GIP, with a side of concert review.

Carbon Leaf rocked the house last night. It's so fabulous to be at a concert where everybody is excited to be there, and able to sing at the top of their lungs to all the songs, and just have an altogether smashing good time. The opening act, Stephen Kellog and the Sixers, was a fantastic surprise - opening acts can be hit or miss, but they were not only a great match with Carbon Leaf, but they were definitely cd-worthy in and of themselves. I will be looking into them further (she said ominously). We had to leave a bit early, because of the last Metro train out, and unfortunatly that meant leaving during one of my favorite songs ("I Know the Reason," from Echo Echo) but it turned out to be a good thing, commute-wise. Carbon Leaf just have it all: fantastic lyrics, thoroughly good music, really talented musicians, and a sound that is distinct and lovely.

Oh, and GIP, although it is an icon that is neither Carbon Leaf or even vaguely Irish or musical.