Toe Jam Mondays: Vol 12 – Fitz & the Tantrums
I heard Fitz and the Tantrums for the first time just last week and I immediately had visions of Motown night at the legendary Club Absinthe in Hamilton, Ontario. Although this band did not form in 1969, nor were they even born, they bring back that danceable R&B soul. So, in honour of our MONSTERS VS ME INVADES MOTOWN party at Club Absinthe, I wanted to give you a good soundtrack while you’re picking out the perfect outfit, practicing your best moves in the mirror, and trying your best pick-up lines on your friends to make sure the night ends well.
If you’re a lover of music, it’s pretty hard to sit still while a song by The Temptations or The Supremes is on. For me, music can make me forget, or just not care, that I don’t have the best dance moves. Once you hear that opening riff or booty shakin’ bass drum, your feet get a mind of their own, side-stepping like no one’s business and maybe adding a couple toe taps for good measure.
Fitz and the Tantrums album Pickin’ up the Pieces gets back to the nitty gritty of what The Four Tops and Sly & The Family Stone did before them. Some reviews have slammed the band for not adding anything new to the Motown sound and riding on a fad, but I think when Motown is done right it’s hard to be wrong. You know exactly what you’re in for as soon as MoneyGrabber opens with a piano and gets right into the drums and saxophone. Growing up during the grunge era and its heavy guitar sound, it’s pretty impressive to hear a band that doesn’t even use the instrument.
L.O.V is reminiscent of the organ-driven 96 Tears by ? and the Mysterians, with an early Burton Cummings vocal and even though I can pinpoint their sound with comparisons it still makes my music loving ears sing.
I hope to see anyone who lives in the Hamilton or surrounding area at the MVM INVADES MOTOWN party this Wednesday September 29th. There is a grand prize draw for tickets to see Jimmy Eat World and a chance to win a TOE JAM MONDAYS mix cd! Plus, your money is going to some kids who really need it.
Whether you can make it to the party or not, let me know what you think of Fitz and the Tantrums and make sure to come back every Monday for more toe tappin’ jams.
Moneygrabber – Fitz & The Tantrums
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/04-MoneyGrabber.mp3|titles=04 MoneyGrabber]
L.O.V – Fitz & The Tantrums
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/05-L.O.V..mp3|titles=05 L.O.V.]
* If you are a member or manager of the above band and you would like your track removed, please contact us and we will swiftly oblige. Fans – new or old – please support these bands by using your coffee money to buy their records.
Awesome band. Again, another fantastic Monday morning music selection. Will these songs be played on Wednesday at the party? I’m going to come out.
I’m so glad you’re diggin the Monday tunes!! I’m not sure if any of the songs will played Wednesday night, but we will be giving out some Toe Jam Mondays mixed cds that will have some songs that have been posted, plus some new ones. So make sure you check back for details about the party! See you Wednesday!
I will be there too! Anything to support sick kids, MvM and Toe Jams Monica! Niiiccccee pick by the way!
“when Motown is done right it’s hard to be wrong”
Best line yet on Toe Jam Mondays! Great post!
I really like this band’s sound. Very cool. And you’re right, Monica, no guitar – amazing! Hope Wednesday night gets a good turnout. Save me a cd. Love Toe Jam Mondays.
I don’t know what’s more fun- listening to the music you pick or reading your posts. I guess you get the best of both worlds on Mondays! Great job, keep it up, Mon!
Rad tracks, so accurate about the foot tapping….I didn’t even realize i was doing it!! I wish i could come along to the party but its a wee bit far ^_^ enjoy yourselves!
Good job tiger!
Ben
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