Show Review: John Mayer with JP Saxe at Chase Center, 11/7/23

Does everyone else have artists they will see over and over forever, or is it just me? Sometimes, this is because I want to see what’s new in the artist’s/band’s set (as is the case with someone like Pink, who will change much of her songlist, set, costumes, etc, every time she hits the road). On the other hand, sometimes this is just because I’m such a fan of the artist’s voice, lyrics, and music that I’ll see them every single time I have an opportunity, regardless of whether or not things have much changed since the last time. Such was the case this week with John Mayer’s Solo tour, which arrived at Chase Center on Tuesday. Continue reading “Show Review: John Mayer with JP Saxe at Chase Center, 11/7/23”

Film Review: “Vengeance”

Kutcher excels in Novak’s mixed feature film debut

Music producer Quentin (Ashton Kutcher, l.) talks with journalist Ben (B.J. Novak) about Ben’s recently deceased acquaintance and life in West Texas.

Perhaps best known as Ryan from The Office, B.J. Novak has long been a writer as well as an actor, and now, with his new film Vengeance, he can add feature film director to his resume. With this picture, he pulls off the cinematic trifecta of acting/writing/directing, and, for a first effort, the results aren’t bad. While not stellar by any means, the picture definitely has its moments, and signifies Novak as a filmmaker to watch.

Continue reading “Film Review: “Vengeance””

Show Review: John Mayer with Yebba at Chase Center, 3/18/2022

Holy hell, it’s been a while. It’s been more than two years, in fact, since I last saw a show. For a music nerd like me who considers live music vital to her mental health, that’s saying a lot. But as things slowly seem to be moving closer and closer to what we considered “normal” pre-pandemic, I’ve been missing the whole concert experience more and more. Fortunately, the arrival of John Mayer‘s Sob Rock Tour at San Francisco’s Chase Center arrived just in time – last Friday night, to be exact… Continue reading “Show Review: John Mayer with Yebba at Chase Center, 3/18/2022”

Film Feature: Carrie’s Top 10 Films of 2017

If you didn’t get out to the movies as much as you’d hoped in 2017, it’s not too late to catch up on these worthy titles!

Spinning Platters Film Editor Carrie Kahn shares her ten favorite films of 2017, presented in descending rank order. You can also check out her list from last year here

Continue reading “Film Feature: Carrie’s Top 10 Films of 2017”

Show Review: John Mayer with Phillip Phillips at Sleep Train Amphitheatre, 7/24/2013

John Mayer channels Jimi Hendrix with a head scarf and a guitar
John Mayer channels Jimi Hendrix with a head scarf and a guitar

Ladies and gentlemen, the John Mayer of old is back. Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few years, you probably know why I say this.  Either way, I’ll start (briefly) from the beginning anyway. Mr. Mayer & I go way back: I was first introduced to his music just before his breakthrough hit “No Such Thing” exploded (circa Inside Wants Out, 2001-ish), and was immediately hooked. His fame continued to grow over the years. I didn’t notice at first, but somehow the seemingly almost shy, sweet, clever lyricist with an unusual tone and stellar guitar skills had become unrecognizable. He seemed to have bought into his own celebrity, and even if I’d have wanted to, I couldn’t have defended friends who insisted he’d become the ultimate “douche.” It didn’t keep me from listening, but it made me sad nonetheless. And then, miraculously, in 2010, he was somehow alerted to this drastic change in himself. Abruptly quitting Twitter, John took a hiatus to get back to himself. Then he lost his voice, which threatened the future of his career, though in the end it finally healed. Last year finally brought us the delicious folk/country-rock Born and Raised, and Wednesday ended my unintentional John Mayer hiatus as I finally had the chance to see him live for the first time in the better part of a decade, at Wheatland’s Sleep Train Amphitheatre, with recent American Idol winner Phillip Phillips in support. Continue reading “Show Review: John Mayer with Phillip Phillips at Sleep Train Amphitheatre, 7/24/2013”

New Release Round Up, 11/17/09 – 20 Instant Album Reviews

Pouria says, "Listening to this album is like watching Over the Top."
Pouria says, "Listening to this album is like watching Over the Top."

I’ve been in Seoul for the past couple weeks so I’ve had a bit of a break.  Fortunately I could ease in this week since it didn’t really seem like much came out.  One really hilarious album came out this week, so if you get a chance you should listen to Pretty Ricky for some lighthearted fun. Continue reading “New Release Round Up, 11/17/09 — 20 Instant Album Reviews”

Spinning Platters Picks Six: Reasons to Like John Mayer (But Not His Music)

John is too cool to care what you think of this article.
John is too cool to care what you think of this article.

It’s popular among music nerds to dislike John Mayer.  I don’t know why this is.

OK, I do know why this is.  It’s because his music is characterized by this sugary weepiness that seems borrowed from the worst of Dave Matthews.  “Your Body Is a Wonderland” and “Daughters” are primary offenders.  This makes the girls cry, and next thing you know, he’s dating a never-ending stream of actresses and models.  Then he goes out and decides he wants to be a blues guitar legend, and people bow down to him like he is one.  And finally, he’s the token white guy at the Michael Jackson memorial, playing a smooth jazz instrumental version of “Human Nature,” and the circle of hate is complete.

But even with all of that, I realize I kinda like John Mayer for a few reasons.  Here’s why you might, too.  Let me know in the comments what you think of him when you’re done reading. Continue reading “Spinning Platters Picks Six: Reasons to Like John Mayer (But Not His Music)”