Guster, probably the most harmonic band that utilizes bongos ever.... They played on July 23 in B'ham, probably the most beautiful show I've heard. Ray LaMontagne opened for them, and his music is just amazing... of course he had his uncomfortable look about him, but I think it was b/c of all the drunk chicks yelling at him. I really felt bad for him, b/c he looked like that he would be more comfortable playing in my grandmother's living room, and honestly, I would've preferred to see him in a much more quite and intimate setting. But back to Guster: these guys are awesome and so musically talented that its ridiculous... they know how to put on a show, and they know how to change up their songs so that you are being constantly surprised...
Here's the setlist (thanks to Guster's website)
Careful Barrel of a Gun Ramona Satellite New Underground Come Downstairs and Say Hello Manifest Destiny Long Way Down Airport Song Ruby Falls Captain Demons Center of Attention Hang On Amsterdam Happier
Lightning Rod C'Mon I Spy
Jesus on the Radio
Pleasant Surprise, Part 1: Their "Airport Song" was performed with a kind of techno voice for a good bit of the song, which gave you a really creepy feeling, which was appropriate b/c its a song about a cult...
Pleasant Surprise, part 2: After their first encore, they came out again, with acoustics and edged up to the front of the stage and told us to be really quiet, and played an acoustic "Jesus on the Radio." This was great, a fantastic way to end the evening. I mean, a second encore is awesome in and of itself, but an acoustic encore was unbelievable.
Unpleasant Letdown: They didn't play "Fa Fa." I was really disappointed about it, but all in all it was okay, b/c I went to the show w/out my girl. She was out of town, and Guster is her top favorite band, and "Fa Fa" is her top favorite song, so I told her that she didn't miss much. And she might have a pleasant surprise coming her way that would totally rectify that...
My Trusted MOGs
I remember seeing Guster at MSG a few years ago. WOW. Will have to check out what they've been doing lately. I've lost touch. Thanks for the reminder.
My Trusted MOGs
Guster is one of my favorite bands to see in concert. They put on a great show. I saw them in Atlanta around this same time. The lowered pitch on the second verse of the "Airport Song" was very odd, indeed! Their new cd isn't exactly a favorite of mine ("Lost and Gone Forever" and "Keep It Together" are amazing though, in my opinion), but I still love them.
My Trusted MOGs
Yes, they are amazing. I've seen them three times. 2003, 2004 and 2006 (after an epic eight hour struggle to get to Brooklyn). I'd see them again in a heartbeat, and will if they ever come back to my area.
They did Jesus On The Radio acoustically during the encore the first time I saw 'em. Friggin' sweet. They sat on the huge speakers that were in front of the stage. It was cooooool. :)
Coolest thing about the 2004 show was that it was at my alma matter while I was a sophomore. :)
Did you throw ping pong balls on the stage during Airport Song? I have never done so but have seen people do it.
My Trusted MOGs
yeah, I've heard of people doin throwing ping pong balls, I'll have to next time I see them... which hopefully will be soon. I agree about their new cd, its is a little bit of a departure from their older stuff, mainly ditching the bongos for tradtional drums, but its still a good listen. Their harmonizing is amazing, I mean, I don't hear harmony like that unless I go to an old school church meeting, you really don't expect to hear it at a rock show...
My Trusted MOGs
I didn't like Ganging Up On The Sun at first but now it may be my favorite. I like the bongo feel of their earlier stuff, but I like where their sound is going, and I'm glad they're evolving and not stagnating.
My Trusted MOGs
I agree on the idea that they're evolving and not stagnating. Every artist needs to do that or they get uninspired and boring. Guster just hasn't happened to have evolved into what I'm personally into, at least at the moment. I still love them and I'm sure that my tastes will eventually fall into what they record again, or vice versa. Also, you should get the "Guster on Ice" DVD/CD set, if you don't already have it. They do "Jesus On The Radio" unplugged as the encore, you'll see the ping pong balls being thrown, etc.....I highly recommend it!
My Trusted MOGs
Thanks, I'll have to check that out.... I'm seriously gonna have to pick up some ping pong balls and do that. I might be the only person doin it, but its still worth it to do something that is unique to a band and that not everyone knows about.
My Trusted MOGs
oh, nik...this makes me want some guster. that was a great show. and by the way, i got one of these things. and it's your fault. thanks for giving me something to do instead of writing a paper that's due tomorrow.
My Trusted MOGs
That was a great show, and you are so welcome. isn't this addictive???
hey, they're coming to the tabernacle in Feb. I've already got tix.... you should think about it..
My Trusted MOGs
i will think about it! but i'll also be thinking about how poor i am. so we'll see.