What a night.  What a show. The members of Collective Unconscious thrilled a packed house at Brainerd’s Central Lakes College Chalberg Theatre on Saturday night (May 11th) with their presentation of The Beatles’ Abbey Road album.  As a fan of the Beatles, I couldn’t have been more impressed. (Standing Ovations aplenty)

It’s been 50 years since John, Paul, George and Ringo released this iconic LP.  Hanging over the recording sessions was the undeniable sense that the band was soon to disband.  Despite the acrimony that had crept into their relationships with one another, the boys, together with the “fifth Beatle”–George Martin the producer, managed, yet again,  to serve up musical magic.  George Harrison stepped out from the shadow of Lennon and McCartney to contribute two of his best tunes–‘Here Comes The Sun” and “Something”.

Collective Unconscious began making music in St Cloud 20 years ago.  They are among the best that the Minnesota music scene has to offer and they specialize in recreating the music of our lives. They’ve served up tributes to The Eagles (with The Fabulous Armadillos), The Beach Boys, CSNY, Simon And Garfunkel and The Band.  This is not musical mimicry.  This is a highly talented group providing their live interpretations of the great records that baby boomers just can’t seem to get enough of. And they do it very well. Those harmonies on The Beatles “Because” were especially tasty.

Here’s thanks to Patrick Spradlin of CLC and his crew for bringing this great show to Brainerd.  Here’s to Collective Unconscious for paying such beautiful homage to such great music. Don’t miss your chance to see them in the future.

“And in the end………..we left knowing we’d seen an unforgettable show!!!”