Release Date: June 7, 1992
Highest Chart Position: UK: 12 USA: 32
Liner Notes:
Even Better Than the Real Thing (Single Version): Words by Bono. Music by U2. Produced by Steve Lillywhite with Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois. Engineered by Robbie Adams and Paul Barrett. Mixed by Steve Lillywhite and Robbie Adams. Assisted by Sean Leonard and Willie Mannion. Additional editing and mastering: Arnie Acosta. Salome: Words by Bono. Music by U2. Produced by Paul Barrett and U2. Mixed by Paul Barrett and U2. Mixed by Paul Barrett. Engineered by Ian Bryan, Louise McCormick and Paul Barrett. Additional backing vocals by Ian Bryan and Paul Barrett. Where did it all Go Wrong?: Demo from STS, Dublin, July 1990. Words by Bono. Music by U2. Produced by Paul Barrett and U2. Mixed by Paul Barrett and Ian Bryan. Engineered by Ian Bryan. Lady with the Spinning Head (Extended Dance Mix): Words by Bono. Music by U2. Produced by Paul Barrett. Recorded by Ian Bryan. Remixed by Alan Moulder. Photography by Anton Corbijn. Design by Works Associates, Dublin.
Track List (7" Single):
- Even Better Than The Real Thing (3:41)
- Salomé (4:31)
Track List (12" Single):
- Even Better Than The Real Thing (3:41)
- Salomé (4:31)
- Where Did It All Go Wrong? (Demo From STS-Dublin, July 1990) (3:57)
- Lady With The Spinning Head (Extended Dance Mix) (6:08)
Catalog:
- Australia:
- 12": Island 866 977-1
- Cassette: Island 866 976-4
- CD: Island 866 977-2 (Digipak)
- Canada:
- Cassette: Island 866 977-4
- CD: Island 422-866 977-2
- France:
- 7": Island 866 976-7, Island IS525 (Jukebox Promo)
- Cassette: Island 866 976-4
- CD: Island 866 976-2, Island 866 977-2
- Germany:
- 7": Island 743 211 0188 7
- CD: Island 743 211 0188 2
- Japan:
- CD: Island PHCR-12701
- Spain:
- 7": Island 74321 10188 7 (1A)
- 12": Island 74321 10188 1 (3A)
- UK:
- 7": Island IS515 / 866 976-7, Island IS525A/BH-A-4 (Acetate / One Sided Master Metal Disc), Island IS525B/BH-B-4 (Acetate / One Sided Master Metal Disc)
- 12": Island 12IS525
- Cassette: Island CIS525
- CD: Island CID525
- USA:
- 12": Island 422-866 977-1
- Cassette: Island 422-866 977-4
- CD: Island 422-866 977-2, Island PRCD 6723-2 (Promo)
Media Review:
Review: Even Better Than the Real Thing
3 stars (out of 5)
By Steven McDonald, All Music Guide
U2 didn't seem to be showing any signs of stopping the flow, with a fourth single from Achtung Baby. "Even Better Than the Real Thing" is one of the best songs on that album, mixing up a propulsive beat, a compelling melody, and a decent arrangement with some very nice guitar work from The Edge and excellent vocals from Bono, who's on his way to being Ireland's answer to Jim Morrison. The additional tracks are of some interest, too, even though one is a remix version of "Lady With the Spinning Head," a track included on the CD single for "One." This extended dance mix is a product of Alan Moulder and is fairly decent, managing to maintain the original qualities of the song while stretching it out and refining the rhythmic pulse. No dull and boring house mix, this. The other two tracks are "Salome," an energetic number, and a demo of "Where Did It All Go Wrong," recorded in 1990. All told, a solid CD single, and a worthwhile addition to the U2 singles catalog.
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