More Than Just a Dream (Deluxe Version)

Fitz & The Tantrums was born after songwriter/vocalist Michael Fitzpatrick picked up a second-hand organ and started writing tunes in 2008—a seemingly unremarkable action that sparked a remarkably swift ascent into the public consciousness. By the time the band released their 2010 full-length debut, Pickin’ Up The Pieces, Fitzpatrick’s knack for mashing together ’60s Motown, synth-heavy New Wave, and playful indie pop won over a rapt international audience. The group's second album, More Than Just a Dream, uses the same formula for even more disarming results. “Out of My League” cues up a chorus of hands-in-the-air ’80s pop with a hard-strutting, hand-clapping Funk Brothers' backbeat. Tunes like “The Walker” and “Keepin Our Eyes Out” might be mistaken for erstwhile Holland–Dozier–Holland singles if not for all the gleeful digital flourishes. When “MerryGoRound” brings the album to a close after a dozen of these optimistic hooks, the kitchen sink of era-spanning pop fragments will leave you breathless.