What you get from a band like Guster is a willingness to explore what seems to be the lost art of sound. Harmonizing lyrics, layered instrumentation and a ping pong ball.

On this CD there are a few standout songs (in addition to the aforementioned "Airport Song.")

"Demons" - A nicely balanced song with both Ryan Miller and Adam Garder singing coupled with haunting melodies. Standout lyric: "Honest is easy/Fiction is where genius lies/Cause it's easier sometimes not to be involved/somehow I make you believe.

"X-Ray Eyes" - A slower more melodic piece than the one that follows ('Grin") it is also a nice arrangements of sounds.

"Grin" - A nicely layered guitar piece with great lyrics based upon an inetersting premise. Standout lyric: "And in all the iditots I see/ Thoughtless men casting doubts on me/ Enlightening."

"Getting Even" - This is my favorite song on "Goldfly." In "Getting Even" the listener is treated to a melody that seems to belie the tenor of the songs lyrics. Standout lyric: "They haven't heard a word we've said/ They Make mistakes they doubt his calling/ To Taste revenge will be so sweet/ When we have left them this place/ And as we leave our sacrifice/ One final step outside/ No longer feel these things around/ Soon we'll be happy in the place we are."

All in all, "Goldfly" is a great album and Guster is an awesome band. For those who like "Goldfly" you should try Guster's other albums or, if at all possible, SEE THEM LIVE! If you are seeking a similar band, you should try Toad the Wet Sprocket.


Guster is Great, but the Production is Lacking   July 28, 2002
15 out of 18 found this review helpful

I am a huge fan of Guster, as their third album "Lost and Gone Forever" is my favorite album of the last 10 years. This is good as well, although not up to the level of "Lost and Gone Forever".

The songwriting on this album is more inconsistent and doesn't have as many instantly likeable songs. It has more of an indie type sound and feel to it. I feel like the production is the biggest detractor to this album. The band has said that this album doesn't have the live energy of its third album.

On the bright side, it's still Guster and there are still great songs. "Demons" and "Grin" are probably the two best-sounding songs on the CD, both very catchy and memorable at first listen. "Demons" is one of their most acclaimed songs, in the same vein as "So Long" from LAGF. "Bury Me" is a concert staple, uptempo with some great bongo work from Brian Rosenworcel. "Medicine" is another great song, unusual for Guster in that it uses a real drum set and has a funky, bluesy feel to it. Some of the songs I initially didn't like but have really grown on me are "Airport Song" and "Getting Even". These two are darker than the majority of Guster's songs but very interesting.

Some may feel this is their best album if you are more into the college/indie scene. But like I mentioned, the songwriting is good but not really compareable to the genius of "Lost and Gone Forever". Still, that's a classic album and this is a very good album. The production on that album is 10 times better. You would barely be able to tell it's the same band judging by the sound from these two CD's. But each has its individual merits and some may prefer the more raw/indie sound of "Goldfly".

If you're a new Guster fan, I would start with "Lost and Gone Forever". Then get this one.


Make 'em a part of your CD collection   August 3, 1999
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

I stumbled onto Guster on a whim. While perusing the local music store, I spotted this unique CD cover (the fly/head) and asked the clerk if I could listen to it before buying. No problem. She popped it in. Instant pleasure. Vocal harmonies, catchy tunes, great percussion. Flat out amazing at times. It made such an impression at the store that no fewer than 3(!) other people asked who it was and 2 of them bought it. Check it out. You'll like it.


Best Guster CD Ever!!!   February 3, 2002
Shelley (Milwaukee, wi USA)
6 out of 7 found this review helpful

Goldfly is by far the best cd's i have ever bought. Each song is unique and amazing within itself. The band has proven to be one of the most original and selfless bands out there today. Their endless touring and devotion to the love of music and fans is clearly noticilbe. They are close to each and everyone of their fans and are never promoting themselves on mtv, like the rest of the unoriginal groups out there. Adam has a wonderful low voice that goes along with his amazing guitar playing. Ryan's acoustic guitar and melodic voice, a striking contrast to Adam's, provide one of the best harmonizing duos I've ever heard before. Brian "the conguero" is definetely the most unique percussionist in bands today. Their lyrics are also something to behold. They are thought provoking and somewhat ambiguous. They are simple enough to grasp to but nowhere near annoying. This is evident on the amazing songs of Goldfly. "Demon" is one of the best and beautiful songs ever written. "Airport Song" shows Brians's percussion skills at their best. This song is very powerful as well as captivating. I am one of Guster's biggest fans and after you hear this cd, I know you will be too!


awesome album, awesome group!   August 18, 2000
Rachel Podolsky
17 out of 23 found this review helpful

Once I bought this CD about 2 months ago, I pretty much stopped listening to anything else. Then I bought Lost & Gone Forever, and now those two CDs pretty much perform rotation in my boombox and discman all day long. You'd think I'd get tired of them, but not yet! The music is just fantastic. Underneath somewhat dark lyrics, the songs have a lot of energy and power. The vocal harmonies are beautiful, and the drumming will have you rapping your fingers on the table. Every song on this album reels me in.

This band has rocketed to #1 among my favorite bands/performers. And I agree with the reviewer who said that fans of all genres enjoy Guster. I've never liked DMB or bands along that theme (some people, accurately or not, put Guster in that category), but Guster just bowls me over. I can't *wait* to hear a live show, I hear it's even better than the official recordings! If you're curious about Guster then try this album, it's very easy on the ears. If you like Guster already, then by god, run out and buy this!