It was a much different experience this time around, ... He knew it was out of his hands, first of all, and he didn't try to strong-arm his way with influence. It was a beautiful time.

We have experience this year. After getting it together last year, it was definitely easier this year.

Part of the console experience is playing with someone beside you and trash-talking. But in time I think it will be very important.

My brother called me yesterday to say he had to pick up our boat and go fish my cousin out of his house. I was just shedding more tears than I've shed in a long time.

[New Orleans memories: Each day this week we've heard about celebrities who are mourning the state of New Orleans and organizing events to aid hurricane victims. Rolling Stone caught up with several musicians affected by the devastation, including Shannon McNally , Galactic 's Robert Mercurio and singer Marc Broussard .] My brother called me yesterday to say he had to pick up our boat and go fish my cousin out of his house, ... I was just shedding more tears than I've shed in a long time.

During the recording of my first record, he felt his influence would be greater than it was, ... When it didn't turn out that way, it was sad for him and awkward for me. We've gotten way past that. We're real good friends, he and I. He's very proud of the sound and the path I've taken musically. He knows all the songs and can sit in on any gig I do.