So, while flipping channels recently, I came across the new U2 video in which Bono spends more than three minutes-- that's right-- miming. Where the hell does this guy get off miming? I thought it was common knowledge that a mime is no one's friend; why Bono chose to don the pale facepaint is beyond me.

Man, what the hell happened to U2? Throughout the 1980s, they were recognized as one of the most politically active and emotionally charged bands in modern rock. Bono was a talented, good-looking, charming young man. But you know how it is-- you buy half of Ireland, you go on several failed big-budget tours, you wear stupid sunglasses, and the next thing you know, you're a fucking mime.

Okay, so this isn't typically how it happens, but that's how it happened to Bono. And how about that Edge fella? Does it make him a little uncomfortable to know that he has no place in music history because the world can't take his moniker seriously? I mean, he's probably consoled by his massive bank account, but there was a time when U2 swore they'd never go limp.

Yes, friends, it's clearly all about the Benjamins for our Irish tunesmiths these days. From their legal run-in with Negativland (during which they lost what little credibility they had left) to their packaging a limited edition version of this anthology with an additional disc of throwaway b-sides, there's little doubt that these aging rock icons are money-hungry. Or at least making a last-ditch effort to recoup some of their Popmart Tour losses.

Regardless, The Best of 1980-1990 exhibits the band at their peak, working with top notch producers like Brian Eno, Daniel Lanois and Steve Lillywhite. And from the dramatic "Pride (In The Name of Love)" to the sincere, heartfelt ballad "All I Want Is You," the album hits the nail on the head. "Bullet The Blue Sky" withstanding, all of U2's '80s classics are compiled here-- "New Year's Day," "Sunday Bloody Sunday," "Where The Streets Have No Name," "Angel of Harlem" and a bunch more. It allows us to forget tragic mishaps like Zooropa and Pop-- shall they grace America's cutout bins evermore. Of course, Achtung Baby-- the band's last great record-- isn't represented here. But you can bet those tracks'll be on next year's greatest hits record The Best of 1990-2000. And just in time for Christmas.

-Ryan Schreiber