Customer Reviews

Fat Elvis

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a CD of the first albums by the Big Boys. The music, like all other early 80's punk, gets harder and faster with each album.

The Big Boys were upbeat, unapologetic Texan Anarchists who pioneered the used of funk rifts and horn lines in a very punk rock, invent-your-own-funner-world kinda way. (They had to do it; they lived in chicken-fried Jesus with gravy Texas!) The insert explains that Big Boys lived out the 'stone soup' parable, but with a legion of art freak punks. It's really great to see in action.

Although the Red Hot Chili Peppers followed their musical lead, and got naked - they never reached the all-out ecstasy of the Big Boys. The music has infectiously bouncy bass lines. One just has to boogie - yes, mohawk and all. This is great music for skateboarding, moving anything heavy, or just jumping around like a freak. It's soul music for punks. I quote, "We've got soul, let's take control," and "We're not in it to lose."

And boy did they ever. I would have to agree with most of the aforementioned reviews...the Big Boys, along with the Bad Brains and the great Minutemen, were just two of the hardcore/punk bands of the 80's that could effortlessly shift or mix two genres into one exciting conglomeration. (And this was before some like-minded bands like Sublime, Limp Bizkit, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Incubus and other pale imitations were doing the same nearly 10-20 years later...)This one is the best of the two compilations that appear on Touch and Go. Better performances, more effortless genre hopping/mixing and better songs. Best ones here "Fun, Fun, Fun", "Funk Off" (the best punk/funk anthem of all time)and the cover of "Hollywood Swinging". It's a shame they broke up before a larger audience recognized their genius, but maybe that's to the point--they didn 't have the opportunity to sell out and so they never did.

that is not to say that 'the skinny elvis' wasn't good...it grew on me rapidly and quickly became one of my top discs. i liked it so much i ordered this one and was blown away. while the majority of the first disc rocked, some of it struck me as kind of bland so at first listen i was kind of dubious as to whether i should pick up 'the fat elvis' or not. i'm sure glad i did. this one has a lot more hardcore songs and the funk is more refined and features a really tight horn section. it is also 20 minutes longer, the performances are much more confident sounding and the sound quality is a lot better as well. these songs always pick me up if i'm down and force a big, dumb, happy smile on my face. if 'the skinny elvis,' didn't convince me enough, the big boys were one of the best bands ever! i'd love to have seen them back in the day...well at least i can hope for a reunion. i cannot stress how much i recommend this!

How, how, how, how does this band get constantly ignored? They were mixing different styles with hardcore before hardcore was a generally recognized term. The only band you can place them next to would be The Bad Brains because The Boys shift effortlessly between funk and hardcore the way The Bad Brains do between hardcore and reggae. The songs are intense and uplifting. They roar through Apolitical, groove through Kool & The Gang's Hollywood Swinging, and create the finest moment in American punk with Fun, Fun, Fun. I stand in awe.

The big boys are one of the most fun bands ever. This is a compilation of their three last releases and is a must for anybody who likes hardcore.

A friend of mine in college introduced me to the Big Boys back in 1985. I've been hooked ever since. I too regret that they were defunct before I had a chance to see them live. I have Lulibyes Help The Brain Grow and No Matter How Long the Line is at the Cafeteria, There's Always a Seat on vinyl (two of the three albums on this comp) and have worn them out. Fun, Fun, Fun, (the other album on this comp) is very rare and all I had was a tape recording of these songs. Fortunately, the fine people at Touch and Go, re-released these albums and their earlier works on two CDs. I purchased them as soon as I saw them (which was 5 or so years ago). Needless to say, both get substantial play in my car player--perfect driving music! If you like anything alternative or punk, you must buy these. I can't urge you enough. Also if Chris, Tim, Randy, et al read this, there definitely is demand for a Big Boys reunion!