It's Not You, It's Me

Modern day soul/doo wop! I've only heard 4 tracks so far but i'm going to make the call and say this Mayer Hawthorne record will be the album of 2009. Going by what i've heard it appears the album will be loaded with themes for young lovers and 'Just Ain't Gonna Work Out' (above) has to be one of the best break up songs ever, I love the use of the 'Get Out My Life, Woman' drums especially considering the theme.

The album (of the year) is called 'A Strange Arrangement' and is out on the 9.09.09 through Stones Throw Records. Get excited people!

and here he is performing live in NYC with members of The Roots Crew (peep Questlove on the tambourine!)

Mayer Hawthorne w/ The Roots - Just Aint Gonna Work Out, live NYC from Stones Throw on Vimeo.

We Played Nintendooooooooo...

This one takes me way back! 1990 is the year and playing kiss and catch at big lunch in the 6th grade was the name of the game.

Thanks to a song by US kid rap sensations Another Bad Creation all I wanted was a girl named 'Iesha' to play Nintendo with... unfortunately this didn't go to plan, maybe because I grew up in the outer suburbs of Sydney, Australia where the name Iesha wasn't all that common, along with the fact that i had an Atari 2600 not an NES.

I must admit I used to be confused about the name choice for the group, and it wasn't until years later when i discovered the whole 'not bad meaning bad but bad meaning good' thing that it made any sort of sense.

Definitely not for everyone but it holds a special place in my heart.

I Can't Wait For You To Operate

In its original form there's no doubt that 'Sexual Healing' is one of the best love songs of all time. Marvin Gaye has surely played a big part in the world's population increasing over the years and if you were conceived after 1982 it might even be the reason you're reading this post, especially if your parents had a copy of 'Midnight Love' in their record collection.

We all know the original but there have been a bunch of covers over the years including versions by Kate Bush, Michael Bolton, Ben Harper & who could forget Maxamillion! But i really don't think it gets any better than this cracking cover by the Hot 8 Brass Band from New Orleans... BIG bold & brassy!

Oh baby now lets get down tonight!

Leaving Stormy Skies Behind...

Super amazing feel good love themed track from 1976 by Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band. 'Sunshower' really is one of those tunes that brightens up your day no matter what mood you're in.

Even if you haven't heard the original before, it still might ring a bell as it's been sampled by the likes of A Tribe Called Quest, M.I.A, De La Soul & Ghostface Killah amongst others.

Spring Time Love Breaks

Here is a continuous mix by DJ Magneto made up of a whole bunch of amazing themes for lovers, see the track list below for the full scoop.

He describes it as "a nice little musical description of how things go when spring does it's thing to you: nice sunny start, warm confession in the middle, familiar sensations towards sunset, reassurance at night and commitment to your intent at the end"

He put the mix together as a result of he and his wife having a baby and some friends of his getting married. Magneto also sends respect out to the birds and the bees & Barry White!

Sea Panda Spring Time Love Breaks Part Two - mixed by DJ Magneto

1. Peaceful Morning - Red Hook Project
2. Morning Child - 4 Hero
3. Give You Up - Lord Kuruku
4. Remember a Time - Brothers Stoney
5. Caught Up In The Rapture - Anita Baker
6. Just The Two Of Us - Bill Withers
7. Lucky Fellow - Leroy Hutson
8. Fat Morning, Central Park - Bulljun
9. Sexy Girl - 9th Creation
10. Phase III
11. Oh Honey - Delegation
12. Ridin' High - Faze-O
13. Wind Parade - Donald Byrd
14. One on One - Hall & Oates
15. Lovely Day - Bill Withers
16. Dancer - Spacey
17. Trippin' - Curtis Mayfield
18. Sexual Healing (DJ Day Mix) - Marvin Gaye
19. Inside My Love - Minnie Ripperton
20. Remind Me - Patrice Rushen
21. Brazillian Groove - J Dilla
22. What You Won't Do For Love - Bobby Caldwell
23. Telephone - Diana Ross
24. Strawberry Letter 23 - Brothers Johnson
25. Give In - 4 Hero
26. I'm In Love - Nancy Wilson

Listen/Download

Time For Love

Dang! sure fire dance floor burner alert! DJ Apt One has hooked up this killer edit of Archie Bell's 1981 love themed disco joint 'Any Time Is Right'.

Not too much going on lyrically "Any time is right, for makin' sweet love, almost anywhere is good enough" but just try sitting still while it's playing, I dare you!

Dance floor lovers unite!

Listen Up Toots I Like Your Looks...

It's a bloody hard task trying to find a love themed hip hop track that isn't super offensive towards all the females out there, but you can always count on the Fresh Prince to come correct with the kind of respect all the sexy ladies deserve. Good on you Will.

Short Ones, Tall Ones, Fine Ones, Kind Ones...

Now this really isn't a love song as such BUT it's still a great theme for that young lover who has had their heartbroken. We all know that love doesn't always run smoothly so this is a great track to listen to after the break-up and realise that there are infact plenty more fish in the sea!

San Francisco native DJ B.Cause takes the vocals of 1960's Motown girl group The Marvelettes' 'Too Many Fish In The Sea' and puts them over a nice chopped up edit of De La Soul's 'Oooh' instrumental resulting in a funky 'who needs that arsehole anyway' anthem for the ladies.

Bait up your hooks and go get it! Download

Check this great (shakey) footage of The Marvelettes performing the original

Themes For Young Lovers

Welcome to the Themes For Young Lovers Blog! Here you will find music spanning a wide range of genres but every single tune will share a common bond, the theme of LOVE ♥

The theme of love in music pops up everywhere, it doesn't matter if it's country, pop, rock, hip hop, heavy metal, funk, soul, indie, disco, prog rock or classical it's not often you'll get through an album of any of the genres mentioned (not too mention the ones I didn't) and not come across a love song of some description.

We'll cover all types of love songs from the perfect mixtape tracks for trying to win that special someones heart, to music to hold hands, make out and get busy to, to break-up songs and everything in between.

Over time, as well as the regular track updates there will be mixes and compilations added from DJs and special guests from all over the globe as well as exclusive re-edits and remixes.

I hope you enjoy the Themes For Young Lovers experience and make a habit of stopping by from time to time.

Lots of love,

Maccy