Music imitating life
You read that latest interview with John Mayer in Rolling Stone?
Some call it the most honest, open interview done by a celebrity. Others say they read it and think he is a pice of work. Still, others don't believe him.
In it, he talks a lot about how lonely he is. How he is absolutely devastated about losing Jennifer Aniston. And he talks alot about masterbation.
As a John Mayer fan, I am perplexed. At first, I sort of sympathized with the guy. I have felt lonely. I have loved and lost. In my marriage, there are ups and downs. Is he just being honest or being a jerk?
Then, I thought a lot about his art. His songwriting is great. It's personal, fun, pop and yet the words are some of the best in the pop music world. But now, as I listen to cuts off his "Battle Studies," I can't help attaching the "real" John Mayer to the songs. And I don't know how that makes me feel, exactly.
Should a fan know that much about the singer/songwriter he loves? Should the fan know all the "feelings" behind the songs. I don't know. When I listen to some of his new songs, I am thinking of Jennifer Aniston and breakups and John Mayer screaming out for a committed relationship. And that's not always a good feeling when I'm driving along on the 10 Freeway trying to get lost in a lyric or a riff.
Sooo, John Mayer, you either ruined it for your fans or your deepened the relationship they will have with your songs. I can't decide.
I only think there should be some mystery in art, some unknowns. Save the story-behind-the-song for those tabloid TV shows.