Fishbone
Combining equal parts of deep funk, high-energy punk, and frantic ska, the Los Angeles-based Fishbone was one of the most distinctive and eclectic alternative rock bands of the late '80s. With their hyperactive, self-conscious diversity, goofy sense of humor, and sharp social commentary, the group gained a sizable cult following during the late '80s, yet they were never able to earn a mainstream audience.
Led by vocalist/saxophonist Angelo Moore, the band formed in 1979 while the members were still in junior high; the original lineup comprised Moore, Chris Dowd, Kendall Jones, Walter Kibby II, and John Norwood Fisher. After performing in local clubs during the early '80s, the group signed with Columbia Records in the mid-'80s, releasing a self-titled EP in 1985. The following year, Fishbone released their first full-length album, In Your Face. While it was marred by a somewhat slick production, the sheer energy of their performances burned through the slightly polished surface. In 1987, the band released the Christmas EP It's a Wonderful Life (Gonna Have a Good Time).
Truth and Soul (1988), Fishbone's second album, captured the band at their most ambitious, as they slammed back and forth between heavy metal and funk, throwing in an acoustic number and a cover of Curtis Mayfield's "Freddie's Dead" for balance. The album expanded their audience and charted at number 153. However, the band didn't record a new album for another three years. In the meantime, they made two EPs -- Ma and Pa (1989) and Bonin' in the Boneyard (1990) -- which basically comprised several B-sides. Before 1991's The Reality of My Surroundings Fishbone added second guitarist John Bigham. The Reality of My Surroundings didn't depart from the band's reckless eclecticism; it refined it. The album was a hit, peaking at number 49 and receiving positive reviews. However, the record didn't establish the band as a mainstream success, nor did 1993's Give a Monkey a Brain and He'll Swear He's the Center of the Universe, despite their appearance at the third Lollapalooza.
Even when the third wave ska revival began to rise to popularity in 1996, Fishbone was left behind, as their 1996 record Chim Chim's Bad Ass Revenge -- their first album for Arista -- was ignored, as was the double-disc compilation Fishbone 101: Nuttasaurusmeg Fossil Fuelin. Despite their poor sales, the group remained a popular concert attraction, issuing the all-star Psychotic Friends Nuttwerx in the spring of 2000. Unfortunately, Hollywood Records had little support for the album and it disappeared after a few disappointing months. They were dropped from the label the following summer, with side projects and various other things keeping them busy during this rough period. An EP featuring a 20-minute jam with Primus, entitled Friendliest Psychosis of All, was released on their own label in the spring of 2002, followed by a live album full of new songs, Live at the Temple Bar and More, in the summer. In 2006 their album Still Stuck in Your Throat appeared in Europe. It arrived in the U.S. in April the next year.
© Stephen Thomas Erlewine /TiVo
-
-
-
Give A Monkey A Brain And He'll Swear He's The Center Of The Universe
Pop/Rock - Released by Columbia on May 20, 1993
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
It's A Wonderful Life (Gonna Have A Good Time)
Alternative & Indie - Released by Columbia - Legacy on Nov 30, 1987
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Fishbone 101--Nuttasaurusmeg Fossil Fuelin' The Fonkay
Pop/Rock - Released by Columbia - Legacy on Sep 20, 1996
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
The Reality Of My Surroundings
Pop/Rock - Released by Columbia on Apr 18, 1991
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Fishbone & The Familyhood Nextperience Presents The Psychotic Friends Nuttwerx
Rock - Released by Hollywood Records on Mar 21, 2000
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
The Essential Fishbone
Pop/Rock - Released by Columbia - Legacy on Feb 17, 2003
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
-
-
Chim Chim's Badass Revenge
Pop/Rock - Released by Arista on Oct 20, 1996
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
The Essential Fishbone
Rock - Released by Legacy Recordings on Sep 20, 1996
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
-
Still Stuck in Your Throat
Rock - Released by Sound In Color on Oct 23, 2006
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Crazy Glue
Alternative & Indie - Released by DC-Jam Records on Oct 11, 2011
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Bonin' in the Boneyard EP
Rock - Released by Columbia - Legacy on Jan 1, 1990
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Playlist: The Very Best Of Fishbone
Pop/Rock - Released by Columbia - Legacy on May 28, 2010
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Whipper Snapper
Punk / New Wave - Released by DC-Jam Records on Feb 26, 2013
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
-
-