This november, Irish pride U2 are scheduled to release their new album, “No Line on The Horizon”. Can’t wait to hear the new songs?

Well, you don’t have to. 13 days ago, Bono cranked up the volume on his French beachfront villa home music system to listen to the latest takes from the recording of the album. But the U2 singer wasn’t the only one enjoying the stadium band’s latest work. It also caught the ears of a tourist just passing on the beach outside Mr. World-Conscience’s palace. That someone being equipped with a mobile phone and an ability to recognize a new U2 song when he hears it.

Not long after, clips titled “Sexy boots”, “No line on the horizon”, “Moment of surrender” and “For your love” featuring U2’s latest songs found their way to youtube.  

In the world of any, you don’t have to wait for the album release to hear U2’s latest songs. Anyone, anywhere, can listen to them anytime they want. Bono’s beachfront villa in southern France is just a click away from anyone’s sticky fingers.

Though they were quickly removed, they keep popping up here and there, anywhere. As do the five-digit number of online discussions and speculations about the songs and their release, trademarks of the Expectations society, where nothing is more interesting than what’s to come.

Though Bono has been ridiculed by the media for his blunder and his naïvité, the question remains – good or bad for business?

Even better than the real thing? Anyone can cover a U2 song: