A Strange Arrangement Impresses

I feel like switching on my internet radio and turning on Art Laboe's oldie show after listening to Mayer Hawthorne's A Strange Arrangement. It is a thirteen piece soundscape. The band captures the 60's/70's vibe perfectly. The mood of the album feels similar to Stevie Wonder's Original Musiquarium or Round 2 by The Stylistics. Mayer Hawthorne tries to capture the listener with interesting lyrics and outstanding musical patterns.

On the track "Just Ain't Gonna Work Out," which is a short yet agreeable song, the band makes a memorable melody with drums and harmonizing vocals. One can hear a nod to groups like The Delfonics, The Impressions or Blue Magic on tracks like "Maybe So, Maybe No" and "The Ills," and "Shiny & New."

While Mayer Hawthorne may be cast as imitators, they bring a crisp, new sound on the scene, while giving acclamation to many R&B artists that have made soul music what it is today. This album is worth a listen if you like impressive music.

Notable tracks: "Make Her Mine," "Shiny & New."

Final Grade: B+