Maybe there is something ageless about R.E.M. The band closed Voodoo working through some of its best known work, even from its first album Murmur and still sounded great. Its video enhancements were the best that I saw during the festival. But it was great to hear many of the early hits live and hear that the band still had the same enthusiasm for them, even if it was quite obvious visually that this isn’t the same alternative band that came out of Athens, Ga., in the ’80s. 

 Quintron and Miss Pussycat continued a strong line-up in the Bingo! Parlour. The group kept up a funked up vibe with Mr. Quintron’s Drum Buddy in full function through new (Swamp Puppy Bad Ass) and old work.  The strange world of self-reference even extended to likenesses of the Drum Buddy on Miss Pussycat and the extra maraca girl’s dresses. It was one of the Bingo! Parlor’s better shows.

   The Latin jamband Ozomatli put on a great set with special guest Chali 2na on the SoCo/WWOZ stage. The band showed a little love for New Orleans with its song “Magnolia Soul” about Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath. Rapper/percussionist Justin sang. “Let the good times roll after the sad times go.” The song was well received. At the end of its set, the band took up percussion instruments and ventured into the thick of the crowd for a sort of impromptu second line. It was a nice touch for a band the crowd obviously liked.

Lil Wayne’s set was nothing if not interesting. But I’ll just note one thing. Wayne’s registered to vote. Are you? 

   Another area of great improvement this year at Voodoo has been the parading. There are several groups on heavy rotation. The Extra Action Marching Band goes on several tours daily, as does the Noisician Coalition, pictured here rallying after a night parade. Other groups spotted circling the grounds include scooter-borne Elvi, roller girls and other groups.

   In its spiffy new big top tent, the Bingo! Palour has been one of Voodoo’s best and most improved attractions. Clint Maedgen had a good day with both his Clint + 9 project and here leading the Bingo! Show. The tent has also hosted big touring acts like Man Man, the Gutter Twins and Shudder to Think. But for a mix of music, debauched clowning and boho zeitgeist, the Parlour is well worth some time on Voodoo’s final day.

Scott Weiland’s voice hasn’t necessarily weathered the years so well. The Pilots turned in decent versions of “Wicked Garden,” “Vaseline” and “Sour Girl” but what was a little less coherent was Weiland’s between song comments. He told that crowd that he was walking down Decatur Street this afternoon and went into a shop and saw a T-shirt that said “Lounge Fly.” He then told the crowd, “I ate it.” Okay then. 

The Bingo Parlour, while very stylish with its new tent, is not working on Central Standard Time. But whenever you go, it provides the best second-hand high at Voodoo. If that’s not your style, no worries. The oddest newcomer to Voodoo may be the oxygen bar. But a fine fresh scented hit of O2 lies just outside Bingo.

Andre Williams took that stage, introduced as the Minister of Sleaze, but he looked more like the Captain Stubing of Sleaze, sporting a captain’s hat and a blazer. But he was not shy, letting people know that if you want to make it with him, you have to be “Agile, mobile and have hot style.” He had the four lovely ladies all decked out in lace to fill out the floor show. And he then lit into a song about his favorite dance, the “Bacon Fat.” If nothing else, the Minister is cheating death for a good cause.

On the eve of the 10th annual Voodoo Music Experience, a photography exhibit looking back on the first decade opens upstairs at Tipitina’s French Quarter (8 p.m.-10 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23). This photo of Joseph Arthur by Erika Goldring is in the show. Other photographers include Andy Levin, Skip Bolen, Maria de los Reyes, Melissa Carrier, Tom Zinn, Jay West, Barry Brecheisen, Erin Feinberg, Ryan Thornburg and Andrew Goetz. The photo reception is free. Afterwards, there is a concert downstairs by Dr. Claw, featuring Adam Deitch, Nick Daniels, Ian Neville, Ivan Neville, Big Sam Williams, Eric Krasno and other special guests. Tickets for the concert are $15.