I'll Drink to That

As St. Patrick's Day nears, I get more and more excited. And, more and more Irish, to tell you the truth. This entire city claims any percentage of Irish blood they have and wears it proudly.

Last night I saw the U2 3D IMAX movie at Navy Pier, and while the proximity to St. Patrick's Day was a coincidence, it sure did reinvigorate my love of the renowned Irish rockers. Their sound is timeless, the guitar work is incredible, and I just plain feel good while listening. Don't judge. You likely have some mainstream music floating around on your iPod.

The movie was great fun—life sized Bono, giant Larry Mullen, enormous Adam Clayton, and of course, an unwieldy version of The Edge. You could see everything, the band sounded amazing, and it really was like you were at the concert in Buenos Aires. Or Rio. Minus the sweating, crowd surfing, body shuffling and likely 12 hours in line outside to get in the arena.

[Author's side note/plea, I beg you not to comment by ripping on Bono's political rants, activism or lyrical world views. At least he puts his money, and his time, where his mouth is.]

Back to the tunes. In honor of the impending holiday (a.k.a. public drinkfest and excuse to wear the oft under-appreciated shade of kelly green), I give you my list of top Irish bands, in my particular order:

U2 (quite obviously)
The Cranberries
Snow Patrol
The Chieftans
Van Morrison
The Pogues
Sinead O'Connor
Flogging Molly—they definitely get best name, right?
Enya
The Corrs
Westlife
Thin Lizzy*
Boomtown Rats*

And, an honorary mention for Dropkick Murphy's. Yes, I'm aware they're from Boston (thanks, Janine). But their music makes me think of the sweaty Irish dancing scene from the dregs of the Titanic. And that can't be all bad, right?

*I had to look these up. Knew the names, knew one or two songs, but frankly, that's all. I confess.

Sliante!

Don't Discount the Irish Jig

Say what you will about my musical tastes, but I love U2.

I think they have an amazing (albeit historically similar) sound to their songs, and they can really rock out a live show.

And, now they are available in 3-D at your local IMAX Theater. (Bigger-than-Life Bono! Large Larry! Enormous Edge!)

I must admit that I will be going to see this, and will likely have to bite my tongue not to sing along out loud (now wouldn't THAT be fun for the rest of the theater-goers?)

Reading the article on cnn.com about this today, my favorite line was Bono's response to what it has been like to play for such amazing crowds all over the world. He commented that it was incredible to play in Mexico City, Rio de Janeiro and other Latin cities. He states, "Irish people are essentially Latin people who don't know how to dance."

As an Irish woman, who has partied for St. Patrick's Day many a time here in Chicago, I'll have to agree.

But then, on St. Patty's Day, isn't everyone Irish?