If Six Was Nine

Thursday, November 24, 2005

Try!... a little harder

As the ifsixer who blogs the least, I know it's hard to get me to move from my regularly vegetative state to write a review of any sort. But, as the resident pop wuss rock enthusiast, I had to review John Mayer Trio's new live release, Try!

For those individuals who have flirted with the idea of buying this disc, my advice is simple: Don't. I love soaring SRV and Hendrix inspired guitar licks as much as the next kid, but this album falls dramatically short. I think the most crushing factor is that Mayer has finally offered a musically rich and adventurous detour from his normally insipid and paternalistic Grammy winning singles... but the opportunity is lost completely. How, you ask? Bluntly, his vocals suck harder than a Hoover.

Not since the movie adaptation of Rent have I been so underwhelmed and disappointed by what could have been a creative masterpiece. And it makes me wonder, this guy is clearly living well and has set aside a nice little nest egg for himself - why can't he afford a vocal coach? Has no one told him that he is mediocre at best, and painful at worst as a vocalist? When he was a pop singer I didn't mind too much - the guitar skills made up for it. From the nasal and unreliable falsettos to the poor tonal intonation to the unsupported breathing, I find myself wanting to find the dub versions of these songs. Throughout the entire album it sounds like Ashlee Simpson mimicking Joss Stone. Mayer's tone quality, his approach, none if it manages to fit into his revisitation of the blues. And unfortunately, no amount of virtuousity from his trio-mates can save this sinking album.

So while I raise my glass to Mayer's move away from the vapid, I hope that next time the John Mayer Trio will try! a little harder.
Camille 12:31 AM

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