Fitz and the Tantrums make soul music that actually sounds like soul music and deploy the same kind of flamethrower personality on stage that Sharon Jones uses on the front row every night. Singers Fitz and Noelle Scaggs met us at KPCC, just one studio down from Carly Fiorina, to discuss sweat, blisters and the underpowered applause of America’s middle class. This interview by Chris Ziegler.

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Download: One AM Radio “Credible Threats” [Audio clip: view full post to listen] (from the “Credible Threats” 7″ out now on Dangerbird) THE ONE AM RADIO AT DUBLAB’S LABRAT MATINEE ON SAT., MAY 1, AT CINEFAMILY, 611 N. FAIRFAX AVE., LOS ANGELES. 8 PM / $8-$12 / ALL AGES. CINEFAMILY.ORG OR DUBLAB.COM. ONE AM RADIO’S [...]

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Via: L.A. Times Silver Lake’s Dangerbird Records continues to expand its portfolio beyond the local rock scene. After rising to national prominence on the strength of the Grammy-nominated success of the Silversun Pickups, the indie label has been steadily beefing up its roster. Monday, the imprint added our city’s chic, soul-drenched outfit Fitz & the [...]

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Congratulations to L.A. RECORD art director Dan Monick in his fourth place finish in the Ultimate Staring Contest today! His penetrating gaze and fearsome beard served him well. We also salute L.A. Philharmonic, the ultimate victors, and wish a speedy recovery to all those defeated and dry-eyed.

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Silversun Pickups are a great live band and seemed especially excited to be playing the Echoplex for the home-crowd and Pablo. They played the majority of Swoon with new radio hit “Panic Switch” and yes, “Lazy Eye” and “Well Thought Out Twinkles” also made the list. These songs from Carnavas display an extra seasoning and “Kissing Families” (from their EP) has also taken on new bite. SSPU has the quietloudquietloud formula down: Nikki Monninger’s melodious bass line churning through the distortion, the rapid-fire drumming of Christopher Guanlao, sonic structure from keyboardist Joe Lester and effects-laden guitar work and ragged vocals from frontman/guitarist Brian Aubert. SSPU has found their voice and on this night they put it out there for the Pablove Foundation.

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Dan Monick

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