John Mayer's Battle Studies

As much as everyone else, I'm very excited to hear the new studio album of John Mayer, Battle Studies. I've been a fan of his work, but I'm one of the few who prefers his older albums and would rate Room for Squares as his best work. For me, that album has the most memorable hooks, great songwriting and most importantly - songs that are "relatable" - if there is such a word.

So far, I've heard the tracks that John Mayer prereleased as videos: "Who Says" and "Heartbreak Warfare". Both songs are great but not as climatic as I hoped it was - Who says sounds like a lost track from Continuum, while Heartbreak Warfare has that Heavier Things vibe.

Both are ofcourse good, don't get me wrong but it seems like there is a shortage on topics to sing about - and singing about his "rockstar" self (Who Says) just doesn't cut through to normal human beings like myself. In fairness - it's still an honest song, and I can only imagine how it is to want to be "Stoned". Heartbreak warfare on the other hand has some tasty hooks, but lacks on the "guitar" aspect (Can't blame me for wanting more guitar after hearing John Mayer Trio :P).

Much like Continuum, I better appreciate his songs AFTER seeing him play the song live, so probably my take on the two songs will change after a few weeks. Can't wait to hear the new album to see where John Mayer currently stands musically. :)

Music vs Noise

What is the difference between Music and Noise? Tapping your table may sound irritating to others, but to you it's just your hand drumming to a beat in your head. Some people might consider heavy metal music as noise while others enjoy it. The same goes with old love songs - teenagers might dread it while the young at heart enjoy it. So maybe - what makes them different is the way we hear them.

A lot of things right now sound like noise to me. I guess it's time I change my attitude towards this seemingly pesky things and see the good in them - which upon closer inspection I can say they are not so bad. Take a deep breathe and re-evaluate everything and listen to these "noise" with an open heart and an open ear - and "hear the music".

The Pre-bend Chromatic Note

Yep, the pre-bend - preparation for that sweet sounding milked note. And yes - the irony - the effort you have to put into it - while making sure it is muted. It may seem like a waste of effort but all will payoff when the right timing comes for you to play that note and milk it with vibrato. Sweet note heaven.

At times all I see and hear are those good notes without taking notice of the "pre-bends". Now that I'm at it - I'm beginning to doubt if it is even worth pre-bending at all, just to make that one note special and flexible. But when I visualize what I want my life and my music to be - I regain focus and I understand that it is all worth it. All for that one special note.

I believe that in life, just like in music - everything is special, but it doesn't hurt to have some notes standout - by preparing for it, with hard work and dedication.