Track of the Day: 'MoneyGrabber'

Michael Fitzpatrick is the ringleader of a six-piece soul group called Fitz and The Tantrums, and for my money, this lead single from their debut album, Pickin' Up The Pieces, may be the best thing out of southern California since In-N-Out Burger. The song is 100% kiss-off to a money-grubbing leech, and it's played with superb energy. (Must note the excellent pipes of Noelle Scaggs who is Fitz's co-lead-singer on this album.)

We are deep in soul territory here, and it took me several spins to notice there something missing on this track. Bass, drums, keys, horns, and two vocalists with real chops, yes. But no six-string. That's both novel, and totally beside the point. You won't miss it. In fact, I'd argue there isn't room for guitar on this song.

Unlike the majority of the music I tend to write about, this one has the potential to become big-deal popular. They've already shot an episode of Live From Daryl's House and you can see the singers beaming with pride when Daryl Hall himself takes the second verse and nails it, of course.

Don't sleep on this one. I bet it will be everywhere by summertime.

On iTunes: Fitz and The Tantrums / "MoneyGrabber"