This Is Red Rocks! This Is The Edge!

OK, so like every self-respecting 'head in the 90s, I dissed U2 as bloated, borderline-Broadway-esque crap. I found Trey's (or was it Mike?) mockery of the Old Dubliners on "Junta" hilarious. But after weeding thru that version of Icculus recently, I came to a realization: That song blows. And you know what? U2 ain't too bad. I remember in high school being so much of a music snob that I turned down a ticket to see The Joshua Tree tour at RFK in DC. I told my friend that I didn't like their new stuff as much. Bad move. So now, almost 20 years later, I finally found what I was, um, looking for.

Yes, I went to go see U2 last week at MSG and it freakin' rocked. Sure, Bono talks too much. But you know what? He's a rock star. That's what rock stars do. So I didn't blink when I found myself whooping and whipping to everything The Man With The Fly Shades said. And in between solliquies about poverty and debt relief, U2 played some of the greatest pop/rock anthems ever-written.

"Where The Streets Have No Name" - U2 Boston, 5/26/05

I was never a huge fan of this song, but after seeing it live, I have found a new respect for it. By the way, It's good to see that bands like U2 are finally realizing that live music bittorrents are not evil.

Sign up at U2torrents.com and check out some more of their shows from their entire history.

A Quickie While He's Away

Here's a little Nooner for you all. I just happen to read recently that The Mother Hips, a pretty damn good band who flew under the radar on the scene for years and have broken up and reunited for various reasons **coughSMACKPROBLEMcoughcough** (Sorry...I got something stuck in my throat there. Where was I? Oh yes...) are once again reuniting for a slew - Yes, I said "a slew" - of shows including some on what their booker may consider "Mars," but I like to call "The East Coast."

"Grizzly Bear" - Mother Hips, 3/30/01 San Juan Capistrano, CA

I saw these guys once when I somehow found myself in Salt Lake City. The show was OK and I really developed an appreciation for them later on. But one thing I should say is that they drew by far the most beautiful women in all of Salt Lake City. I mean, these were some hot, drinkin' Mormons! Take your average Disco Biscuits crowd. Now think of the complete opposite and that's who was in attendence that night. Whoa, mama.

Anyway, download the whole show here.