Description
Fitz And The Tantrums – Pickin\’ Up The Pieces – Red and Blue Split Vinyl Record
Indie Exclusive Limited Edition Red/Blue LP
Limited to 1000 copies
Fitz and The Tantrums’ Pickin\’ Up the Pieces (2010) is the debut album from the Los Angeles-based indie pop and neo-soul band. The album showcases a unique blend of retro soul, funk, and pop influences, drawing heavily on 60s and 70s Motown and R&B sounds while incorporating modern indie elements. Known for their infectious hooks, tight grooves, and dynamic energy, Fitz and The Tantrums made an immediate impact with this release, creating a signature sound that combines soulful vocals, rich horn sections, and upbeat rhythms.
With no guitar and a focus on organ, saxophone, and percussion, Pickin\’ Up the Pieces stands out for its fresh take on retro styles, updating classic sounds for a new generation of listeners. The chemistry between lead singer Michael “Fitz” Fitzpatrick and co-lead vocalist Noelle Scaggs drives the emotional energy of the record, with their call-and-response vocals adding a sense of urgency and excitement.
Pickin\’ Up the Pieces is rooted in the classic sounds of 60s and 70s soul and Motown. The band’s use of organ, horns, and tight rhythms evokes the style of legends like Marvin Gaye, The Supremes, and Otis Redding, but they reimagine these influences through a contemporary lens.
A notable aspect of the album is its lack of guitar, a rarity in modern rock and pop. Instead, the band relies heavily on Jeremy Ruzumna’s Hammond organ and James King’s saxophone to fill the sonic space. This choice gives the record a vintage, yet fresh sound, allowing the rhythm section to shine.
The album’s production is tight and polished, with a focus on danceable grooves and catchy hooks. Tracks like “MoneyGrabber” and “Don’t Gotta Work It Out” are built around infectious rhythms and memorable choruses, making them feel both retro and radio-friendly.
Key Tracks
“MoneyGrabber”: One of the band’s breakout hits, “MoneyGrabber” is a high-energy, funk-infused track about betrayal and financial manipulation. The song’s catchy, anthemic chorus and tight rhythm section make it one of the standout tracks on the album, showcasing the band’s ability to combine soulful melodies with pop sensibilities.
“Don’t Gotta Work It Out”: Another standout track, “Don’t Gotta Work It Out” features a driving rhythm and punchy brass sections. The song’s lyrics reflect on the end of a relationship, but the upbeat tempo and soulful harmonies keep the mood light and danceable.
“Breakin’ the Chains of Love”: As the opening track, “Breakin’ the Chains of Love” sets the tone for the album with its retro, Motown-inspired sound. The song’s bouncy rhythm, tight horns, and Fitz’s soulful vocals immediately grab the listener’s attention, making it a perfect introduction to the band’s aesthetic.
“L.O.V.”: This track blends a modern indie pop sound with vintage soul influences, creating a catchy, upbeat anthem about love and longing. The song’s infectious chorus and handclap-driven beat make it a fan favorite and one of the more radio-friendly tracks on the album.
“Winds of Change”: One of the slower, more introspective tracks on the album, “Winds of Change” showcases the band’s ability to dial down the energy for a more emotional, contemplative moment. Fitz’s and Scaggs’ vocal harmonies shine here, adding depth to the song’s reflective lyrics.
Many of the songs on Pickin\’ Up the Pieces deal with themes of heartbreak, betrayal, and relationships gone wrong. Tracks like “MoneyGrabber” and “Don’t Gotta Work It Out” explore the emotional fallout from love and manipulation, but the upbeat instrumentation and energetic performances keep the mood from becoming too heavy. Despite the emotional turmoil in the lyrics, the album often conveys a sense of resilience and empowerment. Songs like “Breakin’ the Chains of Love” emphasize the idea of moving on and freeing oneself from toxic relationships, with the lively music reinforcing this message of personal strength. While much of the album deals with heartache, there are also moments of celebration, particularly on tracks like “L.O.V.” which captures the excitement and joy of love. The band’s ability to balance emotional depth with feel-good grooves is a key part of their appeal.
Fitz’s soulful, expressive vocals are the driving force behind the album, channeling the emotion of the lyrics with a mix of vulnerability and confidence. His vocal style pays homage to classic soul singers while still feeling contemporary and accessible. Scaggs’ powerful voice provides the perfect complement to Fitz’s lead vocals, often taking center stage during the band’s signature call-and-response moments. Her harmonies add richness and depth to the songs, and her dynamic stage presence has made her a fan favorite in the band’s live performances. Ruzumna’s Hammond organ is a key element of the band’s sound, adding a warm, vintage tone that sets Fitz and The Tantrums apart from other contemporary indie pop acts. His playing is both soulful and rhythmic, giving the songs their retro feel while also contributing to the overall energy of the album. King’s saxophone adds another layer of texture and melody, particularly in the album’s more upbeat, danceable tracks. His brass arrangements are tight and punchy, providing a driving force behind the band’s infectious rhythms.
Pickin\’ Up the Pieces helped reinvigorate the neo-soul and retro pop genres in the 2010s, blending elements of 60s and 70s soul with modern indie sensibilities. The band’s ability to update vintage sounds for a contemporary audience made them stand out in the indie music scene.
“MoneyGrabber” became a defining hit for the band, receiving significant radio airplay and exposure in commercials and TV shows. The song’s success helped put Fitz and The Tantrums on the map, leading to a larger fan base and a series of high-profile performances.
The success of Pickin\’ Up the Pieces helped pave the way for other acts that blended retro soul with indie pop, contributing to a wave of artists drawing on vintage influences. The band’s polished, high-energy sound resonated with fans of both classic Motown and contemporary pop, helping bridge the gap between different musical eras.
Pickin\’ Up the Pieces by Fitz and The Tantrums is a standout debut album that blends neo-soul, indie pop, and retro Motown influences into a polished and infectious sound. With its tight grooves, soulful melodies, and energetic performances, the album captures both the heartbreak and joy of relationships, offering a fresh take on vintage sounds for a modern audience. Tracks like “MoneyGrabber” and “L.O.V.” showcase the band’s ability to craft memorable, danceable songs while retaining emotional depth, making Pickin\’ Up the Pieces an essential listen for fans of indie pop and soul revivalists.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Breakin\’ The Chains Of Love
Dear Mr. President
Pickin\’ Up The Pieces
MoneyGrabber
L.O.V.
News 4 U
Don\’t Gotta Work It Out
Rich Girls
Winds Of Change
Tighter
