Melon: Remixes for Propaganda is a compilation of remixes released by Irish rock band U2 exclusively to members of the band's magazine/fan club, Propaganda, in spring 1995. Some of the remixes were previously available on singles and some have been re-released on later singles and compilations, while some remain exclusive to this set. The title "Melon" is an anagram of "Lemon", which is a reference to U2's song of the same name that appears on two tracks of the album.
Background
The idea behind the album began when U2 lead singer Bono complained how people do not dance to U2 music. The album was then created for the band to develop experimental music and "change people's perceptions of what to think of U2".[1] Prior to its release, rumors about the album circulated for three years. Except for copies sent to radio stations, music press outlets, and friends of the band, Melon was only distributed to subscribers of U2's official magazine, Propaganda. At the time of release, Propaganda had around 35,000 subscribers, and fewer than 50,000 copies of Melon were pressed for release. For those who were not members of the magazine, the album was obtainable by signing up for a one-year subscription to Propaganda for US$18, until supplies were exhausted.[2] The album's rarity made it a collector's item, with copies selling on eBay for £30 as late as 2010.[3]
Melon spawned numerous bootleg imitations and was widely bootlegged itself. Various releases, known as "fruitlegs" or "fruitboots", have been released as compilations of official and unofficial remixes of various U2 songs.[4] Although they claim to be official with the "Remixed for Propaganda" subtitle and a fake copyright, only Melon was approved by the band and released through the fan club.
When promotional copies of Melon were distributed to the music press, Island Records requested they listen to the album, but not publish a review. However, several press outlets did provide some feedback about the release. The Austin American-Statesman mentioned how some songs only retained one feature of the original, such as the vocal track or guitar riff, and stated how the remixes were "so radically deconstructed that the original can be difficult to recognize".[6]The Washington Post stated how bassistAdam Clayton and drummerLarry Mullen Jr. were "virtually wiped off the tracks" and replaced by drum machines, and how The Edge's guitar work and Bono's vocals were heavily modified. The Post also had a phone number in which readers could call to hear a sound bite of the album.[1]
Track listing
All lyrics are written by Bono (except "Numb" by The Edge); all music is composed by U2
"Lemon (The Perfecto Mix)" previously appeared on the singles for "Lemon" and "Stay (Faraway, So Close!)". "Lemon (Bad Yard Club Mix)" also appeared on the "Lemon" single. "Salomé (Zooromancer Remix)" first appeared on the "Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses" single. "Mysterious Ways (The Perfecto Mix)" was a B-side for the "Mysterious Ways" single, while "Even Better Than the Real Thing (The Perfecto Mix)" was released on the single for "Even Better Than the Real Thing".
"Numb (Gimme Some More Dignity Mix)", "Stay (Underdog Mix)", "Numb (The Soul Assassins Mix)", and "Mysterious Ways (remixed by Massive Attack)" were all previously unreleased tracks, although "Numb (The Soul Assassins Mix)" was later included as a B-side on the single for "Last Night on Earth". "Salomé (Zooromancer Remix)", "Even Better Than the Real Thing (The Perfecto Mix)", and "Numb (Gimme Some More Dignity Mix)" were later included on the B-sides disc of the compilation album The Best of 1990-2000.
Promo release
In addition to the album on CD, Island Records also officially released a four-track 12" vinyl to disc jockeys.[7]
