I’ve always thought that the original version of “Money (That’s What I Want)” was lacking in something.  It’s a song almost entirely about being a greedy prick.  Take any prior version - the Barrett Strong original, The Beatles catchy hit, etc. - and what you have is songs about capitalist fantasy without the grit-filled smile of those who are really having them.  ”Money” is a song about being poor and getting rich, and until I heard Philadelphia’s Lantern push this song through the grit-grinder I don’t know if I’ve ever heard a proper version of it.  But Lantern gets it right forcing the song in to a tight box of proto-punk and distorted blues riffs until you can feel it hustling it’s way down the street, shoes broken, elbows torn, a half-smoked butt clenched beneath its teeth.

Lantern will be playing The Knockout next Monday the 17th with two of the best bands playing in San Francisco right now, The Mallard (now a three-piece) and Burnt Ones.  Do not miss.

Pick up the new Summer EP 2011 at Lantern’s Bandcamp page.

Lantern - Money (That’s What I Want)