Mayer Hawthorne
May 28, 2012
On Mayer Hawthorne's latest album, released October 2011, How Do You Do, his first major label effort for Universal Republic Records, Hawthorne proves that he is not part of a trend. The classic Motown sound that provided the blueprint for his self-produced independent debut, A Strange Arrangement, remains, but is joined on How Do You Do by music reminiscent of late 1960s California pop and the best work from the likes of Steely Dan and Chicago. The vocals are much stronger, the music more varied and vibrant, but it's still Mayer Hawthorne.
On "The Walk," the first single from How Do You Do, Hawthorne plays a man scorned and content with saying "So long, you did me wrong" to the lady in his life. The rest of How Do You Do is a trip through generations and tales of love cherished and love lost. Songs like "Hooked," "You Called Me" and "You're Not Ready" are vintage fare, while "The News" and "No Strings" add a modern, 21st century flair to the proceedings. The album culminates in "Henny & Gingerale," an ode to the signature cocktail complete with the party banter and pulsating dance floor R&B of Marvin Gaye's "Got to Give It Up."