Run DMC? Guster? Where? Apparently someone on the Boson College Social Planning Committee decided to throw all conventions to the wind and plan a concert with old-school rap group Run DMC and college-rock favorites Guster co-headlining. Well, to be honest, "co headliners" is a relative term, and it would only be fair to admit that Guster stole the show last Wednesday in BC's Conte Forum. While Run DMC had its small share of loyal fans who apparently knew lyrics here and there within their set, the group's most emphatic claim was something along the lines of "Run DMC: Rap music since 1982." The three-man team of lead rappers "Run" and "D.M.C." backed by DJ "Jam Master Jay" perhaps stayed on stage just a little longer than expected, as fans became obviously more and more excited for the next trio to take the stage.

"Anyone want to get a Catholic Groove on?", as quoted from Ryan Miller (Guster's lead vocalist), became the theme for the second half of the evening. Perhaps feeding on the randomness of the whole evening, Guster produced a crowd-pleasing rendition of Aerosmith's "Sweet Emotion," complete with full my-life-is-in-your-hands crowd surfing by Ryan. With Adam Gardener on guitar and vocals and Brian "Thundergod" Rosenworcel at the bongos, the Guster trio played a varied set of songs from all three of their albums--the latest and most well known being _Lost And Gone Forever_. As a recent Guster addict, I would say the B.C. show, like the other two Guster concerts I've attended, further proved their reputation as live performers. There's probably some creative way to praise them, but the simple truth is that Guster put on a good show. The music itself had such a true-to-the-album sound, proving that this is a band with talent and not just the product of fancy recording equipment. What's more, Gardener and Rosenworcel always seemed like they're truly enjoying themselves, with Rosenworcel (sometimes literally) throwing his whole body into his bongos.

Always playing with the crowd, Guster's final song was inspired by a cardboard sign reading "MONA LISA," a track from their first album _Parachute_. Perhaps proving the tact of the decision to keep Brian behind the bongos rather than the mike, Ryan relinquished his position of lead vocals for most of the song. While Brian's rather off-key voice had more than a slight waver, the crowd didn't hesitate to sing right along with this unexpected lead, capping off a great night. Any questions about the appropriateness of the Run-Guster combination, it seemed, had been put aside.

As for the rest of their tour (dates and locations listed on www.guster.com), I'd say that Guster is definitely worth an effort. Their shows are generally inexpensive and just plain fun, and the trio always manages to pack something unique into the evening.

The night wasn't complete without a plug from Ryan about the group's recently shot video for "Fa Fa," which apparently was spotted on an obscure Canadian music television station by a loyal fan.

Run DMC/Guster

at Conte Forum

April 12