Best John Mayer Album

I am not a true JM fan (but love Jennifer A.) but in 1999 he opened up for the Rolling Stones in Houston, by himself - no band, and the 'kid' wailed. He didn't 'blow the 'stones off stage, but was very respectable in his performance. I do like Try (Steve Jordon and Pino Palladino may have something to do with this).

Mac, there's a big difference between suggesting that Stevie Ray fans might enjoy "Try", and implying that I hold the two on the same plane. The reason I mentioned it is that Mayer has been quoted as saying that SRV was a hero of his, and that he's inspired him. I'd kinda put it in the vein of "If you're a Deadhead, then you might get a kick out of Phish". Cheers,

Spencer

I received "Continuum" today. It has a nice groove, and I particularly enjoy the warm tone of the recording. Rare these days.

Do any of Mayer's other releases have more edge to the songwriting and playing?

Not really. His early stuff is more hit conscious, sorta some place where SteelyDan, Hall&Oates and frosted PopTarts collide.

The "Try" album has more bluesy feel, some nice solos, and with live ambience plus Jordan & Palladino. IMHO worth getting, especially on vinyl.

Sbank, on the contrary, I am a Deadhead and that is precisely why I have never even heard a Phish recording. Imitation is indeed the strongest form of flattery but I have no desire to here an over-rated cover band capitalizing on what only the Dead can do. After all the Grateful Dead are the originators of what they did and some young punks from Vermont born years after the fact don't really have the ingredients or make up, do they?.