Well... he's certainly come a long way since his Stones Throw debut in 2009, and the retro-themed stylings of 'A Strange Arrangement'. Now housed under the Universal umbrella, Mayer Hawthorne evolves his music immaculately by taking his sound in a far more progressive direction while still dipping his cap to vintage soul in the way he's been famed for.
The decision to relinquish the production reigns to names including Jack Splash (who seems to be resurfacing after something of a hiatus - please don't do that again Splash!) has given a fresh perspective, direction and sound that establishes it as wholly unique for 2013. Three contributions are even submitted from Pharrell Williams, who couldn't have hoped to have a better year than the one he's been blessed with ('Get Lucky', 'Blurred Lines', Jay-Z's 'Magna Carta Holy Grail', etc) and now 'Reach Out Richard' which stands blissfully tall amongst an album full of highlights, including 'The Innocent', 'Crime' and 'Her Favourite Song'.
'Where Does This Door Go' genuinely ranks as an essential purchase for 2013 and solidifies itself as a strong contender for 'album of the year'.
'Broadway' by Myron & E
Long gone are the days when Stones Throw were simply known as the independent, underground hip-hop label - now becoming increasingly more known for their soul music output, courtesy of artists, Aloe Blacc, Mayer Hawthorne and now Myron & E. Backed by Finland's The Soul Investigators, Myron & E seem to have come out of nowhere but it's certainly a very welcome introduction for music fans. The inclusion of The Soul Investigators is, frankly, a genius move. Didier Selin and the gang, already with one strong win under their belts this year with the release of the long-awaited sophomore album 'Tortured Soul', by Nicole Willis & The Soul Investigators, once again prove that their lack of major notoriety is criminal.
With the support of such fantastic musicians, Myron & E flourish with a distinctly exquisite soulful sound.
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