A reader writes:
I know you're not a big fan of rock music, but your hints at getting Chris Lowe to bite on a feud with Bono is interesting. From what I know from all of the history of the two groups, there is some mutual admiration going on.
U2 was in the middle of exploring electronic music in a big way when PSB's released their cover. In fact, U2 loved it so much that they re-worked "Streets" to have more of a club-vibe when they performed it on their 1997-1998 PopMart tour (which, by the way, was designed by the band's longtime--and openly gay--set designer who has designed all of their cutting edge sets from ZOOTV onward).
U2 has never been afraid to embrace their non-masculine arty side.
They filmed a video completely in drag, and not in an over-the-top, RuPaul kind of way ("One"). They've befriended artists like Keith Haring and David Wojnarowicz and incorporated their art into their shows and album art.
I think if you're able to leave your English disdain for open displays of passion aside next to your East-coast sense of cool, you'll actually enjoy much of Bono & Co's 90s output. Confusion and fear in a post-Iron Curtain Europe, spiritual longing in the face of material excess, and a belief that doubt is not the enemy of faith--coupled with some of grooviest bass lines and dance beats--make for 3 great albums.
I'm not getting into this. But that Frank Zappa "golden showers" song, referred to by Chris Lowe, is here.