Not forgetting their DJ roots, Stones Throw offer up limited instrumental versions of the Mayer Hawthorne album ' A Strange Arrangement'. Just to refresh your memories, Mayer's album was something of a revelation when it was first released, the debut piece of wax from a young, white bloke from Ann Arbor, a suburb of Detroit, who composes and even sings seriously strong black soul music in the shadow of the Motown greats. Barry White, Smokey Robinson and Isaac Hayes are all evoked through Mayer's music, while he cites the legendary songwriting and production duo of Lamont Dozier, Brian Holland, and Eddie Holland Jr as great influences. Of course, the singing doesn't really matter here, but you do get to witness the new school soul sensation in full force with the super crisp breakbeats of 'Just Ain't Gonna Work Out' or gorgeous brass section of 'Maybe So, Maybe So' in all their glory.1 Mayer Hawthorne - A Strange Arrangement 2 Mayer Hawthorne - Just Ain't Gonna Work Out 3 Mayer Hawthorne - Maybe So, Maybe No 4 Mayer Hawthorne - Your Easy Lovin Ain't Pleasin' Nothin' 5 Mayer Hawthorne - I Wish It Would Rain 6 Mayer Hawthorne - Make Her Mine 7 Mayer Hawthorne - One Track Mind 8 Mayer Hawthorne - The Ills 9 Mayer Hawthorne - Shinny & New 10 Mayer Hawthorne - Let Me Know 11 Mayer Hawthorne - Green Eyed Love
