Truth And Soul
Fishbone
1988
Album Summary
Truth and Soul is the second album by American funk-rock and ska band Fishbone. It was released on September 13, 1988. As is typical of the band's history of music the album features a wide array of genres including punk, ska, reggae, soul, funk, and blues. Additionally, Truth and Soul includes the band's earliest foray into hard rock and heavy metal music. The album begins with a cover version of Curtis Mayfield's "Freddie's Dead", originally from the soundtrack to the film Super Fly.
WikipediaFuck me, what an assault on every one of my senses this is. I guess you aren't supposed to take it seriously, so I won't. A helter-skelter of magic, colour and bonin' in the boneyard. One of those 80s albums where they just threw everything at it and hoped for the best. Freddie's dead. Wild. Truth and Soul.
Fishbone does something new and unexpected on TRUTH AND SOUL (…he notes about this 33 year old album…) mixing metal, ska, soul, funk and punk with reckless abandon creating something fresh, surprising and really fun! I already knew the opening song “Freddie’s Dead,” but definitely not this funk/metal version. A great cover that retains the spirit of the original but is definitely their own. “Ma and Pa” is one of the best songs about divorce I’ve ever heard. I loved the little calliope-like descending note thing suggestive of a carnival. This interesting little embellishment reappears in later songs. The horn-forward, jaunty “Question of Life” is a ska/funk song exploring the relationship between God and man with some great saxophone. A funky fun look at a heavy subject! “Pouring Rain” is one of the albums slower songs that took a couple of listens for me to fully appreciate. “Deep Inside” goes full punk-metal-ska rebellion complete with screams challenging the squares (“plus you’ve got a blender by General Motors and a Tonka toy up your ass”). “Mighty Long Way” could almost be a great 80s TV theme in a good way (some of my favorite songs are 80s TV themes!). Great lead guitar and an upbeat, positive message about friendship. “Bonin’ in the “Boneyard” opens with fantastic funk bass and horns and comes complete with dog bark breaks. This song really smokes - made me really want to see Fishbone perform live! Funk and metal come together in the service of societal inequality in “One Day.” Great little sonic embellishments pepper this song — tick-tock sounds, a pinball-type effect, traffic noises — along with a surprising but really cool metal guitar solo. Looking for a ska/metal/punk/funk/out-of-control-carousel song warning quite directly of what is currently happening in the US? Then have a look at the sublime “Subliminal Fascism.” Incredible! “Slow Bus Movin’” addresses racism in America with a great chorus and some B-52s-esque backups. ‘Round and around and around they go, bus been going mighty slow, Brothers in the back seat come to the front, People gettin' hostile wanna kill someone.” It’s been 33 years. This bus been going mighty slow indeed. Another highly-topical fantastic-sounding song “Ghetto Soundwave” tackles police shootings and poverty in Fishbone’s funk/ska style. Fantastic song. TRUTH AND SOUL sticks the landing on a message of hope with ”Change.” A sharp sonic departure from the rest of the album, this mostly acoustic guitar song would make a perfect campaign theme. Fishbone is inarguably an incredibly talented group effortlessly able to blend a wide range of styles with great hooks and interesting, highly topical lyrics. It is filled with musical surprises that make the album even better. TRUTH AND SOUL is a great time and I will be back for more!
The black ska band from the 80s that all the white ska bands from the 90s copied. Are we surprised? One of my favorite things about this whole 1001 albums thing is finding all the predecessors and progenitors. I like how *FUN* this album is. It's sassy, it's naughty, it's just some boys playing around on their trombones. It probably gets a 4.5 from me. 4 seems too low (I've really been tossing out 4s a little too easily), but 5 seems a bit too high. It's not as polished as it could be.
This is an weird mix of rock and ska/reggae, but once you get used to it it's actually rather pleasant. It was unexpected, fun to listen to, and I ended up liking more than I expected.
Excuse me, I am too busy to write any notes about this album because I'm building a time machine so I can go kick my college-age self in the hiney and tell her to pick up a Fishbone cassette or two. She would have really loved this album. Listening to this was a wild ride! Such a range of styles. No two songs are alike: there were spoodly metal guitar solos, some funky ass bass, soulful keys and horns, ska rhythms and danceable beats, and some swoon-inducing twelve-string guitar. Fun tunes with lyrics to match but also upbeat songs that belie their serious social justice lyrical content. I had a great time listening to this and will listen again and again to make up for lost time.
I have loved this band for a long time now, and the fact that they were around for the punk scene in the late 80's early 90's here in los angeles is amazing. great music, amazing band
This album is a roller coaster ride. You would never guess that it was all the same album. My favorites are the ska song Ma and Pa and the funk tune Bonin in The Boneyard - btw, what a song name! The guitarist sounds like he is simultaneously trying to sound like Earl Slick and Eddie Van Halen. This of course isn’t possible but he sounds good trying. Some of the stuff, like Subliminal Fascism, doesn’t work for me but that comes with the territory with so much genre hoping. The next tune Slow Bus Movin' brings me back. The one bizarre thing is that the bass seems to be mixed way too far in the background. Many of these genres need the bass more up front. I tried to bring it forward as best I could with my amp but that doesn’t negate the production. Perhaps it’s due for remastering.
Pleasent surprise. Sounds like King X and Faith No More. I had no idea that band existed.
Not a band I’m familiar with and after listening to this I feel I’ve not been missing out much. A poor man’s Meatloaf, if there is such a thing it’s Fishbone. I realize I may have offended 2 sets of fans with that and for that I’m sorry.
An interesting mix of Reggae and rock influences that tries but misses the mark. Marred by overlong arrangements, dated synths, and questionable vocals.
This fusion of rock, metal, punk, ska and jazz produces the worst of all worlds. Cringe-worthy
Me encanta el disco, tiene una mezcla de estilos perfectamente combinada, y teniendo tanto Ska es un logro mayúsculo.
I’m pretty sure this album sucks to most people, and my memories listening to it were fantastic. Love this one!
One of the first all-black crossover bands, and one of the most influential for the generations to come. A blast. Lovely.
Such a fun album! Fishbone is fantastic, a mix of so many genres making a unique sound.
Wow there’s loads going on here and I really like most of it. I’m already recommending it to people, I can’t understand why this has less than 3 stars?
Despite my sordid past in the scene, I had fears of hearing “ska” again after all these years, but of course this was different. It was more punk than ska, and everything I loved about the scene back then.
Zeer gevarieerd plaatje. Had er nog nooit van gehoord maar vind het fantastisch
Amazing. Wonderful energy, great composition. Well constructed and with a powerful message.
On first impression, I thought they were Sublime. THEN I thought they were a better Sublime. I've really grown to like and appreciate these guys. I get Phish vibes in here too. They are a cool group overall- how have I not heard of them? Change, slow bus, and bonin' are my favorites.
Such a tough one. I listened through multiple times convinced myself I loved several tracks. When I went back though only a couple really stuck. Freddie's dead was such a great progressive track for the late 80s
Like a mix of ska with rock and something almost psychedelic at times. Weird but fun.
I actually like this. It has a unique sound but it's upbeat and exciting. You go, Fishbone.
Fantastic, great variety of songs, feels like a band at the top of their game.
I enjoyed this more than I was expecting. There are a lot of genres packed into this album spanning funk, ska, and some metal and new wave influences. The lyrics reflect a punk ethic and the music is energetic and joyous
By name, I thought that maybe I had heard of this band before. Once I started listening, I realized that I was familiar with some tracks from this band, but not this album in its entirety. I am a bit ambivalent about it. The funk-rock style and the kind of cheekiness in their tone would normally appeal to me, but today it just kind of missed the spot. Actually, listening to this album just made me want to seek out something more funky (which I did). I even gave it a couple of listens thinking that maybe it just needs to grow on me...but two listens wasn't enough for the roots to set in. I will try it again on a different day and give it the benefit of the doubt for my rating.
Great mix of genre, I really liked a lot of the songs on this. Favorite track: "Ma and Pa"
I loved the funk/soul/ska/rock vibe of this album! Each song had a little bit of something different to it. A very fun listen, some great brass moments throughout which is always a plus.
I don't think I know this band, though I feel like I've seen that fish skeleton before. The album cover looks very late 80's/early 90's. So here we go. The album roars out of the gate with Freddie's Dead. The opening riff makes me want to hear more. I love the heavy duty bass and funky vibe, reminds me of Faith No More. The next song has a more island / reggae feel. By the third song we are full ska. I am so sorry this is the first time I'm hearing Fishbone. Some of the little flourishes a little too 80's, and a few of the songs are a little less successful for me (Pouring Rain, Bonin' In the Boneyard). But in the main, this is great stuff. PS after the album was done Spotify helpfully played Two Timin' Woman a collaboration between Little Richard and Fishbone. Bullseye on that one, Spotify, thank you. :)
Had not heard anything by this band before and what a surprise this album is. A fair few changes across the tracks all for the good.
Very interesting funk/metal/ska hybrid. Never heard of these guys before but they kinda slap!
If this album was just the single of "Cry Baby" I'd still probably give it 4 stars. But I like enough of the other ones to cement my vote like a zeppelin made of lead. But good comp to Joe Cocker, Craig! I had never thought of that, but now it's all I can think of. Also, somebody buy me a Benz.
Having read the band described as punk-funk-reggae-metal I was filled with dread. Am I just a snob? Nonetheless, this is a four star album that I'll most likely never listen to again. Kicking off an album with a funk metal cover from Curtis Mayfield's best album is a ballsy move - but, as is shown again and again, Fishbone have the chops to pull it off. I found this to be a lot of fun whilst pottering about my kitchen - a mini-riot of genres and styles painted in bold technicolour. Evidently they're great musicians. However, it doesn't stick - this is fun in the vein of a fairground waltzer ride; good craic whilst it lasts.
A band with Ska, funk and metal influences turns out to be very fun. Favourites: "Freddie's Dead", "Ma and Pa", "Boninx In the Boneyard"
Unexpected delight. Lashings of ska, funk, rock, pop, and Prince, with a strong DIY punk aesthetic. Funny, witty and for once an album with social commentary that doesn’t feel forced. They threw everything including the kitchen sink at this record and most of it stuck.
I’d never heard of Fishbone or “Truth and Soul” before, so had no idea what to expect from this. What a hidden gem it is. I really appreciate the eclecticism on this record, with the band willing to give all sorts of styles a go. Ska? Throw some of it in with “Ma and Pa”. Social commentary? Try it out, in multiple places. Open with a heavy rocking Curtis Mayfield cover? Sure, why not- set the tone with “Freddie’s Dead”. It helps craft a real sense of playfulness, inclusivity and spirit. The bottom line, though, is that “Truth and Soul” is one hell of a party. The stand-out track, “Bonin in the Boneyard”, has all the zest and pomp of early ‘80s Prince, with a prominent rubbery bassline, aggressive horns and call-and-response vocals. I defy anyone working through this list not to be stopped in their tracks by it and start bopping along. There’s also “Question of Life” and the swinging “Mighty Long Way”, which can get away with being a bit hammy when they’re so much fun. When the tempo is dialled back, the results are a bit more mixed: “Pouring Rain” is overlong and completely breaks momentum, but “Change” is a beautifully understated closer. “Truth and Soul” may be greater than the sum of its parts, but as a whole package its a really enjoyable record. Already looking forward to revisiting.
Unusual in a good way! I like the weird harmonies and creativity, I'll be revisiting this one
This album had a little bit of everything. Certainly more inline with my tastes
Fishbone are one of the best live bands I have ever seen; they play a wide ranging and eclectic range of styles (metal, punk, funk, ska, etc) with versatility and high energy. With a solid rock core, augmented with multiple singers, keys and brass, they blew the audience away in the early 90s. This album is where they first starting bringing the metal elements into their sound, and really becoming what Fishbone are. They are also starting to turn their minds to more political material, with more lyrical concern particularly on race issues (although there are still plenty of party tunes on here). That said, the common wisdom on Fishbone is that their records never really captured the incredible live band they were, and this album (which I really enjoy) shows that partially to be true. They are a bit stilted in the studio, and the recording is not all it could be. Interestingly, I had just been listening to Alice Cooper's Billion Dollar Babies immediately before switching to playing this, and this sounds tinny and thin by way of comparison with Bob Ezrin's 70s production. It could be an artifact of the period in which it was recorded, and/or modest recording budget. Their next record, Reality of my Surroundings, has a much fuller sound, and they are the better for it. But this belongs on the list as an example f a truly eclectic band that could bring the goods in any style they brought their mind to.
RHCP out- Fishbone’d Fishbone, but they’re still fun to listen to occasionally
Wasn't expecting to like this! "Freddie's Dead," "Question of Life," "Pouring Rain," "Bonin' in the Boneyard," and "Deep Inside" are definitely my faves
Highlights: Freddies Dead, change, ma and pa. The album is a little all over the place but the instrumentals are always exciting and its a fun and interesting album that is enjoyable to listen to
C’est cool. Belle énergie. Beaucoup de talent. La prouesse technique prend quelques fois le dessus sur la musique et c’est dommage. Ça vieilli plutôt bien. En fait, ça sonne 8-10 ans en avance sur son temps.
thus far, this 1001 albums list has not contained very much ska--which is already a genre that gets ignored too often. but this is some original ska, before it took off in the nineties and aughts. but more than that, fishbone did some creative work with playing ska with metal an funk, starting off from the opening track being a cover. i'd describe many of these songs as snappy. it's gotta be the trumpet's frequent and dominating presence! the trombone and saxophone helps, too. there's a lot of smoothness here, too. even though there's some metal in here, the album still comes across as a smooth and easy listen. something this album excelled in was making every song creative and original. it never felt repetitive, boring, or stagnant.
A really good funky ska-ish album. Enjoyed almost every song and will definitely listen to their other albums.
Very 80s movies soundtrack to begin with but each song seemed to change genre, really interesting and fun
Refreshingly eclectic: straight rock, ska, funk, pop, acoustic ballads. Really good. Immediately listened to it all again to make sure. I vaguely remember this band at the first Reading Festival I went to in 1993 and they put on a good show.
-"Ma and Pa" is a nice upbeat song -Cool horns on "Question of Life" -"Pouring Rain" is a vibey slower jam that has some nice start-stop moments. The horns and drums help keep it interesting -"Deep Inside" is a quick blast of guitar rhythms and drumming fun -Big old funky bass groove in "Bonin' In the Boneyard" -Definitely a fun funk rock album. It had huge potential to be a 5 star album with just a few tweaks. Either way, it's a super strong album and definitely some enjoyable funk
Really enjoyed the music and singing and lyrics, will be adding this to my regular listens
Лютая мешанина из звуков и жанров может показаться кому-то очень надоедливой и неизобретательной, но этот альбом совершенно уникален в том, как в нём трансформируется рок 80х в нечто неузнаваемое. Это, на мой взгляд, самый большой плюс альбома, но есть и то, что мне не очень понравилось. В основном это были треки в жанре ска (ибо я не очень жалую этот жанр), но чем дальше шёл альбом, тем лучше становились даже эти треки, ибо с каждой композицией тексты как будто становились всё более серьёзными, особенно под конец, где я уже отчётливо слышал панковские мотивы как в текстах, так и в мелодиях. В основном, это довольно хороший альбом, который зайдёт далеко не каждому ввиду своей ебанутости и экспериментальности. (7.5)
Favorite Tracks: Freddie’s Dead; Ma and Pa; Question of Life; Bonin’ in the Boneyard. Solid 4.
Starting off with a classic like Freddie's Dead is a bold move and it would have been the most memorable part of Truth and Soul had the rest of the album been inessential. Thankfully, it isn't and Fishbone spend their time wisely providing us with their talent that proves the album's title to be apt. Favorites: Freddie's Dead, Ma and Pa, Pouring Rain, Bonin' in the Boneyard, One Day, Subliminal Fascism, Slow Bus Movin' (Howard Beach Party), Ghetto Soundwave.
This is Fishbone's best in my opinion. I think their blend of ska and funk hit harder here than on their previous releases. In addition, the songwriting was sharper and the musicianship (notably John Norwood Fisher) better, while maintaining their personality and sense of fun, not to mention the sharp social commentary.
I’m already kind of a sucker for ska and blending it with sweet 80s prog type guitar riffs only gets me even more. I don’t know if I’ve ever listened to ska where I actually liked the guitar riffs and bass grooves more than the horn sections. Either way, this is sick fusion with good social commentary as well. Definitely one of my favorite finds from doing this album generator
Ymmärtää kultti seuraajat.. ymmärtää miksi ei ole mainstream… ymmärtää.. Näkee… Hän näkee.. hyvää musiikkia… hyvä albumi kuunneltavaksi… sille antaa siunauksensa.. hyvää… Hyvää….. hyvää… Annan siunaukseni… kuuntelee kuuntelee.. näkeminen kuuloaistilla.. semmoset fourier transformit päässä tämän aikana.. nyt fourier transformoidaan…. Miksi… ei syytä kysyä.. näin vaan nyt satuttiin tekemään.. Entäs lätäkön toinen puoli… Puola…. Sielläkin heh 80-luku.. Kultti seuraajat Kult-bändillä.. Kult-niminen bändi kyseessä.. puolassa… Spokojnie albumi objektive.. kaksi tähtöstä.. Noh,, ei voi mitään,, ei puolan poika englantia laula.. samanlaiset torventoitatukset… sielläkin osattiin… Siellä osattiin myös.. puolan kansan kärsimys,,, huonompi puoli eurooppaa.. ei siellä paljon englantia neuvostomiehityksen aikaan…JA ENGLANNILLAKO TÄSSÄ PUTSATAAN PÖYTÄ.. siltä näyttää.. Englantia kun lauletaan + torventoitautus piano painelee tähdet kasaan hoi! Californiaan tähdet ja 1001 paikka… ei puolaan….. ei naurata.. kuin kahtiajaon kappaleessa ”Arahja”… Samaa kahtiajakoa huulipunahallitus,, kaikki kansalaiset piikille.. heh muutama kaveri kuollu.. ei vaan opetus perille meni.. kansa kahtia… painostetaan piikkiä.. Arahja soi silloin joka kerta.. PRAWAA STONAA.. LEWAA STRONA….
Один из охуенных опенингов просто. Ворвались в душу с двух ног. Забавно что когда я расслабляюсь и думаю, что очередной недохард-рок, то они уходят в джаз/фанк и меня уносит в нечто чарующее дальше
Socially conscious ska funk-rock is better on paper than in practice, at least in this case. Best track: Change
Really nice variety!! Have not heard that from a single band over a career let alone and album.
Interesting album bridging from the Grateful Dead into ska, punk, & other 90s jam bands. Not something I'll seek out again, though.
Not my style of music but I actually listened and I can see why some would consider it great
There's some cool sounds here. Lord knows I love a good ska album. This was, overall, kind of flat unfortunately. I don't feel that the hard rock elements melded well with the other sounds on the album.
Call me Lloyd Dobbler cause we're about to get some truth and soul up in here. Funky, Punky and Ska tinged this is groovy as all get out.
Je ne sais pas quoi en penser. C’estbon mais j’ai l’impression d’avoir ecoute 4 ou 5 artistes. C’est rock parfois, funk, blues, folk? Je n’ai pas eu detounes memorables. 3.25