Wednesday, Dec. 07, 2011
Mayer Hawthorne, 'A Long Time'
With just one song, the 32-year-old Detroit DJ-turned-singer has reinterpreted the Motown sound. "A Long Time" is an ode to Hawthorne's hometown, about how Barry (Gordy) and Henry (Ford) built up the Motor City only to see it come crashing down. "We'll return it to its former glory," Hawthorne promises, "But it just takes so long." Given the state of the economy right now, his words could easily apply to entire country. But it's hard to feel downtrodden with a beat this funky — "A Long Time" is practically begging to be accompanied by Soul Train-type dance moves.