Under A Blood Red Sky

This concert CD of the famous "this is Red Rocks" show, perfectly captures the energetic youthfulness of the 4 young men of U2; raising not only a white flag, but their star power along with it. From the opening religious fever of 'Gloria', to the autobiographical 'I Will Follow' story, to the quiet longing left in the venue after the strains of '40'; this concert (and CD of it) is stellar.

U2 couldn't be better suited for Red Rocks...or maybe it is the other way around, but in any case the natural acoustics of that arena accentuate both the impassioned singer's voice which is Bono; and the chimey, echoey guitar, and marching drumbeat which is the U2 sound. It combines to make for a historic night in Rock & Roll sound history.

This concert has many great moments: a fervent, desperate 'Sunday Bloody Sunday', as well as one of the funniest renditions of 'Party Girl' (that always succeeds in making me smile)--just to mention a couple. 'Under A Blood Red Sky' shows off U2's versatility (even at that point of their career). U2 prove here they can entertain you by making you laugh, and next turn right around and effect your emotions enough to make you cry. They can cause you to want to make a stand for a cause, and they can make you feel a special connecting kinship with a complete stranger standing next to you at the show.

 With this CD I also come away with a personal admiration for U2 doing a very brave thing: beginning and ending this concert and this CD, proclaiming their faith. God can after all be found in the beginning, and in the end, and U2 seem to me to realize that importance in this world and yes, even in the world of Rock & Roll.

 

 'Under A Blood Red Sky' stands still today; years later on in U2's career, as one of their hallmark shows and live CD's.