U2 Album: “U2 Go Home: Live from Slane Castle [DVD]”

I have been a loyal fan since 1988. I've seen them live 8 times live (which is not a lot compared to some, but still a good amount) and own pretty much everything you can get your hands on. This show is by far one of the most emotional and powerful shows I have seen them perform. It is also the first time that I was brought to slight tears by watching a rock and roll video (understand that Bono's father passed away the week prior. ("Communication. Talk to each other.")) Even my friend's wife, who hates all concert videos in general, was drawn into this one (My friend said that he had never seen her do this before with a concert video). I won't go into all the details, you can read some of the prior reviews for that. I'm just a 15 year fan throwing in my hearty approval.

Oh, this DVD is obviously much better than the televised version a year ago. That broadcast only played a few of the songs and interrupted them with endless commericals.

Also, for those wondering why "Mysterious Ways" is included as a bonus feature...it is because the director felt that it did not fit with emotion of the rest of the concert. I agree with his decision. You do get to see Bono's daughter come on the stage at the end (Eve) which is fun.

U2's performance at Slane Castle is unique in that it shows what the band members are like as people, and unlike a lot of their other concerts, this one relies almost completely on passion and musical performance rather than extravagent showmanship. This concert was destined to be filled with passion since it not only was set in the band's home turf, but also it was performed shortly after the death of Bob Hewson, Bono's father. What is truly amazing about this concert is how pleasant the band was feeling. In the Boston and 2005 Chicago concert, the band members rarely smiled, but in this one there is very few moments when they are not smiling. Even Adam Clayton smiles.

Now on to the set list. The opening song ",Elevation," is easily one of the best opening tracks they could have picked. Unlike many of their songs, this one was designed to be a sing along and is the perfect to get the crowd ready. "Beautiful Day" is a cheerful song that features excellent back up vocals and guitar riffs from the Edge. "Until The End Of The World" is one of my favorites. This song just flat out rocks, and it rocks even more in an arena. When Bono and Edge act like buffalos and when Bono kicks Edge's guitar are about the only times we get a showy performance in this concert. "New Year's Day" features one of Adam's best performances and it's always nice to see and hear Edge play the piano. From there we move to the strangely moving performance of U2's first single ",Out Of Control." In this song, Bono introduces the band and thanks all the band's family members for helping them get to where they are today. In this version of "Sunday Bloody Sunday," U2 actually seems Irish, for once. Bono's new lines and the repetition of "No More!" along with his enthusiastic voice give this song a new level of power and emotion. He also reads out the names of the 29 people killed in the Omagh terrorist attack to strengthen this song's message even more. Then we have a surprise appearence from Pop's "Wake Up Dead Man." This shorter and simpler version makes it five times better than the only average studio version. We then move from the dark and depressing "Wake Up Dead Man" to the upbeat and uplifting "Stuck In A Moment You Can't Get Out Of." In this song, the Edge finally gets to showcase his beautiful vocal talents, which is a big bonus for an already excellent song. "Kite" is one of the band's most underrated songs of all time. This tribute to Bob Hewson is a song that can send shivers down your spine, and it is even more moving at this concert. Next, we get another surprise with the charming "Angel of Harlem." After that, we get an even bigger surprise with "Desire." Although not quite as loud and powerful as it's studio version, this song does by no means lack zeal. It is also nice to see Larry and Adam get to join the crowd and see Bono showcase his hermonica skills. Next, we have yet another Pop single ",Staring At The Sun." Fortunately, we have the acoustic version that was recorded on the "Please" single rather than the somewhat cheesy Pop version. Then we have another beautiful but underrated song ",All I Want Is You." This is where the concert turns into an incredibly emotional experience. After he dedicates this song to his wife Alley, Bono sings his heart out along with Edge playing some of his most beautiful riffs. I love the way Bono sings out of with all his anguish at the end of this song as it beautifully fades into "Where The Streets Have No Name." There is no way this song could be anything but amazing and the live sound along with the new lyrics allow this song to be heard the way it was meant to be. Then we get U2's anthem "Pride( In The Name Of Love). Bono's voice may not be as strong as it used to be here, but he still sings his heart out and gives a very passionate performance. From there, we move to "Bullet The Blue Sky." This song was designed to be performed live and Bono's speeches in this song really add to its strenth. Then we have the truly amazing "With Or Without You." What can say about this song other than it is beautiful beyond comprehension. Bono's added lyrics and Edge's extended guitar solo make this song even better than the unbelievable studio version. But the performance doesn't go down from here. Next up is my personal favorite "One." I struggled not to cry during this song. This song is amazing in the studio, but live it is twice as touching. Again, the band extends the song and adds lyrics which make it even more stunning. This is argueably the most beautiful song I have ever heard and to see the band perform it makes it so much better. Lastly, we have another song of encouragement ",Walk On." This song, while not quite as good of a closing as "40," is a fine way to end an amazing concert. Strangely enough, it is frequently left off the set list, so it is a treat to get to see it performed live.

If you are even slightly a U2 fan, you should seriously consider buying this DVD. Believe me, it will make you appreciate the band and their songs so much more. It is much better than the Rattle and Hum and Boston shows and it is barely better than the Vertigo in Chicago show. It is truly an emotional and breath-taking concert that should be experienced by everyone with any descent taste in music.

U2 Go Home might just be the best live U2 DVD on the home market today. It's all about U2 being U2. It's raw, it's genuine and it's fun. These factors are what make U2 the band they are today, and were some of the things lacking on their previous DVD release U2 Live From Boston.

Sure, the Boston DVD was probably better in technical terms. There were no obvious band slip-ups in that release. However, most of that has to do with inter-cutting moments from the night after while the cameras were still rolling. In U2 Go Home, there is none of that. When the band screws up, you know about it. You see Bono laughing and Larry Mullen smirking after a rocky start to Angel Of Harlem...that's what live music is all about. To be fair the gaffs are rare. However, for those who are paying attention, Bono's voice is much better in U2 Go Home. Overall, the songs are more inspired and powerful this time out.

U2 Go Home also did something unique in using a variety of film and video stock for the show. It gave the performance that extra raw feeling. There were no perfectly timed crane shots or any nonsense that you might find in previous U2 live releases. It was also nice to see them use a 16:9 aspect ratio. It really adds to the grandeur of the show and gives the DVD a much more cinematic feel.

What about that crowd? I'll take 80'000 screaming hometown fans any day over the 20'000 tame Boston fans. Let's not forget about that silly sit down protest that took place inside the heart that is very visible on TV. (you people should STILL be ashamed for doing that....you still got a great viewing location that other fans would have almost died for) In U2 Go Home, there is none of that nonsense. It's just a lot of U2 fans who are grateful to be there, even the ones at the back.

You're also getting eight songs you didn't get on the Boston DVD. New Years Day, Out of Control, Wake Up Dead Man, Angel Of Harlem, All I Want Is You, Pride, One and Mysterious Ways(bonus track).

What's there not to like on this DVD? (well maybe a few more DVD extras would have been cool) This is one of the better U2 performances you'll ever see.

There is a moment in this film that never fails to give me chills: The segue between"All I want is you"to "Where the Streets Have No Name"in which Bono holds the last note of"All I want..." in such a way that you feel as if he pouring out his soul at that moment.....and then in a great catharsis the band delivers a stunning performance of "Where......"It is for me the best moment I have seen in a concert! I strongly recommend this dvd..the entire concert is filled with the best rock you will ever hear(I am 51...I have heard my share of"the rock and roll")!

This is the Full Track List/Features for DVD case edition. (Be aware the 'jewel case' edition may not contain same contents.)

Tracklisting:

15. Pride (In The Name Of Love)

- The Unforgettable Fire documentary (28 minutes)

The DVD includes a bonus track ("Mysterious Ways"), and DVD ROM special features include U2 calendar, screensavers and weblinks plus three songs shot on 'Spincam' allowing the viewer an interactive, 360 degree view of the concert. U2 Go Home is presented in PCM Stereo, DTS and Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound. Aspect ratio 16:9.