Pup Tent

After splitting with the influential indie-rock trio Galaxie 500, native New Zealander-turned-resident New Yorker Dean Wareham devoted himself to honing the gentle, melodic, Velvet Underground-circa-"Candy Says" sound of his old band in the increasingly sterile and perfectionist twin-guitar outings of his new group, Luna. Guitar buffs may have been impressed by the occasional E-bowed solo, the spooky layers of feedback, or the cool chorused tones offered up by Wareham and Sean Eden. But 1992's Lunapark, '94's Bewitched, and '95's Penthouse didn't have much beyond that to keep you coming back, and it seemed as if the band's career peaked when snippets from the last album were used in a TV commercial for Calvin Klein's CK-1. It's surprising, then, that Pup Tent boasts the most memorable tunes that Wareham has written since Galaxie 500's This Is Our Music back in 1990. Lyrics have always been an afterthought for Wareham, who sings a bit like Neil Young with an adenoid problem, and tunes such as the title track and the opening "IHOP" are no exception. Among my favorite lyrical toss-offs: "Is there a doctor in the house / In the House of Pancakes?" and "You stand accused of smoking English cigarettes / That's a provocation if ever one was." Thankfully, these lines are paired with indelible guitar hooks and inventive six-string soundscapes. Propelled by new drummer Lee Wall (who replaces the rather rigid former Feelie, Stanley Demeski), Luna sounds looser, grittier, and more stoked-up than it ever has. --Jim Derogatis
Customer Review: This is a perfect album.
This is an "album" in the truest sense. Complete in and of itself. Perfect start to finish
Customer Review: We'll Miss You, Luna
For some crazy ass reason, many Luna fans think Pup Tent sub-par, but it is actually a melodic and introspective album that deserves the highest praise. Beautiful View, Beggar's Bliss, Pup Tent, and Ihop are among the highlights of a CD that you will not regret buying!

Sebastian Inlet State Park is popular with locals, but not well-known outside of the Treasure Coast area of Florida. Except perhaps by surfers. But there's more than just surfing at Sebastian Inlet - lots more! Come and find out about this lovely Florida State Park, and all it has to offer.

First of All -- Surf's Up!

The surfing crowd in Florida pretty much knows about Sebastian Inlet -- it's famous for the "Monster Hole" where you can catch a wave and ride it a long time.

Sebastian Inlet State Park is unusual in that it hosts several surfing competitions during the early part of the year, especially in April.

Swimming and Watery Fun

Swimming is a great part of the appeal of this Florida State Park. There are shallower, calmer areas that are great for novices or children. Then there are the beach areas that get the same kinds of waves that the surfers crave.

For the scuba diving set, there are plenty of rocky reefs off the beach to explore. Be aware that the summer is the best time in general to dive -- the water is clearer, unless there is a storm out to sea. Remember your diver down flag!

Boating and Fishing

Boating and fishing are both great at Sebastian Inlet. You can do either or both in the Atlantic Ocean or the Indian River. The Atlantic involves navigating through the Sebastian Inlet, which isn't for the novice boater -- it can be a bit tricky. The Indian River, though, is calm water, suitable for motor boats, kayaks or canoes.

You can find all manner of fish, including jacks, redfish, snapper, grouper and more, in the river or the ocean.

What Else?

You can also camp in the park (both RVs and tents are welcome) -- there are 51 spots available, but you might want to call ahead in the summer months.

And if you like hiking, there are two different trails you can follow and enjoy -- Hammock for shorter walks and Volksport for longer (up to 10k) walks.

Sebastian Inlet State Park is located on the Atlantic, just north of Vero Beach and south of Melbourne, Florida. Come on down and enjoy!

Gail Nettles is a Florida native who enjoys showing the Sunshine State to visitors. She also publishes http://www.great-florida-vacations.com