Guster's Backstage Food Demands

Ever wonder what Guster asks be available for their refreshment backstage? Evian water just won't do! We've all seen on TV the rockers requesting the oddest of things be available backstage in their contracts, but I'd never actually seen one of those lists, or imagined that people actually made special requests like this that actually got honored. These requests, called "contract riders," can include some pretty crazy stuff.

I feel bad blogging about something from the same source twice, especially in such quick succession, but I really had to share this article from the Signal with you, as it gave some really cool insights on what the band is really like. This is unique, interesting information that's usually not available to the public because of different confidentiality agreements, making this article a rare opportunity to learn about your favorite band.

Among my favorite of Guster's requests: fresh, healthy meals prepared by a chef (pizza and takeout don't count), a DVD movie (preferably an "indie film" or a "cult classic"), and a package of black athletic socks. Don't ask why...I don't know. Take a look at the lists, and you might be a bit surprised. It seems Ryan, Brian, and the guys might be a little bit on the finicky side about certain little things. Only has to make you like them just a little bit more--unless you're trying to fill those pesky little demands.

Guster is Non-Mainstream AND Good!

I had to laugh at this editorial that appeared today in the Chicago Maroon, the University of Chicago's student newspaper.

The author brings up some great points about people who like non-mainstream bands, most of them sounding almost exactly the same. Have you ever heard someone tell you, "I really like insert obscure band name here's music. You've probably never heard them, because they're not on the radio, but their songs just SPEAK to me. Blah, Blah Blah. "? I have a few times. What kind of joy do people get out of the fact that their bands are obscure? Most obscure bands are obscure for a reason: they're just NOT THAT GOOD!

I liked how this article used Guster as an example of an obscure band that actually has a good, unique, enjoyable sound. Certainly nothing else out there really compares, especially to some of the new ground the band has broken with Ganging Up on the Sun. I really don't think the band deserves its obscurity. I'm sure Guster would like to become a little more mainstream, earn a little bit more money, and sell out shows across the country. They certainly have the talent to do it, but I doubt they'll ever have the following of U2. Unfortunately, some things look like they'll never change.

It's a rare occasion, but I always smile when I hear Satellite or One Man Wrecking Machine on the radio. Maybe it's a good thing that the songs aren't killed by too much radio play, but I would like to hear a bit more Guster on my radio stations. What do you think about Guster's status as an obscure band? Please comment and let us all know.

New Jersey Concert Wrap-Up

Hey all,

In case you're interested in the Guster show that happened in New Jersey a little over a week ago, there's a pretty good article, called The Luster of Guster that appeared in the University of New Jersey's school newspaper and just appeared online. There's a concert wrapup, some cool pictures, and a few other interesting remarks. Read what they have to say, and enjoy. Hopefully a Guster show is coming to your town, too, in the very near future. Not a bad article, either.