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Submitted to Guster.net by Rob

12-06-2002
State Theater, Portland, Maine


An enjoyable time was had by all.

Josh Rouse opened, and though they appeared to be a band that is still getting their feet under them it was a solid performance by some very talented musicians. They played a pretty tight set. The drum beats were hard driving and fun to listen to.

As for Guster, they were fantastic. We had found seats in the front row of the balcony so we had an unobstructed view of the stage. The State Theater also had the upstairs sectioned off so that it was 21+ up there. IT WAS FANTASTIC. I am older than the average Guster listener and have gotten to the point where I pick and choose my concerts by wanting to hear the music. If I think it is going to be a show where there are a million screaming 15-18 year olds, I don't go. (As an aside, this stemmed mainly from a Smashing Pumkins show where I spent the entire show listening to some 15 year old girl scream "I LOVE YOU BILLY" every three seconds).
They played a great mix of old and new not to mention the fact that they sprinkled in bits and pieces of 80's hits like Groove is in the Heart by Dee-Lite and Where the Streets Have No Name by U2.
The best moment came when Brian was asked to sing a duet with an audience member. The chosen song was You Don't Bring Me Flowers, the Neil Diamond/Barbara Streisand hit. All I can say is, Brian, you should give up Guster and make your way as a solo artist. These guys are holding you back not letting sing more often...

In closing, three questions come to mind.
Should you buy thier new album when it comes out?
Should you try and see them when they come to your town?
Would I see them again if the opportunity presented itself?

In the words of the Who, "You better, you better, you bet!"