U2 - 3D REVIEW

As we left the movie theater last night, I said to my wife that I had wanted to see U2-3D for a couple of reasons:

1. I have always liked the band and have not seen them in concert for several years.
2. I like 3D films - probably because of Bill's involvement in the industry.
3. I never got the chance to see the Aerosmith 3D film Bill worked on and I hoped this would give me a sort of reference for that film.

What did I take home from the film? The 3D was good but I felt since it was a concert film, it could have taken more of a queue from "Comin' At Ya!" and used a little more gimmickry. Maybe a few more guitar necks or mikes sticking out over the audience. In the effects category, the film was unexciting.

The other thing that I noticed was an emptiness. The film was not exciting. U2 is not the most glamorous band to see live - you go for the music. Seeing them on the screen in a theater that had only ten customers, made them seem almost boring.

Great music, OK effects, Zero Excitement. I rate U2-3D:

RATING SYSTEM

As more and more 3D movies are released, I suspect that I will be checking them out and passing some sort of judgement on them, so I need a rating systems. So, here it is:

FIVE BILLS: Classic - See it now!!!





FOUR BILLS: Very Good - You don't have to rush out but be sure to see it.





THREE BILLS: Good - If you've got the time, see it





TWO BILLS: Fair - See it only if you're a 3D freak





ONE BILL: Shit - Do not, under any cicumstances, waste your money on this.

THE WHITE STRIPES

The last band that I can remember Bill introducing me to were The White Stripes. While I am not nearly as big a fan as he was, I guess I must mention them to friends since a co-worker thought I would be interested in this video. I know Bill would have loved it. Here they are performing a Spanish classic.

The White Stripes - Conquesta

ERIC CLAPTON & STEVE WINWOOD

If ever there were two artists that Bill and I saw eye to eye on, they would have been Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood. Obviously, they were tied together for eternity through Blind Faith, but Bill and I enjoyed virtually every phase of their distinguished careers. When I heard they were playing Madison Square Garden this year, I immediately thought that I it would have been great to go with my brother. It would have been a memory that would have lasted forever.

Clapton and Winwood played together at the Crossroad Festival in 2007. Here are some highlights:

PEARLY QUEEN


PRESENCE OF THE LORD


HAD TO CRY TODAY


CAN'T FIND MY WAY HOME


COCAINE


DEAR MR. FANTASY


CROSSROADS

ELVIS COSTELLO

I just came across an interesting Podcast series => Elvis Costello - The First 10 Years. I believe that Bill, being a Costello fan, would have enjoyed the series. Therefore, I would have shared it with him. And so, I share it with you.

You can either click on the link to listen (there will be a pause of up to a minute depending on your internet speed), or you right click and save the link to your computer and play it from there. Enjoy!

By the way, Elvis will be opening for The Police as they tour the US this year. My wife and I saw The Police last year and the show was pretty good - not as good, however, as when I saw them at Shea Stadium in 1983.

Elvis Costello - The First 10 Years

Episode One:
Elvis takes us back to his childhood and talks about music, his parents, songwriting and recording "My Aim Is True."

Episode Two:
Elvis talks influences, becoming an artist and changing his name.

Episode Three:
Elvis meets Nick Lowe, records his first album, forms the Attractions, gets arrested and has a hit record.

Episode Four:
Elvis talks Clover, the Attractions and his classic track "Alison."

Episode Five:
Elvis breaks down "Watching The Detectives," talks proper record making and the Attractions.

Episode Six:
Elvis talks song writing, compositional influences and pop music.

Episode Seven:
Recordings "This Year's Model" thru "Almost Blue" are discussed.

Episode Eight:
Recordings "Imperial Bedroom" thru "Goodbye Cruel World" are discussed plus more.

Episode Nine:
Elvis hits a rough spot with the Attractions, goes acoustic and records "King of America."

Episode Ten:
Elvis talks "Blood and Chocolate."