Its Alright,....Its Alright,....Al--right.

A few months ago, a good friend and amazing person, Michelle, asked if anyone would like to go to U2 with her. Well, let me tell you, folks, I am a gal that LOVES me a great concert, and I have been a fan of U2 music since I was rather young. (Well, they HAVE been around a long time!)

So, I told her that I was definitely up for it----and yes, it was this week and it was rockin'!

Now, many of you are not really into Bono, I know this from reading your blogs. And I know that he was slammed because of his 40 million spent on the huge structure that he used for his concerts, and he sometimes gets overly political, but let me tell you-----I can see why he did what he did.
Now, hear me out a second, Ok?

U2 plays only in stadiums these days----and Bono knows that when you are going to a concert in a stadium, the band basically looks like ants. Yes, unless you have the money to pay for the first few rows, you can barely see the band. Well, this was called the 360 Tour, as there was a huge circular screen that hung over the band----and a huge structure that housed this screen. I thought that it was rather brilliant, and a cool idea for them to make it like a space ship. It was fun, entertaining, and they put on a great show! And well, the amount that they spent on this structure, is nothing compared to what they will make for the entire tour-----of which, hopefully, some will go towards their AIDS charity.

Bottom line? I think that I am not the person to judge what others do----especially when they are trying to raise awareness for those that need help, but can't help themselves......

So----now I'm off my soapbox----the concert was great----with the exception of a few poooo-ooopy women that sat behind us that kept telling us to sit down. When you go to a concert----you stand and dance! HELLO! Just sayin'.

The band was phenomenal and they put on a fantastic show-----structure and all!

Snow Patrol opened for them----LOVE this band----so that was
exciting for me-----and check out the crowd!

Snow Patrol lead singer....

....and here is the controversial structure-----cool, huh?

You can just barely see Bono and the band with my camera zoomed out!


Oh yeah----look at that baby light up----pretty spectacular.

Here we are----the concert goers-----gorgeous Michelle and I!

"Its alright, its alright, al-right....
(And please ignore me singing in the background---force of habit----ah-hem)

Well, there you have it. I love concerts. I love live music.


It. Makes. Me. Happy. Inside.

Fabulous Find For A Friday-----Rachael Yamagata

I have been trying to be very diverse in my features and finds on my Fridays. Have you noticed?

I have gotten a bit of organizing, reading, fashion, makeup, movies, antiques fair, amazing hubby, shoes all in there, but I realized that I hadn't really touched on music, which is the center of my life.

Now.........I am asked all the time what my favorite music is.

I can't EVER answer that. NEVER.

Why? You ask. Well, because it all depends on my mood, the weather, what I'm wearing, what I ate, do I feel like dancing, if I am walking, or am I in a beautiful place of nature, etc.

You get it, right?

Now, If you have read my blog for very long or know me, you know that I am obsessed with Sting. I was even able to hang out with him once-----oh, yes, you can read about it HERE.


But I am always on the look out for new artists or songs that move me.

Another passion of mine are movies-----and if you haven't read about that, I have blogged about that sickness......er.......passion HERE.

Luckily these two mediums sometimes work together to create deep feelings. Emotions that I love having, as they create something that can take me from my sometimes stressful and/or mundane life. Movies and music can transport you away.

And, well, its one of my favorite things to do.

This said, a few months ago----maybe about five months, I was watching an independent film. I usually watch these movies while I am exercising----they are usually foreign films or independent ones, as those are the ones that I enjoy the most. If you are curious, you can read more about my day HERE. It sometimes takes me several days to watch a film, as I only walk or do my Bowflex for about 1/2 hour to 45 minutes.


Well, this day, as the film was ending-----and no, I don't remember what the film was----but I know that it was good. The film was ending and this haunting song started playing. I had to sit down and listen to it. It was so beautiful and the music just went so well with the end of the movie.

I had to find out who did the song. I waited for all the credits to roll through and there it was:
"Meet Me By The Water", by Rachael Yamagata.


The song is actually on her CD, Happenstance, which came out in 2004,

but she just released a new CD this year, Elephants----Teeth Sinking Into Heart. Check it out!

I was really impressed with her voice as it has a smoky quality to it, reminiscent of an old French cabaret singer in the 30's. She, at first, comes across as having a rather----what I would call----wispy voice, (you know, a bit breathy) but after a bit more of a listen, you realize that she has a strength about her, that she can really let go and get a gutsy sound.

Apparently she has opened for such bands as Coldplay and Liz Phair, and just this week she was on the TV show 30 Rock---along with many other recording artists. She has had a lot of setbacks, but has tried to overcome them and continue producing her music. This article gives a bit of her background also.

So, take a listen to her music----its on my playlist-----and see what you think.

I think that you will be impressed.....