The Killers | Smartless

In 1976, an Irish schoolboy nicknamed “Bono” answered a call to join a new band. Ten years later, that band—U2—was a global sensation. As U2’s singer, Bono leveraged his fame to become a voice for activist groups fighting poverty, hunger, and the AIDS epidemic. At the same time, he started a family while pushing U2 to explore new styles of music. Bono’s memoir, Surrender, tells the story of his life and U2’s success, while also discussing Bono’s Christian faith and how his childhood affected who he’d become.

In this guide, we’ll cover U2’s rise to stardom, their period of self-reinvention, and Bono's career as a political activist. We’ll also provide historical context for Bono’s early days, the music industry, and U2’s shifting critical reception. We’ll look at the pros and cons of celebrity activism, as well as how Bono’s thoughts on Christian faith compare with those of contemporary religious writers.

Dive into the esoteric world of German avant-garde rock with Caroline Hidalgo and Marcus Parks on "Last Podcast On The Left," as they present a riveting narrative on the birth and spread of Krautrock. This episode moves beyond the genre's peculiar name, suggesting "Krot Rock" as an alternative, and delves into its role as an outlet for German youth seeking to redefine cultural identity in post-WWII Germany. Exploring the influence of classical maestros and avant-garde pioneers on bands like Can, Kraftwerk, and Amon Düül II, the hosts unravel the threads of Germany's musical tapestry that has left an indelible mark on contemporary music.

Amplifying the intersection of personal stories with national narrative, the episode highlights how musicians like Irmin Schmidt of Can navigated the stigma of their country's history to forge a new rock movement. The hosts dissect the rise of a distinct musical ethos amidst the political tumult of the 1960s, underscoring the emergence of Amon Düül II from protest roots to renowned rock innovators. Bearing witness to ideological tensions and the nexus of private and political struggles, this chapter of "No Dogs in Space" promises an immersive experience into the psyche behind one of music's most transformative epochs. Join Hidalgo and Parks as they not only chart the evolution of Krautrock but invite listeners to actively engage in its ongoing narrative through community and music curation.