i charge laughing - The Archive: Reach out and touch faith

Lollapalooza has been great, despite the weather. On Friday, we had rain most of the day, so everyone was a little drippy and muddy. Then on Saturday it was so hot and humid--for the first time all summer.

The Decemberists put on a great show. It was fun seeing them perform The Hazards of Love, complete with costumes, and everyone was in top form, especially Shara Worden as the evil queen.

White Lies was also a good show. I only knew two songs prior to the show, but I really enjoyed their set. Ben Folds also did a great job in his Friday show. On Saturday, the definite highlight was TV on the Radio, who absolutely rocked the park.

But of course the whole reason I went to Lollapalooza this year was Depeche Mode.

Oh, Depeche Mode.

What an amazing show. The band was in top form, with Dave Gahan's voice sounding as powerful as ever. Lately Depeche Mode has amped up the electric guitar factor in their music, and it really added a nice layer to their music, especially a newly revved up "Personal Jesus," which was one of the highlights.

(I did not shoot this video)

They played 3 songs from my favorite DM album, Black Celebration, so that made me very happy. Dave struts and spins around the stage with amazing energy, and the awesome video show added a lot to the concert as well. And Martin Gore, the main songwriter of the band, took over singing for a beautiful rendition of "Home," which showcased his amazing voice.

The show was a good combination of new and old, with the second half of the show mostly reserved for classic DM songs.

Setlist
1. In Chains
2. Wrong
3. Hole to Feed
4. Walking In My Shoes
5. It's No Good
6. A Question of Time
7. Precious
8. Fly on the Windscreen
9. Home
10. Come Back
11. Policy of Truth
12. In Your Room
13. I Feel You
14. Enjoy the Silence
15. Never Let Me Down Again
(encore)
16. Stripped
17. Personal Jesus