by Scott Ellinwood

Tonight was my 15th U2 show, but the first time I've seen them in 2005. It was a very good show, but I wasn't blown away.

U2 shows I've seen in the past have usually had multiple moments that give you chills. (Example: When the house lights would come on during Streets.) For me, the only moment in tonight's show that rivaled that was Electric Co., which sounded as good as it did when they last toured with it in '87. It was also great to hear Bad played so well again. The band sounded good and the songs were performed better than many recent tours, but there just weren't as many *electric* moments tonight.

I was hoping to hear Yahweh, Zoo Station, The Fly and 40, but instead got Wild Horses, and an acoustic Walk On (a song that screams to be played loudly and with full band).

Finally, I'm sure a lot of people would disagree with this, but I'm ready for the band to drop some of the "staples" of the live set. Pride, SBS, Still Haven't Found are ready for retirement. Ditto that for Bullet, Miss Sarajevo, Mysterious Ways and Angel of Harlem. It sometimes feels like an oldies show. I love the occasional treat - like Electric Co. or 11 O'Clock (played in 2001), but for the most part, I'd much rather hear fresher songs like Gone, Last Night on Earth, New York or Velvet Dress. Playing the oldies every night is too safe.

A great show, but by U2 standards, a little subpar. The trailer for the Vertigo DVD looks great, so maybe I just caught them on a bad night.

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