This came out in 2003 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
When you follow up a hit studio album with a live disc — a two-CD set, no less! — it says something. Specifically, it either says: a) You’re an incredible live performer whose show must be heard; or b) You’re trying to strike while the iron is hot and buy yourself some time before your next studio disc.
In the case of newly crowned adult-alternative troubadour John Mayer, it seems obvious he and his label believe it’s a). Perhaps they’re right. On Any Given Thursday, Mayer comes off as a likable, easygoing guy who uses his strummy, lightweight rockers and earnest, jangly ballads as a jumping-off point for jammy excursions and playful, top-of-his-head covers. And yeah, it’s nice that he can toss off a swell version of Message In A Bottle or drop the chorus of Girls Just Wanna Have Fun into one of his own tunes. Even so, it isn’t quite enough to justify this 100-minute live set, which could easily have been edited down to a more satisfying single CD. Plus, quite frankly, if I never hear Your Body Is A Wonderland again, I’ll get along just fine, thanks. Ultimately, the more you listen to Any Given Thursday, the more you hope Mayer writes some new songs — and fast.
