Customer Reviews

Fatboy

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

 

 

moe has constantly separated themselves from other bands in their jam/improv genre by being able to put out consistently enjoyable studio albums. This effort is no different. The songs won't be new to those familiar with moe's music, but the arrangements are sometimes different than what one is used to. Reminiscent of Phish's Junta and Widespread Panic's Space Wrangler in that it is a re-release of an early, independent work, Fatboy satisfies on all levels. moe's early songs can be a little harsh to the unitiated. If you were expecting soft, hippie dippie types of songs then you will be surprised by this cd. The songs are thick, dense and all over the place. Once again, bassist Rob Derhak's vocals are almost indecipherable, but that is his chosen vocal style. At their best, moe is the quintessential live band - perhaps in the top 5 of all time in that medium. They have come a long way since this recording as far as musicians, singers and group improvisers, but this is a startling example of how talented moe was at such a young age.

Being a long time moe. fan I purchased this the day it came out. I popped it in the player and the first thing that struck me was Primus (lots of good bass by Rob). Upon hearing Dr. Graffenberg (SP?), I immediately understood where these "Dave Matthews meets Primus" summaries had come from. Bottomline, as usual, I like the CD. It is different from their other cds, but it is by no means disappointing. It has more of an upbeat tempo so if you really enjoy the occassional moe. country tune, this cd may leave you wanting. The biggest excitement this cd created for me was the thought of a possible Loaf re-release, which I once had and loved in college but then my roommate left. All in all, another great moe. cd, these guys can just flat out play.

I had the pleasure of seeing Moe in February of 2000 when they came to town. When I went to the concert, Moe was number four on the list of my 5 top favorite bands. Because I owned Headseed, Tin Cans and Car Tires, and No Doy. At the concert, though, I was shocked at the number of songs which Moe played which I didn't know. How could I have missed all of those great songs on the albums I already owned? My friend told me that those songs were off of this album, and I bought this album the next day. It was incredible the first time I listened to it and every time thereafter. It quickly became my favorite Moe album, and thus, because of this album and the concert Moe shot up 2 spots on my list of favorite bands. Buy this album. It may do the same for you.

Most people say that studio albums by jam bands really can't be good, and I'll agree that the best way to hear moe. is live (I've seen them twice, and they're phenomenal). But this album stands alone as a great piece of work. Even without really extended jams moe. puts together some tight songs that flow well...Time Ed, Timmy Tucker, Brent Black, and Recreational Chemistry are all favorites of mine...get this.

This was moe at their rawest, when they were still just doing it for kicks, and not taking themselves as seriously (if that's even possible for Moe.) If you haven't heard Moe., and you need a good album to start with, don't get this one. For the quintesential moe. get "No Doy!" or possibly "Dither" as a second choice. For me "No Doy!" ranks up there with Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon, Fleetwood Mac's Rumours, AC/DC's Back in Black, and The Dead's Terrapin Station as one of the greatest rock albums of all time.

This CD was delivered promptly. The only problem I have is there were a few scratches on the disc and some of the songs skip

This is Moe's first full lenght album. It was an independent production, released on cassette tape in 1992. It was converted to CD in 1999 and the sound quality is very good. It is 41 minutes long.

This CD has the typical indie, first album feel to it. The music is loose and all over the place. It has a great live feel to it. I usually enjoy these early works, before a professional record producer gets ahold of a group and polishes all the life out of the music (great example is String Cheese Incident's One Step Closer).

Most of the songs on this CD would be featured in moe. concerts. So, if you have any of the moe. live albums, you already have most of the songs. But, it is nice to hear them played in a studio setting with a little more (but not too much) structure.

Many people equate this music to Primus. Personally, I think it is a little more like early Phish, but better.

There is some serious music here, but there are silly things thrown in, like Hava Nagila intro to Island Girls and closing out the CD with the theme to the British comedy show, Benny Hill (usually played when Benny Hill chased around women in their underwear). And then there are the potty mouth lyrics to some of the songs....but for some reason, it doesn't come off as being juvenile. It all has to do with context of the music and songs.

The main attraction to moe. is the great and unique sound of the guitar playing. That the group usually has good songs to support the music makes them a more viable jam band than someone like Phish or String Cheese Incident.

There are a lot of great jam bands on the scene today it is true, but most of these bands are only worth it to actually see. The magic of their live shows does not transend very well onto CD. I know a few people who would probably beat me up if they saw me writing that, but I don't know.

Moe. is amazing live, one of the best. I'm glad PHISH is dead, I could never stand those guys at all. ALthough they did have THE STORY OF GHOST which was their one good studio album.

MOE has one good studio album themselves. This one, FATBOY. Its good because its not a studio attempt at re creating a live show. This is always a bad idea. Actually though, I think when they came out with this album there really was no live show.

This album is a lot of single length tracks, some are pretty heavy and raw, as opposed to later tracks where they get sugared down and lengthy. (Not that thats a bad thing...) Its just these jam bands don't write the best songs lyrics wise and that can be a big deal. Also, I like trippin' out when I'm at a show and smoking pot. When I''m at home, I like something with a little edge. In that case this album delivers. HARD EDGED JAM ROCK! THATS FUNNY, TOO! WORD.

DONT F WITH FLO is my favorite, but they are all cool.