Artist of the Week: Fitz & the Tantrums

If you haven't heard of these guys already, you ought to. Their story is just as intriguing as their music; Fitz's ex girlfriend gave him a call and said her neighbor was moving out and selling everything, including an old vintage organ. By 2008 the six musicians and the organ had performed their first show at Hollywood Hotel's Cafe, and had already begun infiltrating people's hearts and eardrums. Their website bio describes the band as an "unrestrained blast of soul-clapping, get-down-on-the-floor, moneymaker shakers," and I couldn't have said it better myself. Their tunes are catchy, and their lyrics are legit. Plus, they post pretty regularly on their site thanking their fans & updating tour dates. Gotta love talented musicians with good personalities. Check out their website, & give a listen to my top five faves!

1. Money Grabber- "Teardrops fade, then I saw your hands in your pockets. Cause you were always made to want it all, but now you gotta make it your own."

2. News For U- "I keep holding onto your middle finger, but now I gotta pull the trigger. I pick up the pieces one by one, put them back together now, stuff em back in my gun."


3. Tighter- "So you made up my mind and walked away, why didn't I hold you tighter and tighter, how could I be so wrong, it's getting harder and harder."


4. Don't Gotta Work it Out- "I don't know but I've been told, the world outside is oh so cold. Late at night when you're alone, do you think about me now that I'm gone?"


5. Breakin' the Chains of Love- "I've been trying to get you to see things all my way, for the days that since you left me, and I know that you probably keep away."

This girl is pretty talented!

Not only does she look a whole lot like Katy Perry, but she sings just as good! Check out her other covers as well.

Pick of the Week

His voice forever makes my heart melt.

Pick of the Week!

Check out Maggie and the Hat
This girl goes to Purchase and not only is she adorable but she's incredibly talented. Free download of her album!!

Some hauntingly beautiful vocals that kicked ass at the Stood on Sunday night. You guys know I'm all about live talent, and these ladies (and gentleman) remind me why I go to shows.



1. Jenny Owen Youngs- Great Big Plans
2. Gregory and the Hawk- For the Best
3. Swear & Shake- The Light

There's a ton of songs out there about getting your heart broken and being forever alone and blah blah blah, but we never hear much from the heart breaker's themselves. It isn't easy on them either, ya know. So, here's some love songs from a different perspective. It's been that kinda week ladies and gentlemen.



1. This Way Always- S "I'll just say, I'll just tell you. I feel awful when I'm around you. I'll be screaming when I walk away, thinking of your face. I wish I loved like I did, like you used to. It's overwhelming, I feel backwards when you leave."

2. Two- The Antlers "But after over a year, I stopped trying to stop you from stomping out that door, coming back like you always do. Well no one's going to fix it for us, no one can."

3. Easier to Lie- Aqualung "And who am I to give you what you need when I'm learning, just learning. Learning how to live and to bear the weight, and push into the sky. It's easier to lie."

4. I Don't Care What You Call Me- David Ford "And tear me on down, I am unforgivable.So why don't you just tell me what you really think again. Scream me on down, I am so forgettable, yes I know. Shoot me on down, don't you think this isn't killing me?"

5. The Boy Who Blocked His Own Shot- Brand New "If it makes you less sad, I will die by your hand. Hope you find out what you are; already know what I am. And if it makes you less sad, we'll start talking again. You can tell me how vile I already know that I am."

6. Walk Away- Ben Harper "And it hurts me to look into the mirror at myself, and it hurts even more to have to be with somebody else. And it's so hard to do, and so easy to say. But sometimes, sometimes you just have to walk away."

7. Betterman- Pearljam "She lies and says she's in love with him, can't find a better man. She dreams in color, she dreams in red, can't find a better man."

There's nothing like a great live performance that proves a musician's talent is so much more than an intense editing sesh in the studio. The unique voices and powerful presence of artists such as Nathen Willet of Cold War Kids and Justin Vernon of Bon Iver are the reason Kesha doesn't do acoustic shows. So while you lay in bed pretending to do homework and wondering if Friday afternoon mixed drinks are acceptable, check out some bad ass live performances. And make that drink, it's been a long week.


1. Maps- Front Bottoms
2. Skinny Love- Bon Iver
3. Wish I stayed Ellie Goulding
4. Melrose Diner The Wonder Years
5. Stay Awake- Lydia
6. Oats We Sow- Gregory and the Hawk
7. Hospital Bed- Cold War Kids
8. Kill All Animals- Saint Seneca
9. I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked- Ida Marie
10. Bizness- Tune Yards
11. Drinking Song- Jenny Owen Youngs
12. Logan Square- Into It, Over It
13. Moshi Moshi (Cover)- Tigers Jaw
14. Saviour- Lights