U2 in Foxborough, Mass.: Magnificent

After having seen them in concert three previous times, you would've thought that seeing the fortysomething band for a fourth time would've seemed like old hat.

It didn't.

With a delightful mix of new material from No Line on the Horizon ("Moment of Surrender," an "I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight" remix & "Magnificent"), to tunes I enjoyed when I was a teenager back in the Stone Age ("Where the Streets Have No Name," "With or Without You") and some other favorites ("One" and "Elevation"), the members of U2 proved to be consummate entertainers, even if they don't quite have the agility they did back in the "Sunday Bloody Sunday" days. (I joked with The Spouse that some of the band members looked like soccer dads I see on the sidelines of my kids' games.)

I was surprised that Bono leapt into the arms of a young woman who he'd pulled up on stage and see her walk around carrying him. All I could think of was, "She's gonna drop Bono."

The Irish band Snow Patrol opened for them and played a greatly satisifying set, the best of which were their Grey's Anatomy-kingmaker tune "Chasing Cars" (even though some folks think the song's been overplayed), as well as "Open Your Eyes" and "Crack the Shutters."

Image credit: U2.

U2 on Letterman, Five Nights in a Row

I know this is going to make me seem unbelievably unhip and old and all, but I've been unable to stay awake to watch one of my favorite bands, U2, on David Letterman this week. For those who hadn't heard, they're the musical guests on Letterman each night this week aggressively promoting their new CD. I've just been too tired and haven't even bothered to DVR Letterman so I could fast-forward to watch their performances. I did make a valiant effort on Monday night though, but fell asleep before the first guest, Katie Couric, came on stage.

I haven't seen Jimmy Fallon's new chat show either this week. If I can't stay up to watch Letterman, definitely can't make Fallon. Last time I watched Late Night was when I had a baby in the house and that was some seven years ago.

Courtesy of YouTube, I saw U2 band mates doing Letterman's Top Ten list last night. It was mildly amusing, some funny in there, but it didn't seem like they were all that thrilled to be doing it.

Before you ask, no, I haven't yet downloaded the new U2 songs. I know, what heresy! Makes me not a "real" fan, yadda, yadda, yadda! (I'm sure my brother, a "dedicated" fan already downloaded the songs.) Whatever. It's not like the songs are going to be "spoiled" for me like a TV show or film's twists and turns could be ruined if you hear about them before watching.

For the U2 fans in the house, have you already downloaded the new songs? What do you think? Critics seem to be giving it mixed reviews and have been less than enthusiastic.