Crib Notes

iPhone photos rule supremes

I hadn’t heard Mayer Hawthorne’s stuff until I downloaded the one of the most recent podcasts from KCRW’s “Morning Becomes Eclectic.”

“I like your style, man” said the host, Jason Bentley. “Aw man,” said a young, subtle voice, with appreciation. The sounds that followed were not at all congruent with what I’m used to hearing from Stone’s Throw records – the epitome of an underground hip-hop label.

Conveniently, I learned via Twitter that Mayer Hawthorne and the County would be headlining last night at the Drunken Unicorn. So what the hell, I thought, let’s go.

Bentley was right, dude has style. Dressed in a V cashmere sweater, tie, slacks, and reading glasses, this Ann Arbor, Michigan native was on a one-man mission to bring some love to the ATL. Each song is an original piece (save for a few covers) that emulates the best of Motown’s heyday standards. Hawthorne channels a great mid seventies soul-vibe through a neo-romantic tip. Hipster love tunes if you will, but done with taste and in earnest.

Though the set-list was short, (his debut runs 12 songs long), Hawthorne kept the crowd engaged, and offered some variations – dubbing it down for “Green Eyed Love”– and covers, doing a choice rendition of the Isley Brother’s “Work to do.”

Hawthorne brought the love, and from the looks of it (via his Twitter feed), Atlanta responded in stride.

I cannot BELIEVE how hype Atlanta was last night. Totally blew me away! Possibly the best crowd of the tour! Thank you ATL!

(Photo by Molly Egan)

After the jump, see Mayer Hawthorne performing on KCRW’s “Morning Becomes Eclectic”.
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Opinions are like assholes. Everybody’s got one.

Sure, it’s cliché, but it’s the perfect segué to introduce CL’s newest feature.

Dear readers, we’re inviting you to put your asses on the line by writing mini-reviews of live concerts. The best review, as judged by our editorial staff, will be printed each week on our new all-music backpage.

In addition to the joy of being published, the winning reviewer will also receive a pair of free tickets to an upcoming concert in the Atlanta area. All of the reviews submitted will be posted on our music blog — Crib Notes.

Whether you want to write about Radiohead performing at Lakewood Amphitheatre or some hole-in-the-wall house show, from Omar at Sugarhill to Gentleman Jesse at the Star Bar; here’s the chance to put your own spin on Atlanta’s allover the map live music scene.

Simply follow the fine print below:

-Word count: Limit reviews to 150 words or less.

-Details: List the who/what/where info at the top of reviews.

EXAMPLE: Gnarls Barkley @ Variety Playhouse, Mon., Aug. 11

-Time span: Reviews must cover live performances that took place in metro Atlanta the week (Monday-Sunday) prior to Monday morning submission time.

-Deadline: Email entries to music@creativeloafing.com with the subject line “Reader Review” no later than 8 a.m. Monday morning for consideration.

-Editing: Reviews will be edited for content and grammar.

-All venues acceptable: All concerts held at any size venue, club, house party, retail location, parking lot, etc. anywhere in Atlanta are acceptable.

-Byline: You must submit review with a byline to be considered. All writers will be credited for their reviews. By submitting a review, you give CL permission to print or post online. Be sure to include a phone number and email address so we can contact you.

Readers do not have permission to use Creative Loafing’s name to to gain press passes from venues/performers. CL reserves the right to refuse submissions under any circumstances.

We will contact the winner each Monday to award tickets, which can be picked up at the CL office.

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