Customer Reviews

Fishbone

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

After forming in 1978, this was Fishbone's first release. Forget about the short ska phase the music scene went through back in 98-99 - Fishbone was doing it WAY before with this album. And it's not just ska; it's fun, raw, energetic, and humorous rock. "Party At Ground Zero" has historically prooved the success of this album. You've probably heard it on the radio or in the background of some television show or movie. The same can be said of Fishbone - they've lingered just under the nose of mainstream rock and roll (which is probably better for the longevity of the band). People new to Fishbone will probably like this album or "Truth and Soul" best. But this is one party album that belongs in everyone's upbeat collection.

Fishbone has gone through many changes over the past few years, and their sound has become more hard-core as the band has aged. This EP is their first major release, and it catches the band at an energetic and creative high. While not as polished or well-rounded an effort as the later "Truth and Soul," this album offers fun, soulful, high flying dance music. It's a satisfying blend of ska, funk, rap, and good ol' creativity.

The album is a must have for "Lyin' Ass Bitch" and "Party at Ground Zero" -- two of the spukiest, hippest tunes of the 1980s

This ep is bloody amazing. Ripping into the first track, "ugly" (which is an ABSOLUTE killer) it then goes on and on, and keeps its fresh style. You don't get sick of this one.

Personally, I think that this first ep, no matter how good all of their stuff is, is probobly their best release. It's so fresh and funky. Not to say that their other albums are bad, no, they're brilliant, but this is absolutely amazing.

Fishbone began their career correctly with this smoking EP. "Ugly" is a good song, with the sophmoric lyrics that pop up at least a couple times per every Fishbone disc. "Another Generation" is a good midtempo song which songs Fishbone's more serious side, "?" is a disposable novelty, "Party At Ground Zero" is a rock classic, truly a seriously great party song. "V.T.T.L.T.F.D.G.F" is a good rock song, and "Lying" is a funny ska song to close things out.

Truly Bone in the USA, I go back to 1986 with this CD to my days as a DJ for my college radio station. I took it to the next level seeing Fishbone live three times from Raleigh, NC (Hot 'lanta) to St. Louis, MO (Mississippi Nights). I was taken by the fact that they were something I had longed for all my life, a black band that was not afraid to rock.....Blending rock, reagge/ska and funk with irreverent socio-political undertones this band can best be described as an American equivalent of Madness. Going one step further and giving them their full credit every band which has followed (Living Color, Mighty Bosstones, No Doubt and Red Hot Chili Peppers) all trace their roots back to this EP.

One of the most underappreciated bands in history, Fishbone flew out of the gates on this EP. The content is mainly focused toward ska, which they moved away from in their later years. The songwriting and playing is very good, especially for a debut album. From the aural madness of "Ugly," to the party anthem "Party at Ground Zero," to the syncopated funk of "Another Generation," this album is a great buy.

I was kid aged only 19 sometime back in 1985 when these really odd yet FUNKY black dudes came on the T.V. screen talking about something called MODERN INDUSTRY in their music video.Although, I thought these cats were really strange,there was something really stanky about the groove and style in their music.I felt an instant connection to these cats because they were all black like myself,yet still very quirky.Later on, I picked up their first EP called FISHBONE and it forever changed my life from the perspective of an avid listener,collector and historian of music.This FISHBONE EP is an excellent blend of:FUNK,WEST COAST THIRD WAVE SKA and ROCK.There is so much energy,swagger and flava in this classic album that it is addictive.Nearly thirty years later this music still sounds cutting edge and fresh.Like myself this music turned a lot of cats into FISHBONE soldiers.Check this EP out if you dig other great bands like:BAD BRAINS,THE SPECIALS,THE RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS and FUNKADELIC.Yes,the music is that DOPE!

How can one go wrong? If there is a way to do so with this release, I don't know about it. Let these positive vibes bore into your skull. This E.P. holds one of the most positive optomistic upbeat vibe songs that I've personally ever heard, gets me stoked, which is "? (Modern Industry)" but you can't really tell this from the short clip here on Amazon, you've got to hear the whole song.

Just as on the cover of the record, ENERGY! Keyboards flyin', Saxs' flailin', jumpin', divin', spinnin', these brothas' never stand still! I saw them perform @ Roseland, NYC in 198??? I don't remember what year but I was frightened when I left the show. Eyes bugged out, 'fro discombobulated, couldn't walk straight. I should have called EMS on myself! My friend and I were both in high school when (I think it was) MTV played the video. Nope, sorry, it was Ralph McDaniels and Video Music Box. "Hey dude----What's Token"? ?(Modern Industry) was the song. They named lots of radio stations in the US. Great, energetic songs!

This is the ONLY album you need to understand the 80's. None of that poppy-forget-your-troubles stuff that's so retro-chic nopw, this is the original angst-ska-funk that subverted minds long before "alternative" became a new brand of Top 40. The impeccable horns, the exciting beat, the incredible voices of Fish and Angelo made Fishbone the definitive counter-Reagan band.

"Ugly" lays it out - this stuff is a poke in the eye of the powers that be, using the only weapon they had - FUN. Each of the 6 songs contains enough infectious partyitis to Ebolafy most other albums. Not to be missed at any cost.