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Editorial Reviews
The 2012 album from Orange County, CA's Ska pioneers features the single "Hiding In My Headphones" and a soon to be classic RBF "I Love/You Suck."
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
By Pam
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
So I'm going to go ahead and admit right here, this is probably not a great first introduction to the fish but if your used to and enjoy a happy sounding album, with crude lyrics- this is something that most fish fans area already well familiar with- I'm sure you will enjoy Candy Coated Fury.
Even as a 30 yr old woman in a wonderful marriage with a normal boring office job, I really enjoy heading out to the fish shows and singing loud to some song that drops more f-bombs in 2 minutes than I drop in a year outside of their shows, with people in the crowd randomly pointing at strangers & the band they love and yelling f-you and making friends with the same people moments later. My iPod is full of these type of RBF songs and when someone has annoyed me at work, I enjoy it just as much on the way home. There is something wonderfully cathartic about doing something so ridiculous, with musical style that emphasizes just how ridiculous it is. If that sounds horrible to you, then you might not be ready for the fish army.
This album embraces being a big ol dork. If you want to be mistaken for someone cool or mature when someone hears your music, you might pass on this too. I personally will continue to embrace all the nerd factor that comes with the fish. ;)
Even as a 30 yr old woman in a wonderful marriage with a normal boring office job, I really enjoy heading out to the fish shows and singing loud to some song that drops more f-bombs in 2 minutes than I drop in a year outside of their shows, with people in the crowd randomly pointing at strangers & the band they love and yelling f-you and making friends with the same people moments later. My iPod is full of these type of RBF songs and when someone has annoyed me at work, I enjoy it just as much on the way home. There is something wonderfully cathartic about doing something so ridiculous, with musical style that emphasizes just how ridiculous it is. If that sounds horrible to you, then you might not be ready for the fish army.
This album embraces being a big ol dork. If you want to be mistaken for someone cool or mature when someone hears your music, you might pass on this too. I personally will continue to embrace all the nerd factor that comes with the fish. ;)
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By Chris Raynor
Format:Audio CD
The year was 1996. At a mere 10-years-old, my 13-year-old brother brought home a CD from this band called Reel Big Fish. The CD was called "Turn The Radio Off," and the first song was this incredibly fast, unbelievably catchy song called "Sell Out". I had never heard this type of music before... It was like Punk, but ... with horns? I was immediately hooked. I would later get a portable CD player and bring it with me on those long, boring bus-rides to and from school. Other kids on the bus would ask what I was listening to, and, like most kids looking to show-off, I would gladly oblige in letting them have a listen. Most everyone ended up liking the music I was listening to... Some of my friends started to like this "Ska" music as much, if not more, than myself. Eventually, of course, my tastes expanded, and I discovered other amazing bands, like Less Than Jake and The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, among others...
I ended up falling in love with Ska ... and it seemed like so many others were in-step.
In the early 2000's, I started noticing that, well ... not many people seemed to enjoy music with horns anymore. I seemed to be an outcast of sorts for not following the trends of popular music. Don't get me wrong, however; by no means did my musical horizons become stagnant to that solely of Ska. I just have always kept a partial heart towards the music I grew up with ... and the bands that I associate so many memories with.
16-years later, on August 6th, 2012 (almost 16-years-to-the-day of the release of "Turn The Radio Off"), I am now an Electrical Engineering student at the University of Alabama in Huntsville ... and can you guess what album I've been awaiting the release of for, oh, say, about five years?
Upon my first listen, I immediately knew that this album marked the return, musically, of Reel Big Fish to those early years of "Turn The Radio Off" and "Why Do They Rock So Hard?". For some people, that might be a negative thing... For those whose favorite albums were among "Cheer Up!", "We're Not Happy 'Til You're Not Happy," or the other-most-recent original studio album "Monkeys for Nothin' and the Chimps for Free," you might have preferred Reel Big Fish to have not gone "back to their roots." I, myself, however, felt these 14 songs - collectively - have been the best, most-solid work of RBF's in the last 14 years; I'd say, honestly, since their 1998 release, "Why Do They Rock So Hard?".
This album illustrated, to me, the sort of growth you'd expect from a veteran band, while still staying true to the vast of their fan base, who love Reel Big Fish for that fast, in-your-face, just-go-have-fun-damnit Ska-punk sound that they started with way back with "Turn The Radio Off." Lyrically, this album has a good mix between the Reel Big Fish we all know (with their cynical and angry lyrics placed to happy, upbeat music), but it also displays a deeper, more personal side that we don't seem to give the proper credit. I felt that this album showed a clear progression in Aaron's songwriting ability, and, to be completely honest, some of these songs (as you'll see if you read further down) are, to me, some of the more structurally and lyrically-sound that I've heard of theirs in the last 16-years. Here's a run-down of each song:
1-) Everyone Else is an A**hole: The title explains it all... Well, almost. Reel Big Fish is known for their comedic undertones in many of their songs, and this one is no exception. Combine that with some "whoas," beautiful horns, some surprisingly poignant lyrics (seriously, who hasn't felt like the world is filled with so many unnecessarily a**hole-ish people?), and you have a pretty sweet intro to an album. "They called it assault, but it really wasn't my fault; everyone else is an a**hole..." Great ending. (9/10)
2-) Punisher: With the 9-second intro to the song Punisher, I wasn't really sure what I was getting. In fact, if anything, I felt like I wasn't going to care much for the song. But then, lo and behold ... out comes this awesome sounding, fast Ska-punk song. Crisp, quick ska-chords, awesome drums, cool structuring... Did I mention that there's a sax solo? Well, there is. After the legendary Scotty departed the band in January of 2011, Goldfinger's Matt Appleton joined the band, with an instrument not heard in RBF's music for many years... To top off the intro of sax back into the realm of Reel Big Fish, this song has some interesting lyrics to me. At first, I just assumed the lyrics were about a girlfriend or something who became somewhat of a stalker, but after a closer listen, it almost sounds like Aaron's referencing an obsessed fan. I'm sure it's purposely vague, to let us assume what we want to. Overall, one of my top three or four on the album. (9.5/10)
3-) She's Not the End of the World: This song has a catchy intro and chorus (if you don't mind "nah nah's" and "do do's"), and the lyrics are probably pretty close to what we've all felt at one time or another after a difficult break-up. This is definitely among the fastest songs on the album, and, like all Reel Big Fish songs, should only be listened to at a loud volume - preferably in your car, with at least semi-decent speakers. I like it a lot, but I can't count it as one of my absolute favorites. My favorite parts of the song, however, are the two break-downs, at 1:37 and again at 2:26. (8.5/10)
4-) Don't Let Me Down Gently: If you want a band that does truly amazing covers, look no further than Reel Big Fish. Some people hate covers, some people love 'em ... one thing I know is that, among the people I know that aren't really fans of Reel Big Fish, they seem to love the way Reel Big Fish can "re-invent," in a sense, these completely non-Ska songs across all of the genre spectrum, while staying true to the original "feel" of the songs, managing to not offend the serious said fans of the originals. In my opinion, this song was a beautiful tribute to The Wonder Stuff's "Don't Let Me Down Gently." It has that nice Ska feel to it; horns-a-plenty, with, again, a beautiful sax solo towards the latter-half of the song. Aaron has one of those rare voices - underrated simply because of the genre of music he plays. In this song, you get a taste that singing ability. You also get an all-around wonderful cover. (9.5/10)
5-) I Know You Too Well to Like You Anymore: This song jumps right out at you from the beginning ... and it doesn't let off one bit! It introduces guest vocalist Julie Stoyer (real-life girlfriend of RBF's bassist, Derek Gibbs) as Aaron's counterpart in this comical - yet eerily modern and satirical - relationship-gone-bad scenario. They recap their relationship, going from their exaggerated feelings of love in the beginning, to their current state, where they can't stand each other. The lyrics are hilarious, the structure of the song is beautiful, and I love that, like many of the songs on this album, they weren't afraid to add more verses, making the song total in at about 4:25. This is one of those songs that, once you learn the lyrics, you can't help but sing-along to in your car. And, although my relationship is not at all like the fictional characters of the song, my girlfriend and I actually enjoy singing the song at each other when we go places; something that makes the song more of a personal joy. And, I actually found the change in tempo during parts of the song, and especially at the end, where, after saying all these horribly mean things about each other, Aaron says, "But I love you... Oh well...", kind of sweet. It made me think that, even though exaggerated, at the end of everything, they still love each other, which kind of negated some of the more horrendous things being said. Overall, a wonderful Ska-punk song, and one of my absolute favorites from the album (10/10).
Also ... this song was leaked onto the internet via YouTube after KUKQ's Ska Parade show on June 10th, 2012, and then officially released by Reel Big Fish on June 12th. I regret to say that I am the one who leaked it. I did write Reel Big Fish apologizing, though, and I hope they know I meant no harm.
6-) Hiding in My Headphones: This song had guest vocalists and writing from many members of the group Sonic Boom Six. I don't know why, but - even though I admit this song is catchy, and not bad on the ears - I just was not a huge fan of this song. It might be the high-pitched voice singing throughout ... it might be that Aaron has only a few lines (the chorus, really), which almost made it feel like it wasn't a Reel Big Fish song ... it might be that it was the slowest song on the album ... I'm really not all that sure, to be honest. Don't get me wrong, this song does have redeeming qualities; for instance, I thought the drumming and bass-lines were great. But, either way, I know that tastes differ, so for some, this song will be among their favorites. For me, however ... it just wasn't my cup o' tea. I was surprised when I heard that this song was selected by Reel Big Fish as their single. I would've chosen... *drum roll, please* (6.5/10)
7-) I Dare You to Break My Heart: I knew I loved this song the second I heard the intro. Seriously. I fell for it that hard. And, despite falling for the song within the first 28-seconds, when it was all said and done, there was no broken heart on my account. The structure, the singing, the horns, the guitar solo at the end, the lyrics - this, to me, was one of those rare songs that immediately drew me in. The lyrics are very personal and deep, and almost have a "sad" quality to them. The song is basically about someone who has, in a sense, given up on letting himself ever be truly involved with anyone again, after getting hurt so horribly in the past. Read more ›
I ended up falling in love with Ska ... and it seemed like so many others were in-step.
In the early 2000's, I started noticing that, well ... not many people seemed to enjoy music with horns anymore. I seemed to be an outcast of sorts for not following the trends of popular music. Don't get me wrong, however; by no means did my musical horizons become stagnant to that solely of Ska. I just have always kept a partial heart towards the music I grew up with ... and the bands that I associate so many memories with.
16-years later, on August 6th, 2012 (almost 16-years-to-the-day of the release of "Turn The Radio Off"), I am now an Electrical Engineering student at the University of Alabama in Huntsville ... and can you guess what album I've been awaiting the release of for, oh, say, about five years?
Upon my first listen, I immediately knew that this album marked the return, musically, of Reel Big Fish to those early years of "Turn The Radio Off" and "Why Do They Rock So Hard?". For some people, that might be a negative thing... For those whose favorite albums were among "Cheer Up!", "We're Not Happy 'Til You're Not Happy," or the other-most-recent original studio album "Monkeys for Nothin' and the Chimps for Free," you might have preferred Reel Big Fish to have not gone "back to their roots." I, myself, however, felt these 14 songs - collectively - have been the best, most-solid work of RBF's in the last 14 years; I'd say, honestly, since their 1998 release, "Why Do They Rock So Hard?".
This album illustrated, to me, the sort of growth you'd expect from a veteran band, while still staying true to the vast of their fan base, who love Reel Big Fish for that fast, in-your-face, just-go-have-fun-damnit Ska-punk sound that they started with way back with "Turn The Radio Off." Lyrically, this album has a good mix between the Reel Big Fish we all know (with their cynical and angry lyrics placed to happy, upbeat music), but it also displays a deeper, more personal side that we don't seem to give the proper credit. I felt that this album showed a clear progression in Aaron's songwriting ability, and, to be completely honest, some of these songs (as you'll see if you read further down) are, to me, some of the more structurally and lyrically-sound that I've heard of theirs in the last 16-years. Here's a run-down of each song:
1-) Everyone Else is an A**hole: The title explains it all... Well, almost. Reel Big Fish is known for their comedic undertones in many of their songs, and this one is no exception. Combine that with some "whoas," beautiful horns, some surprisingly poignant lyrics (seriously, who hasn't felt like the world is filled with so many unnecessarily a**hole-ish people?), and you have a pretty sweet intro to an album. "They called it assault, but it really wasn't my fault; everyone else is an a**hole..." Great ending. (9/10)
2-) Punisher: With the 9-second intro to the song Punisher, I wasn't really sure what I was getting. In fact, if anything, I felt like I wasn't going to care much for the song. But then, lo and behold ... out comes this awesome sounding, fast Ska-punk song. Crisp, quick ska-chords, awesome drums, cool structuring... Did I mention that there's a sax solo? Well, there is. After the legendary Scotty departed the band in January of 2011, Goldfinger's Matt Appleton joined the band, with an instrument not heard in RBF's music for many years... To top off the intro of sax back into the realm of Reel Big Fish, this song has some interesting lyrics to me. At first, I just assumed the lyrics were about a girlfriend or something who became somewhat of a stalker, but after a closer listen, it almost sounds like Aaron's referencing an obsessed fan. I'm sure it's purposely vague, to let us assume what we want to. Overall, one of my top three or four on the album. (9.5/10)
3-) She's Not the End of the World: This song has a catchy intro and chorus (if you don't mind "nah nah's" and "do do's"), and the lyrics are probably pretty close to what we've all felt at one time or another after a difficult break-up. This is definitely among the fastest songs on the album, and, like all Reel Big Fish songs, should only be listened to at a loud volume - preferably in your car, with at least semi-decent speakers. I like it a lot, but I can't count it as one of my absolute favorites. My favorite parts of the song, however, are the two break-downs, at 1:37 and again at 2:26. (8.5/10)
4-) Don't Let Me Down Gently: If you want a band that does truly amazing covers, look no further than Reel Big Fish. Some people hate covers, some people love 'em ... one thing I know is that, among the people I know that aren't really fans of Reel Big Fish, they seem to love the way Reel Big Fish can "re-invent," in a sense, these completely non-Ska songs across all of the genre spectrum, while staying true to the original "feel" of the songs, managing to not offend the serious said fans of the originals. In my opinion, this song was a beautiful tribute to The Wonder Stuff's "Don't Let Me Down Gently." It has that nice Ska feel to it; horns-a-plenty, with, again, a beautiful sax solo towards the latter-half of the song. Aaron has one of those rare voices - underrated simply because of the genre of music he plays. In this song, you get a taste that singing ability. You also get an all-around wonderful cover. (9.5/10)
5-) I Know You Too Well to Like You Anymore: This song jumps right out at you from the beginning ... and it doesn't let off one bit! It introduces guest vocalist Julie Stoyer (real-life girlfriend of RBF's bassist, Derek Gibbs) as Aaron's counterpart in this comical - yet eerily modern and satirical - relationship-gone-bad scenario. They recap their relationship, going from their exaggerated feelings of love in the beginning, to their current state, where they can't stand each other. The lyrics are hilarious, the structure of the song is beautiful, and I love that, like many of the songs on this album, they weren't afraid to add more verses, making the song total in at about 4:25. This is one of those songs that, once you learn the lyrics, you can't help but sing-along to in your car. And, although my relationship is not at all like the fictional characters of the song, my girlfriend and I actually enjoy singing the song at each other when we go places; something that makes the song more of a personal joy. And, I actually found the change in tempo during parts of the song, and especially at the end, where, after saying all these horribly mean things about each other, Aaron says, "But I love you... Oh well...", kind of sweet. It made me think that, even though exaggerated, at the end of everything, they still love each other, which kind of negated some of the more horrendous things being said. Overall, a wonderful Ska-punk song, and one of my absolute favorites from the album (10/10).
Also ... this song was leaked onto the internet via YouTube after KUKQ's Ska Parade show on June 10th, 2012, and then officially released by Reel Big Fish on June 12th. I regret to say that I am the one who leaked it. I did write Reel Big Fish apologizing, though, and I hope they know I meant no harm.
6-) Hiding in My Headphones: This song had guest vocalists and writing from many members of the group Sonic Boom Six. I don't know why, but - even though I admit this song is catchy, and not bad on the ears - I just was not a huge fan of this song. It might be the high-pitched voice singing throughout ... it might be that Aaron has only a few lines (the chorus, really), which almost made it feel like it wasn't a Reel Big Fish song ... it might be that it was the slowest song on the album ... I'm really not all that sure, to be honest. Don't get me wrong, this song does have redeeming qualities; for instance, I thought the drumming and bass-lines were great. But, either way, I know that tastes differ, so for some, this song will be among their favorites. For me, however ... it just wasn't my cup o' tea. I was surprised when I heard that this song was selected by Reel Big Fish as their single. I would've chosen... *drum roll, please* (6.5/10)
7-) I Dare You to Break My Heart: I knew I loved this song the second I heard the intro. Seriously. I fell for it that hard. And, despite falling for the song within the first 28-seconds, when it was all said and done, there was no broken heart on my account. The structure, the singing, the horns, the guitar solo at the end, the lyrics - this, to me, was one of those rare songs that immediately drew me in. The lyrics are very personal and deep, and almost have a "sad" quality to them. The song is basically about someone who has, in a sense, given up on letting himself ever be truly involved with anyone again, after getting hurt so horribly in the past. Read more ›
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
By Johnnie Dust
Format:Audio CD
In my opinion, this album is their greatest since their 1998 release Why Do They Rock So Hard. Compared to more pop-based radio-friendly releases like Cheer Up and Monkeys For Nothing, this album rather than moving away from the band's roots (like many other bands do) actually moves much closer to their roots.
This album captures the classic 90's ska sound of Why Do They Rock So Hard with some of the aggressiveness in their overall sound that made We're Not Happy a great album while still having catchy hooks and an overall lightness about it, despite being a hardcore album.
The lyrics are more important in this album. In some of their previous albums, the lyrics were fillers simply to accompany the sound, but in this album, they are more meaningful. They are still talking about failed relationships and hating on those who had done them wrong. And in every song, Reel Big Fish seems to accurately describe real life situations that we relate to and deal with on a daily basis. This album is a bit misanthropic, but it never seemed as jealous and hateful as the lyrics in We're Not Happy, nor are they sarcastically passive aggressive as in Cheer Up. Rather, the mood is perfectly appropriate.
Many people may question why Reel Big Fish actually stepped backward in time with this album, abandoning the soft pop-punk sound while other 90's bands in this century are doing the opposite. But fans will enjoy this sound that is both nostalgic and familiar, yet worlds apart from anything that they have done.
This album captures the classic 90's ska sound of Why Do They Rock So Hard with some of the aggressiveness in their overall sound that made We're Not Happy a great album while still having catchy hooks and an overall lightness about it, despite being a hardcore album.
The lyrics are more important in this album. In some of their previous albums, the lyrics were fillers simply to accompany the sound, but in this album, they are more meaningful. They are still talking about failed relationships and hating on those who had done them wrong. And in every song, Reel Big Fish seems to accurately describe real life situations that we relate to and deal with on a daily basis. This album is a bit misanthropic, but it never seemed as jealous and hateful as the lyrics in We're Not Happy, nor are they sarcastically passive aggressive as in Cheer Up. Rather, the mood is perfectly appropriate.
Many people may question why Reel Big Fish actually stepped backward in time with this album, abandoning the soft pop-punk sound while other 90's bands in this century are doing the opposite. But fans will enjoy this sound that is both nostalgic and familiar, yet worlds apart from anything that they have done.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
I'm so glad Reel Big Fish is still making Ska music
I'm so happy to see these guys still making music and touring. They are still as fun as they were 15 years ago.
Published 2 months ago by Shawn B
5.0 out of 5 stars
Classic RBF Fun!
I've been a long time fan of Reel Big Fish - and this is yet another great example of their signature sound: Happy music with spiteful lyrics. Read more
Published 2 months ago by AKS
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Album
This album is absolutely incredible. I must have listened to it over 30 times in the first 2 weeks of having it!
Published 3 months ago by G. Serotta
4.0 out of 5 stars
RBF returning to the 90s
As many others have commented, this album would have fit quite well between Everything Sucks and Why Do They Rock So Hard? Read more
Published 3 months ago by jerrarat
5.0 out of 5 stars
I've always loved Reel Big Fish
Just as skatastic as ever. I was reall happy to see that they'd produced a new album and it is worth the buy.
Published 4 months ago by Rhyannon A.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Reel Big Fish is back!!!
Reel big fish is back in buisness with thier 8th album and was able to capture the sound from their earlier albums "Why do they rock so hard" and "Cheer Up". Read more
Published 4 months ago by Brian Jeffery Burris
5.0 out of 5 stars
Awesome RBF
Best RBF album in years. Not quite the same with Scott gone, but this album is really incredible with fast tempo tracks and scathing lyrics.
Published 4 months ago by Kenneth Klittich
5.0 out of 5 stars
Just Awesome
I was looking for a fun album for the Holidays and this is it! Very Catchy and worth every penny.
(Note: The album contains no Holiday Music)
(Note: The album contains no Holiday Music)
Published 5 months ago by Nathaniel Ruck
5.0 out of 5 stars
I've missed you, RBF!
I know, ska hasn't been cool for a long time. But Reel Big Fish consistently delivers music that makes me happy, even about crappy things in my life. Read more
Published 5 months ago by APK886
5.0 out of 5 stars
big fan of ska ...
and RBF. More duets than usual but that is a good thing in this case. You'll either love or hate "Hiding in my headphones"
Published 5 months ago by Robert Murphy
