Click here to view the embedded video.

Prince Rama, sometimes known as “Prince Rama Of Ayodhya”, are a 3 member psychoactive, musical project who currently hail from Brooklyn, NY.  They have previously spent time in Boston going to art school, and then England working with n’ learning from the likes of the modern day uber duper astronautical explorer n’ master painter: Paul Laffoley.  And oddly enough for me, some or all of the P-Rama outfit originally hail from somewhere in, none other than the psychedelic training grounds that eYe grew up in & is commonly refered to as: “Florida”. -Land of the magical cow pattie. (See folks, the F-L does produce transcendent philosophical explorers n’ brilliant artists. It sadly just doesn’t nurture them much while they’re here.)

Anywayz, There’s plenty more to learn about Prince Rama and their mandala makin’ mentor: Mr. Paul Laffoley by following the links above and diggin’ around on the interwebs. I believe the track in the video, which is titled: “Om Namo Shivaya” is off of their 4th studio album “Shadow Temple”, and IMO they’ve still got a lil wayz to go as band, atleast on the production and percussion tips, but with videos and tracks like this coalescing into one insanely gorgeous bit of existential, psychedelic transcendence.. the sky’s not even the limit.

That 4th studio album was good enough to grab the attention of the CEO’s of the current aRt rawk movement, Animal Collective, who’ve released it on their uber important indie imprint: “Paw Tracks”. Not too shabby Prince Rama. I’m def feelin’ it, and you’ve definitely got a fan in me.

“Prince Rama” | From left: Taraka Larson, Michael Collins, and Nimai Larson

This song and video ain’t no accident either “Fly-Lo” has been tweaking and morphing different musical genre’s for quite a few years now in this new millennial era, and the 2 people behind this video: Campbell Hooper and Joel Kefali – over at: www.specialproblems.com.  Appear to be some of the more talented short form and music video artists w3rking today. Peep their site to see a pretty diverse collection of their video w3rkz’.

Flying Lotus!

Official Video:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Unofficial Fan Video:

Click here to view the embedded video.

The full-length video for “Take Time” by The Books, at the top, and twelve other full-length music videos are included on The Books – “Playall” DVD, which you can nab at: www.thebooksmusic.com.  They’ve also got a stellar new album out, their 4th LP eye believe, called “the way out”.

When it comes to combining sound collage, video art, musicality, w3rds, and existentialism.. I don’t know too many modern day artists who do it better.

Long live The Books!!!

PS – For those wanting more.. There’s also all kinds of other videos by: “The Books” over on LastFM.  Official and fan made clips. -> http://www.last.fm/music/The+Books/+videos

1950′s: Conrad in the Army

1960s/70s – Conrad in the Army

1973: Carolyn, Conrad, and Baby Dana in Texas

2009 – Conrad at home in Osteen underneath assorted gARTw3rks’

2009 – Dana & Conrad at home in Osteen underneath assorted gARTw3rks

2008 – Conrad and his Pom: “Boogie”

2008: Conrad chillin’ outside by the fire pit in Osteen

Approx 2004 or 05: Conrad the X-mas Alien

Conrad – “wiggin’ out”

Conrad and Dana – the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree

Dana and Conrad – early 2000′s

Dana, Conrad, & Kenny in June 2003 at Dana and I’s wedding

Early 2000′s: Conrad, Coffee, & a lifetime of wisdom

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Wanna see more?: View the full set of over 100 photos of Conrad Lawrence with his family and friends across many decades.

As some of you may or may not know, my wife and I have been caring for her father for quite a few years now. When we first moved back out to Osteen from Orlando in the late 90′s, he was actually helping us out much more than we were helping him. Conrad’s always been the type of guy that would give you the shirt off his back if you asked for it. And although it felt good to know we were keeping him company after her Mom had passed away, it was initially his giving nature and quiet fortitude that really helped and inspired us in a time of need. But as time has gone on over the past decade plus.. our roles started to reverse and fittingly enough we ended up needing to be there for him in the final years of his life her on earth. That is what family is for though right?

So when Dana’s Dad had a stroke 7 or 8 years ago, our care for him became much more in depth and crucial to keeping him out of the VA hospital and/or a nursing home. And then as Conrad’s health slowly deteriorated more and more, the past few years in particular have been some of the toughest of our lives . In the mid 00′s Conrad developed Alzheimer’s disease which in turn affected his memory, and more importantly, his ability to care for himself in almost any capacity. On top of that and even though we got him to quit shortly after having the stroke, 50+ years of smoking cigarettes had already taken their toll on ol’ Conrad’s lungs. Emphysema & COPD (Cardiopulmonary Disease) made it increasingly difficult for him to breathe properly w/o oxygen machines, a nebulizer, and medications.

So finally this past Tuesday/Jan. 26th, 2010 and after a brave, arduous, and dignified battle.. Conrad’s body finally gave up the ghost and he ascended to another plain of existence from here at his home in Osteen, FL. Fortunately it was a calm, peaceful, and relatively painless passing. Through out all the time I’ve known Conrad and even in his most painful states, he never complained once, and I consider him to be one of the bravest, most noble people I have ever had the honor of knowing.

As tough as it’s been on Dana and I in every imaginable way, we’re trying our best to stay positive and dwell on the good times we had rather than the struggles. To concentrate on the benefits of it all rather than the negative aspects. We’re earnestly trying to look & learn from the experiences we had caring for her ailing elder parent in his final years as a gift rather than a curse, as some might. After all, it’s getting through the tough stuff n’ difficulties in our lives with dignity intact that builds character in a person. The cake work and walks in the park don’t teach us near as much as the trials and tribulations do.

So what has this experience and in turn Conrad taught us?.. Well, we’ve definitely learned what unconditional love truly means. We’ve learned the importance and reward of putting others before ourselves. We’ve learned that life is short, even if you grow to be old. We’ve learned to be thankful for what we have, instead of resenting what we don’t get. We’ve learned that to receive you have to give. We’ve learned that living a life of honor, dignity, respect, sacrifice, gratitude, compassion, and purpose is more valuable in the long run than any thing that you can put a price tag on.

Conrad taught us this. He was our teacher, our father, and our friend. While we mourn his passing and our loss, we celebrate his life and his genuine and giving spirit. We recommit ourselves to living our lives in a way that would make him proud. We shall honor his life and sacrifices by living our lives to the best of our abilities with nothing but gratitude and respect for the man we affectionately knew and loved as: “Pops’”, “Poppie-Cop”, “Cornbread”, “Con-man”, “Buster Brown”, “Daddy, and quite simply – Dad.

Conrad we will dearly miss you but most assuredly never ever forget you. Travel well. Be in peace, and be in light. See you in the stars and give our love to Carolyn, Winifred, and to all the ancestors.

Love Always – Matthew and Dana

PS – To see some photos of Conrad’s life over the years, please click – *HERE

Props to Brett Hamil for the tip, and to the American Museum Of Natural History for making such an amazing and accurate map/diagram/visual reference of our place in the cosmos.