John Mayer, what's the PH consensus?

[LHDisbest]

So, after his Grammy win (now taking him to a total of 7) who is and isn't a fan of John Mayer?

His albums Heavier Things and the live album Any Given Sunday are a constant presence in my CD changer in the car.

Why hasn't he been a bigger star in the UK?

[MrOnTheRopes]

I think he's great. His "Continuum" album is very good, and the BLURAY version of his "Where The Light Is" concert is fantastic. Worth getting a proper Bluray/surround sound setup just for that!

Suffers terrible guitar face though...

[Bob Loblaw]

I've been meaning to start a thread on him, I can't decide if I like him or not. On one hand he's an amazing guitar player, moreso than his studio albums let on... but on the other hand he comes across as a complete tt

Here's a good example of both
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQSGa8nZs8g&fea...

[gingerpaul]

I think he's fantastic blues guitarist and a unique singer. I like his lyrics and I even like some of the "poppier" stuff he's done. I'd much rather listen to his pop music than most of the stuff on Radio 1. I have no idea why he isn't very popular in the UK. I assume he's not promoted anything over here. I notice he played the Reading and Leeds festivals last year though.

[MrOnTheRopes]

gingerpaul said:

I think he's fantastic blues guitarist and a unique singer.

His singing voice can sound very similar to the softer Stevie Ray singing voice

[gingerpaul]

MrOnTheRopes said:

gingerpaul said:

I think he's fantastic blues guitarist and a unique singer.

His singing voice can sound very similar to the softer Stevie Ray singing voice

I agree, I had meant more in terms of contemporary musicians. I think SVR's tech works for Mayer now and that he thought he was the real deal, which is a hell of a compliment.

[Hub]

Yeah, I think he's great. I discovered him in Australia when the first album was out - He does seem to be big everywhere but here.

He is a very talented guitarist, and moving to a much more bluesy direction with the last album and the John Mayer Trio stuff - I like! He's on my list to try and see live at some point.

[lockhart flawse]

I am a bit surprised that you think his sort of music would be popular over here. It's generic Amnerican white man blues and off-hand I can't think of anyone like him who has ever been popular over here. Eric Clapton is the nearest I suppose. Yes he's a good guitarist but since when did being good at playing an instrument make you succesful?

Sorry not for me.

L.F.

[chevy-stu]

I think he's great...... Can't see a big market for him here, as this forum on PH is not your average UK buyer/downloader... If some of his less bluesy stuff got major daytime radio play or tv ad use he might have a chance..

[nonplussed]

Bob Loblaw said:

I've been meaning to start a thread on him, I can't decide if I like him or not. On one hand he's an amazing guitar player, moreso than his studio albums let on... but on the other hand he comes across as a complete tt

Here's a good example of both
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQSGa8nZs8g&fea...

On balance I like him, but would agree with the above. Great player and songwriter, but just a bit too, er, wk whenever he talks. The video above is indeed a good example. Sorry, that's not very precise but as close as it gets

[old-school]

Love his guitar tone, and his study of the great players is evident in his playing. He is a great songwriter, but can come across as an arrogant cock. Then again if I could do what he does then I'd be a little self-sure myself!

Get the 'Where the light is' concert dvd and you hear him play solo acoustic, trio and pop. Excellent concert.

Edited by old-school on Tuesday 24th February 14:58

[Nadyenka]

I like him he is good.I like other John more also Jack White.

[sixspeed]

Dug out Continuum again on my iPod on the train this morning, and thought I'd search to see if there was a thread about him on here. So there was...

Also don't know why he hasn't made it here. It's not like he hasn't played in the UK - I saw him last year at the RAH, and then at Brixton Academy.

Girls seem to know him more than guys I find in this country. But usually only with the response of "Oh, isn't he the one that was dating Jennifer Aniston?" ....

[levron73]

Fantastic guitar player, great range of music from pop to blues trio. Seen him a few times - Albert Hall was the best but always full of screaming US girls!

Favourite clip ever;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zh4n1bZi4d8

[gingerpaul]

I think he's currently writing his new album. He's been uploading videos of people messing about in the "studio" (a massive american mansion) on to his youtube channel. He seems to have a good sense of humour to me too judging by the other stuff on there. The Kanye West video is quite good.

[yellowbentines]

I think Room for Squares (2001) is one of the most complete albums I own, there isn't a bad track on it IMO, better than Continuum, if you don't have it I highly recommend a listen.

John Mayer as a person, I don't know or care if he's a cock! I bought his first album when i was in the US in 2001, long before he was big there nevermind known here, it was bought purely on the basis he can write good lyrics, music and can play well also.