If you haven't heard of Mr. Peabody Records in Chicago you have to check them out. Mark Grusane and Mike Cole started collecting records years ago. After years of being rivals and sharing knowledge they finally got together and opened a store.  Check out this youtube doc on them and their rare records.

http://www.mrpeabodyrecords.com/

Mayer Hawthorne's real name is Andrew Cohen. Growing up in Ann Arbor influenced his love for Motown and his subsequent album, A Strange Arrangement on Stones Throw Records. Andrew plays most of the instruments as well as provding the soul drenched vocals for the album. Before putting toegether Mayer Hawthorne Andrew was in many hip hop groups including Athletic Mic League and the Lab Techs. Currently on tour in the U.S. you can check him at your local club.

http://www.stonesthrow.com/mayerhawthorne