Since the dawn of time itself there has been one eternal question that has passed from one generation to the next: Why do Reel Big Fish rock so hard? It is a question that has been attempted by the greatest scholars of our age, but none so far have provided us with the answer. But now, at last, with the aid of all kinds of new technology, the solution to this mind-numbingly difficult question will finally be achieved. (Disclaimer; punktastic will not be held accountable if this question is not actually answered).
So then, bizarre introductions aside, it appears as though Reel Big Fish are growing in popularity by the month, and they have just completed another successful tour of the UK. Now appears a perfect time to take a look at their 1998 release, Why do they rock so hard? (and you thought the introduction had no relevance to the review!)
From the moment you hear the first track, Somebody Hates Me, and the superb guitar and trumpet riffs hit you, it becomes apparent that this is no average ska-punk album. But then, Reel Big Fish are no average band. They have the talent to rise above a very congested genre and this album is without a doubt their finest release to date.
Why do they rock so hard? is a great listen from start to finish. There is not a bad song on the album and it is difficult to pick out stand out tracks. The humour of the band is evident throughout. An example of this is the sarcastic Thank you for not Moshing, a song about the band’s least favourite dance move, with its chorus of “When I’m in the pit, I’m gonna punch and kick, when I’m in the pit, don’t you know I’m gonna fuck up shitâ€. Men with no morals everyone will also love the fantastically titled I want your Girlfriend to be my Girlfriend too.
Reel Big Fish succeed in blending together a variety of musical styles to great effect. From the reggae fuelled Song 3 to the perfection of ska-punk that is The kids don’t like it, the band take the listener through an upbeat collection of tunes that are littered with an abundance of both vocal and instrumental talent. (If you don’t like The Kids don’t like it then I really will lose all faith in humanity!)
If there are criticisms of the album, they are not my own. One of my fellow reviewers has commented that he prefers the bands live sound to the overly congested vocals of the album. I am sure there will be people who agree with him, so you have been warned! I however, as you may have guessed, enjoy the humour and superb melodies that the constant background vocals on the album provide.
Quite simply, you should own this album. At the moment UK fans can only buy the album for a hefty import price. Believe me it is worth the price. However, for all those paupers out there, it is due to be officially released in a twin pack with Turn the Radio off in the near future. Just make sure you get a copy soon as this album is without a doubt one of the finest ska-punk releases around. Why do Reel Big rock so hard? I don’t know, they just do, and they do it better than most!
Mark