This morning's installment of the U2 television blitz -- to coincide with the release of its new disc, "No Line on the Horizon" -- this week found the band playing an outdoor gig at Fordham University in the Bronx fo ABC's "Good Morning America."

It was interesting to note a few things:

• ABC was cleaning up in ad sales during the show, which seemed even more commercial-heavy than normal. One commercial break crept up toward the 8-10-minute zone.
• While ABC had U2 before a cheering audience, with great music, fast edits and generally exciting segment for viewers, NBC's "Today" show had an almost sleep-inducing segment on the important topic of keeping your kids safe as their surf the 'Net and CBS' crew was seated on the couch as Chuck Nice riffed on Michael Jackson.
• It was nice to see U2 in a stripped down setting. There were no lights, no grand stage, just basic gear and they sounded good. They sounded like, well, a real band, rather than a major entertainment "production." A very refreshing reminder.
• "Good Morning America" co-host Robin Roberts referred to U2's "Beautiful Day," a song from 2000 as "a classic." Sure, it's a good song, but it still seems a bit early to deem it one of the Dublin fab four's classics. "I Will Follow?" Sure. "Where the Streets Have No Name?" Absolutely. "Pride (In the Name of Love)?" You betcha. Give "Beautiful Day" a few more years, then we'll see.