Reviews (page 6 of 7)
Below expectations
powerfull
did nothing for me
I understand why some people like it but it wasnt really for me.
Jack of all trades and master of none. Reading some comments I figure high schooler me would have enjoyed the eclectic mix and energy but I was listening to the Specials if I wanted Ska, Bob Burning Spear Raggamuffin for Reggae, funk was all Parliament, etc.
there's a lot going on. I don't think I'm cool enough for ska, and I'm a sax player. Or I was a sax player, when I was cooler. 2 stars
Het klinkt een beetje alsof ze zich niet op één stijl wilden toeleggen om zo maximaal commercieel succes te kunnen oogsten. Vies laagje 80s erover, een wat commercieel geluid en een mix van stijlen. Normaal vind ik wel eens te bewonderen als een band verschillende geluiden laat horen, maar in dit geval voelt het wat viezig. Ik denk dat mijn lichte afkeer voor de jaren 80 sound dit nog wat benadrukt. Het is me iets teveel een vervelende mix van dingen die ik niet heel gaaf vind. En toch kan ik het prima uitzitten omdat het ook weer allemaal niet zo heel spannend in elkaar zit. 2,5 ster. Ik maak er 2 van omdat ik toch een beetje een zure hater ben.
Jesus, this genre blending is absolutely whack. And don't get me wrong, I love myself some absolutely absurd genre combos, there's something so cool about a song having so many different styles all at the same time that feels like it should work, except that I think this one takes that too far. This feels like it shouldn't work, and it also just straight up doesn't work. I think part of the problem is that it tries way too hard to fully commit to every genre it's trying all at the same time, the best way to approach trying to pull off this style is to use small elements of various genres and put them together, but this feels like a full on ska album at the same time that it's a full on funk album and a full on punk album. Which if it just took a few small features of each of those genres and blended them together, it really could have been something quite interesting. But because it tries to use each genre completely, it's just a complete mess.
No, this was no good. It was like the band did not know what they wanted the album to be and all the choices they made were the wrong ones. From the first song on there was no flow which was just exasperated by not good songs. Give it a miss.
I almost bailed at one point. Not my thing at all. Is this a stupid album trying to be serious or a serious album being stupid?
Not sure how this made this list - there are way more talented ska bands out there. Like a good wedding band.
Somehow this manages to be cheesy 80s (at times) and ska (like mighty mighty mighty bosstones). Not into this. Super skippable.
If Talking Heads played weddings. Start high, stay high!
You would think as a massive fan of Ska I would be a bit more interested in Fishbone than I actually am, seeing how they arguably paved the way for Third-Wave Ska to become mainstream in the early 90s. While there are some moments I enjoyed on Truth and Soul, the majority of it was either ignorable or gave me the major ick. Starting out with a pretty soulless cover of Freddie's Dead didn't make my first impression very good, so it took me a while to recover and get into the record at all. Outside of the context of the record Ma and Pa is a perfectly fine song; it's easily understandable why it was the biggest hit, though far from the best on the record. Bonin' in the Boneyard and Ghetto Soundwave were the two tracks that I would say actively held my attention for their duration. With how early this record is I can't dock them too many points for the brass sounding like plastic; very few Ska bands then or since have learned how to properly record their trumpets. I can dock them points however for an incredibly discordant sound that makes me unsure of what exactly their aim was with this record. The harmonies sound ugly, and the questionable lead vocal choices on most tracks do not compliment that nicely whatsoever. Regardless, I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't into what they had going on Ghetto Soundwave or a few other tracks on the record; some kudos where they are deserved.
Nope. Not a fan. Very boring. Glad it’s over
Exhausting.
Kinda just became background noise after the first couple songs.
Not my type of music but at least I can now say I listened to a Fishbone record
Never heard of them before. A bunch of genres but I don't like most of them.
Not sure when I’d listen to this
-another album which has left me with a feeling of confusion and uncertainty as to what the vision was supposed to be -i’m all for experimentation but i guess it’s a little hard for me to enjoy. rap punk ska dub whatever. too consistently?? sorry -Favorites: Ma and Pa, Pouring Rain, Ghetto Soundwave
This was meh
Böyle şeyleri çok dinlediğim için galiba aşırı iyi değilse beğenmiyorum…
⭐⭐ Inte min stil alls. Produktionen känns väldigt daterad och stökig. Rock men inslag av funk, soul och till och med baktakt. Tydligt skickliga musiker men känns som man vill imponera och visa allt man kan men det blir bara ofokuserat. Gissr att dessa har varit förebildee för senare New metalband. Det här är inte något jag kommer lyssna på igen.
I just could not get this one to click. Probably a 3 but I've been handing out too many stars lately.
😐
No
1,9 - Unglaublich stressig. Am Anfang gibt es noch ein paar gute Songs, aber danach musste ich doch ab und zu skippen. Highlights: Ma and Pa, Pouring Rain
OK.
Manche Songs gefallen besser, andere weniger. Insgesamt zu kunterbunt
I know and like Fishbone - this album just didn;'tt hit tho
Definitely music that would be in a 80s or 90s rom com or cheesy comedy.
Ehhhh i found this to be a little generic and boring, but maybe it was good for the time. 1.5 but i cant do decimals
Not my type
A bit chaotic in parts but good craic
Sucked
Mostly ass.
Part punk, ska, metal. Some social commentary. An interesting one time listen.
Ugh. For as much talent as Fishbone has, and for as many styles as they seem to tie together, they can’t write a song that I want to listen to. 2/5
eh it was okay i wasn’t hooked in the first few songs and got bored
Några funky låtar svänger ändå en aning. Men jag har svårt för när musiker försöker vara lite crazy. Och funk metal-inslagen är gräsliga. Svag tvåa.
Väljer att dela mina anteckningar istället för en sammanhållen text. Spretar antagligen lika mycket som dagens album. Freddies dead, bra låtval för cover. Dock riktigt dåligt utfört. Ibland bra groove Vill bland in allt för många ingredienser. Prince syntar som låter funk, ett plus. Bonin in the boneyard svänger fint. Metall riffen kunde vi varit utan. Får soppan att smaka surt. Deep inside, usel Svag tvåa
Metal funk y mil géneros más, en la línea de los injustamente olvidados Colour Party. Abrir con Freddie's Dead de Curtis Mayfield es toda una declaración de principios. Llevarla a su terreno, otra. Ma and Pa, mete Ska. No son Mano Negra ni los Fabulosos Cadillacs o Café Tacuba, pero tampoco está mal. Tampoco son los RHCP pues carecen de su sentido de la diversión y carsima. Question of Life sí que suena a patchanka, pero no termina de convencer. El cambio entre Pouring Inside y Deep Inside es enorme, mucho mejor la segunda. Bonin´ in the boneyard también es de lo mejor del lote junto con la country Slow Bus Movin' (Howard Beach Party). Siguen mezclando estilos, fusión que se llamaba entonces hasta que finalizan con ese rayo resplandecientemente acústico que es Change y podría cantar George Michael. Influyentes y pioneros, pero otros lo hicieron mejor y tuvieron más éxito.
It's ok, nothing more
1.5
Not heard this. Know the band name but couldnt tell you a song. Opened up the album and plaed first somg - oh right, this band. I probaly ahould have explored this band more. Tight, bit of funk and soul, guitar heavy, bit punk like, seems like the kind of thing i’d like. But second song in and there is something crowded and hurried about the songs that turns me off - song 2 is the yakity sax of tight funk/soul/reggae. Were they on goey or coke? Track 4 must be the come down. Slower. Not too bad. Then back at in track 5. If you played me track 5 and said this was a Motley crew type band, I’d believe you. If you played me track 6 and said this was a Huey Lewis and the News type band. I’d believe you. I think that’s my issue. They seem to be trying to cram too much in. Must listen to their later albums. Track 7 a bit better in that it commits to a funk style so feels a bit more coherent. But the relentless upbeat party band feel lacks a bit of texture. Good musicians (guitar style a bit widdly widdly for my liking but good player) but i dont know, i dont like it like i should. There’s little coherence -here’s track 9, it’s our punk style - so that doesnt raise it to an all time great album for me. It seems like an album looking to broaden their audience or show off how versatile they are. Track 10 is their version of country, but again the production is in your face - percussion goes to 11 and stays there. Now track 12 feels like their sound and style. Groovy, upbeat, nice use of harmonies, some whacka whacka funk rhythm guitar. For the 80s it is ahead of its time i guess (and i know where Warren and Funkadelic ripped off the idea from, but them ska/reggae and punk mixed were a thing since the clash ot any rude boy nfluwnced British punk band). Fast forward and you get pop punk (mosyly pop) bands like no doubt took it up and were very popular (still didnt work for me though). So why do i like living colour and not this? Bet id like them if i saw them live.
Rather aptly this is the musical equivalent of Rachel Reeves (AKA Rachel from Accounts) 2025 Labour budget delivered today. The media are calling it a smorgasbord of tax increases just like the abundance of difference genres on this album. So it is as welcome as the extra taxes I will have to pay over the next few years. 2/5 26/11/25
Very interesting! I'm not super into this, but I appreciate the artistry.
This album was insanely annoying to me. The funk rock element mixed with the singers voice made it hard to enjoy any song o this album.
Funky beats, and the vocals go and ruin it.
Whiplash from the multitude of genres
Not a huge fan of ska. 4/10
It was a solid 2.5, but as you know, no half points available.
Not for me
Never heard of them. Bit of a mixture to say the least. All over the place. Can’t think why they’re on this list.
I feel that on paper i should like this, but when i listened i really did NOT like that much 2.5/5
Not sure what this is about, hard to categorise Indy but no real charm or flavour.
I've never listened to this album (51). The kind of music that gets more irritating as time goes by, especially due to the bone-dry drum mixing.
*1988. *Sounds like Guns N Roses and Metallica. But also there's like a soul or R&B component. *It was fun and cool at times, but forgettable and all over the place. RATING - 5.5/10
2/5
I hated this
Outdated and a tad boring
I don’t need to hear this one again
Noisy.
a very eclectic album, and although i think the songs are not too bad, the production here is pretty horrid. it's so clean and wet, i kind of hate it. although, you know, maybe because their name is fishbone, it should be wet. who knows. but the production really soured me on what i felt was otherwise a pretty middling album.
Out of the gates sets a pretty bad impression with their cover of Freddie's Dead, which on the version I listened to was just an auditory mess. The rest of the album is kind of chaotic in a different way - with all manner of genres thrown into the mix. Some of it works well, but some of it feels pretty generic (80s pop-rock track Mighty Long Way feels especially formulaic). Overall I just found it difficult to get on with this - none of the styles it plays with are my favourite to begin with, so even with the band being pretty adept at some of them, it just wasn't likely to win me over.
Respect. Not my thing
Hitti ekki í mark
Allt í lagi sem bakgrunnshljóð en er samt ekkert spes. En sumt allt í lagi.
Feels like they’d be a great bar/live band. Album is a bit all over the place, though. Modern ska never sits well with me, either.
Kinds fun and a little funky but the vocals push it over into corny territory (2.5/5)
I felt nothing
Not for me
This one is tough, young me seems to be screaming at me, “We love Sublime, we love Ska, this is a 5 dude!” Yea, there was a time I’d love this but that time is way fucking gone. I did add Bonin’ in the Boneyard to my Hallowy playlist though bc that song is both hilarious and kinda awesome so I thank the generator for serving this up just before October. Otherwise this was annoying. 2 stars
Cringingly dire, even if partially redeemed by some progressive politics.
This all felt a bit shallow and glossy. Could be some good stuff in here but it feels cleaned up and overproduced.
j'ai rien ressenti mais c'était assez entraînant
Ska
I skan't listen to this anymore!
The musicians might be the only one having fun with that record. Not bad, but really no standout here.
How and why the fuck does this album have the metal tag? It's just boring funk.
This was like getting slapped in the face by a wet glove.
Album was a total mess, with the lowlight being “Bonin’ In the Boneyard”
premda ima dosta fora momenata, načelno mi nije bilo ugodno za slušat :/ omot riblja čorba za siromašne
another one I’ve never heard of … didn’t do much for me
Sounds like 80s Chili Peppers.
A mix of hair band, ska, and a breath of Soul? It was enjoyable enough, but nothing really resonated with me.
ma and pa is a fun song, but otherwise, it's too chaotic and lacks any form of symmetry. Lots of different styles of music which was entertaining at best
No
Really not my speed, 2 might be generous.
I found this far more eclectic than some of the reviews give it credit for. Not really my jam though. 2.5/5
Nothing super memorable
Something strange here goes. Even partially listenable
This album was kind of all over the place. I think I liked it? At times I didn't. I'm still not sure. But there were definitely a couple of songs that stood out.
Listened in the truck via YouTube music. Enjoyed the sons that were less ska influenced. Didn’t seem worth being on this list.
Hope this is one & done for this exercise.
Lo siento como rock muy básico. Nada más que eso. Suena a un The Clash wannabe.
very uplifting but not my preferred genre; however, I liked Pouring Rain
Didn't really dig this. It has little bits where it hits, but I'm not into the dub/ska stuff at all. 2/5
I think that musically this record is a 3, but I really didn't like the composition and the decisions they made when choosing where to go with the songs. The musicianship is there, they can perform really well and at specific moments, the rock/fusion works superb, but then they make a left turn and the song turns into a weird, mediocre version of what it could've been. I took a star away because of the missed potential, they can sing well, the basslines are funky, the brass sections are good. But, the songs end up being too weird, kinda dorky and cartoonish. "Subliminal Fascism" is the prime example for this, there's moments where the aggression and composition match the lyrics and the vibe, but others feel so disconnected, like the organ playing a line more fitting for the circus than a criticism of fascism. Their cover of "Freddie's Dead" is good, "Ma and Pa" and "Pouring Rain" were pretty good too. There's so much missed potential here I'm mostly annoyed they didn't deliver a better record when it sounds like clearly they could've.
Weird ska music lol
Jamiroquai Ska Actual guitarists
This was very stylistically confusing. Some songs sounds like 70s rock ballad, others are ska.. I couldn't really get into it..
It's ska alright
Fishbone is nothing if not eclectic. They’re really talented and their music is wide-ranging, and hyper-energetic borrowing from multiple genres. But that becomes a problem for this album — it’s so sprawling & trying so hard to be edgy, that it’s hard to tell what the point is. Why are all these songs on the same album? In some cases, the band seems to be trying to be weird— it’s like fingernails on a chalkboard. There’s a lot of talent here, and even more ideas — too bad they didn’t have a producer who could focus all that energy. As an album, this is a 2
Disappointing with the shitty 80s producion
Fairly generic sound. Sublime found the edge, while these guys hunted that MTV movie soundtrack sound. Bonin in the Boneyard? Yawn.
Meh.
I like a lot of music that is analogous to this. But i did not like this. It sounded weak and thin.
Not a ska guy I'm afraid, why would you do that to Freddie's Dead. They went off with Ma and Pa + Pouring Rain though I'll give them that.
A very 80s mix - snare-heavy, with date-specific keyboard sound - of songs that lean towards herky-jerky, many of which are rather agitated. Not a relaxing listen
favourite: "Ma and Pa"
Sometimes it's hard to say why I don't like something but this really doesn't appeal to me. And it should, it's not like I dislike punkish ska and rock. It just seems all a little goofy for me. Like, too much of the goofy side of the 80s. I also like funk, but not cheesy 80s funk. Slow Bus Moving is kind of cool with the Clint Eastwood style. The last track, Change is pretty good as well. 2/5
While some of these songs are a mix of reggae and rock, most of them are either one or the other. Idk, I'd much rather listen to a full reggae record from them, the reggae songs were good
forgettable
Meh. Just didn't move me. Not awful for what it is but it's one of those listens I will forget about by bedtime.
Kind of interesting at times, but ultimately falls flat.
Not a bad listen, not memorable either
• 2/5 • props for trying out the ska/funk/punk/prog approach- let’s call it a failure and move on . . .
I think I agree with their politics but I can't agree with their music
I don't ride enough skateboards to be into this. Can see why people might like it. Way better than the chillis
Onnistuivat juksaamaan ekalla biisillä (heviä). Mielenkiintoni pysyi yllä melkein koko kuuntelunsession ajan (musa on enimmäkseen ska:ta), mutta jokunen koukku tarvittaisiin soppaan mukaan.
Favorite songs: Bonin' In The Boneyard, Ma and Pa, Mighty Long Way Least favorite songs: Deep Inside, Slow Bus Movin' (Howard Beach Party) 2/5
Me sorprendió y me generó intriga sobre cómo será el resto de la obra de Fishbone. Sin embargo, la versión original del primer me pareció mucho mejor que el cover que hizo Fishbone.
Blame it on being. Monday when I listen to this, but just not doing itfo me - too hi octane. It may be good, IDK. Bailed on it early
2.5/5
Meh not really my jam
Too much of disparate elements that I hoped to enjoy.
Fishbone - Truth and Soul As someone who likes both ska and funk, I also like onions and ice cream, but they don't go great together. I like some parts of it and I don't think its bad, but if someone came in and I was listened to this, I'd be more embarrassed than if someone came in and I was watching Debbie Does Dallas. Maybe 2/5
I just wasn't the biggest fan. I was excited hoping it would be soul music (it wasn't)
There were def a couple fun songs on it! Otherwise, wasn't really my cup of tea.
Not really my thing.
Too metal for my taste.
This is an interesting and eclectic album. Lots of different things going on, loads of different influences, some strong musicianship. It nonetheless sound pretty dated and the songs don't have much appeal to me. Some good moments, especially where the bass is leading, but otherwise not for me.
They just sound like a mess to me...too much going on and anxiety inducing,.
A bit too all over the place for me. 2.5/5
It’s just not for me.
нууууу, не мой жанр, не зашло...
This is something that could only be described as muzak. It's something that would get played over a montage scene of people trying on clothes in a dressing room, having their friend shake their head, try another ensemble on and then the friend gives them a thumbs up. I am genuinely puzzled why this is in here. Best Tracks: Deep Inside; Mighty Long Way; Bonin' in the Boneyard
It's like they couldn't decide whether they wanted to be Led Zeppelin or They Might Be Giants, so they failed at both. Sucks.
I'd never heard of Fishbone before. An odd one, this - I can't quite put my finger on it, but I think it will repay some further plays.
I'm not saying this was bad, but it didn't do it for me at all. Stylistically couldn't seem to decide where it was.
Just loads of nonsense... But I couldn't help but feel an amount of charisma from the singer. I feel like I'd like him as a person. So juicy, but shite
I get why this is an album on this list, but I just didn’t find joy in it. So much genre changing and bending, everything was surprising but not always enjoyable. Not for me.
I saw them open for Funkadelic last year, and didn’t care for the music. I was hoping that maybe an album recorded nearly 40 years ago would capture them in their prime. But apparently their age is not the problem: I just don’t dig their ska, reggae funk, hard rock punk thing. Points for the last song and their ability.
This is #day189 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and... to be honest, I had this album playing in the background while working, so I didn’t really dive into it. It had a funky feel, and the rhythm section was tight, reminding me of Faith No More and RHCP from around the same time. But for some reason, the record didn’t grab me or inspire a second listen. I’m giving it a 2 out of 5. Looking forward to #day190.
Fishbone should be removed before serving.
petition for slap bass to be outlawed by UN treaty
Not for me, will probably not be revisiting this one.
Meh! Uninspired songs that sound cliched and ultimately boring. 2 stars
A lot going on here. I think I need some uppers to get on board. It kinda sounds like a kid that's trying to get your attention while you're trying to have a conversation on the phone. The song Mighty Long Way really hit home though
It is fine but I don't find it all that engaging or special.
that was a weird journey
Felt more like a cover band or AI generated list of tracks rather than the sound of an artist putting together an album.
wow
kind of annoying
2.5
I don't know what to make of this. Ska, Funk, and Hard Rock are all in the same place—neither fish nor flesh (pun intended). One might call this versatile, but there is nothing common, nothing to identify that this is all by the same band.
My relationship with ska is similar to my relationship with jazz, in that there are a lot of different types of ska and jazz and I like a single small subset of it but I don't really know how to describe it or find more of it. This was not really the ska I like
Bizarre album. Never heard of Fishbone. Quite a mix of styles. The Ska ones are okay and have decent energy - the rock ones sound very 80's and are pretty shit . A low 2. Will not listen again.
I just couldn’t get into it.
Странный ска, фанк-метал или что это вообще такое. Довольно интересно, и это довольно *крутая* музыка, но совсем не моя. Лучшая песня - One Day.
Fishbone is a band you want to like or that you feel you ought to like, but when you listen to them again after a break of several years, and listen deeply, you can't shake that realization you had decades ago that they are just good but not great. Maybe too you might be kind of amazed at how big they got. It's enough to make you doubt yourself... But trust those ears and that taste my friend! No matter how important they were to the scene or how fun they were live, if there's very little outside of a couple of moments to hold your interest in listening to this record then let that truth and soul be known.
Well that was a mixed bag of genres and not in a good way.
Quite a myriad of approaches from ska based to rocky horror picturesque - might need another listen
This was ok. 2.5 rounded down to 2
Weird album. Some ska/funk which is decent. The rest is heavy metal shite
Interesting but not for me
It’s suffering from an identity crisis, is it shit or crap?
I was going to say, ‘it’s not you, it’s me’. But the last song highlights Truth and Soul’s narrational … ‘incoherence’ is a bit strong. That said, stylistically this album is all over the place, the Jack who never got round to mastering anything.
I think I like the individual parts of this album - ska, punk, metal - but it really hasn't aged well. Not a fan.
Even as someone who liked the watered down version of ska fronted by Gwen Stefani, I couldn't really get into this - but for maybe the rock version of Freddie's Dead. Nice to get an unexpected take on some Curtis Mayfield.
Some cool playing but not really my thing. 2.5/5
I used to go see a band simmilar to this in Memphis in the early 90s called Freeworld. They were a lot of fun to see live. But their studio albums felt sterile and left much to be desired. I kinda feel Fishbone would be the same for me. But unlike Freeworld were it brings out incredible memories of the old 616... I just feel the sterility. (5.3) ★★½
Not a big fan of this style, and even if this is not bad, it is not interesting and sounds sterile. 2.5 stars
Very vibrant blast of funk metal as well as reggae, ska and even early skater punk. And it is kinda cool except that it is just really cheesy and dated and more often than not the songs are super lame and annoying. It’s almost like Faith No More joining forces with Was (Not Was) and coming up with more songs like Walk The Dinosaur except not as good. There could also be snatches of Cult Of Personality if it was by Living Off-Colour. The cover of Freddie’s Dead at the start is a complete bungle. There are occasionally okayish party jams throughout but Bonin’ In The Boneyard is not one of them. 2.5 stars
Some good songs, just not too keen on the clown-ahh music
Doesn't get me half as excited as it was intended to. It's also all over the place, and not in a good way
(phone rings) - Good morning, Fishbone, my name is Clarice how can I help you today? - Yeah, hi, umm, I'd like a band. - OK great. Fishbone is a band so we can definitely help you there. What kind of band are you looking to make an album today? - Umm, well I was looking for music that's, like, got instruments played by people or, ah, do you, do you... What do people usually... ? - That's great, let me take a look for you sir. Our most popular offers are The Prince, The Hair Guitar and Generic Australian. We also do Jamaican folk dub with electronic cover versions. - Oh good, yes I'd like that please. - Fantastic, which one shall I put you down for, sir? - All of them. - All of? Right, let's see if there's an option for all. - Do they, do they play loud. - If loud is a problem we can certainly personalised that for you sir. - No, no, loud is good. Can there be occasional screaming? - Screaming. Of course. - But one acoustic guitar love song in the middle. - And maybe not the Jamaican dub thing. - Ah, certainly, unselecting the Electro dub with remixes. And how will you be paying today? - With dad's; I mean, umm, with my credit card. - How old are you sir?
The 80s called... they want their clichés back!
If this whole list had been compiled in 1990, then I'd say sure, throw this one on there. But as it stands, this is incredibly dated and honestly not a whole lot of fun. I'm not the biggest fan of proto-ska covers and samples of Curtis Mayfield and Prince. All that said, I'll bet this band put on a great live show.
No
So much going on here it’s a complete bombardment of the sense. Extraordinary!
Weird and unenjoyable.
Slightly odd mix that I would describe as “pop, funk, trumpet chaos” Had its moments.
I really did not like this album. I'd probably give it 1.5 stars, but I'll give it 2 instead of 1, because the band at least has integrity and was trying to do something unique. I just personally don't like anything that came out of their attempts. I don't like funk rock or funk punk, and if I want something like this, I'll go Bad Brains every single time.
I know there was an audience for this in the 90s. I don't feel it's aged particularly well. Was never really my sound even back then when I would have listened to it.
Apparently, I don't like ska
this was just scraping around at my brain in the background. could i write poetry to this? n
Can't go more than 30 seconds without either a corny lyric or a corny vocal delivery or a corny synth. The good parts are great, but overall I can't get into it.
other than a spirited rendition of Curtis Mayfield's Freddie's Dead, I found this to be fairly bland and dull 'rock ordinaire'.
Thought they sounded like Sublime. Realised they came first. Don’t particularly enjoy either.
Hits a handful of genres, and is all over the place lol. Not for me but I get why some have ranked it highly
2 - Did not vibe with this. Felt like it was strangely clean but not in a good way
Don’t love it…in fact don’t really like it all that much. It has a couple of good songs, but overall, not sure it belongs on the list in my opinion.
Never did anything for me
I really thought I was going to like this but was very disappointed. It did not land for me. I’ll give it at two just for moments. 2
The ska elements and some of the more 80s stylings of this make it a hard listen.
V 90s funk rock
I know they're highly esteemed, even with those I normally trust. But I don't know, this seemed to just amplify the annoying parts of Faith No More without the coolness of Mike Patton.
Weird and hard to categorize. Some ska here for sure with the horns but other genres too, mostly high energy stuff. I don't particularly care for a lot of this, but One Day has very cool riffs and a stop start rhythm to it. Subliminal Fascism is interesting too.
It was sort of fun but this wasn't my jam. I got bored with it and impatient for it to move along. It's not something I'd ever revisit. 2.5/5
bem mais ou menos
I wanted good ska.
Not for me
The only thing I could think of while listening to this album is "this sounds so 80s". There wasn't anything special or standout about this album.
Maybe 2.5. Probably wouldn't listen again.
2.4/5. listened 2x catchup on 6/25/24
Maso
best song is the first track, which is a cover. cool sound, songwriting is lacking
I guess I appreciate the energy but I found it mostly irritating.
Je cherche encore le metal ...
Clearly an influential sound, but not my bag.
Meeh
Ziemlich wirr 2/5
Felt like the album didn't have a cohesive sound. Overall, nothing grabbed my attention. The musicianship is pretty good, but not into this style of music. Surprised this would be on the list of best albums. There aren't even a lot of listens on Spotify.
Some good ska/punk tracks here mixed in with some sub-par tracks.
Two good songs: Ma and Pa and Slow Bus Movin’. A couple of fun, campy numbers: Deep Inside, Mighty Long Way.
Strange album.
Lots of moving pieces. Funk, punk, hard rock. Some early ska vibes? Soulful vocals. There is a brief riff at the end of "Change" that Lana Del Ray seemed to inadvertently steal in her song "A&W"
3/5 bad mixing
Loved this as a pre-punk teenager, but have not listened to it since. There were a few times I found by head bopping. I do like when they funk and soul, not as much when they ska and "punk". The mix of styles doesn't always seem to blend so much as compete with each other in a lot of places. The production is off-putting to me. Too polished for the heavier and faster parts, too lifeless in the funk and soul. Talented musicians and performers for sure. I can tell they have a lot of love for Funkadelic, but at least at this point are not able to truly capture that same magic. Some of this is just over the top campy and hard to listen to, like Howard Beach Party; is this surf-ska?? Please don't.
Fishbone's Truth and Soul album showcases the band's undeniable talent but falls short of the higher energy they would later unleash. Released in 1988, it presents a fusion of funk, punk, ska, and soul that highlights the band's eclectic musical influences. Tracks like Freddie's Dead and Ma and Pa demonstrate the band's musical versatility and knack for blending genres. However, compared to their later releases, Truth and Soul feels somewhat restrained and lacks the electrifying energy that would come to define their sound. While the album displays moments of brilliance, it also hints at a band that may have been feeling disinterested or constrained by expectations. Nevertheless, standout tracks like Question of Life and Change still showcase Fishbone's exceptional musicianship and songwriting prowess. Truth and Soul serves as a transitional work for Fishbone, hinting at the heights they would later reach while still grappling with finding their musical identity. NUMBER OF BANGERS - 0 STAND OUT TRACK - None
You never quite know what’s coming next with this album, with its mix of styles. That said, I didn’t particularly enjoy the heavier rock aspects, and the album as a whole sounded kind of like a self-produced an album from a bar band.
Interesting mix of styles. Fun album but also comes across as a little amateurish. Feels like an album that could not transcend the time period which in this case does not help.
Ska
Vaguely remember this band being considered ‘cool’ in the early ‘90’s, and I can sort of see why. Must have been something a refreshing change from ‘80’s pop and it clearly lays out a pathway for Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Faith No More and others. But, the problem with mixing genres and experimenting with styles is that you risk sounding confused and scattered, which is what we have here. Thrash metal with a funk brass section? Have a go at some reggae? Why not?
Who the hell is this... thought Freddys dead was about Freddy Kruger but sadly not. Thinking, quite like this song and jumps to some different style. Bit if a mess and sounds dated.
Meh
I found this quite ridiculous, but pretty fun at times.
I have no doubt this band would be fun live but this album is just so all over the place I didn't like most of it. It's way too silly and honestly made me laugh at a few parts before I realized they were serious. The fusion of so many styles is just not working. I like a little more cohesion throughout an album and this was really the worst of all worlds. Tacky vocals, heavy metal guitar, outdated synths, politics, and some horn toots slapped over the top, no thank you. I wish they had a clearer style and literally never uttered the words "Ghetto Soundwave" together again. Their attempts at ska and hardcore are very weak. This album is as dead to me as Freddie, please leave it in 1987.
Not for me
fun mix between ska and funk and almost operatic vocals. wide range of musical influences from thrash to hardcore to ska to prog. The lyrics were a little odd, but I didn't mind it.
I'm 2 songs in and what in the cinnamon toast fuck am I listening to??? Did not expect some punky ska from the 80's. Not my favorite but again love this whole thing for showing me some kinda genre bending music I would never even know. As it goes on I tend to like the instrumentals and don't really like the weird vocals. Parts of it remind me of the worst parts of Zappa. Instrumentals don't even carry this one to a 3. High 2.
Gear: Hifiman Arya Mix: Vocals allenfalls okay. Bass könnte prominenter sein. tolle Ortbarkeit und Rhytmusgruppe. Musik: Cool und treibend ab dem ersten Ton - ein ganzes Album ist dann aber vor dem ersten Kaffee des Tages doch zunehmend ermüdend. Wertung: ✨✨(✨)/5
I got baited. The first song was super sick, and I thought it was going to continue as a pop rock album. Instead, it launches straight into unapologetic ska. I guess the album’s fine? It honestly sounds like any generic ska I’ve listened to. Maybe there’s something wrong with my ears, but the ska genre sort of just overpowers everything else, kind of like adding garlic to a random dish. There are more rock-sounding songs towards the end of the album, but I wished the whole album was like that. Favorite track: Freddie’s Dead
I mean… I don’t hate it. But I don’t actually like it. I don’t think. Ghetto Soundwave was my favorite. Maybe.
Decent
This music is too mathy and precise for me. I’d argue that Ska shouldn’t sound so perfect. Several songs sound like they belong on a soundtrack for a zany comedy from 1989. I bet they all went to Berkeley school of music or some such place. The bass. Ugh, calm down. They’re good musicians, it just wears me out.2.5
Definitely unique and energetic. A strange combination of funk, jazz, ska, metal, rock... sort of hard to pin down. Also sort of hard to groove to. Very talented musicians, but maybe too eclectic for mainstream fame. It's okay but not something I'd revisit. 2.9 (came out same year as Public Enemy's "Takes a nation of millions...")
The final track Change is a masterpiece. Too bad it took 12 songs to get there…
Favourite Song: Ma and Pa
I liked the message, the music was ehh for me
When I was younger and less experienced with music, I’d like stuff like this. Now this sounds very cheesy and corny. Ska and jam band music isn’t for me.
100% new to me - enjoyed learning about the band's history, goofy nature, leftist lyrics. The ska influence is fun, even if not my usual jam.
Noisy
Can't remember if I'm blaming Melody Maker, NME or Q for me having owned this on cassette for nearly 40 years and only really remembering 2 songs. Near mint copy for sale? This is, not good
I haven't thought about this album in a long time. It's fine.
A very interesting band, and a very interesting album. One part thrash metal, one part ska, one part soul. It felt a little bit all over the place, but I managed to enjoy many tracks. It feels like a band bending genres and maybe slightly ahead of their time, but I wasn't particularly impressed overall.
Instrumental interessante, mas a sequência das músicas foi massante.
hardcore stuff
Album no. 10/1001 Can hear some rock foundations, but not my favourite
Kind of rock/funk/ska? The first few tracks had some promise but I got bored pretty quickly. Forgettable; not surprised they're not more well known.
Not my thing
Jacks of all trades, masters of none.
I know 1001 albums is a lot of albums, but not sure how this one was significant enough to make the cut.
I can appreciate what they're trying to do here but if you listen to British bands 10 years previously (Ska bands from Coventry and Dexy's to name a couple) they were doing this better.
Zu uneinheitlich. Manchmal geht die Mischung Funk, Ska, Hard Rock auf. Freddies dead, Pouring rain. Bei einigen Stücken wünscht man sich bloß, dass sie vorbei gehen ....
This was confusing, I listened to it too many times thinking I was missing something. There is definitely a hint Thunderfox in here with the fused ska metal going on but really it was the (in my opinion) failed attempt at heavy metal killed it for me. Favourite song was Freddie's Dead but minus 1 point because its a cover.
I've got no idea what to make of this. Maybe on the right day I would've understood it better but as at today it's way too much. Genre bending in a bad way. Calm down pls. What really brings it down is the tacky 80s synth sounds that date it so easily. Maybe without it would've been a better experience.
Ska Is Shit
1.5/5
Songs seem to jump different genre of music, so hard to get into.
Not really my thing.
Not my thing. I dont remember these guys really but was never my style.
Seems like a band transitioning. I had listened to some of their earlier Ska stuff. I was expecting that energy and was let down by what i got.
The one upside to this is it inspired me to listen to some proper ska punk
Not great
I saw them once as a youngster and remember being blown away - bass player performed in a towel only? But for mine, this album hasn't really aged well.
Different…..
Not what I was expecting
Meh.
Just a mess. Adding ska to rock is not a smart move.
I am sorry. You put everything out on the table and people don't know what to choose. Much though the idea of Fishbone is a great one, the reality of Fishbone is a billion things going in different directions.
It wasn’t for me, that’s for sure
Even by ska standards this is awful
Look, I had fun. Ska is meh, but track 1 was cool and I like the singer! Maybe a 3, but 2 is probably right
This album is certainly full on. It sounds as if "Extreme" decided to take a trip through Ska Avenue on their way to the studio. The album is rather all over the place and lacks cohesion, but there are some fun riffs here and there. I can't say that it's something I'll find myself coming back to any time soon, though.
dont really get the praise tbh, its decent some funky influences can be heard and lyrically creative but the end kind of falls off
What is going on here? I thought I was getting a ska album and, to be honest, I wasn't thrilled by the prospect. But then it turned into a hair-metal album. Somehow, that's even less thrilling. Then there were elements of like... 70s soul? But also some almost theatrical elements? I don't know. It was a mess and left me more confused than entertained.
Strange mixture that kind of worked, not terrible but not something I would ever listen to again.
Pretty groovy. I’m not particularly struck by anything in a good or bad way, though there are a couple cool riffs and licks. Overall this one just kinda passed over me. Best song: Freddy’s Dead
Interesting styles
Just. No.
After the uncontrollable shuddering subsided from reading Fishbone are a 'funk-rock and ska band', and I'd listened to three minutes of this record, I wondered if this might end up being the album I'd never listen through. By the end, I still think it's crap, but admire it. It's cheerful. Were 'Boogie Nights' set a decade later, I imagine Jason Molina's character would be cheerfully shotgunning the blow to this on an expensive CD system. And it's ambitious, true to itself, jumping all over the record store sections while maintaining internally consistent: the last three songs had me thinking of, in turn, George Clinton, the Butthole Surfers, and Extreme, while sounding only like Fishbone. I don't think any other band could sound like Fishbone. (For a little while they also reminded me of the late, lamented Complete. Simon, listen to and watch this, then read the comments: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P07Di283vfw ) This is a respectful 2.
A strange mix of rock and ska-funk. I just don't understand how this is rated as one of the top 1001 albums?
no
An interesting mix of ska and metal ... but there just wasn't a song on the album that I could latch on to.
“Got me moaning in the bone yard and it’s alright ,yeah” - this song was wild.. the dogs barking , the funky ass bass. I just don’t even know what to say.
The kind of music dickheads at my school listened to Sorry Fishbone Some of this is decent but I’m predisposed against you
Best Song: Bonin' In the Backyard. This sounds like a beach party of a bunch of disjointed actors, somehow coming together for a brief bit of positivity and fun before it descends into some kind of bro-filled debauchery. Worst Song: Slow Bus Movin'. Really just feels like frat boy attempts at politics over a waltzy beat. Overall: This feels like music that needs to be listened to on a board. Sometimes it's a skateboard, sometimes it's a surfboard. There might even be a snowboard track in there somewhere. Suffice it to say, I don't stand on enough boards to like this album very much.
It's not my type of music. Growing up in the 90's ska and punk-ska was always there, so perhaps this was a forebearer to that sound. The oddest song on the album is by far "Change," which plays like a power ballad without the power. It is an outlier on the album and feels like something Poison would try to do on an acoustic album they do.
I picture them low down at a festival lineup while I line up for a shit vegan burger in the drizzle. US metal funk punk reggae. It doesn't really know what it is. The lead singer is able but too affected. Next
Meh. Got bored halfway through
Huske kje, trur da va greit men litt irriterande
Eh, I wasn’t feeling this one. It’s a good-natured mash-up of genres with some earnest social messages but I also found it pretty cheesy. I didn’t like the opening cover of “Freddie’s Dead” and the rest of the album didn’t pick up much from there. “Bonin’ in the Boneyard” almost worked for me but it was still pretty silly.
I thought the sound overall was pretty cheesy/corny and not really my thing. Chromatic keyboard parts and ska chord progressions and trumpets with a reggae backbeat guitar. Sounds like someone put a bunch of sticky notes on a dart board of \"music ideas\" and then threw darts at said board in order to come up with a sound. \"Bonin' In the Boneyard\" is an incredibly funny song title to me and is something that I want to say in my every day vernacular; I can see something like \"Hey Dan, what have you been up to?\" \"Oh you know, just bonin in the boneyard\"
Too noisy for me today
Ja voor de achtergrond net oke
Never heard of this band before. It's a very interesting and eclectic mix of genres...maybe a bit too eclectic! Some of the songs on the second half stuck out to me more than the first half. I might give it another listen and see if there are any growers. Yeah after a second listen, I can confirm that the first half is utter chaos! They switch genres so quickly its hard to keep up. The second half has some bops though, especially Bonin' in the Backyard. Some of it reminds me a lot of early RHCP.