Vintage soul has made a comeback in recent years, with Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings carrying the torch for Stax and Mayer Hawthorne keeping the memory of Philadelphia International alive. Fitz and the Tantrums complete the circle with a sound straight out of Hitsville USA.
Pickin' Up The Pieces is completely devoid of guitar, drawing the melody from Fitz's vintage organ and James King's saxophone. The organ gives the songs the urgency of garage rock, while the sax provides the warmth. However, the key to Fitz and the Tantrums' success is the rythym section of John Wicks and Ethan Phillips, who keep everything in line with swinging precision. Not a single note or groove is wasted.
The first single, "Breakin' the Chains of Love," drips with ass-shaking style. Dig those syncronized dance moves. They'll make you want to buy a mohair suit.
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