Members zachoff Posted September 23, 2005 Members Share Posted September 23, 2005 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 group formed in 1979 while the band was 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 Nuttwerk 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 twenty 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. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide Written by Stephen Thomas Erlewine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members zachoff Posted September 23, 2005 Author Members Share Posted September 23, 2005 Kinda sad, really. Great band. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members james on bass Posted September 23, 2005 Members Share Posted September 23, 2005 Yeah, I liked them. I actually broke out "Reality" cd the other week for something fresh in the car. IIRC, they were on tour last spring doing the college circuit thing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members zenfascist Posted September 23, 2005 Members Share Posted September 23, 2005 AHH! FISHBONE!!!! THE MOST ECLECTIC BAND IN THE UNIVERSE!! Zachoff, you are the coolest person I know. I might add that in 2002 they recorded at the community recording studio "The Hen House" and released a DVD of footage from their sessions shortly afterward, which is a must have for any Fishbone fan. They also put on the greatest live show that you will ever see. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members bassplayer7770 Posted September 23, 2005 Members Share Posted September 23, 2005 "Bonin' in the Boneyard"!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members FebruaryStars Posted September 23, 2005 Members Share Posted September 23, 2005 Norwood Fisher was the whole reason I picked up bass. The guy is insane! His tone oozes funk-rock, and his lines complement the songs as best as any I've listened to... gotta love the bone! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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