The Quotable Bono

Singer, songwriter, lyricist, poet, painter, statesman, activist, icon, card — no matter which pair of sunglasses he happens to be wearing, U2's front man has a lot to say and is not exactly shy about saying it. Capable of both absurdity ("A woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle") and profundity ("You glorify the past when the future dries up") in his lyrics, the man born Paul Hewson is equally all over the map in his speeches and interviews.

In honor of U2's 360º Tour stop at Reliant Stadium Wednesday, Chatter combed the Internet to bring you a selection of the B's best bons mots.

On America: "America is an idea, but it's an idea that brings with it some baggage, like power brings responsibility. It's an idea that brings with it equality, but equality, even though it's the highest calling, is the hardest to reach. The idea that anything is possible, that's one of the reasons why I'm a fan of America. It's like, 'Hey, look, there's the moon up there, let's take a walk on it, bring back a piece of it.' That's the kind of America that I'm a fan of."

On Faith: "I'm not doubting. I don't doubt God. I have firm faith absolutely in God.It's religion I'm doubting."

On Forgiveness: "I have to come clean; I've broken a lot of laws, and the ones I haven't I've certainly thought about. I have sinned in thought, word and deed. God forgive me. Actually, God forgave me, but why would you? I'm here getting a doctorate, getting respectable, getting in the good graces of the powers that be; I hope it sends you students a powerful message: Crime does pay."

On Himself: "Look, I'm sick of Bono andI am Bono."

On John Lennon: "I remember John singing 'Oh My Love' [from Imagine]. It's like a little hymn. It's certainly a prayer of some kind — even if he was an atheist. 'Oh, my love / For the first time in my life / My eyes can see / I see the wind / Oh, I see the trees/Everything is clear in our world.' For me it was like he was talking about the veil lifting off, the scales falling from the eyes. Seeing out the window with a new clarity that love brings you. I remember that feeling."

On Religion: "Religion can be the enemy of God. It's often what happens when God, like Elvis, has left the building. A list of instructions where there was once conviction; dogma where once people just did it; a congregation led by a man where once they were led by the Holy Spirit. Discipline replacing discipleship."

On Songwriting: "It would be wrong for me to say, 'Yes, we can change the world with a song.' But every time I try writing, that's where I'm at. I'm not stupid. I'm aware of the futility of rock and roll music, but I'm also aware of its power."

On U2: "U2 chose more interesting targets than other bands. Your own hypocrisies. Your addictions, but not to the obvious. Your ego. I think we made our enemies very interesting."

NEWS FEED

Congratulations to 2009 HPMA Best Female Vocals winner Kristine Mills, who is now in the running for an even bigger award. Mills is an official "Grammy Recognized Artist," meaning her album bossanovafied made the first cut of albums eligible for the 2010 Best Jazz Album with Vocals Grammy. Nominations are voted on by members of Grammy governing body the Recording Academy — so if you know one of these people, Rocks Off is sure Mills would appreciate your putting in a good word for bossanovafied before Friday — and will be announced December 2. "I am absolutely thrilled to be on the list, especially with an album of all my original tunes," the singer, who plays Discovery Green Sunday at 3 p.m., said last week.

LOCAL MOTION

Vinal Edge Records
13171 Veterans Memorial Dr., 281-537-2575
www.vinaledge.com

1. Melvins, Chicken Switch

2. Bat for Lashes, Two Suns

3. Pearl Jam, Backspacer LP

4. Moving Sidewalks, Flash LP reissue

5. Various Artists, Let Them Know: The Story of Youth Brigade and BYO Records

6. Black Moth Super Rainbow, Eating Us

7. Vic Chestnut, At the Cut

8. Om, God is Good

9. Black Cobra, Chronomega

10. Mum, Sing Along to Songs You Don't Know

AIRWAVES

Country Legends
KTHT, 97.1 FM
Top songs, October 1
Data from www.yes.com

1. Eddie Rabbitt, "I Love a Rainy Night"

2. The Gatlin Brothers Band, "Houston (Means That I'm One Day Closer to You)"

3. Holly Dunn, "Daddy's Hands"

4. Marty Robbins, "El Paso"

5. Conway Twitty, "Slow Hand"

6. Johnny Lee feat. Lane Brody, "The Yellow Rose"

7. Ronnie Milsap, "Any Day Now"

8. Mickey Gilley, "Stand By Me"

9. Dwight Yoakam, "Honky Tonk Man"

10. George Strait, "Fool Hearted Memory"

(lists compiled by Chris Gray)