MUSIC... SOUNDTRACK OF LIFE: FISHBONE

Fishbone was one of the most distinctive eclectic Alternative Bands of the 1980's.
-Unknown

I remember watching BET back in 1985 and I seen this wild group of brothers in a video When Problems Arise. I paused and watched, before I knew, my head was bobbing hard right along with them. My favorite part of the video was when they guy was saying, "Why do you always do that?", I found it hilarious. I immediately went out and bought the album and loved the songs especially Cholly, this song had me crying laghing. These guys are a talented unusual musicians that can play with the best. I hate the fact they did not get the recognition they deserve.

Wearing mohawks, dread locks... these group of odd ball characters made it okay for black kids to slam dance and suburban kids to love funk. Fishbone aka Familyhood Nextperience is an Alternative Rock Band whom smashed ska, punk rock, reggae, hard rock, heavy metal, soul, and funk that evolved into a sound of their own. With high energy, social commentary lyrics, their uncanny sense of humor, self conscious diversity. the band developed a sizable cult following during the '80's yet they did not capture the mainstream audience.

A crew of odd ball mad cap group of black guys got their start in 1979 in Junior High School in South Central Los Angeles. Founders John Norwood Fisher (bass, vocals), brother Phillip "Fish" Fisher (drums), Angelo Moore (vocals, saxophones: soprano, alto, tenor, and bass, and theremin), Kendal Jones (guitar), "Dirty" Walter A. Kibby II (vocals,trumpet), and Christopher Dowd aka "Charlie Down" (keyboards, trumpet, vocals) are the original members of the band.

Fishbone's early years sound was more ska/reggae driven then morphed into heavy guitar and a dash of rock and soul music. During the 1980's the band performed in local clubs and ultimately signed with Columbia Records releasing a self titled EP in 1985. The following year, they debut their full length album, In Your Face. In 1987 they recorded a Christmas album, It's Gonna be a Wonderful Life (Gonna have a Good Time).

Truth and Soul was recorded in 1988 which brought them critical acclaim. This left-leaning social commentary lyrics, the topics ranged from, break-ups of the families, racism, fascism, nuclear war, and oppression in housing projects. The highlight of this album is their version of Curtis Mayfield's, Freddie's Dead, from the movie soundtrack Super Fly. The album brought a large range of fans and charted 153. The band did not record for anther three years. They recorded two EP's, Ma and Pa (1989) and Bonin' in the Bone Yard (1990) which comprised of several B-Sides. Fishbone also collaborated with Little Richardand recorded Leadbelly's song Rock Island Line, for the tribute album.... Folkways: a Vision A Shared.

Their 1991 album Reality of My Surroundings was a critical and commercial success, reaching 49 on Billboard's Album Charts. With their roots firmly planted in funk and ska, the 1993 album Give a Monkey a Brain and He'll Swear He's the Center of the Universe included songs with elements of hard rock, punk, and heavy metal.

During the Ska revival , the band was left behind as were their record Chim Chim's Bad Ass Revenge, the album was largely ignored as well the double disc Fishbone 101: Nuttasaurusmeg Fossil Fuelin. Despite their poor record sales, the group remains to be popular on the tour scene.

Studio Albums