I constantly find myself singing her tunes, and I don’t really mind it. She has such a powerful voice combined with a distinct sound that is soothing yet invigorating. She is a brilliant song writer with a unique vision and sound. Her album captivated my attention, but it is her live performances that showcase her brilliance. If you don’t already have her debut album Lungs, you are missing out big time. And if you enjoyed the album be sure to pick up her iTunes Festival London EP and be ready to have your mind blown. The acoustic arrangement of the songs is fantastic as it really allows Florence’s vocals take center stage with her incredible tone and range, and emotion. My only complaint is that the EP is only 6 songs long, she actually performed a few more songs in the show than are available on the EP, including “Dog Days Are Over”, and “You’ve Got The Love”“Hurricane Drunk”… but frankly, I’d like to see an acoustic version of Lungs…
On the eve of their debut album’s release, Fitz and The Tantrums premiere the official music video for the infectious first single, “MoneyGrabber”. Their album, Pickin’ Up The Pieces, was one of the albums I was looking forward to this year, and have been listening to it daily since I got a copy a few weeks ago. There are so many great catchy songs, read the full review here, or grab yourself a copy of Pickin’ Up The Pieces and hear it for yourself.
And here’s the music video for “MoneyGrabber” (download the MP3 for free here)
Fitz And The Tantrums will be performing at Amoeba Records in Hollywood tomorrow (8.24) at 7pm. They are such a fun energetic live band, make it out and support FATT.
If for some reason you need more convincing as to how awesome FATT are, take a listen to Pickin’ Up The Pieces in full below:
Hunting My Dress is the latest collection of songs from the incredible and unique Jesca Hoop. Jesca’s music is brilliant and different – I don’t quite know how to really describe it. It is often stated that her music is dream-like and of a world all it’s own, and this is true. On this new 9-track collection, the music is somewhat darker, including themes of love and death. Despite the darker themes, the album remains musical, inspiring, eccentric and fantastical… yes, I said fantastical. And right now, Hunting My Dress is only $5 on Amazon
Several weeks ago, I saw Jesca at Hotel Cafe and she was incredible. Having been familiar with the album before going to the show, I was quite nervous about how the songs would translate to a live show. And I was blown away by her musical view and her talent. Jesca brought the songs to life, with all the quirks and oddities. She has an amazing stage presence and is quite funny and witty on stage. Fortunately for everyone who hasn’t experienced her shows, she has acoustic EPs and numerous live performances on YouTube to supplement her two studio albums. At her show, she captivated the sold-out crowd with her lengthy set.
Setlist from Hotel Cafe on 7.27.10:
“Murder of Birds”
“Whispering Light”
“Four Dreams”
“Money”
“Seed of Wonder”
“Phonograph”
“The Kingdom”
“Food At Your House”
“Bed Across The Sea”
“Tulip”
“Angel Mom”
“Love and Love Again”
“Storm”
“Hunting My Dress”
“Feast of The Heart”
The songs on Hunting My Dress are powerful and evoke emotions and move me. “Angel Mom” is haunting and almost painful to listen to as it is so moving, and personal. The lyrics are so colorful and poignant. And the vocals, she has such a unique powerful voice. “Murder of Birds” is another phenomenal track, which features additional vocals by Guy Garvey, lead singer of Elbow. It is another excellent representation of Jesca’s musicality and vocals. “Tulip” has a harder beat, with a chorus that instantly gets stuck in my head. There were two live performances of “Tulip” I liked, and since I couldn’t decide on one, I included both, the second one is after the jump. I also threw in two additional standout tracks from the album, the title track “Hunting My Dress” and “Four Dreams” after the jump.
Again, the album is fantastic, and Jesca was amazing live. Get yourself a copy of her albums to hear the production, the intricacies and the subtleties of her music. Also watch the clips below to hear the raw talent and the power of her voice in her live performances .
Recorded in lead singer Fitz’ home, the debut album by Fitz and the Tantrums, Pickin’ Up The Pieces, has a fresh, raw and organic sound. The music is difficult to classify or categorize as the album dabbles with the sounds of 70’s, Motown, some funk, lot of soul, some crooning, and a whole lot of talent. While the album sounds antiquated, it cannot be described as being phony or disingenuous.
The birth of the album’s sound can be traced back to an organ Fitz picked up from a moving neighbor. After spending a few hours playing with the organ, Fitz, who is a sound engineer, penned the album’s infectious opening track, “Breakin’ The Chains Of Love”, finding his voice and the sound of the band/album. Aside from his musical vision and songwriting, Fitz has a great singing voice, soft enough to croon on the soft jams (“Don’t Gotta Work It Out” and “Tighter”), yet edgy enough to add some kick to the upbeat tracks (“L.O.V.”). Add in the smooth and sultry vocals from Noelle Scaggs on the ballads (“Winds of Change”), and her energy on the doo-wops and the dance inducing numbers (“Rich Girls” and “MoneyGrabber”). To complete the band and sound, throw in four talented musicians: Ethan Phillips on bass, Jeremy Ruzumna on the keyboards, John Wicks on drums, and James King on saxophone and flute. And that’s how you get the authentic and organic sound heard on the album. Actually, there’s one more thing, lose the guitarist… no guitars needed.
The four standout tracks on the album each address one of the four major themes of the albums. “MoneyGrabber” easily has the catchiest chorus and is one of the more infectious tracks. I can’t help but sing along and dance to the track, especially the chorus. It’s a great upbeat track about money, greed, and women who just want money (also explored in the “Rich Girls”). “Dear Mr. President” is a great piano/tambourine based track about the problems society faces (poverty, joblessness, single-parenting), and taking action and being inspired. It’s one of the softer moments on the album, and magical. “News 4 U” is an interesting track; the verses are slower, darker, mysterious, and creepy, while the chorus is upbeat and catchy. There is also a verse in French. It is different from other tracks on the album and is one of my favorites. “Tighter” and “Winds of Change” are slow ballads, which is where FATT excels.
Overall, the album is well crafted and the guys, along with Noelle are extremely talented and have a unique sound. But as a result, the album does feel a bit repetitive and cyclical. The ballads are great, but blend into each other, and the same is true for the upbeat tracks. This tends to happen when bands have a distinct sound – they trap themselves within narrow parameters. Fortunately for FATT, while it is repetitive, it is also good, which makes it enjoyable, if not tolerable at the least. I’d also like to hear more of Noelle on the tracks – she has a great and powerful voice, and I’d like to see her sing more predominantly on some of the songs. She is phenomenal live, a show stopper (see video below).
I’ve been fortunate to see FATT live several times, and the are incredible live. They are great musicians and come alive on stage, bursting with charisma. The banter and chemistry between the band, especially Fitz and Noelle is inviting, intoxicating, and captivating. At the shows I’ve been to, (and I suspect it happens any where they play), the whole crowd is engaged, dancing, singing and enjoying themselves. While they are a great studio band, they are even better live, which unfortunately, I don’t think it comes across on the album. Oh man, they are so much fun live, take a look below!
“MoneyGrabber” and a sweet cover of “Sweet Dreams” live:
Aside from the few minor critiques, the album is solid. Pickin’ Up The Pieces has 10 great songs and is a must for people who like good music, are adventurous and enjoy variety. I hope Fitz And The Tantrums make several more albums.
Pickin’ Up The Pieces comes out on August 24th through Dangerbird Records, which you can pre-order here. While you wait for the album’s release, you can download “MoneyGrabber” below.
As stated above, I’ve seen them live a few times and they are a fantastic live band, and their shows are so much fun. I highly recommend it. So good!
August 19th at the Casbah in San Diego
August 22nd in LA at Sunset Junction
August 24th – Record Release Performance at Amoeba Records
August 26th at the University of Nebraska
October 29th at the Voodoo Experience in New Orleans
Last week, I was sent a link to an amazing funky cover of the Ryan Tedder penned hit song “Halo” by a new band that’s making some noise for themselves, Harper Blynn. I was impressed by their cover and musical styling of the song. Take a listen:
Harper Blynn is a four-piece band from New York, with an eclectic and energetic sound. On lead vocal and songwriting duties they have Pete Harper and J. Blynn, throw in Sarab Singh and Whynot to complete the quartet… yes, one of the guys in the band is called Whynot, why not?
Haper Blynn’s debut album, Loneliest Generation, is produced by David Kahne, who has worked with The Strokes,Regina Spektor, and Sir Paul McCartney, as well as two tracks produced by Malcolm Burn, previously produced for Kaki King and Bob Dylan. The band spent 10 days recording the albums 10 tracks in New York.
The music video for the album’s title track, “Loneliest Generation” has been getting some action on mtvU. No need to flip through your channel guide to find out if you get mtvU, check out the video below:
The band has a great and distinct sound that persists throughout the album, from the edgier songs like “Loneliest Generation” to the softer ballads such as “The Doubt”. There is an element of funky-quirkiness in each song. Pete and J. are great songwriters, creating great indie-rock songs, with catchy sign-along choruses, especially in “Is This It” and “25 Years Old”.
The standout tracks for me include the album’s opening track, “25 Years” (which you can download here). The song has some great funky sounds in the background and an anthemic chorus. The next track, “This Is It” also has a great chorus, and is a quintessential rock song. It’s a great feel-good track. “The Doubt” has chilling vocals and as a ballad, stands out on the album for all the right reasons. “Loneliest Generation” is another funky song, and all over the place in a good way. It’s well crafted and has great production. I really enjoy and admire the diversity and funkiness of the whole album, these guys are talented and produced a great fun album.
MON 8/02/10 Lawrence, KS @ The Bottleneck*
THU 8/05/10 Boise, ID @ The Reef*
FRI 8/06/10 Spokane, WA @ Stage 54*
MON 8/09/10 Sioux Falls, SD @ Latitude 44*
FRI 8/13/10 Minneapolis, MN @ Turf Club*
MON 8/16/10 Vancouver, BC @ Media Room **
TUE 8/17/10 Seattle, WA @ Tractor Tavern **
WED 8/18/10 Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge **
FRI 8/20/10 San Francisco, CA @ Red Devil Lounge**
SAT 8/21/10 Los Angeles, CA @ Troubadour**
SUN 8/22/10 San Diego, CA @ Casbah
Here’s a live performance of “25 Years”. It’s a look at what you’ll see if you’re at those show, or what you’ll be missing out. (If you like the song, grab yourself a copy of the MP3 here, buy the whole album here)
