U: U2

U2's Rattle And Hum album is a mix of studio and live performances, from a tour of the US. This is another CD that I find difficult to simply sit and listen to. It's the kind of music that makes you (or me) want to dance.

The largest problem? I can't. Dance, that is. Not to save my life. My Mother was most disappointed.

But I can sing - and I do.

The music, let alone the performances, is a mixture. "When Love Comes To Town" is sung with B.B. King. If you like blues - and how could you not? - this is a song you'll enjoy.

 The funny thing is, this is a song written by an Irish rock band. And it's a B.B. King song.

"I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" was on a previous album. But it was picked up by a Gospel Choir in Harlem - and what unfolds is pure magic. It doesn't hurt that I love gospel.

See here: What you're looking for.

Q: Queen

Well, what else could it have been?

One of the classic rock bands, with one of the finer guitarists, Brian May, and one of the best front-men in the business, Freddie Mercury. The CD, Queen - Greatest Hits II is wonderful, full of the energy the band had.

Hearing Freddie Mercury sing "Who wants to live forever" is always tinged with melancholy for me, because he didn't. The song is also featured on the soundtrack of the movie, "Highlander". It fit well there too. And, the film echoes in the words to the song "It's a Kind of Magic" also - I mean, there can be only one, yes?

In addition to the CD, one of several I have, I also have the DVD of Queen's concert in Wembley Stadium in London. Thereon Freddie Mercury struts his stuff all over the stage. And could he ever strut! And did he ever have stuff to strut!

I may be a fan.

And then he sits at the piano for the opening of "Bohemian Rhapsody" and music pours forth. Such a talent.