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Guster — Lightning Rod
Album: Ganging Up on the Sun
Avg rating:
7.2

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1185









Released: 2006
Length: 2:49
Plays (last 30 days): 3
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Standing on a building
I am a lightning rod
And all these clouds are so familiar
Descending from the mountain tops
The gods are threatening
But I will return an honest soldier

Home...

Steady on this high-rise
Like every lightning rod
And all these clouds are boiling over
Swimming in adrenaline
The sky is caving in
But I will remain the honest soldier

Home...
Comments (81)add comment
Nice song
Posted 3 years ago by LucaIrizar    [ Reply ]
Amazing album, but their albums since this one never really clicked with me. 
Posted 3 years ago by Relayer    [ Reply ]
Another song that gets better on a second listen...."7"...
Posted 4 years ago by neptunejeff    [ Reply ]
This entire album is SOOOOO good.
Posted 4 years ago by deepwoodskev    [ Reply ]
 fredriley wrote:
For an exciting moment there in the squeeze organ (or whatever it's called) intro, I thought we were about to get an Ivor Cutler song. Now that would really put the cat amongst the pigeons ;-)

 
Ivor Cutler? De gustibus non est disputandum
Posted 7 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
This says I gave this a 3.  That can't be right.  Must have been a bad day at the office.
Posted 7 years ago by flyboy    [ Reply ]
I can't get enough of this album.
Posted 7 years ago by mardisoninnc    [ Reply ]
Truly magnificent. There are a couple of sub-par (for Guster, anyway) songs on this album, but this, Satellite, and Ruby Falls are gems.
Posted 7 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
Nice! !
Posted 8 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
 nicknt wrote:
A very good song, but RP puts it in the playing list too often.

 
2 times in the last 30 days doesn't seem especially frequent to me.
Posted 8 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
I recently became very biased, my wife named our Corgi puppy "Guster" so I just bumped this up to a 7.
Posted 8 years ago by djblitz    [ Reply ]
The guitar work in this reminds me of Donovan's "Please Don't Bend."
Posted 11 years ago by Carl    [ Reply ]
I've got a couple of Guster albums and listen to RP frequently. I can't remeber ever hearing this song played on RP until today. Hmmmmm, maybe too much of a good thing is bad for you. Thank goodness RP gives us just the right dose most all the time.
Posted 12 years ago by Kokoloco53    [ Reply ]
Beautiful :-)
Posted 12 years ago by Xstar    [ Reply ]
 nicknt wrote:
A very good song, but RP puts it in the playing list too often.
 
This is only the second time I've heard it in some five years of listening. Maybe I listen at the wrong times...

Posted 12 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
From a "3" on originally hearing it, to a "5" today. I like Guster. This song isn't their finest effort though.
Posted 12 years ago by bev    [ Reply ]
 nicknt wrote:
A very good song, but RP puts it in the playing list too often.
 
I've never heard it in two years of regular listening.

Posted 12 years ago by FooledAgain    [ Reply ]
A very good song, but RP puts it in the playing list too often.
Posted 12 years ago by nicknt    [ Reply ]
Man, only a tiny bit of their bongos.  I <3'ed the bongos.
Posted 12 years ago by pallasathene82    [ Reply ]
 lemmoth wrote:
Hearing Elliot Smith-like vocals
 
For a bit there, I thought I heard TV on the Radio

Posted 13 years ago by Limpopoking    [ Reply ]
 Jelani wrote:
I have to get this album.
Great melodies, great voice.Enigmatic songs. Beautiful harmonies.
 
 
Yes, you should get this album {#Good-vibes}
Posted 13 years ago by h_in_bristol    [ Reply ]
Hearing Elliot Smith-like vocals
Posted 13 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
This album is the poo. Cool sounds and cool lyrics.
Posted 13 years ago by NigelTufnel    [ Reply ]
Well, it's no Ruby Falls, but what is?  A nice tune.
Posted 13 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]
Have tickets to see Guster in Boise on Sunday January 16.  Will be introducing friends to Guster.  Should be a great concert.
Posted 13 years ago by stub30    [ Reply ]
dig the album cover.
Posted 13 years ago by leathepea    [ Reply ]

And all these clouds are boiling over
Swimming in adrenaline
The sky is caving in
But I will remain the honest soldier

Posted 14 years ago by vandal    [ Reply ]
'I think they would be quite something, to know in real life........'
Posted 14 years ago by nigelr    [ Reply ]
Caught them live at Farm Aid a few years ago. Most enjoyable.
Posted 14 years ago by pauleywalnuts    [ Reply ]
I have to get this album.
Great melodies, great voice.Enigmatic songs. Beautiful harmonies.
 
Posted 14 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
Got this CD for Christmas! It's been on my wish list for quite a while, and I'm not disapointed.
Posted 14 years ago by cosmiclint    [ Reply ]
 fredriley wrote:
For an exciting moment there in the squeeze organ (or whatever it's called) intro, I thought we were about to get an Ivor Cutler song. Now that would really put the cat amongst the pigeons ;-)
 
Squeeze box - momma wears it on her chest.
Posted 14 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]

I really dig this. Where's the guy from Vegas..."this is really good for the ears" he would say........


Posted 15 years ago by Mandible    [ Reply ]
 Danimal174 wrote:
I have a lot of Guster's earlier CDs, but haven't heard a lot of of this one or their other newest ones. I was surprised at how this one actually reminded me of Radiohead a little, which is not normally a comparison I'd make.

 
They have only 3 earlier CDs, and the first one is not remotely interesting, although the next two are fabulous. This is the only one so far after those 3. (Working on a new one now, though.) And in my opinion, I think Radiohead would be one of the last bands I'd compare them to. Maybe that's just me.

Posted 15 years ago by annersjen    [ Reply ]
 Deadwing wrote:
{#Music}  The whole album is terrific. Another band I probably would not have heard were it not for RP.

When I was still fairly new to "Satellite," I heard it being played in Cheddar's Casual Cafe... it took me a second to come to grips with hearing RP music there!



Posted 15 years ago by Rantipole    [ Reply ]
I wonder if snow patrol's Lightning Storm is next?
Posted 15 years ago by Mandible    [ Reply ]
I have a lot of Guster's earlier CDs, but haven't heard a lot of of this one or their other newest ones. I was surprised at how this one actually reminded me of Radiohead a little, which is not normally a comparison I'd make.

Posted 15 years ago by Danimal174    [ Reply ]
I can name that song in one note....

Posted 16 years ago by cathenley    [ Reply ]
 ThePoose wrote:
Buster, I could muster a lot of bluster for Guster before they lose their lustre and drive off in their Duster.
 
"Thanks, I needed that." (First time I've laughed today.)



Remember when Bluto said that in Animal House?

Posted 16 years ago by rtrudeau    [ Reply ]
For an exciting moment there in the squeeze organ (or whatever it's called) intro, I thought we were about to get an Ivor Cutler song. Now that would really put the cat amongst the pigeons ;-)
Posted 16 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
THANK YOU BILL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I requested this earlier! {#Dancingbanana_2}
Posted 16 years ago by Kittee    [ Reply ]
{#Music}  The whole album is terrific. Another band I probably would not have heard were it not for RP.
Posted 16 years ago by Deadwing    [ Reply ]
bigB_3 wrote:
Ummm. Well, you gave The Bangles - Walk Like An Egyptian a 10.... Nuff said.
LMFAO CALLED OUT! Someone did some investigating. I also loved Ruby Falls. I love these guys, eventhouigh they have the Beach Boys' sound.
Posted 16 years ago by renegade_X    [ Reply ]
Buster, I could muster a lot of bluster for Guster before they lose their lustre and drive off in their Duster.
Posted 16 years ago by ThePoose    [ Reply ]
houuuuuummmmmmm a 7
Posted 16 years ago by oscar_driver    [ Reply ]
Posted 16 years ago by physastro2050    [ Reply ]
meh. I really like their song 'ruby falls' however.
Posted 16 years ago by schrodingersdog    [ Reply ]
vvvv Very cool post vvvv
Posted 16 years ago by snowcat    [ Reply ]
Always liked Guster, from first exposure, what? 7 years ago or so...but then got more and more into them thanks to Bill and RP...THANKS BILL AND RP! Was lucky enough to get to Anchorage, grab a huge Chevy RV with killer sound system in it, and tour the state of AK last summer...was heading out of town and stopped in at a Fred Meyer store for supplies, and I was happy to buy this hauntingly good CD. It soon got the heaviest rotation. This particular song was playing as I came over the rugged hump and down into the Wrangell-St. Elias Wilderness...and got blown away...tens of peaks all over 16,000 feet; so numerous maps don't even bother naming them -- and I felt this: I'm a Lightning Rod! I love it -- and owe much indeed to RP!
Posted 16 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
I've got RP running off two computers via iTunes, this song was playing in my office and on the other computer in the big room, there's a slight delay of about 3 seconds or so between the feeds to each computer, rather beautiful sounding with this song I do say. row row row your boat.....
Posted 17 years ago by middleagedhipster    [ Reply ]
First time I've heard this band and song - first listen is pretty good. Would like to hear more may well improve my score after a few more listens.
Posted 17 years ago by canoeist    [ Reply ]
This just caught me...
Posted 17 years ago by prickelpit96    [ Reply ]
bigB_3 wrote:
Ummm. Well, you gave The Bangles - Walk Like An Egyptian a 10.... Nuff said.
Hahahahahahahah good one
Posted 17 years ago by OldFrenchie    [ Reply ]
FlatCat wrote:
Hateful noise.
Ummm. Well, you gave The Bangles - Walk Like An Egyptian a 10.... Nuff said.
Posted 17 years ago by bigB_3    [ Reply ]
Hateful noise.
Posted 17 years ago by FlatCat    [ Reply ]
Four "sevens" in a row. This is what I find quite likeable about RP! 12:47 pm - Guster - Lightning Rod 12:38 pm - Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - American X 12:34 pm - Arctic Monkeys - Old Yellow Bricks 12:29 pm - My Morning Jacket - The Way that He Sings
Posted 17 years ago by Wizzuvvoz    [ Reply ]
kapetto wrote:
This song is amazing. I wish it went on longer, that's my only complaint. This whole album just blows me away! I've been a Guster fan for years, frequenting 2 or three concerts a year. Just when I kinda get tired of them, they bust out a new album that has such a fresh sound it turns me into a fan all over again.
Four sevens in a row. This is what I find quite likeable about RP! 12:47 pm - Guster - Lightning Rod 12:38 pm - Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - American X 12:34 pm - Arctic Monkeys - Old Yellow Bricks 12:29 pm - My Morning Jacket - The Way that He Sings
Posted 17 years ago by Wizzuvvoz    [ Reply ]
This song is amazing. I wish it went on longer, that's my only complaint. This whole album just blows me away! I've been a Guster fan for years, frequenting 2 or three concerts a year. Just when I kinda get tired of them, they bust out a new album that has such a fresh sound it turns me into a fan all over again.
Posted 17 years ago by kapetto    [ Reply ]
squidish wrote:
Whoohoo, just got my tickets to see Guster at KaBoom in SF May 12!
Going to see 'em tonight. . .can't wait! Listened to Adam talk about environmental stuff a couple hours ago. Cool guy -- and cool band!
Posted 17 years ago by lathyris    [ Reply ]
Whoohoo, just got my tickets to see Guster at KaBoom in SF May 12!
Posted 17 years ago by squidish    [ Reply ]
I love the range of vocals in this song...so lovely to my ears.
Posted 17 years ago by Dancing_banana    [ Reply ]
This keeps getting better and better. When he drops his voice down to just below his adams apple it resonates with the tom tom. This guy just might be some kind of natural vocal genius type dude. I'm checking into this. edit- I checked this out. This is a really fun and relaxing song to sing. The beginning is like a Korean buddhist chant and chills you out. Then you jump up somewhere I never learned how to explain into the falsetto part with minimal vibrato and diaphragm. When you get there you're so relaxed from the bass part it just flows. Simple absolutely brilliant vocal arrangement. It's surprising easy and cool to sing. But the singing it is the easy part. It's the coming up with it in the first place that counts.
Posted 17 years ago by bokey    [ Reply ]
I love the way he seeks and evokes Brian Wilson-type harmonies however he can; I admire that, and I love to hear any Guster song come on, because I think, wow, here comes a lyrical, rhythmical, totally creative treat. I love the way Bill plays us their entire repetoire, and it's getting delightfully symphonic.
Posted 17 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
I'm thinking he's singing that nasally on purpose to resonate with the accordian(or the equivalent).
Posted 17 years ago by bokey    [ Reply ]
cmrump wrote:
What happened to the rest? Only 93 seconds today!
Some would call it a "reprieve."
Posted 17 years ago by meloman    [ Reply ]
I agree with the comments below! This album is definitely one of the keepers from 2006. Highly recommended!
Posted 17 years ago by Darkmatter    [ Reply ]
AlienRelic wrote:
Me too! GOT to get this.
I got it. It's good!
Posted 17 years ago by KurtfromLaQuinta    [ Reply ]
What happened to the rest? Only 93 seconds today!
Posted 17 years ago by cmrump    [ Reply ]
pedro wrote:
really like this album
Me too! GOT to get this.
Posted 18 years ago by AlienRelic    [ Reply ]
really like this album
Posted 18 years ago by pedro    [ Reply ]
YellowKing wrote:
There hasn't been a lot of love for this song or "Satellite" going around, but I really like this one.
I have some love for it. I think Guster is one of the most creative newer bands I have heard recently.
Posted 18 years ago by AlienRelic    [ Reply ]
And I don't think this is like Come Downstairs And Say Hello.
Wish it was. What a great song. This album is good, but I still like Keep it Together much better.
Posted 18 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
Great song and a fantastic album. I'm so glad Guster have moved beyond the acoustic guitars and bongos only stage.
Posted 18 years ago by Radio_Man    [ Reply ]
Steve wrote:
As a huge Guster fan dating back to their early days, all I have to say is
my younger brother was a big fan in the early days and i thought then. they appear to have stepped farther into that realm....not bad or offensive, just
Posted 18 years ago by beardp    [ Reply ]
There hasn't been a lot of love for this song or "Satellite" going around, but I really like this one.
Posted 18 years ago by YellowKing    [ Reply ]
Not a big fan of the new album overall, but this song isn't bad. 7. And I don't think this is like Come Downstairs And Say Hello.
Posted 18 years ago by Grumm    [ Reply ]
Hmmm. This may as well have been titled... Come Down Stairs and Say Hello, Redux.
Posted 18 years ago by zaknafein    [ Reply ]
Not a whole lot going on here. But cool album cover.
Posted 18 years ago by xkolibuul    [ Reply ]
After the recent songs.. I'm switching off. Guster - Lightning Rod The Orb - Little Fluffy Clouds Forest For The Trees - Dream B-Tribe - Angelic Voices
Posted 18 years ago by rocteur    [ Reply ]
Cool vocals.....
Posted 18 years ago by witchchild    [ Reply ]
As a huge Guster fan dating back to their early days, all I have to say is
Posted 18 years ago by Steve    [ Reply ]