Thursday, November 27, 2008

Mayer Hawthorne & the County

A late – and successful – bid for 2008’s best soul single comes in Just Ain’t Gonna Work Out by Mayer Hawthorne & the County. From Ann Arbor, Michigan, Mayer’s classic soul is steeped in the golden sounds of neighbouring Detroit.

Mayer says he’s influenced by “the music of Smokey Robinson, Curtis Mayfield, and the legendary songwriting and production trio of Lamont Dozier, Brian Holland, and Eddie Holland Jr”. I hear you, Mayer.

You’ll only have to listen to Just Ain’t Gonna Work Out once to know that 2009 will see Mayer Hawthorne & the County hitting the big boys charts.

If you want more classic soul 2008-style, search out Kylie Auldist, whose Community Service Announcement single has been one of this year’s joys. Her debut album, Just Say, outstrips the often great work she’s done as part of The Bamboos over their last two albums.

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