'Heaven Is Real': John Maus and the Truth of Pop

by Adam Harper

John Maus is one of the most intriguing artists in the millennial wave of lo-fi pop, assembling his unique and intimate language from synth pop, disco, baroque classical and church music. Yet Maus's work is much more than another exercise in retroist hybridity, and his overtures on truth and love are, upon further listening, no mere ironic posturing. Does Maus have something to teach us about arriving at the truth through personal musical expression, or is he on a doomed Romantic adventure? Has he really discovered Heaven - and can he take us there?

Genres: Music

64 pages, Paperback

First published July 28, 2011

Reviews

[Ultramarinedream · Rating 4 out of 5]

“John Maus is a maniac on a bloody crusade – a tortured evangelist on a mercenary quest to rid our world of villainous defilers of The Gospel of True Love. His music conflates a perplexing marriage of Moroder’s ‘Never Ending Story’ and classical 12-tone renegades of 20th century past, harking the new path which resurrects romance from its post-modern shackles, and reignites the promise of a better world.” A short read that I wish was longer. Do yourself a favour and re-listen to JM’s early discography as you read, the author had some interesting notes about certain songs that really pop when you listen while reading.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the most effortless of reads to say the least, but Harper has managed to rebirth the music of Maus for me. Initially taking Maus' music on a purely sonically pleasing level, the book delves into ideas into why the music might take that form, uncovering all sorts of ambivalence and subtle complexities in the messages. Cue re-listening of entire discography via spotify!

[Bernie Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

A deeply compelling and spiritual essay for fans of John Maus. If you're not familiar with his music, you ought to listen to it first.