The Ceaseless Roar and Songs of Innocence

I haven't been exited about new music Tuesday in a really really long time....until Tuesday, September 9th. First, of course, at midnight, I downloaded Robert Plant's new album, Lullaby and...the Ceaseless Roar. And a wonderful surprise happened when we all received the gift of U2's new album, Songs of Innocence - no anticipation needed - it neatly arrived by surprise on my iCloud. The theme of both albums is reminiscing - and taking stock of life now. An odd coincidence that both albums would be so inward looking.  So without waiting much longer - let us look at these musical treasures.
 

His tenth, and possibly final, solo album is no disappointment. Differing vastly from his last two albums, Raising Sand and Band of Joy, Lullaby is the culmination of Robert's musical journey. In it, there are sounds from his love affair with African melodies and the early American blues. The album is hauntingly beautiful, and really seems to sum up his musical career and journey in life. 


Little Maggie
I feel as if this was a song that could have been sung while he and Jimmy Page were recording songs for Walking into Clarksdale or No Quarter. There is a very rich Morroccon feel to it, but it weaves nicely with a gently rock beat that is all Robert.

Rainbow
A beautiful love song, with traditional middle eastern / African drum sounds. This is definitely one of my favorites on the album, simply for it's message of love and support.

Reaching for the stars, in the sky above.

I will bring their beauty home.

With colors of my love.

Pocketful of Golden
These songs are weightless, and flow notwithstanding their many layers of varying influential sounds. This song especially is Robert daydreaming about his past, loss, the unknown, and finding happiness again. And if the sun refused to shine - a nod to Thank You. It's about the life of the golden god with Led Zeppelin, the loss of his son Karac, and his solo journey.


Embrace Another Fall
This song is zen. It rises and falls along with the journey that Robert sings about in this song.

Turn it Up
It's a mix of Zeppelin and American blues. It's about Robert's American journey, it's Robert's scream of help of being stuck inside a stereotype - and it's his Bono moment.

A Stolen Kiss
The ballad on the album. Gorgeous. You really get the sense of Robert's look back on life and love in this song. It's simple and beautiful.

Somebody There

When I was a young boy, time was passing by real slow.

And all around was wonder and all around the great unknown...

 

Poor Howard
This song so very much reminds me of Wah Wah by George Harrison. My second favorite on the album. It's Robert sowing his American blues oats, with beautiful strings and a great snare backing.

House of Love
This is a throwback to Principle of the Moments in my mind. It's got that 80's Robert sound. It's a song about change and starting over from obvious heartbreak. Would love to see a video for this.


Up on the Hollow Hill (Understanding Arthur)
Robert seems to be sneaking his geekiness into this song if I am deciphering it correctly. The Hollow Hills is a book about King Arthur's life. It's sly and I love it. I still see Robert in The Song Remains the Same, conquering foreign lands.


Arbaden (Maggie's Babby)
Is this Robert's official good bye to us? It is a fast recap of his music styles, Zep to solo. He has admitted recently in interviews that this may be it for him. That he may settle for retirement of sorts. And this might be the note he leaves for us on the table. And with this album, I would be completely satisfied and wish him so very well with much love. 

 I'm goin' down to the station with my suitcase in my hand.

I'm goin' away, away to leave you - in some far distant land.

The thirteenth studio album by U2 was a surprise to us all. While not their best album, it's still good - but good for U2  is saying it's so so. The music itself is what we came to expect from No Line on the Horizon - it's like these are the outtakes. However, the lyrics are exceptional and Bono again proves my point that he is our generation's David, the Psalm writer. Just like Lullably, Songs of Innocence is just that - a look back at the past and reminiscing about the good, the bad, and memories we'd like to forget.

Here is my track-by-track breakdown:

The Miracle (Of Joey Ramone)
Bono was taken by the Ramones at a very early age. This song about his pilgrimage is sweet, and something we can all relate to. The fact that it was U2's music that Joey Ramone was listening too on his deathbed.

Everything I ever lost now has been returned, the most beautiful sound I'd ever heard...

We've got language so we can communicate.

Religion so I can love and hate.

 Music so I can exaggerate my pain and give it a name.

Every Breaking Wave
It's new wave With or Without you sounding. It's a bit to cliché for me.

California (There Is No End to Love)
Never knew they had such love for CA. But there is indeed some memory for Bono - like he hit rock bottom here and had his epiphany.

Song for Someone
We haven't heard simple songs like this from U2 in along time. We get the Edge on backing vocals  and Larry's signature snaring. I would have been happy with an album full of these songs.

Iris (Hold Me Close)

Bono's mother died suddenly when he was young and it's nice to finally see him addressing her in a song.

. Hold me close and don't let me go.

Like I'm someone that you might now.

Volcano
Hmmm, was this the second version of Vertigo that we never heard? It's got a B-52's and Popmart sound to it.
 
Raised by Wolves
Ah, Bono is back. The Bono I love - not afraid to tackle controversy. May 17, 1974, bombs went off in Dublin and Monaghan in Ireland, killing over 30 and injuring hundreds. Controversial no because of the bombings, but for the rumors that clandestine forces within the British Government helped the attack and covered up any of this in the investigation.

Face down on a broken street
There’s a man in the corner in a pool of misery.
I’m in a white van as a red sea covers the ground
Metal crash I can’t tell what it is
But I take a look and now I’m sorry I did.
5:30 on a Friday night 33 good people cut down
I don’t believe anymore
I don’t believe anymore
Face down on a pillow of shame
There are some girls with a needle tryin to spell my name
My body’s not a canvas
My body’s now a toilet wall.
I don’t believe anymore
I don’t believe anymore
Raised by wolves
Stronger than fear
Raised by wolves
We were raised by wolves
Raised by wolves
Stronger than fear
If I open my eyes,
You disappear
Boy sees his father crushed under the weight
Of a cross in a passion where the passion is hate.
Blue mink Ford, I’m gonna detonate and you’re dead
Blood in the house,
Blood on the street
The worst things in the world are justified by belief
Registration 1385-WZ
I don’t believe anymore
I don’t believe anymore
Raised by wolves
Stronger than fear
Raised by wolves
We were raised by wolves
Raised by wolves
Stronger than fear
If I open my eyes,
You disappear

Cedarwood Road
Ahh, reminiscing time. Loving the sound of this song that is about the area where Bono grew up.
 
Sleep Like A Baby Tonight
This is a song that could be stripped and be on War or Boy. It's an electronic lullaby with a nightmare in the middle of it. The heavy guitar chorus and Bono's attempt to hit those high notes should be left up to The Edge. (Seriously, I love you Paul Hewson, but leave the soprano stuff to Mr. Evans).

This is Where You Can Reach Me Now
I listened to this a few times - first to be confused by the many varied genre of sounds. Then I went back to my original statement of it being an album about reminiscing. Take two, I heard the obvious Clash nod. There is also a hint at Edge's October piano notes, some Rolling Stones, and an odd alien dance vibe.
 
The Troubles
I just don't like the title. An Irishman can't write a song called The Troubles and expect us to think it isn't about Northern Ireland - it's got a hauntingly gorgeous sound and it should be about The Troubles. But, alas, it's about assigning blame in a relationship.

I have to thank the music gods for my wonderful week of new music by some of my favorite artists. It was a great week. Get out there and listen to these!

Ballad of New York City

 

  

I was first exposed to the Fun Lovin' Criminals at  U2 concert. While only a three-man band, they had huge sound. Three Rivers Stadium was the first place I ever heard their jazzy, hip hop love songs to New York City. And this was the first song I heard by them, their namesake song, Fun Lovin' Criminals.

 

 Huey Morgan, Brian Leiser and Steve Borgovini formed the band in 1993 and found their way into the UK and US charts with a song about lead man Huey's ultimatum by a judge: Marines or jail time. Huey joined our military.  

 

 

Their first album Come Find Yourself, contained fifteen songs about graffiti, John Gotti, New York City sounds, smells, and life. Songs like We Have All the Time in the World and I Can't Get With That were slow and mellow jazzy tunes, while Passive/Aggression and this one, arguably their most infamous, Scooby Snacks were harder and a pre-cursor to the gritty sound of their follow up album: 100% Colombian.

 

100% Colombian was the first time I heard the word bodega. An 18 year old in PA doesn't typically hear that word so, confusion set in. Oh, it's a Korean deli - gotcha. That's the one thing I love about FLC, they love New York - even the bad, grungy side. Songs like 10th Street and Southside aren't pretty - but their accurate portrayals of life on the dark side.

 

Mark Reid replaced Steve (by Steve) and they released the album Loco - with some more smooth songs. Their next album Welcome to Poppy's wasn't their best of releases - so we'll just move right along. Livin' in the City, again is another love ballad to the City they love.

 

 

But, do yourselves a favor, if you're not too much into the hip hop, grungy sound of the FLC, check out their bassist / keyboardist, Brian "Fast" Leiser. These are some smooth, jazz, lounge sounds that you'll appreciate:

 

 

 

 

 

 

And Now for Something Completely Different: Impossible Cities

 

Friend and Bay Ridge (by way of New Jersey) musician Dan Avery introduced me to Anna Gordon who in turn introduced me to this band today: Impossible Cities. I was asked to take a listen and possibly get the word about them. And you know what - I am so glad this happened. They are unique -- and by unique, I mean that their songs do not sound the same or that they are not trying to sound like someone else. BRAVO Impossible Cities.

So why should you listen to their four song EP? Because I told you that you should!
Let's break down Sunset Years:

Sunset Years
I felt at first like I was tumbling - the first notes are unique, and at one point I thought they captured the sound of the feeling of falling down the stairs. And then you hear lead singer Daniel Tornatore's voice. I hope no one is offended by this but his voice reminds me of one half of Loggins and Messina ... and no one knows who Messina is. You don't expect this voice when you hear those stumbling first notes and it is a good surprise. It's an amalgam of sounds of different genres of music, from jam to jazzy blues to a hint of classic rock.

That Won't Do
This is stop and go, up and down song with tight playing. I would love to hear this song live - make it so, Impossible Cities. This song also plays to my love of the bass - thank you for giving Alex some breathing room on this song.


Through the Rain to the Woods
This one begins with a Grateful Dead meets Doors sound. This is the song we'll hear on Sirius XM Spectrum - you heard my prediction here first. It's catchy and jammy without trying to be.

Your Night
And this is the "something completely different." I cannot believe I am saying this but, I am. These are very Jeff Buckley riffs - and it works for this song without being kitschy . (If you know my love of Jeff Buckley, you know I just paid you the biggest compliment in the universe and beyond). Love the lyrics - Did I ruin your good time? Did I ruin your good night?

Please, check them out. For a three member band, they have big sound. They also have a uniqueness that isn't too common. While I love a band like Mumford or Imagine Dragons - their songs all sound the same for the most part. Impossible Cities has four unique, individual songs here - and I look forward to hearing more from them!

http://impossiblecities.bandcamp.com/releases

Daniel Tornatore - Guitar and Vocals
Alex Ziatyk - Bass
Thomas DeVinko - Drums and Recording

Whole Lotta Love

 

 

 He is the quintessential rock god and August 20th is his birthday! Happy 66th Robert Plant. Robert Anthony Plant from an early age loved music, Elvis in particular. How fitting that the future god of rock would idolize not just the man himself, but the music at such an early age. Both were heavily influenced by the American Blues. And both have achieved cult icon status for their own reasons.

But what is it about this man that I love so? First, you have the rock n roll, debauchery,  blonde hair, Norse god that projected his greatness into many a woman's (and many a man's) heart and dreams. His voice poetic and dreamy. He made loving Tolkien cool, mentioning Mordor, the ring, and even Gollum in some of Zepps most famous songs. From 1968 - 1980, he was the best lead singer of any rock and roll band.

While many Zep fans mourned the loss of John Bonham, Plant seemed to love music too much and went solo - leaving the tight pants behind (damn).

The Robert Plant that emerged was not the swaggering Norseman of the 70's but a cool, refreshing, but still smoking hot, seasoned musician looking to try out some new sounds. What we got were some of the classic 80's hits, Big Log, Ship of Fools, In the Mood, and from the Honeydripper experiment, Sea of Love. While his music was not as rock and roll, it was still mysterious and artful. Even as he has evolved from solo, to tour with Jimmy Page, and to his last three bands, The Strange Sensation, Band of Joy, and Sensational Space Shifters, he has ignored the requests for a Zeppeling reunion. Thankfully! I admire Robert for saying simply, that music isn't me anymore. Let's face it, he doesn't need the money. He does sing those songs, but in his own way. His new music is soulful, colorful, and mystical.

 

I've seen my rock god several times, at Bonnaroo, concerts, on David Letterman, and on Jimmy Fallon. What I loved about that show in particular was how Jimmy looked like a kid, smiling and sitting is his chair ready to freak at any minute that he was sitting next to Robert Plant. I'm sure Mr. Plant is used to this behavior by now - but he does not dwell in the fact kind of like he might have in the 70's - we all remember this photo: 

 He openly loves music, its sound and rhythm and the history of music. His love of African music is so evidently clear going back to when Page and Plant performed in Morocco and their song from Walking Into Clarksdale, Most High.  

But it simply is not the fandom that has been inspired by Robert, his list of fellow musicians that he has inspired is extremely impressive: Freddy Mercury, Axel Rose, and Jeff Buckley are just three who claim Plant was the equivalent of Grimm Fairytales and the Joe DiMaggio of their musical dreams.  

 
 

"And ode to life and love and the fragile adventure you set out upon unknowingly and unwittingly." Robert Plant on Lullably and the Ceaseless Roar

 

 

Discography of Robert Plant - solo
Pictures at Eleven (1982)
The Principle of Moments (1983)
Shaken 'n' Stirred (1985)
Now and Zen (1988)
Manic Nirvana (1990)
Fate of Nations (1993)
Dreamland (2002)
Mighty ReArranger (2005)
Band of Joy (2010)
Lullaby and... The Ceaseless Roar (2014)

Collaborative albums

The Honeydrippers: Volume One (1984) (with Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck)
No Quarter Unledded (1994) (with Jimmy Page)
Walking Into Clarksdale (1998) (with Jimmy Page)
Raising Sand (2007) (with Alison Krauss)

 

Prospect Park (c) PCarlson 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There's no booze, there's no broads, there's no action!

My father (r) with some of the locals

Big Joe: There's no booze, there's no broads, there's no action!
Captain Maitland: That's another thing - don't fool around with the women. Their husbands carry guns. And don't forget, the penalty for looting is death.
Big Joe: Loot what? There's nothing here to loot!
 ~Kelly's Heroes



Time and again, you've seen me post about my dad, Paul, who fought in World War II. I only remember one story, if you could even call it that.  The German's attacked their sleeping billets on New Year's Even. New Year's Eve, always reminds of this photo and how much I didn't know about my father. I do remember that he always reserved New Year's night to himself.  While I spoke to my Uncle George when I was about 12, I vaguely remember anything he actually told me. No, I didn't write it down. He was also in my father's unit, the 310th Signal Corps Battalion, Company

A. This year I was able to receive some more information about my father's service and the medals he had received. I knew he had fought in the Battle of the Bulge, but nothing else. He had received medals for combat in Northern France and Germany. Scouring the internet, I have found few that knew anyone in the 310. I have pictures galore and even the Company yearbook, but your mind starts to think about what else is out there.

 I have photos of them playing cards, posing, and eating. I have wondered if there are more photos out there and have taken to twitter, pinterest, and facebook looking, I have scoured the interwebs and come up, usually with the same thing.
Until one day...

Someone had posted about a lost camera found in Belgium, left from a World War II soldier. On it, photos from the Battle of the Bulge! I looked immediately for this post and found soon, it was a hoax and someone just doctored up some photos already in WWII archives. However, one photo caught my eye. It couldn't be? It looked like my father.

After some fact finding, buying a book, and contacting the National Archives, this is what I found: Photo 197920 - Infantrymen 'sweat out' heavy enemy shelling as they wait in cellar of building in Duren, Germany, 12/15/44.

I know my father. That, I swear is my father, second from the bottom, holding a rifle sitting on the steps in a cellar, the day before the official Battle of the Bulge began. Now, you if you go back up to the photo of the man killed on New Year's Eve, I do believe that is the same man.

If this truly is a photo of my father, sitting in a cellar in one of the worst battles the European front fought, it makes me even more proud than I was before. I have been given a gift of one more moment in my father's life, even though it might just be one of the most terrifying of his. He was single, a coal miner and a forestry worker from Bakerton, Pa. His two other brothers landed in Normandy on D+3 and D+10, while his other brother was somewhere else in this house I assume, since they were in the same unit.

From a mere chance of looking at an article that turned out to be sadly a hoax, I was given a gift that I could never have paid for.

I'll tell you my sins and you can sharpen your knife

 

For 24 years old, Hozier has a lot of old soul. I’m sure this has much to do with the fact that not only is his father a musician, but he was raised on the blues. He hasn’t even released an entire album yet, but this Irish singing wonder has stirred curiosity from his single Take Me to Church. The first I head it, I thought it was either a very young Elton John or someone covering Elton. The kid has talent and heart. He is also going the non-traditional breakthrough route, and beginning with a jab at the Catholic Church, both verbally and visually. This gospel-esque song, in essence, is about sex. But the song is about sex with religious undertones. His song, Take Me to Church, challenges the lies and hypocrisy that many feel about the Church. The video too challenges homophobia, a strong statement from someone who didn't even have a record deal at the time. Bravo.

If the Heavens ever did speak
She is the last true mouthpiece
Every Sunday's getting more bleak
A fresh poison each week

 

Do yourself a favor and check out Hozier. His two EP's Take Me To Church and Eden are widely available. But of course, don't expect a repeat of Take Me To Church, songs such as Like Real People Do and Angel of Small Death have completely different tones. It's refreshing that he doesn't have one sound that he re-created for each song. November 5th at Irving Plaza can't come soon enough. Looking forward to hearing these songs and his new album live!

 

Take Me to Church- EP

    Take Me To Church
      Like Real People Do

     Angel of Small Death & the Codeine Scene
     Cherry Wine

Eden – EP

    From Eden

    Work Song

    Arsonists Lullaby

    To Be Alone

The Quest for the McGonagalls and Katt Island

Seaside Park has a long history of being a venue for concerts. When the idea of Sunday concerts "for the benefit of the working people" was proposed in 1890, many neighboring residents opposed the plan, but Barnum, whose own home abutted the park, championed the cause in the local papers. When there was talk of police interference at the first concert, Barnum told the band leader to come play at his home and that the grounds would be open to all who wanted to hear the music. source - Wikipedia

I had been waiting since March for this music festival. The Gathering of the Vibes has been a music mecca since 1996 in Seaside Park in Bridgeport, Ct. The park lends itself to the awesome vibes even before you step foot into the festival. PT Barnum donated land for Seaside Park in 1895 and wanted to give back to the working class and promoted music for their enjoyment. The festival itself welcomes music lovers from everywhere.

The day had finally come to drive less than two hours to set up our camp for four days. Of course we made the most of three hour wait to be checked into camping. Our favorite
caravan was the McGonagall family from the Midwest. Cousins, brothers, sisters and their parents (who stayed at a hotel) all made the trip enjoy the festival. Even their Chilean friend joined them. Secretly, I was hoping we would be camped next to them, but alas we would separate and I would look for them all weekend long.

Sweet Jane my coffee queen - this stand was a saving grace

I digress though. We had the most awesome, amazing, and truly unique neighbors once we were sent to our camp area. To our right, we had a sweet, glittery twirl girl who was not going to let us leave without getting us to wear something sparkly. To our left, the incredible camping family - who I think will be the last ones standing if the power grid ever fails. And seriously, I want them as neighbors - I love them. I can see a sit com happening right now.  We all set up our tents, tables, cooking areas and then finally relaxed for our adventure. Lucky, we were very close to a real shower facility, the sound, and the most famous coffee spot in the park. 

We strolled along the Sound and entered the festival area, complete with smaller stages, food venues, and arts and craft areas. From the start, the first responders were blended well into the crowd. Throughout the festival, their presence was very welcomed. All weekend, I didn't see one fight, one out of control moment - but we did witness them at work  (that story shortly).

We began our musical journey with our friends from Dark Star Orchestra. We kicked back and relaxed - and I got my
favorite song they cover: Chinacat  / I Know You Rider. The festival had been a long time coming and it was time off the hubby and I both needed - so around midnight, after dozing off for a minute or 20, we headed back to our campsite.  Now, the music goes almost round the clock, so as we chatted and got ready for bed, the sounds of the stages drifted along the sound, creating a musical quilt for everyone. Because we had over 15 hours of music ahead of us the next day, I tucked myself in. As I was drifting to sleep in the early hours of August 1st, someone in another aisle of tents exclaimed, "It's Jerry's Birthday!" The light bulb had been turned on. Jerome John "Jerry" Garcia, was born on August 1st 1942. And what is one of my favorite Vibe moments, a chorus of Happy Birthday, Jerry! floated around the campsite.

My new best friend Jane, my coffee angel and I met around 9 am that Friday. With my extra dark, two turbo shot iced coffee in hand, I headed for a morning swim in the Sound. The tide was out so I had a bit of a

The glowfish, the national fish of my Island.
Thank you neighbors and A for your talent!

walk to a sand island off shore. Once I was sure I was the first to conquer this little mound of sand, I turned to my left to see in giant letters Katts Island. Damn it. Well, Katt, you abandoned your post and didn't use an apostrophe so I reclaimed it and named in McGonagall Island. After a refreshing swim, it was time to begin a day of music!

Keller Williams played some Grateful Dead bluegrass to get everyone into the second day of the festival on the main stage. This was also the day that the costumes began to become more elaborate. Stilt walkers, fairy's and men in rainbow outfits began to appear. My own neighbor looked like a glam circus ring leader, complete with gold glitter skin paint.
Before Trombone Shorty began is soulful jamming, the Funky Dawgs lead a crowd into the main area, like funkadelic pied pipers leading the faithful to church. Music was indeed all around. The weather was holding, the sun was shinning, and everyone was singing. And for the Carlsons, there was still nine hours of music left!

If you have not heard of Joe Russo's Almost Dead, and you happen to like the Grateful Dead but with a twist, check them out. Made up of Joe Russo, Marco Benevento, Scott Metzger, Tommy Hamilton, and Dave Dreiwitz,they put real jam and more of a rock sound into classic dead tunes. While we were listening to some JRAD, we got a surprise visit from our friend and musician Christopher Robin! Love music festival reunions.

 

After a food break and a change of clothes for the night, it was time for John Fogerty! Yes, Creedence Clearwater Revival John Fogerty! And I was able to hear one of my favorite Creedence songs, As Long as I Can See the Light. To go in 180 completely different degrees, next up was the Philly band, Lotus, performing their favorite Talking Head songs - with guest singer Gabriel Otto dressed as David Byrne. I kid you not, it was a highlight. I did wonder how many "kids" had no idea that Lotus was copying anyone. Deep Banana Blackout would send us into slumber, just as the rain started and the first night of the Silent Disco began.

To be able to sleep in, in a tent, in the rain is a blessing. I had overly needed this vacation away from work, blackberries, and meetings. After a refreshing shower, it was time to watch Assembly of Wine for breakfast. As we downed our first cups of coffee and the sun began to shine, the mashup of God Street Wine and Assembly of Dust jammed out some tunes and got our music souls awake. We also jammed to some LeftoverSalmon, making Saturday's morning lineup sound like a bad meal. But Saturday was a big day. But what made it even more special was WE FOUND THE MCGONNAGALS!!!! And we learned the universal symbol for list McGonnagal, so I use it now randomly. Umphrey's McGee, Widespread Panic and Disco Biscuits were playing so some rest was to be had after AoW. Rest, as in some beermosas and such back at the compound.

Now, to that law enforcement story I referenced before. So the hubby and our new friends were sitting around chatting about Italian Pirates, the monk that showed up with a picture they've been searching for, and

debating if glitter tattoos were the gateway to sparkles...we all swore someone ran through our camp site. Hmm, odd. Anyone back to the convesa...wait another? That is a cop! As we all begin to stand, more cops converge on the area behind us. The neighbors also converge and then we all notice the mounted unit also has shown. After some whispering and gossiping and waiting for the paddy wagon to show following a warrant, the man whose luck ran out was going to be taken away. Well there goes the neighborhood!

Finally it was time for some Umphrey's McGee. Time and again, they amaze me with their mashups and jams. This was no different because I was able to hear a nice 1348 and Hajimemashite. But before Widespread began, I was on a mission. Thanks to a purchase at the merch booth, yours truly was going to a meet and greet with the band. Highlight: Getting my Terrible Towel signed by the band!!!





Skipping with joy as we heard the first notes of Tall Boy, Widespread Panic did deliver for their Saturday night performance. I confess I used to think John Bell had a scary voice. I dog the voice now, but I still can understand a word the man is saying.

Disco Biscuits rounded out the night with members of the Grateful Dead. As well as our friend Christopher Robin and Jennifer Durkin of Deep Banana Blackout along with some very soulful singers, mastered a wonderful version of We Bid You Goodnight.

So sad, our festival was almost over. Around 2 am, the rockets began to red glare. Literally. Our poor neighbor was almost bowled over by a firework that fell on it's side. Outside of our tent was some trippy Bladerunner world. Glad neighbor has quick reflexes.

Sunday was spent packing up but waiting for more music as well by moe., Ziggy Marley, and Dispatch. The first thing to do, after coffee of course, was to cook all the food and feed our neighbors. Admittedly, some had not slept or eaten (we assume) for a few days. It was the right thing to do. As we ate our barbeque and had some beer, I had a Forrest Gump moment. A few Chinook helicopters flew over and I couldn't resist: Now they told us that Vietnam was gonna be different from the United States of America, accept for all the beer cans and the barbeque, it was. It was nice to just sit around and talk about music, life, and tell funny stories.
When we all parted for moe. and everyone was all packed (and the vehicles were re-charged) it was pretty much decided that we would all see each other again - no matter which coast. We were truly blessed with the most awesome of camp neighbors, who helped these kids from Brooklyn who lack basic camping skills.

I can assure anyone, that the Vibes is definitely a family friendly event. In fact, I did witness a couple of kids taking care of their parents. In all seriousness, the Vibes lives up to its name. It is a place full of positive, fun, music loving people.