With or Without You

So, I was a bit inspired this evening by NAMM once again.  It's only been about two days since I returned from the convention, but I was completely thrilled one afternoon when I was there and saw Bono walk by our booth.  Yes!  Well, actually, no.  Come to find out, it was a really great Bono impersonator.  Oh well.  I should have known by the lack of an entourage.  Stevie Wonder walked by with an entourage, and that was the real deal.

So, I thought I would take a look at U2's "With or Without You."  This is one of my favorite U2 songs - and probably one of my favorite '80s songs in general.  Kind of seems timeless, though, and not very "80s."  I think we can attribute that to the masterful lyricism of Bono and the extreme vocal control he demonstrates throughout the song.  The entire band performs with just as much control, creating a really tightly-knit ensemble that kind of grips you a the listener from beginning to end.  It is like a well-cooked meal or a fine painting with a full color palette.  Hard to describe, but the progression and development of the song is amazing with its layers of instrumental parts building and its vocals intensifying with a careful crescendo.  It's no surprise that there are several instrumental versions of this on YouTube.  I chose two for this post: one by the Vitamin String Quartet and one by 2Cellos.  Both of these are beautiful.  Bono and U2 should be proud.  The have inspired so many of us.  Enjoy.