The charges leveled by indie nation against John Mayer are substantial: a few albums of adult-alternative drivel, a Dave Matthews-in-a-dorm-room aesthetic, and every grating second of his breakthrough single “No Such Thing.” Not to mention the overblown public affair that ignited the TMZ crowd this month.
And yet, something’s changing for young Mayer, and it started around the time he formed his trio with session stars Steve Jordan and Pino Pallidino. We know he’s been talented all along (Herbie Hancock doesn’t invite just anybody to be a Headhunter). With John’s rise came rumors of his affection for the blues, with extended shredding sessions in concert. His ability to use seventh chords and win Grammys was never at issue; it was his derivative, super-sensitive balladry that had audiophiles plugging their ears.
With his new record Continuum, we’re seeing brilliant glimpses at what J. May could do best: meld a strong pop sensibility to his burgeoning blues and bring the smoky sounds of Stevie Ray to the people. Sure, the record has that too slick sheen one expects from a major label adult alternative release, but John marries R&B and lots of licks to his hooks. It all makes for a record that’s ? really good. We can’t believe it either.
With an open mind, Scott and I went to see John perform his new material, and it was nothing short of amazing. Check the hot chops on the infectious, even Sting-y “Belief”:
For more of the new Mayer, peep this performance of the spare, metaphorical musings of “Gravity” on Conan last Tuesday. If you want to mull it over, take this for your Zune. (We keed.)
We’re convinced we’re witnessing the emergence of a true artist. And, this being Stereogum, John scores points with each smart-ass interview.
Of course, he could do a duet with Jessica and squander all of this good will in three minutes.
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In my personal opinion i think john mayer IS in fact a great musician. Many people are way too absorbed in what they like to hear to give him the time of day. He has maby a couple of not so great songs like your body is a wonderland, but stop and think can anybody out there honestly say they like EVERY song their favorite musician has written? FACT IS John mayer was invited to play and played ALONGSIDE some of the greatest musicians of the last 25 to 30 years (that are still living of course) when he played at the crossroads tour with Eric Clapton, and the multitude of other top key musicians that EVERYONE knows. I would say this is a pretty good indication that he qualifys as one of the top musicians of this era and will be a house hold name in the future just like Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, Joe Walsh, Stevie Ray Vaughn, etc. think about it, this guy is good theres no denying it … no offence to the INDIE culture but i dont see any indie band or soloist playing alongside Clapton EVER. JOHN MAYER BELONGS RIGHT UP THERE WITH THE BEST OF THEM BECAUSE HE HAS ALREADY BEEN WITH THE BEST OF THEM. and about the john mayer looks like a pedifile thing, how old is jessica simpson??? im pretty sure shes leagle… that was just a shot in the balls Joe that comment has NO substancial grounds AT ALL your a dumbass shit disturber… i can agree with the last comment about this whole thing ITS ALL ABOUT THE MUSIC EMOTION, SOUL, SPIRIT, and MEANING john’s music contains ALL of it
I think that John Mayer is an amazing artist with a lot of growing to do. People should open their minds to him and see what he’s really like. I went to see him in Louisville, KY with a bunch of my friends when his first album was about to be released. I remember this because I went on a trial and error with his music. I didn’t think I would like him as much as I do, but I’ve grown with him as his music has grown. If you like good, acoustic or nonacoustic music, you should try John Mayer. I like all the music that he’s put out and I think he should be recognized for who he really is…not a sell out. He does what he enjoys and lives his life accordingly. Don’t diss what you don’t know without giving it a try. I found out the hard way and I’ve been a Mayer fan since his first album, regardless of how “pop” it sounded. So just Try! and you might like it. John Mayer is innovative, an outstanding guitarist, and a fellow Pearl Jam fan. Give him some credit. He’ll try anything once. That’s what I like about him, and if you give him a Try! you will too.
Who gives a shit if he’s popular or if he can “wail” on guitar? He blatently ripped-off Curtis Mayfield’s “We’re a Winner” AND “People Get Ready” at the same time. I guess he was listening to his “Best of the Impressions” album a little too much. The Mayfield family is filing a lawsuit and I hope they get as much money as possible from this fuckhead.
Anyone who can say such ruthless things about any artist who puts their heart and soul into their craft is clearly out of touch w/ the truth that this world desperately needs. Open your mind people!
I just saw John in concert 2 nights in a row and was blown away both nights. He is not only a performer, but connects w/ people as if they were the only one in the place. I have mad respect for this guy. He’s doing his thing the best he knows how just like anyone else and he happens to be fantastic at it!!!!