LA-based neo-Motown group Fitz and the Tantrums is hitting up the Crocodile tonight with its unique style. After listening to quite a bit of the group's music and hearing what others have to say, it's pretty much a mixed bag. Some people feel like they could be a bit more inventive and their melodies need a little more variety. Soul music can be heart-wrenching or inspirational and setting the vocals aside, the backing music is where at least half of that emotional power comes from. Songs like "Shout", "Please Mr. Postman", and "Honeybee" all have the same swinging upbeat tempo but very different emotional context. Some reviewers, like over at the Onion AV club, don't feel like the music rings true because it's sung by a white guy. That doesn't necessarily make a difference, what really matters if it feels like it rings true to the singer... no matter who he/she is. Honestly Fitz has a great sound with quality musicians to back him up, so we're looking forward to the show. It's supposed to be pretty lively and no doubt hands will be clapping. more ›

Remember how we said that ZooTunes was going to be kicking this summer? Well, Marymoor is kicking harder, at least initially. It's kicking off with a big double sucker-punch to the Zoo: Erykah Badu and The Roots. On the same night: June 5. And then it'll kind of fizz out. more ›