I have been with Guster since Lost and Gone Forever, and Keep It Together surpasses their superb earlier work. I am proud to say that EVERY SIGNLE person I have introduced this CD to-- I usually start with the catchy "Careful," has loved them.
This is the CD where Guster break out of their "those three guys with the bongo drummer" mold and launch into superb pop rock-- one of my friends who I convinced to go with me to one of their shows described their sound as kind of "Toad the Wet Sprocket with happier lyrics." But I think they stand on their own as one of the most unique, tuneful, and underappreciated (except by their fans-- count me as one!)/underestimated bands out there.
Keep it Together starts out with "Diane," which builds up and showcases singers Adam and Ryan's unbelievable vocal harmonies. This continues throughout the CD-- every song here is superb! "Ramona" is one of my favorites, with everyone pitching in for some Beach Boys-esque heartfelt harmonizing for a genuinely touching song.
Playing along with them on the CD, and touring with them as well, is the talented Joe Pisapia, who rounds out their sound and from what I have heard is now a permanent member of the band. Despite what many may see as a band that is no longer who they were, I see this as a band who is willing to evolve, experiment and grow, and it pays off.
If you like MUSIC at all, you will not be disappointed with Keep It Together. This is a catchy, toe tapping, sing-along CD that I had in extremely heavy rotation for two years straight.
And if you get a chance to see Guster live, GO!!!! They are great and will make you a huge fan if you are not already. I cannot recommend this CD more highly, which is why it is on my desert island list.
I have listened to this album two times now. It was really catchy, and I found myself noticing the drums on a lot of songs, but I'm not sure why. Maybe the smoothness, or a recognition of how well the drums blend at each part. But I really don't know very much about music in a technical sense, so I'll say a few non-technical things. This album is great summer time music. If it had a taste it would be like honey or warm, buttery cinnamon bread. Knowing that Matt picked this album, as soon as I got into the album, my inner-Amy Bednar said ooh This would be Matt Hoffman's pick. I can't really explain that, but it's true.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite tracks were the first one, Diane, and the sixth one, Ramona. This confirms my theory that the best way to write a song is to title it after a girl and go from there. Roxanne, Maggie May, Eloise, Billie Jean and Penny Lane all agree. Keep it Together was a nice track too.
On my next few listens I hope to pick up more of the lyrics, which is normally the first thing I notice about a song but with this band the voices were like just another insturment.