Review: Mayer Hawthorne's debut release hears a faithful reissue via Stones Throw. 'Just Ain't Gonna Work Out' was first released in 2008 as the first forerunner to the LP A Strange Arrangement, which was released the following year. Housed on a distinctively oblong, heart-shaped, red 7", the star track hears Hawthorne segue uncertainly from serenade to breakup song, and we're treated to his trademark croaky falsetto too; too nice to pass up. B-sider 'When I Said Goodbye' is a haunting soul reminiscence, giving barbershop harmonies laid down by a ghostly troupe, amid talk of shattered wills and wistful post-breakup apologies.
Review: The House Of Love was the name of both a British indie band and that of their debut album. Notably part of the C86 scene in the late 1980s - a catch-all term to describe a wave of bands at the time making jangly indie with a distinctive power-pop song structure, and which was sadly maligned after a dismissal by massively influential radio DJ John Peel - the band's sound fit well into the category and is a suitable precursor for an undeniably British sound which still resounds today, whether exemplified by its lead track 'Christine' or follow-ups 'Shine On' or 'Destroy The Heart'. The reissue is pressed on vinyl for the first time since 1989.
We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.