Van Hunt
Van Hunt’s self-titled debut record is a sultry trip back in time, where the single named musician conjures up the heady specter of '70s R&B;, channeling vintageMarvin GayeandCurtis Mayfield, then punctuating that smooth soul with someSly Stonerhythm and grit, and earlyPrincenaughtiness, without managing to sound hopelessly derivative. Why? Because behind every old school nuance is an ingenious vocal tic or instrumental fillip that reveals the quirky genius of this newcomer who not only sings but writes, produces, and arranges all his own material. The sinuous guitar, brash off-rhythms, and bubbling bass lines are perfect foils for the musician’s decidedly modern tales of thwarted love and commitment. Van Hunt may be a fan of retro soul, but to his credit he doesn’t even attempt to resurrect some the social anachronisms of the times.  --Jaan Uhelszki