The Misadventures of a Native New Yorker

On Saturday, trebleahead and I went to see U2:3D in Imax. It was not my first IMAX movie, and it was not my first 3D movie. Hell, it wasn't even my first U2 movie by a long stretch. However, it was the first time all these great tastes would be tasted together. I was psyched to see it (not much else would get me to the upper west side before noon on a Saturday). I picked out seats as close to the center as I could get, and attempted to find the best way to wear the really awkward 3-D imax glasses.

Even with a rather cut-down set list, the film really captured the energy of a U2 show. It was just like being back on the rail for that show I saw in October of 2005; I even cried during "Sometimes You Can't Make it On Your Own." (Every.single.time. I don't know what's with me). They did a few bits with silly animations and graphics, but the very best parts were feeling like you were right up close with the band. I loved hovering over Larry's drum kit, feeling like Bono was in my lap, and being close enough to Edge and Adam to really study what they do on their respective guitars. Since the last concert I saw, there's been some articles and interviews that talk at length about Adam's unique, more melodic take on the bass, so I was very interested to get a good look. As for Edge, I'm even more impressed with him, which I didn't even think was possible. But watching him play a guitar part that was as much rhythm as it is melody to compliment Adam's essentially melodic bass line was really incredible (particularly on New Year's Day - this movie has the best live performance of it I've seen in a U2 film since Under a Blood Red Sky).

In short, if you love U2 or just really like U2, go and see it. If you've kind of wanted to see them live but couldn't fork over $50+ to do so, see this. I paid about $16, and I felt like I'd gotten a lot more out of it. This was awesome, and I came out feeling like I'd had the best seat in the house for a really amazing concert.

Is today not a good day for you? Feel like sucker punching people? Sick and tired of everything?

Watch the above video. It will make everything better.

I saw Sweeny Todd last night and absolutely loved it. Granted, I've never seen the show, so I went in with no preconceived notions. I thought Depp was amazing, Bonham Carter did a credible job, Alan Rickman was amazing as always, and the supporting cast was strong. Mostly, I completely loved the music. So, naturally, I've added the Angela Landsbury version that's available on dvd to my Netflix queue. After that I'll decide which soundtrack I want - I kind of liked the Depp/Carter version of "A Little Priest," probably because Depp really sold it (that, and the song was amazing). He may not have the greatest voice (a decently good one, certainly), but he was so invested in the part that he was able to really sell the songs. I would have to say that it's one of the very best of Sondheim's musicals that I've encountered. The music is just phenomenal, and the lyrics are really sharp, dark, and funny. Great book, too.

Otherwise, today is kind of eh. Not really one for the history books. Last night I bought a new bottle of this contact solution I really like (it's the best one I've ever encountered), because I thought I'd lost the one I bought previously. Turns out, it was in a purse I'd looked in, but had tucked itself into a corner I missed. Blah! At least I'm set for when I run out.

Excellent weekend, truly. Incredibly good.

Friday: I saw Corpse Bride with Carly & Tim. I loved it, and it was nice to see them again.

Saturday: I saw the White Stripes and Shins with whtegrlwthehair and friends. Good times. The Stripes are good recorded, but amazing live. Even with a blown PA. I hope they had that fixed by the show tonight!

Today: Watched the Yanks beat Toronto 8-4. And cheered my lungs out for the one and only, incomparable, irreplaceable Bernie Williams. Because his contract is up this year, and we need to show Herr Steinbrenner we need more Bernie, oh yes we do.

Desperate Housewives was very, very good. Grey's Anatomy, however, owns my soul. I now know which show I would pick if I had to. Even though I might be sad about having to choose.

I also got my stuff done for write club, by some miracle. Which is why I will be dead tomorrow. But I will sleep better tonight as a result.

In other news:
This song is one of my favorites lately. It blows me away how many beautiful songs Van Morrison has written and performed in his career. This one being the most beautiful of them all, in my opinion.

And now, to sleep. I need to shower in the morning and I can't oversleep.