Finally! More Music!!

It has been I don't know how long since I've posted about music on the blog. Once again, it's not for lack of amazing bands to blog about! It's lack of time and trouble choosing! I have become utterly addicted to Pandora.com lately. The stereo is streaming music all day long! I have been checking out so many great bands and groups. It makes my heart happy to hear such amazing music and know there's great talent out there. In a world without musical integrity where Hanna Montana's face is plastered everywhere (seriously, isn't she sick of herself???), I feel it is my duty to blog about real bands!

This week, my band of choice is Guster. Though they aren't "new" to the scene, they might be new to some of you. So I have to blog about them!! They are such an amazing band with a truly unique sound. If you're like me and you are always looking for something different in the way of music, you will not be disappointed with Guster. You (like myself) have probably heard of them before. They've actually been around for about ten years!! The song that reintroduced them to me was 'Satellite.' I loved the catchiness of the song and when I listened more closely to the lyrics, I realized they were actually more deep and powerful than the melody of the long lends itself to be. This is fairly true with all Guster songs. Take a listen to 'Satellite' and get acquainted. Then we'll get into the history of the band....



Good stuff, eh?? Believe me, there is more where that came from. So. Guster. They're bascially a bunch of comedians who are also super talented musicians. They are really funny guys. They don't just stand up on stage like statues that play instruments. They put on a show!! The band was formed by three dudes named Brian Rosenworcel, Adam Gardener and Ryan Miller in 1991 while they were attending Tufts University in Massachusetts. They all met during freshman orientation and the rest, as they say, is history!

They were relatively unknown for the first two albums (Parachute and Goldfly), but gained quite a loyal following in the local students. So loyal that the band was able to sell more than 10,000 copies of the first two albums with nothing more than word of mouth promotions. They also caught some attention by opening for such well known bands like Dave Matthews, Phish and Widespread Panic.

The third album 'Lost and Gone Forever' came out in 1999 and that's when people really started taking notice. The song 'Fa Fa' was their first top 40 hit and also their first music video.

"Fa Fa"


"Happier"


The fourth album named 'Keep It Together' came out in 2003 and the song 'Amsterdam' will definately ring a few bells I'm sure. Be warned that these guys aren't afraid of a well placed 'f' bomb or curse word. I enjoy that about them. Don't get me wrong here - I am not into music that spews negativity and potty words right and left. But I think that keeping it real means sometimes you can add some offensive adjectives to enhance the song and get your point across. You know what I'm saying?? So don't turn this up too loud if your kids are hanging around or you're at work and you haven't had time to prelisten for said adjectives..... just looking out for my fellow bloggers!!!

'Amsterdam'


'Careful' another great track from 'Keep It Together'


In 2006, Guster released their fifth album called 'Ganging Up On the Sun.' Amazing!!! Singles from that album were 'Satellite', "Manifest Destiny' and 'One Man Wrecking Machine.' This album won them the Album of the Year at the Boston Music Awards in 2006. Good stuff. Here are a few of my honorable mentions from 'Ganging Up On the Sun.'

'One Man Wrecking Machine' - Sara, these remind me of your oddities!!!


'Manifest Destiny' (watch out for the 'f' bomb in the beginning!!!)


'C'mon'


'The New Underground'


Guster is best known for their choice of instruments in the early years - two acoustic guitars and a unique percussion combo of cymbals, bongos and drums often played by hand. Miller and Gardner also take turns singing lead vocals on different tracks, which adds even more interest to the band. Following the release of 'Keep It Together', they added instrumentalist Joe Pisapia to the fulltime line up. They are also known for their intimate relationship with fans and for their admirable dedication to making the world a cleaner place. In 2004, Gardner and his wife cofounded an organization called Reverb that helps touring artists to make their activites more environmentally sound. Basically, they 'green' concert tours and raise awareness and support for the environment. What's not to love about that?? I can't wait to see what else they have in store for the music world!!

I hope you have enjoyed this weeks music blog as much as I have!! I hope you'll be adding Guster to YOUR music rotation. Until next time!!!