By Nick Ruble – Formed in Los Angeles, California in 1979, Fishbone is an alternative rock group who’s sound is a combination of ska, soul, punk rock, and funk. To be honest, I hadn’t even heard a single song from these guys prior to choosing them for this review, but after hearing their new album Crazy Glue, I think I might have a new favorite band. Musically, no one can quite compare to Fishbone; they’re one of the most creative groups I’ve ever listened to, right up there with Primus and Frank Zappa.
I think the main reason a lot of the younger generations are starting to listen to more classic pop rock groups like CCR, Pink Floyd, and Hendrix, is that the music is more creative and imaginative. Older music typically tells more of a story and keeps you interested in learning all of the lyrics, whereas modern pop music is usually just mediocre lyrics tacked onto a catchy tune, but Fishbone definitely exceeds that niche. Each track off Crazy Glue has it’s own distinctive story line behind the psychedelic leads, shouting brass sections, stabbing keyboards, and snappy drums. Norwood Fisher’s zany lyrics paired with his unique and amusing voice are the perfect combination to top off the already impeccable instrumentals.
One of the most remarkable traits of Fishbone is their diversity among genres, as a typical album progresses from psychedelic rock to ska, to edgy punk, to funk and even a little jazz, and that’s something that really got me hooked. Crazy Glue is no exception, as it starts out with the title track, which is a slower reggae tune, then goes into a more nu-jazz and hard rock oriented song with an entertaining spoken word breakdown, entitled Flutter Butter. It’s quite a challenge trying fit any of their work into a single genre, as these guys truly are one of a kind. DUI Friday is one of the punk tracks off the album that really stood out to me. During the verse, the vocals sound similar to Sublime’s Bradley Nowell, and then proceed to morph into a rougher, more intense Ice-T/Bodycount style towards the chorus.
Like I said earlier, Fishbone is one of the most creative groups I’ve come across, and Crazy Glue is a must-have album if you’re a fan of groups like Sublime, Body Count, Dead Kennedys, or Goldfinger.
Fishbone is currently on tour, playing in a few states across the U.S. including Georgia, Alabama, and California, and then heading over to France from April 4th through the 15th, wrapping things up in Sweden on the 16th. For more information on Fishbone’s Crazy Glue EP and their spring tour, check out FishBoneLive.org.
Reviewer Nick Ruble is a music enthusiast, blogger, and optimist, going to school at Full Sail University for Music Production.
FISHBONE CRAZY GLUE
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Produced by: Derek O’Brien
Label: DC-Jam Records
Release Date: 10/11/2011
Copyright: 2012 DC-Jam Records
Total Length: 26:51
Genres: Rock, Punk, Ska, Metal, Funk
When you mentioned Frank Zappa, I knew I had to check out this band. You’re right. They are creative and I think, as more people discover them, destined to have a great musical career. Thanks for introducing them.
I just looked them up on grooveshark, this music is AWESOME! In one song “it all kept startin’ over again” it started out as Ska, went to Jazz, back to ska, and then both at the same time.
I know right?! I actually found these guys when I was watching a youtube video on this small-time surf band from Venice, CA called Freelance Johnson. You should check out henhousestudios.com if you like Fishbone; they’re just one of the many talented indie groups that record there, and there’s a ton of info and videos about every one of them.
I haven’t heard of these guys before but your review makes them sound interesting so I’ll search out a video or mp3 from them. What caught my eye is the name of the band – I wonder where these groups come up with such odd names for themselves?
I’m not into bands with this kind of sound, but your review has intrigued me enough to want to at least check them out. I’ll be taking a look on youtube.