We know that music captures the rhythm of the cultural zeitgeist, but with a world so complex there can be more than one beat. Two popular musicians, John Mayer (born 1977) and Matisyahu (born Matthew Miller, 1979) – judging not least by number of records sold – could each be a spokesperson for his generation. However, the philosophies represented in their songs represent two very discordant rhythms. Although both appeal to the same demographic, the messages Mayer and Matisyahu play to their listeners and the gestalts reflected in the lyrics are almost direct opposites. Continue reading “Mayer and Matisyahu: Two Distinct Beats”
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