Their debut album, "Everything Sucks" (1995), was an underground hit and led to a deal with Mojo Records (see also Mojo), an indie label. "Turn the Radio Off" (1996) established the band in the underground music scene, and they began touring throughout the USA. After the single "Sell Out" began breaking into the mainstream, including MTV, the album made an appearance on the charts. The ska revival was short-lived, however, and "Why Do They Rock So Hard?" (1998) did not lead the group to the mainstream.
Reel Big Fish released "Cheer Up" (2002) which began a movement into harder rock and pop sounds, with much less ska than the previous albums. The song "Where Have You Been?" was aimed at a wider audience, trying to drop the less popular ska sound, but was met with little mainstream success, despite the video. Their second most recent studio album was "We're Not Happy Until You're Not Happy" (2005).
They recently released "Our Live Album is Better Than Your Live Album" (2006) which includes 2 discs worth or their own tunes and a few covers of popular songs along with a DVD. They have worked on the soundtrack to BASEketball, which included a cover of A-Ha's Take On Me.
In 2006, they split from Jive records, who produced a "Best of" album against the will of the band, who could not prevent the release. The band has made a campaign to try and stop people buying the album.
Their 7th album "Monkeys For Nothing and the Chimps For Free" (2007) includes some songs that were previously recorded and released on other albums. It was also the first album with the band's new label, Rock Ridge Records.
In 2009, they released "Fame, Fortune, and Fornication" an album composed of covers of older songs, including "Won't Back Down" by Tom Petty, and "Nothin' But a Good Time" by Poison.
In 2012, Reel Big Fish released "Candy Coated Fury", which is their second album on Rock Ridge Records. This album was met with heavy amounts of criticism from fans and reviewers alike. PunkNews.org gave the album a 2/10.
in 2014, they released "Happy Skalidays", a holiday themed EP.
Their current release is 2018's "Life Sucks... Let's Dance!", which gained generally positive reviews from fans and critics.
Current members:
Aaron Barrett - guitar, lead vocals (1992–present)
Dan Regan - trombone, backing vocals (1994–present)
John Christianson - trumpet, backing vocals (2004–present)
Ryland Steen - drums (2005–present)
Derek Gibbs - bass guitar (2007–present)
Past members:
Ben Guzman - vocals (1992–1994)
Zach Gilltrap - keyboards/synthesizers (1992–1994)
Lisa Smith - guitar (1992–1994)
Eric Vismantes - trumpet (1994)
Stephan Reed - saxophone (1994)
Robert Quimby - trombone (1994–1995)
Adam Polakoff - saxophone (1994–1995)
Grant Barry - trombone (1995–1998)
Andrew Gonzales - drums (1992–1998)
Tavis Werts - trumpet (1994–2001)
Carlos de la Garza - drums (1999–2003)
Tyler Jones - trumpet (2001–2004)
Justin Ferreira - drums (2003–2005)
Matt Wong - bass, backing vocals (1992–2007)
Scott Klopfenstein - trumpet, guitar, keyboards, backing vocals (1995–2011)
Skank For Christmas
Reel Big Fish Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't care about a Winter Wonderland anyway
I don't wanna build a man out of ice and snow
I don't wanna kiss a girl under a mistletoe
I don't care if there's presents underneath the tree
Well there's just one thing I need
I just wanna, I just wanna, I just wanna,
I just wanna, I just wanna skank, for Christmas
I don't wanna eat sugar puffs or candy canes,
I don't wanna go wassailing, whatever that means
I don't care about a white bearded man in red
I don't care about elves or Reindeer-pulled Sled
I don't care if Rudolph's nose is shining bright
There's only one thing I need tonight
I just wanna, I really, really wanna, I just wanna,
I really, really wanna, I just wanna skank, for Christmas
I don't wanna roast chestnuts on an open flame
Silver dolls and tinsel won't make my day
I didn't hang up my stockings above the fireplace,
But I got my dancing shoes on and I'm running in place
Maybe it's cold outside but don't worry,
Once we start dancing we'll be warm in a hurry, Let's go!
Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Dunder, Blitzen
You can turn 'em all into medicine
Tales like this sing into medicine.
I don't care about coal in my stockings
Sugar-Plum Fairies are Jingle Bell Rocking
Maybe I can use a little Ho Ho Ho
But we'll just see how it goes
I just wanna skank,
I just wanna skank, (oh babe)
I just wanna skank,
I just wanna skank, (oh babe)
That's all I want, That's all I need
I just wanna skank.
I just wanna, I just wanna, I really, really wanna,
I really, really wanna, I just wanna skank, for Christmas
I just wanna, (HEY HO)
I just wanna, (HEY HO)
I just wanna skank! For Christmas
I just wanna, (HEY HO)
I just wanna, (HEY HO)
I just wanna skank! For Christmas
And there's nobody
I'd rather be skanking with, than you
(And of course, when I say skank, I'm talking about the ska dance. And nothing else. Merry Christmas)
The lyrics of "Skank For Christmas" by Reel Big Fish convey a humorous and unconventional take on the holiday season, expressing the singer's indifference towards traditional Christmas activities and symbols. The song starts off by listing various Christmas traditions that the singer does not care for, like riding in a one-horse sleigh, building snowmen, or kissing under mistletoe. It becomes clear that the singer is disinterested in the typical festive activities and attributes associated with Christmas.
Instead of conforming to the usual holiday customs, the singer expresses a singular desire: to "skank" for Christmas. The repeated refrain of "I just wanna skank, for Christmas" serves as a playful and rebellious declaration of the singer's unconventional Christmas wish. The mention of skanking, a dance associated with ska music, adds a fun and lively twist to the song, highlighting the singer's desire for a different kind of celebration.
As the song progresses, the lyrics continue to poke fun at traditional Christmas elements, such as sugar puffs, candy canes, and Santa Claus. The playful tone is maintained as the singer emphasizes that all they need for Christmas is to dance and skank the night away. The lyrics playfully reject the stereotypical imagery of Christmas while highlighting the joy and freedom found in dancing and celebrating in one's own unique way.
The final verses of the song further emphasize the singer's disregard for traditional Christmas symbols, but also celebrate the joy of dancing and being with loved ones during the holiday season. The mention of reindeer, stockings, and Christmas songs is juxtaposed with the singer's focus on dancing and having a good time. The song concludes with a lighthearted message about the joy of skanking for Christmas and the importance of being with loved ones during the festive season. Overall, "Skank For Christmas" offers a fun and tongue-in-cheek perspective on celebrating the holiday in a non-traditional way, while highlighting the importance of joy and togetherness.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't wanna go riding in a one horse sleigh
I don't want traditional Christmas activities, I want something different.
I don't care about a Winter Wonderland anyway
I'm not interested in the typical holiday scenes, I want a unique experience.
I don't wanna build a man out of ice and snow
I don't want to make a snowman, I have other plans.
I don't wanna kiss a girl under a mistletoe
I'm not interested in romantic traditions, I have a different idea in mind.
I don't care if there's presents underneath the tree
Gifts don't matter to me, there's something else I want.
Well there's just one thing I need
There's only one thing I want this Christmas.
I just wanna, I just wanna, I just wanna,
I really just want to do one thing,
I just wanna, I just wanna skank, for Christmas
I just want to dance the ska, it's my holiday wish.
Lyrics © Songtrust Ave
Written by: AARON ASHER BARRETT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Krish Shanmugam
on Everyone Else is an Asshole
dont