Reviews

I have to give these guys three stars for just coming out with a new album. Four years and sixteentracks later is the record "Cheer Up". Is it punk? Is it pop? Is it ska? It's a refined Reel Big Fish filled with variety, and a step in a different direction. Music fans and critics are finally beginning to realize that a band with horns shouldn't be locked into the classification of ska. One of the first things I noticed once "Cheer Up" began to spin, was the balance between vocals and horns. In the past horns dominated the songs, but now vocals and guitars backed up by some rockin drum beats add some spice to the crazyness otherwise known as Reel Big Fish. From the moving tribute to New York with Frank Sinatra's "New York,New York" to a fan favorite "Boss DJ" originally performed by Sublime, and rounding out the mix is "Rock'n'Roll Is Bitchin" which is a melting pot of the band's influences, and the key players in popular music over the past few decades. Without a doubt I was "cheered up" just by being able to play a Reel Big Fish cd that lacked the dust the past four years have brought on. For you who have stuck by RBF through their trials and tribulations,this is a must. For those of you who aren't too familiar with the band or their music, you should still check it out. It's a fun album that will keep you listening. Check out the band's exciting stage show this summer on the Van's Warped Tour.