CD Review: Tuxedo – “Tuxedo II” (Stones Throw Records)
Mothers hide your daughters and brothers hide your
sisters because Tuxedo (the joint project between Jake One and Mayer Hawthorne)
is back with Tuxedo II, a full-on
onslaught of the senses – 11 boudoir anthems that will have you dancing in the
streets and between the sheets. Returning all three tracks from their Fux with the Tux EP (“Fux with the Tux” has
so much swagger it could make Bruno Mars jealous, “Special” ebbs and flows
thanks to monolithic synth and stimulating work by Tuxedo’s rhythm section and
closer “July” slows things down with deep bass notes, striking vocal harmonies
and engulfing atmospherics), Tuxedo II
lights up the dance floor on countless occasions (“2nd Time Around” is silky
smooth and endlessly infectious thanks to inescapable hooks, “Take A Picture”
is unadulterated 70’s R&B euphoria led by chunky bass and sparkling arrangements,
the debonair “Shine” introduces a sexy female vocal component, “Back In Town”
is a nice nod to Morris Day & The Time). Hell, Tuxedo even shines sans
vocals on the instrumental “Scooter’s Groove.” It’s time to don your Sunday
best because Tuxedo II is going to
make you move one way or another, so you better make sure your wardrobe is
breathable.
Grade: A-
Go Download: “2nd Time Around”
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