by Kristy Mikos

I have to agree with Brian and KT's reviews. Of course, almost any U2 show beats the hell outta any show by any another band. So, in that respect, the show was good. But by U2's standards, it wasn't outstanding -- at least for me.

Okay, quick disclaimer. I have finals this week so I've been preoccupied and stressed. And I've had a fever for a few days, so I wasn't feeling all that great for the show. I've seen 3 PopMart shows, 5 Elevation Shows, and 1 Vertigo show so far. So, to the review...

The show was pretty typical, in that you knew just about everything that was coming. It seemed to me that the band and the crowd didn't really get into it until about the 4th song - An Cat Dubh. Love and Peace is one of my fav songs on the new album and it was very good live, but I think City would've been a better opener. I was kinda counting on it because of the DVD taping... thought opening with confetti would've been good. Both Vertigo and Elevation seemed pretty flat to me. Like the band's timing was off and the energy wasn't quite there. They're also different from the album versions, cause Bono talked alot of the lyrics, and I think that's partly why they didn't seem as good to me.

An Cat Dubh and Into the Heart were AMAZING! It was SO great to finally hear these songs live and they really were EXCELLENT versions. Great to hear Bono sing these as an adult, with a mature voice. Edge's guitar was beautiful and they all did a wonderful job. City of Blinding Lights was also very good. Love the confetti. Everyone getting into the "Oh, you look so beautiful tonight!" parts. Miracle Drug was also amazing. Love the little "comets" (or "sperm!") lights that swirl around. Can't even imagine what Edge is feeling during that one.

SYCMIOYO was very good. "Can you hear me when I SIIIIIIIINNNNNNNGGGGGGG you're the reason I SING" was EXCELLENT. Bono's singing voice was in great form. He could hold the notes for such a LONG TIME! But he couldn't hit the high notes tonight. His speaking voice did sound hoarse and (as usual) I couldn't make out alot of what he was saying. New Year's Day was AWESOME. Really got everyone into the show. That's when the energy really started flowing. And Adam MOVES! He is no longer confined to his invisible box anymore! Dunno how many trips he made around the ellipse, but that was so great!

SBS and Bullet were INCREDIBLE! Chills! Bullet is my favorite song and Edge's guitar in SBS just gives me chills. Bono's hostage routine was unsettling, but fitting. What was he saying about his headband... "Jesus, Jew, Muhammad (or Muslim), it's true." Was that it? Staging was excellent for these two and Edge actually got onto the ellipse for this one. Adam is actually walking around more than Edge this tour... very unusual!

Running was good. Great to hear the harmonica again. Bad was AMAZING as always. Pride didn't seem as great to me this time, as it usually is. Streets was great. Like the African flags with it. One was very moving, as always.

Then, the ZOO Trilogy. That was F*ing AMAZING! AB is my favorite album and this almost made up for my missing the ZOO shows. Love the screens with the Zooropa boy, that was funny. Zoo Station just kicked! Edge's guitar was awesome and Bono in the military uniform goosestepping was entertaining. Took me awhile to get the Zoo Station/Berlin train stop/military uniform & goosestepping connection. Edge was out on the ellipse again, for this one, I think. The Fly was AMAZING! Love the Zoo-esque words on the beaded curtains. High energy. Edge's guitar awesome. Mysterious Ways was a knockout. One of my fav songs and I was really hoping they'd play it. Adam on the ellipse, Bono hugged him. Called him either "Sexy Adam" or "Sexy Man," LOL! Adam owns that song! Really let us feel his bass in our chests, reverb feeling. I wanted Bono to dance with Adam. They didn't play around enough!

All Because of You was really good. Crowd singing along. Yahweh was surprisingly good. Much better than the album version. 40 is amazing. We sang a long time. Good to hear that one again.

Okay, some notes. I dunno what it was, but something was off in this show. The boys' timing, mood, energy... something. Also, the crowd did know most of the words to the new songs. We were singing so loud that Bono had to compete with us to be heard. But instead of that being a bonus, it seemed to work against Bono. He had to try that much harder and it seemed like it wore him out. The songs seemed rushed and almost forced. I haven't seen Edge smile once this tour. Everytime I saw him (or pix from other shows) he looks like he's in pain, almost. Larry looked happier, which is just not right, lol. Adam, however, has come alive! I dunno what happened. He's letting us know he's there and making us feel the power of his bass.

Overall it was a good show. But, maybe the way I felt and the band felt combined to not make it as great as it could be. I worry about the boys. I hope they're alright. Especially Edge. And Bono wasn't as chatty as usual. Also, I think they're really relying on the lighting and stage setup too much. Sure, it's cool and everything, but when it detracts from the music instead of enhancing it, that's when to tone it down a bit. I didn't need to see the hynotizing lights on that many songs. It distracted me. The comets for Miracle Drug are very cool. And I like the beaded curtains. Just seems Elevation was better. Strip it down, boys. Forget the lights and play the music!

Kristy... really looking forward to my GA's this September! :D

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