Ska and Reel Big Fish

Okay ladies and gentlemen. A new genre for you. One that is not all that recognized. Yes, you've probably heard it, but not that many people know the genre, Ska. Not only do ska bands have all the rock band instruments, guitar, bass, drums; but, they also have a brass section that can include anything from trumpets, saxophone, trombone, and I've even seen a bass clarinet(I know its not brass, its just crazy).

Truth is, with this particular band, I don't need to listen to any music by them to know what to tell you. I'm not sure, but I've seen them possibly the most out of any band. Their energy on stage is always so fun and their songs draw the best crowds.

Reel Big Fish was first introduced to me when I was 14. They had first become popular with their hit "Sell Out" in 1997. They soon became mainstream and produced their album Turn The Radio Off. The band signed with Mojo/Jive Records and went on to produce Why Do They Rock So Hard, Cheer Up! and We're Not Happy Till You're Happy. They had conflicts and

were dropped from Jive, so they formed their own label.

In 2006 they released a live album titled, "Our Live Album Is Better Than Your Live Album." Because they did not own the rights to their songs, Jive produced a greatest hits album soon after. The band went on to produce "Monkeys For Nothing And The Chimps For Free" and "Fame Fortune and Fornication."

In concert these guys are amazing. The band consists of lead vocalist, Aaron Barrett, trombonists and backing vocalist Dan Regan, Trumpet, guitarist, Keyboardist, and backing vocalist, Scott Klopfenstein, Trumpet playing and backing vocalist, John Christianson, Drummer Ryland Steen, and bass guitarist, Derek Gibbs. Their music is played on an offbeat with upstroke guitar. This gives the band a slight reggae and rock sound. Some think Ska came from reggae, but in fact Reggae is a product of Ska. I digress, their songs are funny with catchy lyrics. Their hit Sell Out is a parody about the music industry and record companies:

And I don't remember what I read,don't remember what they said,
I guess it doesn't matter,
I guess it doesn't matter anymore.
[chorus]
you're gonna go to the record store
you're gonna give 'em all your money
radio plays what they want you to hear
they tell me it's cool but I just don't believe it...
sell out, with me oh yea, sell out, with me tonight
record company's gonna give me lots of money
and everything's gonna be (all right)

At their shows fans are always really nice. Their music is so happy and fun that the people that normally listen to it are nice people with great attitudes. Similar to hard rock shows, Ska shows have "mosh pits", but theirs are alittle different. Instead of kids punching each other, kids push lightly and run around doing a dance for the Ska community called 'skanking.' It consists of kicking one leg out in front of you and throwing the opposite are out in front of you as well.

Classic Reel Big Fish is absolutely my favorite;

though I cannot say that they aren't still good in their later albums. Paying attention to songs off their first album, Everything Sucks, you'll get a blast off of ridiculously hilarious and fun songs. Some of my favorites are "I'm Cool", "Hate You", and "Trendy". Other less pop sounding songs are "Skatanic" and "Say Ten." I like Skatanic because it features a more overpowering brass section. Probably the best track off that album is "Beer." When I think of Reel Big Fish, I think of this song. Its a classic ska tune fit with the upstroke off beat guitars and complimentary brass section. The lyrics are amusing and the band takes it to another level with their energy. Basically, this song makes me want to jump up and down, despite how lame that is to admit.

I promise you that if you attend one of this bands shows you will not regret it. They're are a lively group with great talent and a dedicated fan group. I would suggest picking up the albums Everything Sucks, and Turn The Radio Off. Other songs to notice are "Where Have You Been", "Drunk Again", "Take On Me", and "She Has A Girlfriend Now".