Customer Reviews

Bigger Than My Body

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Bigger Than My Body is an awesome track as it is, but then to have these other never before released bonus tracks is really great too. They are all well worth it, actually Tracing may be one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. I dont usually buy EP's or singles, but with Kid A and Tracing this one was just too good to pass up. Alas, it sits on my CD rack between Room For Squares and Heavier Things. This one is definately worth every cent!!!

My Take: Alright, so the only reason to get this single is for the two studio acoustic bonus tracks, that is pretty clear. "Bigger" can be found on the Heavier Things EP. But the question is: "Should I buy a CD with basically only two tracks?"

Well, "Kid-A," as previously mentioned, is a slow tempo acoustic Radiohead cover, likely chosen so Mayer could illustrate the range of his musical influences. Although the song is certainly a departure for Mayer, it makes for an truly excellent track.

Now, "Tracing" is the other important track on here, and it is a real treat. If you are a fan and have not heard this song, you are missing out. It is another studio cut with acoustic guitar, but this time with some backing from other instruments that accent Mayer's voice and instrumentation without overpowering. But, the song really shines lyrically. Indeed this is one of the best showings for a lyricist who never disappoints. The most poignant lines from the song may quickly become your favorite from Mayer's catalogue: "If you want to know the moment I knew that I was still alone, I found I'd never learned your number; I'd only stored it in my phone. You'd think by now, I'd know the shape of calling home."

You might be wondering why these excellent tracks never made it onto an EP. The answer, I think, is simple, the tempo is slow and the lyrics are sad. These are not the kind of songs that sell albums.

My Advice: Buy this album. Buy it! But, be wise. Since it is out of print, the used price fluctuates wildly on this site. So, watch for a few weeks before you buy. I have seen copies selling for as much as $30. But, I got one on here for $0.98 plus shipping. So, get the CD, just don't get robbed.

Honestly, I am not that big a fan of John Mayer but when I heard him do an acoustic cover of Radiohead's 'Kid A' I was very interested. If you are a radiohead fan you might want to give this one a listen.

John Mayer has the spunk of writing songs that tell an unforgettable and vivid story that listeners may be able to clearly understand. The three-song EP contains the single and most up tempo track out of the three, "Bigger than My Body" but it is the previously unreleased acoustic numbers "Kid-A," the Radiohead cover, that shows Mayer's almost unidentifiable droning vocals and repetitive chord riffs that also sounds like this version could have been a cover that easily could have been covered by Wilco and the poetic "Tracing" that distinctively shows Mayer's melodic and musical prowess with the weeping guitar subtly whaling in the background. The latter track possibly could have been an ideal radio track or follow-up single to "Bigger than My Body" and one of the gems out of the three.

The EP may be a nice addition to any listener's play list. Indeed, good things come in small packages.