SoundSpike Song of the Day: "Money" by Ringside

SoundSpike's Song of the Day for Friday (1/14) is "Money," off indie darling Ringside's upcoming, self-released "Lost Days," recorded at Ocean Studios Burbank, CA, and produced by Balthazar Getty.

Despite the complexity of Ringside's production and arrangements, the band is really the sum total of singer/songwriter Scott Thomas, who has one of the more interesting stories in the music industry. More on that in a bit. Also featured on the album: Ozomotli (horns on "Freedom," "Good" and "Money"), Esthero, Res and Graph Nobel (backing vocals), Weezer's Brian Bell (guitar), Joey Waronker, Jim Keltner, Josh Freese, Norm Block, Sandy Chila, Jon Pikus (all on drums) and Balthazar Getty -- when he can, on whatever he can. And, last but not least -- Joaquin Phoenix "wandered in late nights and provided mysterious inspiration," according to a statement.

What's truly fascinating about Ringside is the familiarity factor. Seconds into a listen of "Money," there's that sense of having heard it before, and not in a creepy, derivative way. It just has such confidence and authority and, well, badass-ness that it's hard not to wonder how one might have missed it on the top 40 chart toppers. And if catchiness is a bad thing, then, sorry -- this a bad song.

To download the mp3 of "Money," right-click on the hyperlinked song title above. But back to Ringside's wild and crazy story. It goes like this: There was this song, "Tired of Being Sorry," which started out as a modest radio hit for Thomas until he sold it to Enrique Iglesias, who then recorded it with French singer Nadiya, which resulted in France's longest-running No. 1 on the charts ... and the end of Thomas' relationship with his then record label.

Cue wild adventures in Eastern Europe -- Russia, to be specific -- some wealthy and, more importantly, benevolent patrons, and Thomas returned home to Mother Burbank to record "Ringside" with the help of more than a few high-profile friends, all listed above. One high-profile collaborator in particular, Ben Harper, is featured on the title track, "Lost Days," and its accompanying music video, embedded below.

"Lost Days" comes out Jan. 25, and is likely to be found online at Ringside's website. In the meantime, Ringside is giving away its "Money" EP for free. That, and more, can also be found at the band's main site. For more on Ringside and Thomas' Odyssean adventures, check out his official Facebook page or MySpace.