CD of the Month: Fitz and the Tantrums- Pickin' Up the Pieces

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.

It Must Be Summer

Most people like upbeat summer songs, but if barbecues leave you melancholy, The Onion A.V. Club has you covered with its "Inventory: 12 Truly Sad Summer Songs." WTMD's CD of the Month artists Fountains of Wayne came in at #2 for Utopia Parkway's "It Must Be Summer."



Got a favorite sad summer song? Or a favorite upbeat one? Do tell!