Stones Throw US Vinyl & CDs

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.