A breakdown of the three songs on this CD-single, the first release off of U2's ACHTUNG BABY album:

"The Fly" - Bono described this track as being the sound of four men cutting down the Joshua Tree with a chainsaw, and many horrified U2 fans probably agreed with him. As the first single released since the JOSHUA TREE/RATTLE'N'HUM days, this song came as a bit of a shock to many as it is obviously quite different from what had gone before. There was no trace of the American and early rock/blues influences seen on their previous two albums. In their place were cool European rhythms, loud guitars, and surrealistic lyrics. On the back of the CD case, the photo of Bono wearing his "Fly" sunglasses and grinning like a madman describes this song perfectly. Definitely a fun U2 song, with a great beat and fun, clever lyrics.

"Alex Descends Into Hell For a Bottle Of Milk/Korova 1" -- Rather reminiscent of The Edge's solo soundtrack for THE CAPTIVE, this track is a distillation of music written by Bono and The Edge for a stage (RSC) production of THE CLOCKWORK ORANGE. An interesting piece, featuring a chorus of boy sopranos and a heavy drum beat. This is a soundtrack piece, so it's more about creating a mood than making a catchy pop song. It's quite good though, musically very strong, and worth a listen or two.

"The Lounge Fly Mix" - Exactly what it says on the box - a six and a half minute version of "The Fly" done in a lounge style. Fewer guitars, muffled vocals, more obvious keyboards, and a more prominent rhythm section feature on this track. Some of the lyrics contain minor reworking. This isn't a bad alternative version of what is already a great song. On the other hand, for some sections, there seems to be no difference between this and the album version.

Since this CD is only available as an import now, it's, unfortunately, quite expensive. There are only three songs and yet one would spend the same for this as one would for a full album. I'd recommend trying to get this one second-hand, since it is definitely worth owning, and cheap copies can be found relatively easily.

You would want to own this if you want a definitive U2 collection. The single is short, only about 15 minutes, but solid. The first track is just the regular Fly, but the third track is a remix. The Lounge Mix does fun things to the Fly, like introducing a pleasant beat and Bono changes a significant amount of the lyrics. The title of this mix explains it all. Alex is a very strange but very good song. It starts out with catchy choir chants in Latin along with a horn. Slightly Boy in the Bubbleish if you know your Paul Simon Graceland. Then a killer drum beat comes in and there's some good guitar work. Definitely different, but there's no way you won't appreciate it. The Fly is for all U2 fans, especially Achtung Baby fans. Not the first single you'd want to get (Try Mys.Ways or Please or One) but it's worth it if you're in that I Own About 20 U2 CDs And I'm Looking To Expand My Collection phase.

"The Fly" happens to be one of my favorite songs of U2, and although I liked early-U2, I agree with the band's interpretation of this first single of the 1990s - the sound of a joshua tree being chopped down. Continuing lyrically along a theme of irony first on "God Part II" from 'Rattle & Hum', "The Fly" also has one of the best guitar solos by the Edge.

"The Lounge Fly" This is a re-mixed version of "The Fly" with a groovier production and a few different lyrics. If you really like the song, this would be a good addition to your collection.

"Alex Descends Into Hell for a Bottle of Milk/Korova 1". This was originally a soundtrack piece for a stage production of Clockwork Orange. As instrumentals go, this is one of U2's best, and so if you liked "Passengers: Original Soundtracks 1", this one is for you.

i really dug this song&the album back in 91.the fly was really cool.it showed U2 trying something differently musically.Bono added a little something extra to the remix.while they have tried other things musically this is really the last thing they did all the way through over the past decade that moved me from start to finish.very catchy song.