Reviews (page 3 of 7)
I know that Fishbone is ska/reggae music, but I've never listened to them before. I think I remember hearing or reading that they influenced Sublime (ugh) quite a bit, so I think that gives me a good idea of what to expect on this album. Let's get to it! I enjoyed this album a lot more than I thought I would. I expected this album to be a straightforward ska album, and while ska and reggae are the foundations that this album was built on, the overall sound didn't really fit neatly into any box, and in my opinion, the album is better for it. I was really hooked when this album kicked off with a cover of “Freddie’s Dead” from Super Fly. The hard rock guitars really reminded me of Living Color, and they created a sound that went well with the lyrical themes of the song. “Ma and Pa” was a bit more in line with what I expected from this album, with a sound more rooted in ska and reggae. The lyrics were great, I loved the fun beat and the keyboard riff in the chorus. “Question of Life” was really good too, and I loved its fun and funky sound. I was really hooked from these first three tracks, but “Pouring Rain” knocked the album off its rhythm in my opinion. It’s not a bad song, but its slower tempo felt pretty jarring after the first three songs. “Deep Inside” returned the album back to the sound that was established earlier in the album, and kicked off another run of fun and upbeat songs. From “One Day” to the end of the album, the songwriting took a more serious tone, as the album covered topics of racial violence and struggles of urban life. I’ve seen Do The Right Thing before, but I was completely unfamiliar with the attack on Michael Griffith until I listened to “Slow Bus Movin’.” I thought these songs did a great job of addressing these social issues, and the band’s upbeat sound brought a ‘you-attract-more-flies-with-honey’ approach to discussing these issues, and I think their method worked really well. This album was a pleasant surprise for me, and I thought the overall sound was really unique, and gave the band a great avenue for bringing social and political issues of the late eighties to life.
Back in 1987, I saw the Beastie Boys at Kalamazoo's Wing Stadium and these guys were the opener. I don't remember much standing out except the horn section, which was very unique at the time and the singer working his walking cane like a champ. I wish I had taken the time to appreciate these guys a little more because I thought this was a very good album. Solid energy with a wide range of sounds and songs. Think this guy has very nice voice with good range. Not sure what I appreciated the most, the R&B sounding Pouring Rain and Changes or the funkadelic tunes like Deep Inside and Bonin in the Boneyard. Lets' call it a draw and just say I really enjoyed most of what I heard off this album. Luke mentioned he was going to see in concert and I have to believe it will be a fun, energetic show. Enjoy the concert! I wish the younger me would have paid a little more attention back in 87. Had a good time with this one. Can't say I'll become a huge fan, but I can now say with certainty, I have seen Fishbone live and they are a good band. I'm going with a 3.5 and will actually round up this time. 3.5
I learned about Fishbone about 30 min before I got this album through the generator. I was pleasantly surprised to hear that this was more than a Ska album. Lyrically strong, musically impressive. Favorite song: Deep Inside Least favorite: Ma and Pa Knew before? No
Funsies
First time listening to Fishbone. Each song was a surprise. Need to check out some of their other stuff.
This is probably too high a rating but I enjoy ska music.
A pretty wild ride and a lot of fun! I was a bit confused at first as I couldn't really work out what this was. It feels like it's going to be quite hard rock, but then it has some ska elements, even quite soulful vocals, while getting very political and deep in a lot of places. I had to play it through multiple times and felt like it revealed itself the more time I gave it. I'd never heard of Fishbone but this is definitely a worthwhile discovery and one I'm not sure I ever would've made otherwise.
First time with this one. It was a fun listen. The band draws on many influances and puts them together into a solid rock album. I will listen to this again.
wow. this is just bonkers crazy. I've not heard anything quite like this or anything from this band before. It's not something I'd put into my music listening rotation, but it was fun to listen to all the way through. Each track I was saying "what the hell?" This is a strong 4 I think for how fun, crazy and unpredictable it was. Change was really good
Crazy mix of Ska, Punk, Metal, and Funk. At times, I was reminded of Living Colour. 4 stars
I actually liked this! I thought it was funky and eclectic. There are a lot of ideas on this album and not all of them work, but I appreciate the attempt. Overall this was an enjoyable listen.
Wat is dit eigenlijk? Het ademt wat punk. Maar is vaak tegelijk catchy. Zo'n nummer als Ma and Pa heeft bijvoorbeeld een aardig Ska-element. Het zijn toch stromingen die in mijn hoofd wat tegenpolen waren. Misschien is 'ongedwongen' het overkoepelende woord. En eigenlijk vind ik die combinaties best prettig. Ze weten zelfs wat jaren '80 klanken aangenaam te brengen door ze bij een heel andere basis te gebruiken. Zo heeft Freddie's Dead een paar elementen van Michael Jackson. Het album kon ik makkelijk 2 maal achter elkaar luisteren. Wellicht is het ook een mindset. Ik associeerde het snel met punk. En dan verwacht en accepteer ik wat meer tekortkomingen.
Love it.
The Freddie's Dead cover doesn't try to do much but does its job. Bonin' in the Boneyard is silly, but in a kinda good way. Sounded a lot like a Prince song or even a Bootsy song. I liked this album more than I thought I would based on the concept. Fave Tracks: Freddie's Dead, Bonin' in the Boneyard, One Day, Ghetto Soundwave 3.7/5
I enjoyed some of the songs and it was interesting and something different.
### **In-Depth Review of Fishbone’s Album *Truth and Soul* (1988)** Fishbone’s 1988 album *Truth and Soul* stands as a pivotal work in the band’s discography, showcasing their unique blend of ska, punk, funk, and rock, while also presenting sharp social commentary. Released during a time of significant political and cultural upheaval in America, *Truth and Soul* captures the band at their most focused, both lyrically and musically. #### **1. Overview of the Album** *Truth and Soul* was released on September 13, 1988, and is Fishbone's second full-length studio album. The band, composed of members Angelo Moore (vocals, saxophone), Walter Kibby (trumpet, vocals), Chris Dowd (keyboards, vocals), Kendall Jones (guitar), Norwood Fisher (bass), and Phillip Fisher (drums), brought together diverse musical influences that had been evolving since their formation in the late 1970s. This album marks a departure from the more lighthearted tone of their earlier work, embracing a more mature and politically conscious approach. #### **2. Musical Composition and Production** **Musicality:** *Truth and Soul* is an eclectic mix of genres, where Fishbone seamlessly blends ska, punk rock, funk, and metal. This fusion is evident in tracks like “Freddie’s Dead,” a cover of Curtis Mayfield’s 1972 hit, which Fishbone reinterprets with a heavier, more aggressive sound that still retains the original’s funky groove. The album’s musicianship is top-notch, with each member contributing to a rich, layered sound. Kendall Jones’ guitar work stands out, shifting effortlessly between punk aggression and funk smoothness. Norwood Fisher’s bass lines are prominent and complex, driving the rhythm section along with Phillip Fisher’s tight drumming. Angelo Moore’s versatile vocal delivery, combined with his saxophone contributions, adds another dimension to the album’s sound. **Production:** Produced by David Kahne, *Truth and Soul* benefits from a polished yet dynamic production style that enhances the band’s energy. Kahne, who had previously worked with the band on their debut album, understands Fishbone’s eclectic sound and ensures that each element is well-balanced. The album’s production manages to capture the raw intensity of Fishbone’s live performances, while also allowing the more subtle musical elements to shine. Kahne's production approach allows the album to sound crisp and clean without losing the band's inherent edginess. The horns are bright and punchy, the guitars are sharp, and the rhythm section is well-defined. However, some critics might argue that the production slightly sands down the rough edges that made Fishbone’s earlier recordings so endearing. #### **3. Lyrical Content and Themes** **Lyrical Themes:** The lyrics of *Truth and Soul* are a significant departure from the more humorous and carefree content of their previous work, such as their 1985 self-titled debut. On this album, Fishbone dives deep into themes of social justice, racial identity, and personal struggle, reflecting the turbulent socio-political environment of the late 1980s. - **“Freddie’s Dead”**: The choice to cover this Curtis Mayfield song is itself a statement. The lyrics, addressing the plight of urban America, resonate deeply with Fishbone's own experiences and the struggles of their community. It speaks to systemic issues and the disenfranchisement of the poor. - **“Ma and Pa”**: This track explores the impact of divorce on a family, with lyrics that are both poignant and reflective of broader societal changes. It combines personal narrative with social commentary, a balance that Fishbone handles adeptly. - **“Subliminal Fascism”**: A politically charged track that addresses the hidden forms of control and manipulation in society. The lyrics are direct and confrontational, urging listeners to recognize and resist these influences. - **“Ghetto Soundwave”**: This song addresses the violence and despair prevalent in inner-city life, painting a vivid picture of the challenges faced by marginalized communities. The lyrics are both descriptive and critical, offering no easy solutions but demanding attention to these issues. - **“Change”**: Closing the album, this song is both a call to action and a reflection on the need for personal and societal transformation. The lyrics are optimistic yet realistic, acknowledging the difficulties of change while encouraging perseverance. **Social Commentary:** Fishbone’s lyrics on *Truth and Soul* reflect their lived experiences as African Americans navigating a predominantly white music industry and a society rife with racial tension. The album’s themes of disenfranchisement, systemic oppression, and the struggle for identity and justice resonate with the broader cultural movements of the time, such as the rise of hip-hop and the growing visibility of issues like police brutality and economic inequality. #### **4. Influence and Legacy** *Truth and Soul* is widely regarded as a landmark album, not just for Fishbone but for the broader musical landscape. It helped pave the way for other genre-defying acts in the late 1980s and early 1990s, such as Red Hot Chili Peppers, Living Colour, and Jane’s Addiction. The album’s bold fusion of styles and its willingness to tackle difficult subjects made it a precursor to the alternative rock explosion of the 1990s. **Influence on Music:** Fishbone’s ability to blend genres with such fluidity influenced a wide array of artists across genres. Bands that followed in the alternative rock and funk metal scenes often cited Fishbone as a major influence, not just musically but also in terms of their attitude and willingness to address serious topics through their music. **Cultural Impact:** Beyond its musical influence, *Truth and Soul* has also been recognized for its cultural significance. The album’s exploration of race, identity, and systemic injustice contributed to the broader discourse of the time. It offered a voice to the experiences and frustrations of many African Americans, at a time when these issues were becoming increasingly prominent in popular culture. **Commercial Performance:** Despite its critical acclaim and cultural significance, *Truth and Soul* was not a commercial blockbuster. However, it solidified Fishbone’s reputation as one of the most innovative and socially conscious bands of their era. Over time, the album has gained a cult following and is often cited as a high point in the band’s career. #### **5. Pros and Cons** **Pros:** - **Musical Diversity**: The album’s fusion of ska, punk, funk, and rock is executed with precision and creativity, showcasing Fishbone’s musical versatility. - **Lyrical Depth**: The album’s socially conscious lyrics are both thought-provoking and relevant, addressing issues that remain pertinent today. - **Strong Production**: David Kahne’s production captures the band’s raw energy while maintaining clarity and balance across the different musical elements. - **Cultural Relevance**: *Truth and Soul* resonates with the socio-political climate of the late 1980s and continues to be relevant in discussions about race, identity, and social justice. **Cons:** - **Lack of Mainstream Appeal**: The album’s genre-defying sound and heavy lyrical themes may have limited its commercial success and accessibility to a broader audience. - **Polished Production**: While the production is generally strong, some fans might miss the rougher, more unpolished sound of Fishbone’s earlier work, feeling that some of the band’s rawness was lost in the process. - **Inconsistency**: Although the album is cohesive, some tracks might not resonate as strongly as others, leading to occasional dips in energy or engagement. #### **6. Conclusion** *Truth and Soul* remains a seminal album in Fishbone’s discography, encapsulating the band’s musical innovation and their commitment to addressing complex social issues. Its fusion of styles, sharp lyrical content, and dynamic production make it a standout work in the landscape of late 1980s music. While it may not have achieved massive commercial success, its influence is undeniable, both in terms of its impact on other artists and its contribution to the cultural and political discourse of the time. The album’s strengths lie in its ability to blend diverse musical genres with insightful and powerful lyrics, offering a listening experience that is both intellectually stimulating and sonically adventurous. However, its genre-defying nature and politically charged content may have also been barriers to mainstream success. Overall, *Truth and Soul* is a powerful statement of Fishbone’s artistic vision and a testament to their enduring influence on the music world. It is an album that challenges, provokes, and entertains, making it a significant and lasting contribution to the history of alternative music.
They way this album mixes so many genres together while keeping a consistent whole is genuinely impressive. There’s rock, ska, punk, funk, soul and reggae all working together, but it also has a lingering sense of the 80’s about it. I don’t think there’s any real dips in form across the whole album. It’s really accomplished.
Another artist I never heard of and wasn't sure what to expect, but I love the ska/funk vibes.
35 years later and they're still basically nothing that sounds like fishbone.
Great 80s rock
question of life pouring rain change
Subliminal Fascism
Some good pieces but Not too many Songs. Too short.
I like the genre shifting and louder moments but sometimes it left me in a bit of a funk. Favourite track: Freddie's Dead.
What I always wished Bad Brains had started sounding more like rather than going the metal route. This album is fun, thought-provoking and catchy as hell. The Chili Peppers wish they sounded like this!
This was breath of refreshing after weeks of sad boy music and British weirdness. The musicians are super talented and the singer is great. The lyrics are mostly odd 😂 Bonin' In The Boneyard is by far the best track. The bass got slapped around hard on that one and the wildness of that song earned it an extra star. It's a nice, fun albeit weird record.
This was good. It was a mix of genres I tend to dislike (i.e. ska, roots/reggae) but this was quality and I really enjoyed it. Fave Track: Ma and Pa Rating: 4
Album 468 of 1001 Fishbone - Truth And Soul Rating : 4 / 5 I really liked this. Wasn't familiar with the band, at all. Described as a ska band, this hits on metal, funk & reggae. I dig this. Give a listen, if you aren't familiar.
Nice bit of ska, would be excellent live
makes me wanna do a 360 jump shot from three. pourin rain and change are stinky shit tho. fuck those tracks
Descompromissado de um jeito bom, em que não se existia uma pressão em se fazer o melhor álbum do mundo, de se prender a regras ou de manter uma coesão entre as músicas. É um álbum naturalmente divertido e descontraído. Uma mistureba de gêneros, ritmos e instrumentos, sempre apontando para um clima alto astral.
this album shocked me, it was full of interesting songs that were really enjoyable, the intro had such a great energy that got me in a good mindset for the rest of the album, ma and pa was a great catchy tune too and many other songs kept the standards high, great record and happy to have come across it.
It’s cool to hear the shift from new wave influences to what became the norm for 3rd wave ska.
not much to say, it was funky and agreeable.
Funky bass! This was a fun listen.
This album was so much fun! But maybe not one for my regular rotation.
Halfway in ….. really good record. Made me think of Kings X …. Check out the album Dogman, you’d like it I think. It’s like funky ska rock metal groove dance music. Pretty cool. I forgot how much I always liked them. I owned “Give a monkey a brain”- great album. So far this one is just as good as I remember that to be. Not sure how to rate but I’ll give it an incomplete 3 1/2 out of 5 so far.
a cool white boy reggae/soul/heavy rock album. But its also totally a ska record? Bonin' In The Boneyard was a good track.
I liked it. Gave a 2nd listen and it will go in my playlist of stuff for driving to the fest Mondegreen this summer!
I liked this a lot. 4.5
This one is just fun. I think I preferred the funk and ska adjacent tracks to those more metal songs. I never quite knew what was going to come next here. Favorites were Ma And Pa, Question Of Life, Bonin’ In The Boneyard, and Ghetto Soundwave
Surprised I'd never heard of these before. Enjoyable listen, good variety in styles track to track. Fav tracks: Ma and Pa, Pouring Rain, Freddie's Dead
This one was a surprise. I’d never heard of Fishbone before and loved this album. Will do a deep dive into their other releases.
Great album! It's always neat seeing the important social and political commentary through upbeat and catchy ska tunes. This is more experimental than I find a lot of ska tends to be, so I can see how this inspired a lot of similar groups in the 90's/2000's.
I'm a sucker for good electric guitar and something rocky and funky.
Very fun. I liked the horns
It definitely has it's weak moments, but overall it's far too fun to dislike. It seems likely that a lot of funk rock and third wave ska bands in the 90s took inspiration from these guys, so that's interesting to see
FUCK YEAH FISHBONE! What a weird band. I found these guys after seeing the video for Party At Ground Zero on beavis and butthead and being like what the FUCK IS THIS?? (That’s not on this record but is worth listening to!) Funky and fun, this is a great album. Freddie’s Deaf is a classic but the whole record is fun and you might accidentally learn something too. It’s definitely a dated sound with synthy crap but also has a healthy sprinkling of real brass and riffs. Upbeat stuff!
omg I enjoyed this so much. Lots of fun funk, good guitar, humor in a few lyrics, and always rocking.
Didn't know what to expect here, but on the second track I was thinking that is probably about what a band called Fishbone should sound like. It's an interesting album all around and kind of a surprise for the 1001 thing, but on the other hand it could well be the best representation of a funk-ska-punk rock band there is. Pretty fun album, had some good variety and nothing too heavy in the lyrical sense. Mostly felt light-hearted even amongst the social comments and what not. Favorite track "Question of life" 4/5
After the Bon Jovi near popcorn fart that was the hermetically sealed, clinically concocted Slippery When Wet (excuse the Air-Disaster lingo), I was pleased cleanse my ears and psyche with the ever killer, always on point and one of the most grossly un-known bands in the last forty years: FISHBONE. How the fuck RHCP are filling stadiums and student keg parties with—and in complete agreement that Flea, Frusciante and Smith are maybe the most over-capable threesome in AOR; however, weighed against Douche King Kiedis – at best medium talent tunes truly boggles the imagination (a point the former would likely concede while Kiedis is trolling for his special gum and jailbait to sell it to him). Fishbone were and are the sound of the incredible imaginations of young black men from South Central L.A. throwing thirty years of outsider music, American and Jamaican, into a cauldron and adding a whole heap of "fuck I can't", produced some of the most exciting collisions in music. Sure, Ska and Reggae already had a relationship with Punk, but not with Funk. And why not throw some Blackmore on sherm soloing in the pot, as contrast. Why not? If you have the tenacity and the verve, these mutants become possible. Like Jane's Addiction, Fishbone were who they were, are who they are: Occasionally self-defeating or self-destructing, but always human, always telling you a truth, not they truth. Unfortunately, unlike Jane's Addiction, Fishbone failed to become an Industry of Cool, which means we get Perry Farrell gibbering pontifications instead of the beautiful, graceful poet-warrior Angelo Moore, reminding us that alive and when weirdoes make music, amazing things happen. Fishbone is the exact opposite of Bon Jovi. ECCE HOMO.
Fishbone goes a Mighty Long Way. The 1001 List scores again. Love the band name, album name, and diversity of the songs. All tracks good except Subliminal Fascism, and to go from Pouring Rain to Deep Inside shows their range. Album got a little political with the last four songs. Enjoyable. Solid. (3.6*s)
Fishbone always makes me smile.
Love me some Fishbone. Great way to get the day started.
favourite song: mighty long way, boning in the boneyard im talkin bout my buddies funk it up fishbone
Finally feel like I’ve been given a hidden gem from this list. Never heard anything about this group, or any of their songs, but I thoroughly enjoyed this. Unique and super energetic.
-"freddies dead" nice intro ma and pa is.."fun". funky. interesting, Hey, Ma and Pa What the hell is wrong with y'all? -question of life was nice surprised to see such a low global rating for this... "And no one, no one heard a word For a prophet's not respected in his own world" -ok i see now..lol 2.6-3,0 -deep inside is good...the lyrics!!!!! "I maybe freak you out with my raw look 'Cause I just got the feelin' man! Brain washed You're lost Your blindness can't be helped anyway" sub f@cism reminds me of underground 2 tony hawks ps2 game lol i feel like im playing it rn lol ok it wasnt until "slow bus movin" til i realized this is...a black band. lol. which makes me love them even more tho. "Born in the 1940's, my parents couldn't vote X and king was on a march for power true" this is what made me realize......slow bus movin is a smart song name...ok that one line at the end was,,,violent. but like..ok i get it. but ew. change was nice... that was FUN unique cool
Funk rock is a weird thing to mix with ska, but Fishbone did a fun job here. The album definitely has a funky sound, but it is definitely still a ska/punk ska album. I would recommend this one as long as you like ska or at least don't hate it. Highlights: 1, 2, 5, 6, 10, and 12.
Cool music, I enjoyed it if not my favorite style.
The first couple of songs had me jamming they were some alright alternative rock but the songs after that really had me shmooving they had more energy and funk to them, I found some of the songs very relatable as I too “have my bone on” and am “bonin and moanin”, I can’t say there is as a song that I disliked. Overall the albums not so good that it’s gonna make me need to change my trousers but I will not be in a murderous rage from listening to it, it’s decent background music
Rock with good island/reggae influences (bop-ey, lots of horns)
I really enjoyed this one
Cool rock ska man! Unremarkable for the most part, but was a great listen!
Fishbone is awesome. This is a classic record that I used to hear quite a bit at a former job, but it's been a while. This was a great listen on a lazy Sunday morning.
Better than I thought it would be. 4/5
80 luku bändelöinen... ööö kuulostaa hyvältä, vängältä, omalaatui- jaa ne on mustaihoisia... hohhoijjaa.. ja aliarvostettuja jaahaassooo... 30 miljardia britti poppi bändiä on olemassa jotka mainetta ja mammonaa saanut ok..... rasismi???? i fucking hate wite people.. nuoren ja vanhan se tanssiin vie, ei sille polkalle vertaa lie, sen kanssa on vaikka mierontie hahh iha hrarven hoalhaha boning in the backyard
1988 Genre: Funk rock, Hard rock, ska Standouts: Freddy's Dead, Ma and Pa, Pouring Rain, I Like To Hide Behind My Glasses, One Day, Change Muther Effing Great! 4.25/5
chill, hørte på de imens jeg spilte minecraft, ble litt lost i albumet men var vibes
An interesting, experimental approach. Really, the only song that didn't work was their attempt at Curtis Mayfield's 'Freddie's Dead.'
Thoughts before listening: Fishbone were a big deal to a lot of the punk and especially ska bands that I listened to in high school with everyone from the Red Hot Chili Peppers to No Doubt to Sublime calling them out as an influence. Yet I somehow never really got into them. What I have heard is a fun mashup of metal riffs, horns, punk attitude, and soulful singing. Review: I like this. My favorite thing about Fishbone is that while the music is fairly reminiscent of the 90s ska bands that would come after them, the vocals are much better. Angelo Moore has a great soulful voice that really compliments this style of music moreso than the punk smarl of those later bands. The band also brings in r&b elements to their songs that sets them apart from both their contemporaries and followers. Best songs are "Freddie's Dead", "Mighty Long Way", "Bonin' In the Boneyard", and "Subliminal Fascism". 4-star album.
It's really hard to nail down the style of this album. At times it's a wailing metal album, at times it's an 80s pop album. Each song is good however, so the album is not particularly harmed by it's lack of sonic coherence 4/5
According to Wikipedia, Fishbone's genre is called funk-rock. Not an obvious combination of styles to try to blend together, but I think they pull it off pretty well.
Don't think I've ever heard them before. Didn't dig every song, but loved the variety. 4/5
This album was sooo fun to listen to. The opening cover of “Freddie’s Dead” was absolutely unreal. The rest of the album was less brilliant than that opening track but still really good.
Liked it! Some good songs, nice and rocking
Fishbone are one of the best live bands I have ever seen (Paddington RSL, 1992). 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. This album is where they first started 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 of a truly eclectic band that could bring the goods in any style they brought their mind to.
Loved the vibe and energy. No songs that I loved tho.
3.5
interesting
Good ska-punk
This album touched on a lot of different genres. It scratches a lot of itches. Fishing is a very versatile group. I'm glad I was introduced to them.
Fun, pre-sublime type ska funk
What an eclectic mix of styles, didn't think i'd enjoy at first but kept throwing different things at me and enjoyed each time. 3.6
Kind of slaps, although I would need to listen again to form a more compelling opinion,
Funk rock is a pretty unique sound. Very cool though.
Rating: 7.5/10 Very good to great album overall. An eclectic mix of styles here: hard rock, ska, reggae, funk, and punk which is done very well and makes for many interesting and engaging songs. Really liked the singer, he sang with a lot of character; the production was great here as well. Some songs did not resonant with me as much as the others, but this album is very satisfying to listen to when the songs hit, which is most of the time. Favorite songs: Freddie's Dead, Ma and Pa, Question of Life, Bonin' In the Boneyard, One Day, Ghetto Soundwave. Least favorite songs: Deep Inside, Subliminal Fascism.
Turns out I am not a huge fan of ska, and this album was not really a surprise. It's just okay, I didn't find myself really jamming to anything. It was unpleasant enough that I skipped around, but it's just not my favorite.
4/5
Initial thoughts on first track: instrumental is sick (although some of the background production elements could definitely be removed), vocals are pretty mid and a little annoying. I really love how much genre mixing is going on here. When the singer isn't trying to do the Rockstar voice, he sounds way more palatable.
This was a fun listening album. I gasped when I recognized the snippets of "Bonin' in the Boneyard" used by the Red Hot Chili Peppers in the Mother's Milk album (I think it was "Subway to Venus"). I find it very curious that the production and overall sound of this record is very similar to the overall wave of late 80s/early 90s wave of Mexican and Latin rock. Talk about an unspoken influence.
Fun, fun, fun! These guys are the band that you see on a whim at a festival playing one of the middle slots in the early afternoon, and they somehow end up being your favorite performance of the whole day. 🐟🐟🐟🐟
Great party!
Good funk and rock spread throughout. Really enjoyed this one, almost a 5.
Man this was really good. Almost a five. I enjoyed the diversity of the album but I could not find something to tie it together. Still. A very good listen.
One of those albums in high school that seemed everyone somehow liked, metal heads, punks/skaters, hippie kids, jocks, except maybe not the goths. I think there's a little of everything in this which makes it great, also makes it a bit uneven at times as well.
I really enjoyed this. I think with a little more focus it actually could've been a 5* for me, it was close as it was. I'll listen again.
I should also note that jagged little pill below was almost a 4 from me. This one is. I enjoy music with good musicality but more specifically a good horn section. Love this
The foundation of Ska Punk. Highly underrated band and album.
Erg leuke plaat, onverwachte combi van stijlen. Zeker nog eens het luisteren waard, voor nu geven we het 4 sterren.
All of the songs were so different. They did not stick to one genre. It was weird but I kinda liked it.
When I was in high school, a good friend of mine was obsessed with ska. He'd make us mix tapes featuring his favorite songs and we'd all go to concerts in San Francisco's 16+ venues. When I saw the name Fishbone this morning, I was instantly transported to my youth. I don't know this particular album and I probably don't know any of them. I haven't given a thought to the band Fishbone since high school. But listening to Ma and Pa was like talking to an old friend. I'm not sure I recognize any of the other individual songs, but listening to this album was a lot of fun. It's so much more than just ska, it reaches into rock, punk, reggae, funk, you name it. It's such an eclectic album. I love the horns, the sound, the political comments, the whole vibe. Slow Bus Movin' (Howard Beach Party) and Ghetto Soundwave are amazing. GS is a powerful comment on the structures of racism, discrimination, and neglect, with a bop. Sadly it fits right at home today, some thirty-five years later. After listening to Truth and Soul, I checked out the Fishbone album immediately preceding it (In Your Face). The opening number - When Problems Arise - really lets the vocals play and the instruments soar. The first album is more firmly rooted in the ska sound and while that's not necessarily what I had thought I'd go for, it turns out I like In Your Face even more than Truth and Soul.
HL: “Bonin’ in the Boneyard” (is Mario Kart music in the best possible way), "Ghetto Soundwave", "Pouring Rain", "Freddie's Dead" October 26, 2023
I like the Ska sound, kind of like no doubt but more 80s
Fresh and super fucking cool. You can see where they are taking their genre and where the bands that clearly influenced them got that influence. The opener of this is a straight banger. That mood keeps going throughout. What we get is a fantastic ska record, one I’m sure is an all timer in that genre.
It was pretty good. Some of the lyrics were silly, but it was pretty good in terms of vocals and instrumentation
This is another one of those albums that humbles me and shows I don't know as much about rock as I think I do. I knew nothing about it or even the band, and how can that be? Especially because I love Living Colour and Fishbone reminds me of that sound, though fused with a bit more ska. Their cover of Freddie's Dead is an awesome opener. Other beauties were Question of Life, Mighty Long Way, Bonin in the Boneyard (oh that bass), One Day (oh that guitar), Ghetto Soundwave (oh so funky), and Change (a nice softie). Still, this album has some so-so songs. Pouring Rain was a not as nice softie and I was kind of surprised Ma and Pa was their second single because it's a bit pedestrian and the lyrics aren't overly strong, which is the weak point of this whole album in my opinion. And then when I started to read about the band I was surprised that of all their albums this one made the list. Reviews of it were middle of the road, even retrospectively. Meanwhile their follow-up The Reality of My Surroundings was a smash both with critics and the public. And I listened to it and it is superior. I guess this album was more groundbreaking in terms of its timing and defining their sound, but it feels like Reality should've been on the list too. All in all, Truth and Soul is a strong but flawed album.
I didn't know I needed to find the bridge between Oingo Boingo and 311, but I'm very glad it is here.
Eclectic blend, with a lot of good music. I'm mostly surprised I hadn't heard of Fishbone before. A bit too broad of a swing for a 5 though.
What can i say, i like ska
pening with the Curtis Mayfield classic Freddie’s Dead from Superfly immediately perked up my ears and grabbed my attention. Fishbone’s version was ticked up a couple notches to fit their high energy, but it was a decent rendition. This entire album is pretty high energy, featuring upbeat tunes with lots of horns. Pouring Rain is a bit slower tempo, but right after, Deep Inside picks up the pace again and pivots somewhat into hard rock. If horns are your thing, never fear. They make a triumphant return in Bonin’ in the Boneyard, which sounds very Prince-like. Melodically, One Day is my favorite track on the album. It’s somewhat midtempo, but the pace revs up once again with Subliminal Fascism. Slow Bus Movin and Ghetto Soundwave were standouts for me as well before ending on a more mellow note with Change. In all, Truth and Soul is a solid album from a high energy band with depth, substance, and soul.
Oh man, was I wrong about this album. I'm a huge fan of Curtis Mayfield, Freddie's Dead is a very good song. The first time I ever heard this cover, I kind of flunked the album and didn't listen to more. But today I did, and it's such a jam!! They make great use of their horn section and it melds great in th edgier songs. It feels a bit similar to the first Red Hot Chili Peppers albums, sweet funk vibes with a rocky edge, but they also don't take themselves to seriously. All in all a very fun album and makes me want to listen to more of these guys! 7,5 out of 10
Read the description and thought "no way this will be any good" - I'm very happy to be proved wrong! What a treat this album is, totally unpredictable and a really brave effort.
Another strong album, with standouts in Freddie's Dead, Ma and Pa, One Day, and Slow Bus Moving.
In my first real solo apartment, when I moved in there was a Fishbone poster hanging over what turned out to be a fair-sized hole in the bathroom door, and up to now that was the sum total of what I knew about Fishbone. I liked this pretty well, although Ska (which I felt to be the dominant genre leaning) is really not my thing. I thought the Curtis Mayfield cover was the best thing by a solid margin, and I do think that represents the high level of musicianship here applied to an even higher level of songwriting and composition. But my proclivities aside, I have to give an extra point for sheer ability and execution.
Loved it! A unique sound, but the mix of jazz and alternative really worked! Freddie's dead is a great song.
A romp; a fun mess of themes and genres. I have heard enough ska punk in my life to not want to hear any ever again, but it's clear that this is some of whats being imitated by lesser groups. Big fan of the second, more overtly political, side.
In incredibly fun mixture of rock, punk, ska, funk and metal.
Delicious ska-funk.
Listened Before? N An absolute banger! I knew about these guys all the way back in high school and the cooler kids liked them. I never tried listening to them much until now, and I absolutely loved this album. Punky and funky and funny. It has it all. Added to Library? Y Songs added to playlist: Ma and Pa
Muy buen disco. La mayoría de los temas son como un reggae o ska pesado, mezclado con rock, tipo Ska-P.
7/10. Fish
bom que só
- LOVE the energy - Some light ska vibes??? - Was expecting it to be way more soul-ly, was pleasantly surprised - Would go back to this tbh
This was definitely an interesting album. The mix of rock and ska made it sound like it would’ve come out in like 2004 and have aged really poorly but for some reason it actually worked pretty well. I listened to the whole thing in an airport so I didn’t listen super intensely but I did enjoy most of the tracks on the album.
Loved the production on this
Fun album obviously. Genre bending at every turn and a no skip proposition. This is a high 3 for me but I'm feeling g generous
And that's the second sample in good time boys covered! Had the first one a couple months back. I hadn't heard these guys before, I'm usually more on board with this kinda style. Similar vibe to RHCP, Faith no More, Living Colour etc from the exact same time. Metal guitar, funk bass, jazz drums. It's a good combo. Maybe not as good as any of those bands, still a fun enough listen and a few of these tracks are going in playlists. 4/5.
Awesome. Like a more palatable version of bands like Mr. Bungle.
Jättebra
I really didn't expect to like this. Ska and Punk are pretty much dirty swear words to me. But to my surprise, Fishbone manages to get a lot of things right and delivered an enjoyable genre mash-up. They're not quite on the level of Faith No More, but I can definitely see some parallels. Interesting album!
I remember the band's name from hearing it from a handful of people who were really into them in the 80s, but I don't think I listened to anything by them back then, or since. Glad to finally put some music to the name. I don't usually listen to much ska or reggae, either on their own or mixed into other genres, so it was nice to give this album a listen. First of all, these performers are superbly skilled. So locked in, so well executed. Truly impressive. Musically, I found myself enjoying most of the tracks more than I expected given their sound and style. Definitely got a bit hectic and fast-paced for my own personal preference, which is unsurprising given that I most often listen to music that's little slower-paced. But I also kind of like the rock, punk, and funk influences I heard. All in, this is truly excellent work. Appreciate it, 1001 Albums Project, thank you!
I can't imagine much more energy being packed into 41 minutes. Hits you right out of the gate and doesn't let up. Doesn't take itself too seriously, just good fun. I probably wasn't in quite the right mood to match this energy at 7:30am when I started listening to this, but I'm giving it 4 stars anyway. Good stuff.
I'm hanging the washing and bopping along. This was fun.
Pleasantly surprised. This was a fun album to listen to.
I like it when it stays closer to the ska sound. The songs that tried different things weren't bad, but they didn't resonate with me as much.
This record is *insane*. You can never tell where it's going. Funk-metal cover of a Curtis Mayfield song to start, immediately goes into some breakneck ska. A song on this tracklist sounds like a piss take of the theme from "Rawhide", while another is a ridiculous take on Prince and the Minneapolis sound in general. It's getting 4 stars for the absolute audaciousness of it all. Favorite tracks: "Bonin' In the Boneyard", "Subliminal Fascism"
OMG! I'd never heard of Fishbone before but... I kind of love them! Any band that covers Curtis Mayfield is okay in my book. This is a mix of rock, metal, ska and reggae and no two sounds sound like they're coming from the same band, but it's so fun to listen to! I liked it way more than I thought I would. I would actually buy this album.
Une entame sur les chapeaux de roues, malheureusement l'odeur pestilentielle des arrêtes de poissons pourries empêchera rapidement de profiter pleinement de l'album.
Unexpected. Enjoyable.
это очень классный альбом я бы с удовольствием послушал такое в машине, или где-то в кафе да и дома это создает очень классный вайб разнообразно, интересно некоторые треки чутка экспериментальны, поэтому 4
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
Ну это очень вкусный смузи из разных фруктиков
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….
lots of fun
It's good! The mix of genres really work.
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
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.
Full of frenetic energy, but in a very good way.
Love this. Prog rock soul for the end of the world.
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.
Favorite Tracks: Freddie’s Dead; Ma and Pa; Question of Life; Bonin’ in the Boneyard. Solid 4.
omg this is so fucking good didn't expect it
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)
Really enjoyed the music and singing and lyrics, will be adding this to my regular listens
-"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
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.
76/100
an odd mix of genres but thouroughly enjoyed
A really good funky ska-ish album. Enjoyed almost every song and will definitely listen to their other albums.
Freddie's Dead from the album is a classic protest song
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.
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.
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
Funk-rock muy curioso y animado.
Liked this more than I thought. Good listen.
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
Surprisingly good fun
RHCP out- Fishbone’d Fishbone, but they’re still fun to listen to occasionally
This album had a little bit of everything. Certainly more inline with my tastes
Unusual in a good way! I like the weird harmonies and creativity, I'll be revisiting this one
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.
This one was fun, ska with an 80s vibe
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.
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"
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.
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.
Very interesting funk/metal/ska hybrid. Never heard of these guys before but they kinda slap!
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.
Stilig
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. :)
Rating: 7/10 Best songs: Ma and pa
A lot funkier than I expected!
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.
Great mix of genre, I really liked a lot of the songs on this. Favorite track: "Ma and Pa"
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.
I like this one.
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
Fantastic, great variety of songs, feels like a band at the top of their game.
It's fun!
I actually like this. It has a unique sound but it's upbeat and exciting. You go, Fishbone.
Like a mix of ska with rock and something almost psychedelic at times. Weird but fun.
Cool blend of funk, reggae, and hard rock!
Fun! Surprised I had never listened thru before.
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
C'est UNE des grosses découvertes de mon projet, quel album !
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.
Funk-rock muy curioso y animado.
Surprisingly very good. Probably a great live band
All over the place musically. kinda jam band like
Ska, punk band from the 80's that sounds nothing like 80's music.
Day918 - fun album but i feel like they’re to blame for the crappy ska that came after
Listenable. Variety of sounds but none of the tracks did a lot for me.
Unique... Does as it aims to
A funny genre bending album. Punk, funk, ska, pop rock, all kind of rolled in there. Pleasant enough, but kind of ends up corny in the end.
This has got all the stuff that I usually like (Funk, ska, metal, crazy bass lines, not taking itself too seriously) so I’m very confused why I’m struggling with it. its all the right ingredients but the oven temperature just a bit… hot? Have listened on lots of different devices but finding it hard to hear the layers and therefore can’t find a way in. Hmm… Maybe I got out of the wrong side of the bed and I should try again another day.
High variance. When it is in a ska/funk register (Ma and Pa, Bonin’ In The Boneyard) it rips. When it is in a more generic rock/metal lane (Freddie’s Dead) it is pretty bad.
I wasn't super impressed.
Changes was pretty catchy. Lots of variety and talent on display, but not feeling like listening again soon
This album has all the attributes to make it a good fit for me but I came away feeling a little disappointed. Having said that it still has its moments
Not even remotely what I expected, but a pleasant surprise! Some really cool tunes on here. A bit of cheese too, but I mostly liked this.
I have never heard of this band before and it didn’t bode well for me that they started with Freddie’s Dead, normally your first song on an album is the strongest so having a cover here worried me. But, wow the rest of the album was as good as the opening track. A mix of rock reggae, funk. Deep lyrics, wonderful voice, lovely melodies. This album was able to invigorate me in the middle of sweltering heat, so good.
Very nichely nostalgic
I do like this album, I like it's funk, and it does feel like the band is genuinely talented. I like the urgency and political tie-ins. Not exactly my favorite kind of music, but I respect the genre fusing
Kasari heviäähän tämä. Ihan tuttua meininkiä Kieku vokaalit ja rockin sekä heviin säveliä
its like all rock subgenre is in one album. so weird yet fun
Bonin' in the Boneyard stood out. I liked the music, but some was bland. 3/5
I’m glad my husband encouraged me to give this one a second chance. On first listen I didn’t appreciate it, but I was just waking up. I found the funk in it a few hours later. However, the ballad at the very end feels like a total cop out radio grab. Come on guys, really? Was 3.5 stars until that last song dragged it down.
Decent funk rock, some bangers here for sure but it's a little repetitive
bem mais divertido do que eu achei que fosse ser a sonoridade não é muito pro meu bico, mas é daora
ska nao eh mto minha pira nao, mas a sonoridade eh bem maneirinha mesmo. nao parece as bandas de ska medíocres que os anos 90 trouxeram. essa tem uma qualidade bem única, sei lá. eh massa!
Yeah, just give me Sublime. Although I do like the horns.
Insane mash up of multiple genres. Soul, ska, reggae, rock. They do it all.
Ska! 3/5
Funk metal fuck
This is a fun SKA album. It's a bit all over the place and has a a bit of everything but I enjoyed it and wouldn't mind hearing it again. I wouldn't actively reach for it though
Truth and Soul has the honour of being the only Ska album not to annoy the shit out of me. Some fun 80s sounds that remind me of nostalgic "radical era" 90s kids movies and shows. Don't think I would re-listen, but I did enjoy it.
Its pretty cool and out there. But theres alot going on. Funk, ska, fusion, jazz and even some punk. In '88 I would have hated this. Now I just think its kinda progressive but what came after is more impactful.
Some energy and some interesting songs. But overall nothing special.
Funky but nothing too special to my ears
Fine but not something I'll ever be in the mood for.
This is a classic album that blends a lot of different types of black music under the guise of hard rock. It is very inventive in parts and dated in others. But ingenious genre-bending has my eternal respect.
What a weird genre mash-up! You got the prestige status You've got the majority mass Plus you've got a blender by general motors And a tonka toy dump truck up your ass - lol
This one caught me by surprise - not my usual jam but I appreciated the energy, humour, anger and politics! Fave track: Slow Bus Movin'
love a good genre fusion, the soul elements are what keep this album interesting
Ganz cool, funky und teilweise auch irgendwie lustig. Favs: Freddies Dead, Ma and Pa, Bonin in the Boneyard
It's a good album, "Question of Life" was my favorite one.
I knew nothing about this band. The album is pretty good in an energetic 1980s rock-soul way.
Interesting mix of rock/ska/funk. Fun listen.
Around 30% of this album is spiritually Steely Dan and the other 70% is nothing like Steely Dan. Interesting experience but not incredibly remarkable as an album.
Fine.
A fun, upbeat mix of styles and genres. Worth a listen, but nothing really stood out for me.
Going in I didn't know what I was getting into and thought I was going to have to listen to some post grunge butt rock, but then the second track came on and I realized this was some sort of ska thing? What a bizarre album. I respect how unabashedly weird it is but it can be either extremely fun or extremely annoying. You have to be in a very specific mood to enjoy this album, which is how I feel about ska punk in general. Speaking of, some of these songs have the biggest gap between their sound and their lyrics I've ever heard. I appreciate the social commentary songs but I just can't take them seriously next to tracks like Bonin' in the Boneyard. The tonal whiplash is intense. Overall, some fun songs on here, some surprising depth, some goofy musical choices. I might enjoy this more on a relisten.
A lot of fun, though rather uneven. Tracks 2 and 3 stood out the most to me. The second half dragged a bit. I appreciate the humor, social commentary, energy, and mishmash of styles!
I have no idea what to make this of the band. It sounds like a compilation at times, but always surprised me. It's almost like Sly Stone tried to make a rock / ska record in the 1980s. Very interesting. Highlights: "Mighty Long Way" and "One Day"
Would I listen again: maybe? This album was so random. I liked some bit of it for sure. what is the genre?
Didn’t seem particularly consequential but I also didn’t really have a bad time at any point, except that I kept thinking, "I wonder if that 'Sell Out' song is on this album? That is a pretty good song." But then I learned that there are two ska bands with the word "fish" in their name and "Sell Out" is by the other one. Stay safe out there kids.
So many bones.
not as good as Joni Mitchell’s Blue
I went to junior high with Angelo—so I gets an extra star for that reason. The social commentary is good but the music is disjointed as an album and the individual songs don’t stand out sufficiently to lift it up.
Took me a bit to get into this one but I enjoyed it well enough once I did. Top Track - Bonin’ In The Boneyard
6/10
Would not buy
Pretty nice funk album. A bit hectic and unfocused in some higher tempo songs with very distorted electric guitars that I didn't feel belonged, but not that bad overall. Really liked 'Ma and Pa', which seems to be their most popular song. I have a feeling Red Hot Chili Peppers have taken some visual inspiration from this band when it comes to clothing and appearance.
Yesterday we had a The Specials album, so I feel like I’ve already had my fill of ska music. Anyway, this started off with some very funky metal. The track felt almost like progressive metal with all the syncopation. Like a mix between Yes and Van Halen. Then “Ma and Pa” came on, which was a genuine, full-blooded ska track. Completely different from the first track. This pattern continued, with each new song feeling very different from the previous, even finishing with an acoustic ballad in “Change.” I’m quite impressed with the breadth of this album. Sadly, none of the music really resonated with me; I’m not a big fan of ska or funk metal. I recognize that they are clearly talented, so I’m going to give it a weak 3.
This is a real eclectic mix of funk, rock and ska and maybe even reggae. At times, it’s good and interesting but others I’m less sure, perhaps a bit whacky. Maybe it’s one to appreciate over time, as is often the case but not sure when I’d be back.
It was alright three stars don't have many strong opinions on it.
This was all over the place but tons of fun at times. First track sounded very typical 80s hair band. There were moments that sounded early funky chili peppers. And the HORNS throughout. Didn’t always work but are always welcome.
I really liked this and considering some of the other music I like I was surprised I'd never even heard of this band. Would definitely give this another spin.
Hell is wrong with ya?
I really like the style and sound... but there are no hits. which is too bad because it really got something, but I can't remember any song.
Cool, funky album.
Pretty good, may listen again
I wasn't expecting listening to ska when I woke up today but I'm not complaining one bit. While not a genre I listen to a lot its one I always get happy when it comes on. This album was a fun listen with highs and lows in how good the songs are, but even the songs I didn't like as much are still fun enough that I get happy while listening because of the ska sound. I might have to listen to more ska today is the biggest take from this album to me.
no los había escuchado. No están mal para ser de los 80. Bastante variados y divertidos.
Die MUsik ist Intressaant, sehr gut gemacht, kennde die band nicht
Fun and funky. I enjoyed this, but not sure it belongs on the list.
A laid-back funky ska-punk vibe that makes you feel like you're in for a good time. The instrumentation is on point, and the vocals are soulful without being overbearing. It's just... it's a solid album that I enjoyed listening to, but it didn't blow my mind or make me want to press repeat immediately after it ended. Spins: 1 Playlist Additions - Freddie's Dead - Ma and Pa - Bonin' In the Boneyard
Nostalgic fun from that week of the 90's that I listened to them.
3.5
Underrated band good when playing rock better when playing ska. They were lost in translation on their era and never got the recognition they deserve. First song is really good and then the transition to ska for the second is flawless.
Ma and Pa
Why the completely unnecessary cover of Freddy's Dead? that really annoyed me. I do like a band with a horn section though.
3.5
I really enjoyed the rock stuff here, but the ska/reggae tracks felt out of place. There were some good lyrical bits and the guitar sounds were very fun and 80s. Although I felt some.of the pinched harmonic/tapping solos felt a little out of place from the more angular riffs in the rest of the song. A good enjoyable album with some interesting musical choices. I'd happily give some of their other stuff a listen, but I won't be searching it out.
Favorite Track: Ma and Pa
2.93
It's a fun album. Love the Ska influence.
I love ska, but this is even a lot for me, but I gotta respect it. I appreciate the subject matter that takes th genre much more seriously than a lot of ska that came after them.
It was funky, I had some fun but nothing special tbh
This was okay. Pretty fast and all over the place. But still felt a bit long to me for some reason, even though the runtime is just normal.
It sort of felt like someone put a frat boy's ipod on shuffle. This album was here there and everywhere. Everything was different and there was no real connecting piece other than it was upbeat. I can see how this band has had a revolving door of members, its less a band and a vibe of music.
This was a fun party. Lots of great instrumentation and funky ska-ness. I wanted to love it more than I did, something about it wasn’t totally drawing me in, but it was all good vibes. A couple more listens would probably take it up a notch. Glad to discover these guys!
My initial thought was that this was going to be a lot heavier from the first song, but it ended up being a lot funkier and chill, and I did not mind it at all. Nothing really stood as a notable song, but it was an ok listen. 3 stars
#891. Kinda goofy, but alright. 3/5: acceptable
I don't even know how to describe this, ska meets Van Halen? I think it is a good album (so I can see why the people who love it are so into it), it's just not for me. ETA: okay, the back half of the album appeals to me a lot more than the first half. Upping my rating by a star from the original 2.5 I was going to give it.
Good album, solid songs. 6.1/10
Pretty good, even thouhg I'm not a big reggae fan
Heavy metal instrumental is very misleading to open this album which transforms to soul and funk for remainder. Very clear and Wide vocal range. Soft and slow to hi octane from one song to the next. Saves the best for last for a change. Could I sit through a live performance? I think so.
New to me. After the very-late-90s fusion of Nitin Sawhney yesterday, this is some very-late-80s fusion, with occasionally fun but mostly mixed results. The metal-soul fusion cover of Freddie's Dead /really/ doesn't work, and kind of gets everything about the original (unimpeachable) track wrong. At its best when funky (see, and I can't believe I have to write these words, 'Bonin' in the Boneyard'). The ska of 'Ma and Pa' is good. At its worst when metal, but isn't everything?
A little bit Sublime, a little bit Tears for Fears, and somehow a little bit Chumbawamba? No song is particularly memorable, but I had a good time
The music is super good and tasty bass riffs but the singing brought it down for me. Lyrical content was good, I’ll come back to a few songs.
Not what I was expecting, but not bad
Uma mistura de ska com rock e punk. Bom álbum!
There were moments I liked, but it left very little impression on me after I was done listening (even the second time!).
Wow, powerful
Musical ADHD. Crazy in all the good ways.
Very of its time, very average
Well. I didn't know I needed a funk/ska version of Freddie's Dead in my life this badly. After that extremely high start, this became a little less good, but still fun, energetic and endearing. I don't know that ska is really a genre that needs rescuing hugely, but this certainly upped my opinion on what ska music can be (i.e. it can be...not dreadful).
Thoroughly mid, easy listening but essentially forgettable album. Had a few fun ska moments, and I was initially intrigued by the cover. I was hoping this would be hip hop (had no idea about the band at all) and was sorely disappointed. This is OK but barely a drop in the ocean for me. I doubt I'll listen to this again. Middest of the mid ska. I've already forgotten it.
My cousin’s favorite band! I thought they were okay.