I love U2! They are from my home town of of Dublin Ireland. It is just a different rendition of the song which tells of the dichotomy and contridictions of Christmas. A sad but beatiful song describing what should be and what really is. How can there be peace on Earth if we all cant even get along making simple commentaries. Merry Christmas and 'Peace' to all on Earth no matter what the contridiction!
Damn, I could melt in that Sex God's falsetto... But I love their tribute to such a wonderful Christmas song. It has that lovely U2 touch to it without changing the original too much. A great, beautiful balance. Well done, Oirish boys!
As an ELP fan I'm glad U2 covered this song. It's not as good as Greg's, but for me it can only help people to realise that the orginal is one of the best xmas songs. The fact it is underated is criminal and I assume it's because many don't know who Greg Lake, so it gets relatively ignored.
If you are actually paying attention, the song is not an attack on Christmas. It is, rather, an attack on us for the superficiality and rampant consumerism we have attached to the holiday. "They sold me a dream of Christmas, they sold me a silent night." That said, as great as I think U2 are, they might have picked something they could tame. This song is beyond them.
@@andymoore4634 Read the comment & I think Elvin is saying the same thing. Greg Lake played this in 1973, so the 40+yr old version would be the 1 he's talking about?
There used to be a version of this on youtube that was incredible hd quality. Guess it got taken down.... glad this one is still around, but hoping a better one goes up.
Love this song; and I think U2 does a fine job. A good cover makes a song you're own (think Hendrix doing Dylan') this is a classic U2 sound of a great ELP song
u2 its 4 ever the best band all time on history,,not bono,not the edge,not larry mullen jr,,not adam clayton..its all u2,,its the only..love you boys,,paul from portugal
I was raised with Lake's version - in fact, I just heard it on the radio. And I have to see Bono's take on the vocals is refreshing. Bono belted one verse to give some lift to the song. This helps U2 add another dimension, not just repeat Lake's more solemn style (which Lake did beautifully). Also, Edge's chiming effect makes it sound like Christmas bells. So while people may love the original - and it is beautiful - I feel this is a wonderful cover. Plus, the song was for charity, so quit complaining everyone!
I hear yea! I would have included U2 in my "handle" if there was enough room. Just saw movie "I'm not there". It was confusing at times but still worth the watch. I was stunned when I discovered Cate Blanchett, played Jude [Electric Dylan from 1964/66]. BTW IMHO the best Christmass song is Jethro Tulls "A Christmas Song"
Greg Lake isn't a militant atheist. Supposedly, his Facebook blog is saying things quite to the contrary these days. He also mentions God in an ok way in Closer to Believing on ELP Works 1 from 1977.
@u27762001 The Edge has great effects processors, and paints great pictures with those tools. I'd challenge him to play play even "Bron-Yr--Aur Stomp" competently. If Page said something about Edge's "superiority," he was merely being gracious. Greatness, if measured by influence and musical power instead of notes per second, is something Page has in excess, and his influence is up there with Hendrix. Also, Gilmour and Beck especially are still quite alive and awesome to boot.
@davidtz11 wrong there my friend......his techniques can't be duplicated very easy. Jimmy Page even said that the Edge was 1000 times better then he ever was or will be.
Certainly so, that Lake is better, he wrote it! BUT FOR GOODNESS SAKE, don't overlook that it's cool that Bono & U2 did it, and did it differently. I am glad they did it. Don't trip and mess on it. Merry Christmas, happy birthday Jesus.
mahajohn...you're absolutely correct. Edge does everything but play guitar...he flanges, choruses, distorts, etc...I couldn't give a shit about artificial harmonics. Long Live Greg Allman.
@mahajohn It's called "It Might Get Loud" watch it....as of today 3 different generations of guitar players Jimmy Page, The Edge and Jack White from The White Stripes.....You will see how Page praises The Edge and vice versa of course. Page isn't even in the top five of greatest guitarists of all time...lol. The movie was made to show the 3 greatest guitarists from 3 generations.. Only thing is Page is there because everyone from his generation is dead or cant remember how to play
If you like the song, see Greg Lake doing it here. I respect U2 for doing it, as it shows their good taste and introduces it to a wider audience, but the original has impact this lacks due to the lush, classic fullness of that arrangement and the simplicity of this one -- and Bono's vocal here is mainly tentative and restrained, while Greg's vocal is as vast as his accompaniment.
Of course its not better than the original, just calm down, U2 is just playing a classic song in U2 style- and its pretty cool sounding - something different, but the original is untouchable, so beautiful.
Geez, smoke a doob and mellow out people. I grew up with the Greg Lake version of this song and I'm not a huge U2 fan, but these guy do it justice. Give 'em a break. It's a good song, regardless of who's performing it.
@u27762001 Really? Where and when did Jimmy Page say this? It's obviously not the case in any objective sense. No doubt, the Edge has an utterly unique style, but I am skeptical that Jimmy Page would say he's "1000 times" less a guitarist than the Edge. I'm pretty sure they aren't competitors!
No disrespect to Bono and U2, but my God, there is no comparison to Greg Lake and ELP on this classic, one of the greatest Christmas songs in history. Greg shows his vocal mastery over Bono, and in my opinion it's not even close.
@u27762001 Hmmmmm....so ou are saying someone like, say, David Gilmour, Jeff Beck, Robin Trower, Eric Clapton (from Page's generation) are dead or can't remember how to play? That would be a bold statement, my good friend. Go watch Fender's 50th anniversary and then think about what you said. I don't even agree Page was the best choice for the movie, although I've always liked his style and genius............
Too bad you can't learn the humility it takes to learn from your elders. It’s not the first time U2 has done other peoples music without credit. The wife was watching some Oprah special and out comes Bono and some girl and they sing Peter Gabriel’s immortal classic song “Don’t Give up” about despair & suicide and joblessness ...The song is a fucking classic and credit should go to its creator.
@seanogcarey so according to you people who dont like it cant comment on it - there are a few other than me who didnt like it - did you bug them too. Kid, I dont like snowpatrol and a shitload of others so I dont watch them okay, I was led to this because I liked the greg lake version and I saw the U2 version which he liked and I didnt opinions are free so dont troll me when I make my feelings known okay. Thats my fucking job. Have a nice Christmas.
I'm a HUGE U2 fan and this is one of my favourite songs - never mind 'Christmas songs' - of all time. But sometimes a song is jus TOO big for anyone to cover - NO ONE should touch ANY U2 track! - and U2's version is just a tad dull. It was done to help fight AIDS in Africa so that's notable and worthy, but as a cover it's just okay, nothing more. But don't prejudge U2 because you don't like Bono. And only an idiot would think that Edge's guitar is the same on every album lol
@seanogcarey and I have a right to say what I feel. ask anyone in the music business about the edge and they will all say his guitar work sounds the same on nearly every track its like status quo, theyre tracks are all the same but i saw the version of this song by Toyah Wilcox and it sucked badly, so if I see a version I dont like I have the right to say so and you should respect others rights and not troll them. peace....
alright...I'm going to put an end to this...Jimmy Page and the Edge are INCOMPARABLE ......they don't play the same music, their styles are different. They are both great guitarists and lets leave it at that :)
@u27762001 ...............and personally, I do not feel Edge even had any business sharing the same air-space as someone as great as Page. Jack White is even a stretch. Someone like Joe "Satch" -rioni would have been more logical. peace
The Edge must be obsessive compulsive since he is covering the guitar and horn parts. Nice work. Bono gives it a good try, but his voice is worn out after all the great gigs he’s done.
@technocrash09 Joe want to be something who stole his wait let me fix that stole others peoples music and had to go to court for it you mean? Well if that happens it doesn't say much for him at all.......I am not saying he isn't talented... he can play...others people music... oops did I say that? LMAO
![Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Christmas Eve / Sarajevo (Timeless Version) (Official Music Video) [HD]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/MHioIlbnS_A/mqdefault.jpg)
I love U2! They are from my home town of of Dublin Ireland. It is just a different rendition of the song which tells of the dichotomy and contridictions of Christmas. A sad but beatiful song describing what should be and what really is. How can there be peace on Earth if we all cant even get along making simple commentaries. Merry Christmas and 'Peace' to all on Earth no matter what the contridiction!
Love them both. 💕. Gregg Lake's is the best.
ELP and Greg Lake have nothing to fear from this cover
What ?
Bono can do no wrong.....absolutely LOVE!!
Damn, I could melt in that Sex God's falsetto...
But I love their tribute to such a wonderful Christmas song. It has that lovely U2 touch to it without changing the original too much. A great, beautiful balance. Well done, Oirish boys!
Nice tribute. Bono obviously loves this song. Who can blame him.
Best Christmas song I've heard in a while
As an ELP fan I'm glad U2 covered this song. It's not as good as Greg's, but for me it can only help people to realise that the orginal is one of the best xmas songs. The fact it is underated is criminal and I assume it's because many don't know who Greg Lake, so it gets relatively ignored.
Magnificent song !!! Bono ♥ !!!!!
If you are actually paying attention, the song is not an attack on Christmas. It is, rather, an attack on us for the superficiality and rampant consumerism we have attached to the holiday. "They sold me a dream of Christmas, they sold me a silent night."
That said, as great as I think U2 are, they might have picked something they could tame. This song is beyond them.
No ! .......Greg Lake Voice is for this Song the best ever ! Sorry Bono!
Agreed & that's from a Paddy living "downunder" :- )
Brilliant cover! Merry Christmas, Peace on Earth!
Fair version of Greg Lake's Christmas Classic Bono lad but if you don't mind I'II keep to Greg's original version.
By far and away the best.
Bono and U2 give homage to Greg Lake and ELP for their cover. The 40 yr old version is far better in my opinion.
Elvin Black god you are so wrong!! not bad but not a patch on the original, best Xmas sing ever.
Greg Lake is the best.... Ali the time... R.I.P.
@@andymoore4634 Read the comment & I think Elvin is saying the same thing. Greg Lake played this in 1973, so the 40+yr old version would be the 1 he's talking about?
@@mickeydiver17 oh yeah, didn't read it properly!! Sorry Elvin, you are right, the 40yr old version is best...
@@andymoore4634 No worries mate. Cheers from DownUnder!
There used to be a version of this on youtube that was incredible hd quality.
Guess it got taken down.... glad this one is still around, but hoping a better one goes up.
Very nice - I like the way it is restrained - they are respecting the original and not trying to better it ....... not that it matters whose is 'best'
Love this song; and I think U2 does a fine job. A good cover makes a song you're own (think Hendrix doing Dylan') this is a classic U2 sound of a great ELP song
I agree with you and this shows the love of U2 for this song and for ELP. NICE COVER.
OMG...this is GREAT!
U2 has been around music forever - Greg Lake the same. To pay homage is and honor. r.i.p. Greg
the Christmas we get - we deserve
u2 its 4 ever the best band all time on history,,not bono,not the edge,not larry mullen jr,,not adam clayton..its all u2,,its the only..love you boys,,paul from portugal
I was raised with Lake's version - in fact, I just heard it on the radio. And I have to see Bono's take on the vocals is refreshing. Bono belted one verse to give some lift to the song. This helps U2 add another dimension, not just repeat Lake's more solemn style (which Lake did beautifully). Also, Edge's chiming effect makes it sound like Christmas bells. So while people may love the original - and it is beautiful - I feel this is a wonderful cover. Plus, the song was for charity, so quit complaining everyone!
Nice one! Thank you
I suspect that bono was just indulging himself here cause he loves the song
I suspect your talking bollocks
Bono is boring - same old sound...
Another Cover: ruclips.net/video/PneC9BfPnF4/видео.html
This video is published on the Official Greg Lake youtube channel, so Mr Lake liked their version.
Great cover!
His voice has changed so much since U2 did a cover Darlene Love's Christmas(Please Come Home) in their Joshua Tree/Rattle and Hum days.
one of my favourite bands...they did a good job but prefer ELP !
I hear yea!
I would have included U2 in my "handle" if there was enough room.
Just saw movie "I'm not there". It was confusing at times but still worth the watch.
I was stunned when I discovered Cate Blanchett, played Jude [Electric Dylan from 1964/66].
BTW IMHO the best Christmass song is Jethro Tulls "A Christmas Song"
Good effort, i think Santa will take a dump at Bono's house this year >___________
A travesty of such an iconic gem. Sorry no dice.
Greg Lake isn't a militant atheist. Supposedly, his Facebook blog is saying things quite to the contrary these days. He also mentions God in an ok way in Closer to Believing on ELP Works 1 from 1977.
Oh man!! This is a trainwreck and I haven't even gone a 30secs into it!
😔 RIP Greg Lake.
The edge effects fit this song perfectly
@u27762001 The Edge has great effects processors, and paints great pictures with those tools. I'd challenge him to play play even "Bron-Yr--Aur Stomp" competently. If Page said something about Edge's "superiority," he was merely being gracious. Greatness, if measured by influence and musical power instead of notes per second, is something Page has in excess, and his influence is up there with Hendrix. Also, Gilmour and Beck especially are still quite alive and awesome to boot.
I Believe in U2 !
this tune was written by Greg Lake (melody) and Peter Sinfield (lyrics) this is a credible cover but I prefer Greg's voice
Give it up Bono your no Greg lake.
@davidtz11 wrong there my friend......his techniques can't be duplicated very easy. Jimmy Page even said that the Edge was 1000 times better then he ever was or will be.
@seanogcarey i TOTALLY agree...
U2 is no ELP but it's not that bad.
Certainly so, that Lake is better, he wrote it! BUT FOR GOODNESS SAKE, don't overlook that it's cool that Bono & U2 did it, and did it differently. I am glad they did it. Don't trip and mess on it. Merry Christmas, happy birthday Jesus.
not as bad as I thought it was going to be is about the most positive thing I can say about this
Or his own glory .
not a patch on the original
Not a patch on Greg.
Not Greg Lake, but I do like this variation of it.
mahajohn...you're absolutely correct. Edge does everything but play guitar...he flanges, choruses, distorts, etc...I couldn't give a shit about artificial harmonics. Long Live Greg Allman.
this is"their" version....NOT just a replica...well done (whether it's better than the original doesn't matter)
@mahajohn It's called "It Might Get Loud" watch it....as of today 3 different generations of guitar players Jimmy Page, The Edge and Jack White from The White Stripes.....You will see how Page praises The Edge and vice versa of course. Page isn't even in the top five of greatest guitarists of all time...lol. The movie was made to show the 3 greatest guitarists from 3 generations.. Only thing is Page is there because everyone from his generation is dead or cant remember how to play
It seems so small Bono's voice compared to that of Sir Greg Lake ...
If you like the song, see Greg Lake doing it here. I respect U2 for doing it, as it shows their good taste and introduces it to a wider audience, but the original has impact this lacks due to the lush, classic fullness of that arrangement and the simplicity of this one -- and Bono's vocal here is mainly tentative and restrained, while Greg's vocal is as vast as his accompaniment.
Why is U2 still a thing? Bono stopped trying in 1989.
Duane Allman!
Shame to have tampered with the ELP original
Greg Lake original. ELP had nothing to do with this song beyond Greg Lake.
the audio is a bit iffy but still a good rendition
U2 wrote "Miami"
Of course its not better than the original, just calm down, U2 is just playing a classic song in U2 style- and its pretty cool sounding - something different, but the original is untouchable, so beautiful.
Geez, smoke a doob and mellow out people. I grew up with the Greg Lake version of this song and I'm not a huge U2 fan, but these guy do it justice. Give 'em a break. It's a good song, regardless of who's performing it.
@u27762001 Really? Where and when did Jimmy Page say this? It's obviously not the case in any objective sense. No doubt, the Edge has an utterly unique style, but I am skeptical that Jimmy Page would say he's "1000 times" less a guitarist than the Edge. I'm pretty sure they aren't competitors!
No disrespect to Bono and U2, but my God, there is no comparison to Greg Lake and ELP on this classic, one of the greatest Christmas songs in history. Greg shows his vocal mastery over Bono, and in my opinion it's not even close.
An imitation of a diamond is merely an imitation. No passion here.
@davidtz11 you hate who you hate but The Edge is one of the greatest guitarist of all time! Don't be a hater....
@u27762001 Hmmmmm....so ou are saying someone like, say, David Gilmour, Jeff Beck, Robin Trower, Eric Clapton (from Page's generation) are dead or can't remember how to play? That would be a bold statement, my good friend. Go watch Fender's 50th anniversary and then think about what you said. I don't even agree Page was the best choice for the movie, although I've always liked his style and genius............
this is 1 of THE best christmas songs ever,yet bono's high pitch whaling is more disturbing then the honesty of the song.......
Too bad you can't learn the humility it takes to learn from your elders.
It’s not the first time U2 has done other peoples music without credit. The wife was watching some Oprah special and out comes Bono and some girl and they sing Peter Gabriel’s immortal classic song “Don’t Give up” about despair & suicide and joblessness ...The song is a fucking classic and credit should go to its creator.
Not a bad cover...another cover they did was, "Night and Day" an intense classic.
It doesn't soar like Greg Lake's.
lol - The original is a true masterpiece.. fail. but nice try kids.
@seanogcarey so according to you people who dont like it cant comment on it - there are a few other than me who didnt like it - did you bug them too. Kid, I dont like snowpatrol and a shitload of others so I dont watch them okay, I was led to this because I liked the greg lake version and I saw the U2 version which he liked and I didnt opinions are free so dont troll me when I make my feelings known okay. Thats my fucking job. Have a nice Christmas.
I'm a HUGE U2 fan and this is one of my favourite songs - never mind 'Christmas songs' - of all time. But sometimes a song is jus TOO big for anyone to cover - NO ONE should touch ANY U2 track! - and U2's version is just a tad dull.
It was done to help fight AIDS in Africa so that's notable and worthy, but as a cover it's just okay, nothing more.
But don't prejudge U2 because you don't like Bono.
And only an idiot would think that Edge's guitar is the same on every album lol
@seanogcarey and I have a right to say what I feel. ask anyone in the music business about the edge and they will all say his guitar work sounds the same on nearly every track its like status quo, theyre tracks are all the same but i saw the version of this song by Toyah Wilcox and it sucked badly, so if I see a version I dont like I have the right to say so and you should respect others rights and not troll them. peace....
alright...I'm going to put an end to this...Jimmy Page and the Edge are INCOMPARABLE ......they don't play the same music, their styles are different. They are both great guitarists and lets leave it at that :)
fuck guys if you hate U2 for doing this so much then check out Justin Bieber's cover of Santa Claus is Coming To Town, you'll LOVE it! -.-
Not as good as Greg Lake but still beautifully done.
anna abram
sorry forit all
missu
cu
gav
I actually prefer the Honeymoon Suite version.
@davidtz11 over rated he isn't he is what he is.....you wouldn't want to duplicate him because you know that you can't! Just tell the truth!
there's nothing wrong with playing stadiums or earning money.
sorry U2...tame!
@u27762001 ...............and personally, I do not feel Edge even had any business sharing the same air-space as someone as great as Page. Jack White is even a stretch. Someone like Joe "Satch" -rioni would have been more logical.
peace
A good cover, but I still prefer the original.
@seanogcarey Sorry dude but Coldplay are better loved now, and just cos you like them so much I cant say I dont?.. grow up or Póg Mo Thóin.
Sorry.. BONO..,,you don;t have te vocal;quality tro macth mr lake...this is not interesting.
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The Edge must be obsessive compulsive since he is covering the guitar and horn parts. Nice work. Bono gives it a good try, but his voice is worn out after all the great gigs he’s done.
decent cover, but i still prefer the original
You ruined the song!..... can't improve on perfection and Greg lake wrote and performed his song perfectly.
Err NO! No Bono.
@technocrash09 Joe want to be something who stole his wait let me fix that stole others peoples music and had to go to court for it you mean? Well if that happens it doesn't say much for him at all.......I am not saying he isn't talented... he can play...others people music... oops did I say that? LMAO
indeed Greg Lake is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyy better. I'm stunned as I think very highly of U2 but this is just one bridge to far for bono!
booooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!
they took it and made it another U2 yawner - sad! Edge can only play one style. It sucks
Ewwww. That sucked.
not good.
Very bad cover , not in the same class .
What a balls of a version. You will never match Greg Lake's version. You should just stick to your overrated U2 Bono. 😠