News bits: Fitz & the Tantrums, more

Kevin Bronson on May 1st, 2010

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Just when you thought Dangerbird Records was going to build an empire by loading up on mid-career indie bands (recent signings: Hot Hot Heat, Minus the Bear and ex-Promise Ring guys Maritime), the L.A.-based label has gone out an inked local soul revivalists Fitz & the Tantrums, the Times reports. Nifty timing too – Fitz just landed seven May dates supporting Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings (and has a June residency at Spaceland). The success of Jones’ new album, and others in the latest wave of soul such as the U.K. band the Heavy, bodes well for Fitz’s album “Pickin’ Up the Pieces.” It’s good stuff.

‣ To be continued: Reformed shoegazers Chapterhouse have had to postpone their May 7 date at the Troubadaour; look for them in September.
‣ Legends: I’m not much of a Hootenanny guy, but Chuck Berry and Jerry Lee Lewis? Worth the drive to Irvine.
‣ Book it: Excellent pre-show activity tonight – authors Gary Calamar and Phil Gallo will appear at a reading and signing of their new volume “Record Store Days: From Vinyl to Digital and Back Again” – an homage to the retail outlets that are near and dear to our hearts – at StoriesLA in Echo Park. It kicks off at 7:30.
‣ Please, stop: Is there any way we can pull the plug on “Don’t Stop Believin’?” The Dodger Stadium P.A. blasts the shopworn Journey anthem in the 8th inning at home games (while goofball season ticket-holder Jameson Moss lip-synchs), complete with its lyrical reference to Detroit. Suffice to say the Kings had far better taste in choosing “This Is L.A.” by Eagle Rock’s own the Briggs as their theme song – and having the quartet play it a couple weeks ago during the Stanley Cup playoffs. Long live punk rock.