Larry Lovestein & The Velvet Revival - You (2023)

Born Malcolm McCormick, the Pittsburgh native rapper, Mac Miller embraces his many alter egos through music. With his production pseudonym, Larry Fisherman, his horrorcore alias, Delusional Thomas, and his jazz identifier, Larry Lovestein, Miller has compiled a significant amount of tracks that sonically range from many subgenres in hip-hop to the unconventional tones of jazz.

Perhaps, what is arguably Miller's best alias, came to life in 2012. Embracing his production skillset and hisability to play multiple instruments including piano, drums, and guitar, respectively Mac Miller, or in this case, Larry Lovestein and The Velvet Revival released his jazzy EP, You on November 20, 2012. Upon its release, You quickly reached the number spot of the jazz charts on iTunes.

When speaking of his jazz identifier, Miller explained that, "Larry Lovestein is...I've kinda have always had this random fantasy of being a seventy-year-old Lounge Jazz singer with a hairy chest that I always show to people, and a thick 'stache, because I can grow facial hair everywhere beside the mustache. Pisses me the fuck off. Why can't I grow a nice, illustrious 'stache? So Larry Lovestein is kinda that, the old-fashioned, classic Jazz singer guy."

Although the project is concisely set at five-tracks, Lovestein, what seems like, effortlessly manages to exemplify his love for his unidentified love interest. "Soon as I kissed you I knew you were right for me, soon as you woke up in my arms I was yours," he passionately sings on "Life Can Wait," the EP's opening track. Throughout the entire EP, Lovestein continues to vulnerably express his feelings of love with romantic lyrics that coincide and compliment nicely with the slow dreamy feel presented by the jazz undertones. "Your love makes every day of mine worth it, sometimes I wonder if I even deserve it," he calmly sings on "Love Affair", the second track from You. From the three minute jazz instrumental on "A Moment 4 Jazz" to the tender admiration expressed on the title track "You," Larry Lovestein & The Velvet Revival's EP serves as a demonstration of Miller's musical capability, as well as an enjoyable listen.