MILB: "Don't Gotta Work it Out" by Fitz and the Tantrums

Sometimes you have to take the sound back to bring it forward.

Fitz and the Tantrums are exactly that kind of band.  Famous for their raucus live shows, and the use of an organ in pop music, they bring about some great music that calls back to the 1960s soul music.

With possibly one of the best names for a band in the last 20 years,  Fitz and the Tantrums is fronted by Michael Fitzpatrick and co-lead singer Noelle Scaggs.  The band began, strangely enough, when Fitz bought an organ in 2008, and decided to start a neo-soul band after writing the song, "Breakin the Chains of Love". He called his friend James King who played sax, who recommended Scaggs and drummer John Wicks.  Wicks recommended his friends Ethan Phillips (bass) and Jeremy Ruzumna (keyboards).  That was the beginning of the band.  In 2009, they recorder their first EP, Songs for a Breakup, vol. 1 which is also a pretty darn cool name.  They released their first full LP in 2010 called Pickin Up the Pieces.

Now, onto the song.  Catchy title, right?  Seems like these people know how to make themselves memorable.  Heck, one of their songs is called "Moneygrabber."  All with a sound like Motown.  They honor their influences without being overwhelmed by them.

"Don't Gotta Work It Out" is a reaction to all the songs about staying together.  In fact, usually there aren't that many rock songs about breaking up.  It's always someone begging someone to stay.  (Country music on the other hand, has a lot to say about breaking up. Or in the case of the Dixie Chicks, killing your ex who is beating you.)  The point here is they've made a very upbeat song about breaking up with someone.  It's actually quite a feat.  Starting with a subdued piano and a kick drum, the song doesn't move like you'd think. The baritone saxophone adds a bottom to the song that isn't in many songs these days.  The lyrics talk about a guy that obviously loves someone, but she's cheated on him, so he leaves her.  I mean, he even puts in, "When I'm on the road I often dream and think of you girl/ I hope you do too."  But then follows it up with, "We dont' gotta work it out."  You can love someone and know they're no good for you and leave them.

The whole thing just moves nicely.  If you get a chance, find a recording of it live.  While the album version is great, the live version is just awesome.  You feel the urgency, and they speed it up.  The harmonies are fantastic and the musicianship is brilliant.  Trust me, go find this album and listen to it.  Then try and find them performing near you.  They should be much bigger than they are, and hopefully will be soon.