The next Montauk Madness Round Two battle is a bit of a laugher, particularly for readers of this blog. I’ll be surprised if John Mayer manages more than a single vote (my wife’s) against Elvis Costello.
Costello got here by taking out Carly Rae Jepsen, who did manage to pick up 33% of the vote. Mayer narrowly defeated Beck, 55% to 45%. Had Beck triumphed, the Beck/Costello matchup would have been interesting. Both have proved adept in multiple genres and are masters of the unexpected.
Mayer is a far more traditional artist, and while I will defend his songwriting and performing chops all day long, I can’t make a rational case for him in a battle against a master like Costello.
[Verse 1]
Moving on and getting over
Are not the same, it seems to me
Cause you’ve been gone, I’m growing older
But I still can’t seem to get you off my mind
And I do believe I feel you all the time
[Verse 2]
Moving on and getting over
Are not the friends they used to be
It’s been so long since I got to hold you
But I still can’t seem to get you off my mind
And I do believe I feel you all the time, all the time
[Bridge]
Tell me I can have the fact you’ve loved me to hold onto
Tell me I can keep the door cracked open, to let light through
For all my running, I can understand
I’m one text away from being back again
But I’m moving on and I’m getting over
I’m-a getting over, I’m getting over
I got to get over
[Verse 3]
Moving on and getting over
It’s been so long; it just goes to show you
That I still can’t seem to get you off my mind (get you off my mind)
And I sure would like to see you one more time
[Outro]
It’s taken me so long just to say “so long”
Maybe it’s all wrong, but I’m moving on
I’m gonna get a new girl
It’s something I can do, girl
To try to get me through, girl
Cause I’m moving on
I’m moving on
And I’m moving on
I’m moving on
And I’m moving on
Consider me as good as gone
Cause I’m moving on
I’m moving on
Moving on, baby
Moving on
Moving on
So… I have yet more days to agonize about myJackson/Wonder choice, as I quite easily vote for the genius of EC today.
Boy, this is a laugher. EC all the way!
There’s no denying the cool factor and the sheer prowess John Mayer has on guitar. I don’t find his music nearly as objectionable as the rest of my family does and actually have come to appreciate several of the songs he’s put out. However, I say this only to make John Mayer feel good in a very easy decision against him. Elvis Costello is a Genre crossing, ridiculously prolific, and an ability to demonstrate his clever and usually multiple level lyrics all supported by always skillful musicianship. He’s a legend in his own right and he of course deserves to continue on.