Be uncool, yes be awkward
Don’t look in the obvious place
The soul needs beauty for a soulmate

SINGLES

Whilst December dig deep for song selection here, it would be crazy for them not to take on a few of the big hitters. With Or Without You is undoubtedly one of the greatest songs ever written. The majesty of every aspect of this song is legendary. December keep the mood serene with a power that they are so skilled at using.

They take I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For and elevate to its gospely heights with more haunting violin and piano laying the foundation. 11 O’Clock Tick Tock was one of U2’s early singles never released on an album. It is probably still one of the most post-punk sounding songs they released. The bassline from the original song still drives here.

Until The End Of The World is transformed with a heavy piano intro. A conversation with Jesus and Judas, Ails voice oozes emotion as the usually heavy sound that U2 give the song is delivered a little more softly.

December are a band that can lift the mind and the soul. If you’re a fan of U2, you may enjoy these versions more than the originals. If you’re not a fan of U2, enjoy these songs delivered in an alternate way. It’s a win-win situation all round!

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