Forgiven

After a couple years of virtually nonstop touring, Ghost of a Dog was hastily recorded and released. It had more depth both musically and lyrically but overall came across as melancholic. "I think we never got over losing Brandon," admits Brickell. "I felt just guilt-ridden. I mean, look at the lyrics of 'Forgiven' ["Will you please forgive me?/Give me another chance to show you I love"]...It's hard to make a record with a broken heart, but we did it because we just were sort of swept up in the river of a quick promotional effort. When we toured [for the album] I just stayed in my hotel room all the time and tried to solve 'the mysteries [of life]'--which of course you can't do sitting in a hotel room by yourself. I wasn't depressed, but I just missed Brandon. Experiencing the dream without him felt wrong." When the band officially broke up at the end of the tour it wasn't too much of a surprise.

Brickell went on to marry Simon, start a family and release two fine solo albums. Matt Chamberlain, who joined the New Bohemians when Aly left, went on to become one of the most successful modern pop drummers around, playing with the likes of David Bowie, Tori Amos, Fiona Apple and Pearl Jam. Percussionist John Bush plays with Foamy and the Small Stars and has recorded with the Spin Doctors and Davíd Garza. Withrow most recently toured with Everlast and now plays with BL Lacerta. Bassist/woodwind player Brad Houser plays in Critters Buggin' and with Aly in Zydeco Blanco.

Following this weekend's two-night homecoming at Club Dada (which will be recorded and filmed) and a free show in New York City's Central Park, the band plans a fall tour. What happens after that is still up in the air, but with all the effort and goodwill that is currently driving the band, more is to come. "The spirit of this record is truly joyful," Brickell says. "I think to have come full circle gives it a greater meaning. Everything has been righted, and there's an awareness of it--and that's a powerful combination."