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)
Doo-Doo
Reel Big Fish Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's just for you.
I sing the words, that's what I do.
And here's a chord.
And here's one more.
And here's a change just like before.
The second verse.
I know you're laughin' 'til it hurts.
And here's a chord.
And here's one more.
And here's a change just like before.
Chorus! (Background.)
Chorus! (Background.)
Chorus! (Background.)
Break it back down.
And you just left.
And I'm tone-deaf.
I guess we'll finish it, I guess.
So here's a chord. (Here's a chord.)
And here's one more. (Here's one more.)
And there's that change just like before.
Chorus! (Background.)
Chorus! (Background.)
Chorus! (Background.)
Break it back down.
This looks like the perfect place.
This looks like the perfect place.
To break it down.
To break it down.
To build it off the ground.
Chorus! (Background.)
Chorus! (Background.)
Chorus! (Background.)
Break it back down.
Chorus! (Some more background.)
Chorus! (Some more background!)
Chorus! (Background!)
Break it back down
Reel Big Fish's song "Doo-Doo" is a humorous song about the process of writing a song. The lyrics are simple and repetitive, with the singer describing how he is writing a song for the listener, and then proceeding to play simple chords and repeat the chorus over and over. The tone of the song is light-hearted and fun, with the singer making self-deprecating jokes about his lack of musical talent and the simplicity of the song.
The first verse sets up the premise of the song, with the singer announcing that he is going to sing a song and play some chords. In the second verse, he acknowledges that the song isn't particularly complex or sophisticated, but he hopes that the listener is enjoying it anyway. The chorus is repeated several times throughout the song, with background singers providing the vocal harmonies. The song ends on a tongue-in-cheek note, with the singer joking that he is tone-deaf and that the listener will have to finish the song for him.
Overall, the song seems to be poking fun at the music industry and the idea of what makes a good song. The singer is acknowledging that the song is not particularly deep or profound, but he is still having fun playing it and hopes that the listener is enjoying it as well. The song is catchy and upbeat, with a simple melody and easy-to-remember lyrics, making it a fun and lighthearted addition to any playlist.
Line by Line Meaning
Here is my song.
I am presenting a song to you.
It's just for you.
This song is meant for you only.
I sing the words, that's what I do.
My talent is singing, which is what I'm currently doing.
And here's a chord.
I will now play a chord on the instrument.
And here's one more.
In addition to the last chord, here's another one.
And here's a change just like before.
I will now transition to a new part of the song, which is similar to the previous parts.
The second verse.
This is the second section of the song.
It could be worse.
Even though things might not be perfect, they could always be worse.
I know you're laughin' 'til it hurts.
I'm aware that you find this song amusing, to the point where you're in pain from laughing.
And you just left.
You recently departed from my presence.
And I'm tone-deaf.
I lack the ability to hear and reproduce musical notes accurately.
I guess we'll finish it, I guess.
Despite the challenges, we will continue to complete this song.
So here's a chord. (Here's a chord.)
Once again, I'm playing a chord on the instrument.
And here's one more. (Here's one more.)
A repeated statement that another chord is being played.
And there's that change just like before.
As stated previously, the song will now transition to a new part resembling an earlier section.
This looks like the perfect place.
I have found a location that appears to be ideal for what I have in mind.
To break it down.
I will now deconstruct the song in some manner.
To build it off the ground.
Once we've broken the song down, we'll then construct it again from the beginning.
Chorus! (Background.)
The chorus of the song is being sung alongside another vocal part.
Chorus! (Some more background!)
Another repetition of the chorus with a different vocal part added.
Break it back down.
Returning to breaking down the song, likely for the purpose of remaking it.
Contributed by Addison N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Teh Slime
Sounds like Teen Heroes kinda, that sad power-pop vibe
Zakk MG
they should redo this
Cow Chop Time
not without scott :(
Julian Lile
This is awesome. I never heard this. Band started going downhill once Scott left.
Keenan Smith
This is so depressing. Is it a cover or is this their song?
Teh Slime
Theirs. Totally different musical direction, sorta emo/power-pop rather than ska