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- Опубликовано: 1 фев 2025
- John Mayer is known for his smart compositions, incredible vocal and guitar performances, and incredible lyrics. Ryan and I are joined by John Alagía, who is the producer for John Mayer and his album Room For Squares. We listen to and discuss his song "No Such Thing" and hear behind the scenes moments for the production of the album and how John Mayer got his start.
Our channel is all about reacting to the original artwork of some amazing musicians. You should check out the original pieces of music below to get the full picture of the greatness we are reacting to. You can find them here;
@johnmayerNo Such Thing
• John Mayer - No Such T...
The music recommended by the @DeadWaxShow crew in this episode is below:
@LizzyMcAlpinedoomsday
• Lizzy McAlpine - dooms...
Black Moth Super Rainbow - Forever Heavy
• Forever Heavy
@BillFrisellsMusicThis Land
• This Land
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Please leave us a comment below and tell us what you would like us to react to.
Before we film episodes we ask the Scary Pockets Discord and Patreon members for questions on certain episodes, you can find the communities here;
Discord:
www.scarypocke...
Patreon:
/ scarypockets
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The Dead Wax Crew:
Hosts: Jack Conte & Ryan Lerman
Guests: Tim Pierce, Mason Stoops
Executive Producer: Joe Smith
Production Manager: Kate Torres
Senior Producer: Kiko Suura
Director of Photography: Ricky Chavez
Production Designer: Skye Prey
Editor: Shelby Smith
Camera Operators: Adam Kritzberg, Jenny Baumert
Audio Mixer: Rich Gavin
Post Sound Mixer: Liam Tallon
Audio Support: Evan Maloney
Art Director: Russell Kromash
Set Dresser: Becca Gomez, Miki Rodriguez
Graphics: Shelby Smith
#johnmayer #jackconte #ryanlerman
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'Welcome to the real world she said to me, condescendingly.' Even without the music, just the opening line of this song makes you want to listen to the rest.
He actually auditioned for “The real World” per some recent Reddit post I saw… So that makes a lot of sense haha
I love that line
It's not actually the first line of the original version, which begins with a kinda conversation with his mother, then leads into this line
@@Matty99299 this. It's actually his mother that said the line and inspired this whole song
I hope this channel isn't dead. These videos are always so informative and entertaining. I hope we hear an update from them soon
was thinking the same thing
From production point of view, each show is really expensive. Let me see...1. A proper recording studio with an engineer; 2. I count at least 4 cameras with at least 2 of them being manually operated (= 2 camera ops need to be paid + camera & light rental); 3. let's not forget all the big-name guests they invite. Sure, some of them would just love to come hang, but that's not sustainable; 4. Post-production (which is often more time-consuming than production), etc.
If you really resonate with Jack's ethos that artists should be compensated (he's the CEO of Patreon in case you didn't know), then I suggest you actually support this channel monetarily.
I agree entirely. I love this content
@@Kirinji1kirinji One of the bros is the CEO of Patreon. As long as he keeps pouring money in it'll return subrcibers and money. They obviously are a pretty superior music channel.
They’re back!
I'm a simple girl - I see John Mayer mentioned, I click. "No Such Thing" is truly timeless. Still can't wrap my head around the fact it's 20 years old.
Right? 20 years... 😐
I heard "No Such Thing" on KFOG before it broke big. Got the album, then started hearing him *all over* the radio. The rest is history. Glad he's still making music.
no such thing describes a universal sentiment
IKR!
Still sounds fresh!
Time to revisit this album! “3x5” is a super underrated song on there.
I discovered that song in a road trip. Awesome energy, reminds me of Mexican Norteño music.
from the live versions, ‘no more three by fives … to keep this love alive’ is a lyric that has stuck with me … so good.
Always has been my favorite track from this album (which was full of favorites)
One of his best and most underrated songs
So funny you mentioned that, I put on one of his albums and fell asleep on a plane. Woke up to 3X5 playing during landing and it was one of the best things ever couldn’t have planned that ish
You guys really got to let the guest speak more, love the nerding out over the musical bits of it, but I would've loved to hear John Alagia talk a lot more.
This.
Yeah felt a lot like a dick swinging contest between the two hosts on who knows more about theory. A real shame.
Musical analysis is dope, but let's don't forget about why we brought the guest on.
True
Pro tip: One of the key tricks to playing Neon is to have massive massive hands. John can reach some chords that other people just can't, and he takes full advantage of it in that song.
I wish I could post a link to a video from google photos. I was obsessed with this song in college but could never play it right. Several years ago, when my son was 14, he mastered it. Every pick, flick, mute, and thumb drop. He devoured every JM technique over the course of about six months. Some people are just built differently.
"love soon" annoying JM song for me, sounds so simple and beautiful yet the chords need massive hands to be able to play, I've had to radically accept that while some JM songs can be adapted for small hands (e.g stop this train), others are just forever going to be out of my reach... Literally!
Here's an alternative trick if you don't have massive massive hands:
Tune the bottom string to D instead of C, and play the song in D minor instead of C minor. The pre-chorus arpeggios don't require a huge stretch, and the rest of the song becomes easier too (all of the notes on the remaining 5 strings just shift up 2 frets).
As a young guitar player in highschool, No Such Thing was the first time I heard an Emaj9 and it clicked. Surely i had heard voicing like that on different tunes, especially any of those classic 70s soul records my parents would play but i never heard it spelled out so explicitly on an acoustic guitar. I still remember pursuing that sound, getting together with friends to try and figure it out (pre youtube guitar lessons etc)… changed my life as a player and got me on a path enjoying and learning harmony. I love modern Mayer as a player but those early records were super sophisticated underneath the pop sensibility
Same!
I still play this song as a go-to when I pick up steel string acoustic 👍
Whenever I hear or play a major 9 chord even now I always think of this song
This was already an amazing video and then John mentioning Lizzy macalpine and talking with jm about it just made my day,my two favorite artists , i want them to collab so bad, she's a true genius and will blow up soon.
They already did! Look up "Never Gonna Be Alone" by Jacob Collier, Lizzie, and John :)
Two of my favorites as well! Great taste!
@@NathanDowdyMedia i have listened to it but he just had a small feature , i'd like something where he has more involvement
@@tanayasharma7776 True! I was hoping there'd be more - but, she's still relatively early in her career, and John is at the point in his where he's beaten the game and is just doing side quests at this point lol, so I'm sure there will be more with them together in the future!
@@NathanDowdyMedia yes that and he has a track record of not doing full collabs ,he was in studio with her so I'm excited
Even through all his social upheavals, I've always held that a person who can write "The Heart of Life" cannot be inherently bad or a jerk. It's nice to know that he's just as musically gifted as his lyrics and subjects.
I love this
@jayandgem his “social upheavals” were nothing more than woke platitudes from people who will never be in his situation. Who cares.
@@jayandgem That said, he's grown a lot, especially over the last few albums and has really seemingly tried to be a less egocentric individual.
realistically, he hasn't done anything terrible. the entertainment world is still rife with rapists, con artists, and serial exploiters continuing to get away with blood on their hands every day... and we worry about people being cocky and stuff? excepting doing horrible things to other people, i don't think there's ever been much reason to judge someone we've never met.
just recently discovered your channel. The most recent episodes I see on your channel are 4 months old though. I hope you guys keep it up. Your videos are addicting. It's that combination of knowledge , enthusiasm and your likability that keep me coming back for more. I can see your channel reaching 1-2 million subscribers!
Mayer’s biggest development came in his vocal ability. By the time he did the live album at Nokia Theater, his vocal chops were incredibly soulful and expressive. He’s an underrated singer
The guy got his Grammy for his vocals, didn‘t he?
@@philigran4852 those songs that he won for were his worst songs daughters and body is a wonderland.
Totally
John Mayer didn't actually sing that well in Where The Light Is, as it was edited. Here's some unedited videos ruclips.net/p/PLKpgVpPw237z1hw10HptMkKuYuw4-SjXz
@@yakshrajsingh8121 Duaghters is a totally classic pop ballad, a generational hit, don't be silly. Body is a Wonderland was definitely a sappy song, but also a total hit
I was thinking about this channel earlier today. I love nerding out and learning about music. So I came here to say what all the others are saying:
“Yo where’s the next episode!?”
All time favorite artists… John Mayer is a big reason I got into songwriting
Amazing video, would love more of these with different compositions of his- I think Wheel is a gorgeous song which doesn't get talked about enough!
Dead Wax where are you? Love your stuff, hope you will carry on!
As a musician and a fan of Mayer, it’s great to hear the perspective from two guys who understand music theory and are passionate and appreciative of Mayers chops. I could watch 100 more videos on JM if you two are involved.
Man, the last video I asked for and it happened. Thanks guys, Room For Squares is one of the albums of my life!
I am more convinced Jack and Ryan are hacking my brain as every episode seems to be made just for me
Awesome episode. Funny John mentioned Lizzy McAlpine. I first heard her on Scary Pockets with Swatkins, and dug into her stuff back then. She immediately reminded me of both John mayer and Ben Folds, because of how she really tells a story in her songs. JM and BF are probably two of the best at that I can think of, and Lizzy fits right in. I expect a few years from now she will be the one everyone is sick of seeing sweep the grammys.
I felt like I was excitedly interpreting a foreign language as you all were discussing music terminology. It was so refreshing to hear everyone's passion about the intentions behind his work. Following John's music since Room For Squares, this video was a nostalgic treat. :) Thank you. :) I feel like I have to watch it again to relive it all over. :) Thanks!
The way the conversation flows, with the technical breakdown and the genuine enthusiasm. So engaging to watch. Loved this!
I’m at music school right now and these videos always give me something to look forward to
Fantastic talk guys!
Great job guys, just discovered this show and it's an instant favorite. Love the scary pockets stuff too.
This really hits hard for me. I remember where I was when I heard that tune and it literally stopping me in my tracks. A chorus with a back door ii-V to a maj9??? Who is this dude??? JM has always been in a league of his own- he forever changed the game. Thanks for diving deep on this one ⚡️
Thank you for giving me a deeper understanding, and thus a new appreciation, of this beautiful instrument I play.
John Mayer and his band are on another tier altogether. Their music is pure quality .
Every album is refreshing . ❤❤❤ 🔥 🔥 👍🏽 👍🏽 💯
Believe me or not Room For Squares will still be my fav album forever. It's timeless and it was way ahead of its time when it was produced.
It's one of my favourite albums too, I can't choose a favourite song in the album. There all just masterfully done.
@deadwax i want that too :p
I love how many Lizzy McAlpine references end up on Dead Wax. One day there will be a Dead Wax about her songwriting!
Is Deadwax dead? Your show deserved much more views!
This producer did an amazing job. This record still sounds so fresh and I still love it.
18:18 Oh man, I was intrigued by the allergy thing. I wish I knew what he was going to say
Loved him 20 years ago, love him
Even more today. Thank you for breaking down this timeless record! ❤
Aww what’s a heart touching feedback I really appreciate your love and support I promise you to keep it up ,where are you watching from .
Wow! Discovering this channel is the best thing that happened today. Love how you guys combine the theoretical, oral, and personal approaches to the songs! And still keep it fresh and flowing, even for people that don’t know theory. Instant sub 🙌
I love that comment about John beating you. I am about the same age as John and I had the same reaction. I was huge into SRV and writing songs and then here comes this guy already doing it haha anyway great episode!
I was an instant Mayer fan the moment I first heard him…. About a month before his first album was released. I never understood why people didn’t like him. It seems most people have finally come to acknowledge that he is a super talented musician who deserves the accolades he gets.
It always takes the masses time to adapt to something new and radical.
Ryan Lerman looks like Eva Mendes
PS: GREAT video btw, your channel is my favourite on RUclips currently
The mastery was self evident from the start. I was living near The Music Millennium that was on NW 23rd in Portland, OR. I'd make a point to drop in to hear the live acts as they came through. I get off the bus at the stop nearby. I glance at the marquee. I didn't recognize the name. (I hated radio). I stepped into the doorway & stopped in my tracks. The sound! He was on a guitar, and he was backed by the base. I worked my way over to a good spot and stayed for the entire set. He was coming down the coast. He was at the store that afternoon, and was going to be in a small space that night. I actually stood in line to buy that CD in it's cardboard sleeve; and I waited to get his autograph on it. (The only time that I've ever done that.) I *KNEW* that he was going to blow up. I was right. By the time that he was working back up the coast, he had outgrown all of the pre-planned venues. They needed to move him to larger spaces. I'm still annoyed that a neighbor, "borrowed," my CD, then moved without returning it. Memories of that perfect session still bring a smile to my face, decades later.
The tone changes used by John were more evident to to me as I've been growing musically. But now I sort of recognize the talent and feeling one would need to implement those changes properly!
Great video, as usual! Thank you guys!
I vividly remember hearing this song for the first time in 8th grade. I didn’t know much about music and I listened to a lot of bad music. But Listening to this felt like you were riding a convertible into the sunset and the hood slowly rolls off, you feel like your driving off into a dream and leaving memories you hate behind. Still feel that way. John is brilliant.
Love your show! Thanks so much for it!
As a Kraut, John Mayer is a like Hendrix, as it is really difficult to appreciate his music in hindsight, without the contemporary context.
His writing, his use of chords and harmony were so influential, that it is kinda easy to listen back and go, eh, whatever, because it does not stand out anymore. He obviously struck a nerve at the perfect time, but it takes some time to unpack his impact on pop music since to really appreciate what a phenomenon he was.
You're right about context. I wasn't listening to pop when this came out and it hits me as skilful but not really striking or memorable.
15:26 the thought of fan girls going “Oh my god! He’s playing Lydian!” is hilarious
All the threads that lead to Dead Wax have been so good. Thanks for doing all of this. Would love to hear you all break down some Hiatus Kaiyote or the Barr Brothers. Maybe something off of Sleeping Operator?
I feel really giddy just hearing you guys talk about the "nerdy" sections & stuff about the song.
I love it!
Thank you for this.
I used to go to Borders and listen to CDs to discover new artists and I remember listening to it on headphones and I knew right away it was something special.
A channel that breaks down arrangements and harmonies, and does it well?! Subscribed.
Lizzy is the S?$&...everything she does deserves a listen, and then applause...what an amazing talented girl who has something to say and says it backed with incredible intelligent music...So happy that Mr. Alagia thinks the same...guys those videos are gems...please keep them coming...sincerely thank you...
I'm a Brazilian musician/songwriter but I haven't studied much theory and what's amazing to watch you guys is that you explain to me why I love so certain tunes like "No Such Thing" by John Mayer.
Thanks!
Sergio Mello
I LOVE THIS!!! Thank you so much for making this video
Awesome.. great episode and a classic song and album of hits. Keep doing what you do. You guys rock!
Awesome!!! Please do this for the whole album!!!!
Loved this album as a young guitar player! All the songs were fantastic. My favorite might be 3X5s.
this is awesome. wow. thanks guys!!
When I first heard this song on the radio (her station), it struck me so much that I told my 1st ex-wife to hold on while we were right in the middle of an argument so that I could hear the rest of the song. I was soon down at Tower Records to buy the CD. As a professional Jazz musician, it is a rare Pop artist that grabs my attention so readily.
Jack Conte is the best! Love everything he is putting out on RUclips and thrilled to keep finding his many different channels
Back when this album came out I just put it on the side because it gave me DMB vibes, which I was a fan of, and I did not listen to it until a trip from LA to San Diego and back. I was getting into recording and decided to give it a chance sound wise. And the funny thing is that I play guitar and when I heard the SRV influences I also didn’t like that! I just thought “this guy is a copycat!” BUT at a friend’s house I saw he had the guitar tabs for the album and when I tried to play Neon, “that was when I knew I had f**ed up”!! Til this day “Stupid Mouth” is my favorite. And since then I’ve been mixing more then recording, and this album is always a great reference. I also love what Alagia did on DMBs “Busted Stuff” album, I think that is how the band had to sound always. Great interview guys!!
He wasn't mentioned here, but Chad Franscoviak, who I believe is still working with John as both his FOH mixer and studio engineer, was integral from the days of making the aforementioned demos (Inside Wants Out & others) and deserves to be referenced here. What most amazes me about John Mayer's career is the host of incredible team players he has had, and I assume nurtured/developed with, along the way. The music industry is notorious for enabling the worst in people, or just outright destroying them. But John Mayer has put a lot of great work out into the world, not the least of which has been the artistry and goodwill he has inspired in those he's worked with.
one of my top 3 John Mayer tracks of all time! so glad you guys are covering it, seems like it was lost over the years
best show, always a treat. 🔥 still waiting for the Deadwax spotify playlist though.. ;)
Man... I saw John play at the Cat's cradle in Chapel Hill in front of maybe 50-100 people. It was in support of Room for Squares but before it was on a major label. It had a different album cover and different mixes if I remember correctly. John stayed after the show to meet people... He sort of rushed through talking to me because two hot girls were behind me in line who eventually got invited to the green room... but on stage it was evident then that he was going to be a star.
i think this is Mayer's best song. that said, it absolutely smacks of NRBQ. to the point that upon first hearing it i thought is was them. the phrasing of the vocals and the sophisticated chord choices within a pop single makes it song to be played loud while cruising, topdown beachside ... (NRBQ's songsmithery is on par with ANY writers) please do continue to rock on and i will continue to watch ... awesome show.
This was such a great interview! I felt like I was there with you asking questions. Great stuff!
This is a great episode👍 John Mayer knew what’s he was doing it.
Loved the episode - keep up the good work, y'all. It's contagious!
Yes 👏 ❤ finally 20 something years later we are finally going back to breaking down John Alagia and John Mayer 💪👍👏
Second time watching this. What a massive bummer these are so short.
I really dig this channel guys. Music lover, not a musician here. The Ice Breaker has turned me on to so much I've never even thought to listen to. Some are a hard pass, but others Voila...a new song to wear out ! But I give a listen regardless, thanks! And Thanks for explaining some things for non musicians as well, that's awesome.
I’m a massive fan of Bill Frisell & was delighted to see his musical voice being used / utilized / still influencing people more than just his smaller but very lovely & intimate trad jazz work that I’ve been absorbing since 2001, it was “Gone…Just Like a Train” oooh Jim Keltner absolutely cleans house here too 😊 #nerdymusicnerds
thank you John Mayer, for providing extensive coverage of your Historical opinions, lack of self glorification and humility...
Would you do something on early Chicago the great lead guitarist, and Cetera’s bass playing. Thx
This is such a great channel, thanks for this incredible content!
heard this song on my sister's radio in 2002 and thought 'wow, what the hell is this?' immediately hooked and still a huge fan.
love you guys please keep it going
Loving these videos. I would love to see one about Dirty Loops.
Thank you, that took me way back!
Love him, hate him or something in between...it's undeniable Mayer is an EXCEPTIONAL songwriter. Helluva guitarist, too,
EDIT: This is USDA Prime music nerd stuff...subbed!!
This dude is a monster! Love that I got to meet him through you guys.
Maaaan this was the record that did me in when I was in high school! I already knew Hendrix and I had peeped some live vids of his and I was DONE. Learning his and Dave Matthew’s’ songs are literally how I learned guitar!
One of the best songwriters of his generation, love room for squares, probably the first album that I have heard from start to end
Great call on Black Moth. Such a great tune and album too!
Long time no new Videos up … really miss you guys 😮💨😌
Thinking back I think that's what drew me to this album was not only the songs, lyrics and songwriting, but the really smart use of harmonies and dissonance. I'm a sucker for 2nds, 9ths, etc and hearing them done so tastefully in a pop song that didn't make it too much or take away from the fact that it was a pop song yet musicians would listen and say "wow, did you hear that". Still one of my favorite albums. Oh, and I still can't play Neon.
And over a decade later I can't play it either🤣. I thought I was getting good by learning all the new Gojira songs. Turns out I'm not as good a I thought, I just have big hands to reach all the 7ths and 9ths, but it doesn't matter if you can do it, if you can't utilize it correctly!🤷♂️
“I was studying jazz and I loved Stevie Ray Vaughn… and I heard this and thought ‘dammit he beat me to it!’”
You, me and at least half a dozen guitarists I know, brother! That exact literal response! Lol 😂
To me, nothing will ever top the song writing and arranging of Mayers "In Repair". And to think it was written in such a short time by Steve Jordan, Charlie Hunter and Mayer himself is incredible.
Learnt the entire album by ear as a teen. Maj9s did it for me.
I think you guys should dive into Father John Misty…I really love how he fills up the sonic space and I’d love to hear your take on it…Chateau lobby #4 and Real Love Baby have a real psychedelic folk feel to them and I think it would be cool to compare his sound to The Beach Boys pet sounds era and see how that sound has developed
That was really excellent!! thanks
More John Mayer stuff, please!
They could do an episode on each of his tracks and still not have enough time
Took me years before I noticed that the “key solo” during the 2nd half of the bridge, is borrowed from “Only the Young” - Journey. And by borrowed I mean, it’s so close it can’t be a coincidence.
Better seats brahs! 😂Lol
Love the show 🤙🏼
When will next episode of the pod appears
Another great discussion. Would love to hear you guys do a deep dive into Silverchair and their progression from albumn to albumn sometime.
Love the show, would like to see some analysis on the Grateful Dead
Did I miss an announcement saying you guys were going to stop making videos?
Man… David LaBruyere…. Why didn’t you talk about him on this track? David LaBruyere is the bassist on this track, and.. holy crap. David’s bass part is absolutely insane on this track. As a bass player, when I first heard this song, that’s the thing that first brought me in to the track. He was playing like James Jamerson but on steroids. So many great riffs and techniques. Being melodically complex without sticking out like a sore thumb. He fits into the track so well.
Jamerson on steroids is a bit of a stretch. LaBruyere is fantastic on this track though.
They did talk about him...
@@siscoismyhomey they mentioned him, but they didn’t talk about what he did on the track.
@@JordanHigginsGuitar I’m not saying he’s exactly that. He’s not innovating anything, but what he’s doing harmonically is very similar to a Jamerson tracking, but he’s literally all over the fretboard while not sticking out of the track unless you’re a musician and you notice it.
There’s a video of just John and David playing this track. John’s playing acoustic and David is playing a cheap p-bass Squire.
I think you will understand what I mean when you hear it really stripped down. He’s literally insane on the track
@@stuartcole9095 I know exactly what you mean, I found about this song years and years ago through DavidSinRocks bass cover of it haha and that showed everything, but then heard David play it many times on youtube too.
Definitely capturing the spirit of Jamerson in regard to play a lot but not too much
Great record and great commentary.
heck yeah that black moth super rainbow album is amazing
Awesome lesson.....
I would pay just abt anything to see Jack’s face listen to the production choices on Total Eclipse of the Heart. Not to mention the epic modulations. PLS COME BK SOON💔