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)
Nothin but a good time
Reel Big Fish Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Not a dime, I can't pay my rent
I can barely make it through the week
Saturday night I'd like to make my girl
But right now I can't make ends meet
I'm always workin' slavin' every day
Gotta get a break from that same OL' same OL'
If you could hear me think this is what I'd say
[Chorus]
Don't need nothin' but a good time
How can I resist
Ain't lookin' for nothin' but a good time
And it don't get better than this
They say I spend my money on women and wine
But I couldn't tell you where I spent last night
I'm really sorry about the shape I'm in
I just like my fun every now and then
I'm always workin' slavin' every day
Gotta get away from that same old same old
I need a chance just to get away
If you could hear me think this is what I'd say
[Chorus]
You see I raise a toast to all of us
Who are breakin' our backs every day
If wantin' the good life is such a crime
Lord, then put me away
Here's to ya
[Chorus: x3]
Reel Big Fish's "Nothin' But a Good Time" is a song that explores the universal theme of escapism. The song begins with the singer expressing his financial struggles, noting that he can't even pay his rent and is barely able to make it through the week. Ultimately, he just wants to be able to take his girl out on the town on a Saturday night, but his current economic situation is preventing him from doing so.
Despite his struggles, the singer is still hopeful for a chance to escape the drudgery of his everyday life. He wants to break free from the "same old, same old" and just have a good time. This is reflected in the song's catchy chorus, where he sings that he doesn't need anything but a good time and he can't resist it.
The song's upbeat tempo and playful lyrics capture the spirit of youthful rebellion and the desire to live in the moment. It's an ode to living life to its fullest, even when the circumstances aren't ideal. By the end of the song, the singer is raising a toast to all those who are working hard every day but still want to enjoy the good life.
Overall, "Nothin' But a Good Time" is a fun, lighthearted song that encourages listeners to prioritize having fun and enjoying life, regardless of their current situations. It's a reminder that sometimes, all you need is a little escapism to make it through the tough times.
Line by Line Meaning
Now listen
Pay attention to what I'm about to say
Not a dime, I can't pay my rent
I don't have any money to pay my rent
I can barely make it through the week
I am struggling financially and it's difficult to make it through the week
Saturday night I'd like to make my girl
I would like to take my girlfriend out on a date on Saturday night
But right now I can't make ends meet
However, I am not able to afford it because my financial situation is not good
I'm always workin' slavin' every day
I have to work hard every day
Gotta get a break from that same OL' same OL'
I need a break from my everyday routine
I need a chance just to get away
I need an opportunity to escape from my current situation
If you could hear me think this is what I'd say
If I could express my thoughts, this is what I would say
[Chorus]
Refrain
Don't need nothin' but a good time
I just want to have fun
How can I resist
It's impossible for me to resist
Ain't lookin' for nothin' but a good time
I am not seeking anything other than having fun
And it don't get better than this
This is the best way to enjoy myself
They say I spend my money on women and wine
People say that I spend my money on women and alcohol
But I couldn't tell you where I spent last night
I don't remember where I was last night
I'm really sorry about the shape I'm in
I apologize for my current state
I just like my fun every now and then
I am someone who enjoys having fun occasionally
You see I raise a toast to all of us
I want to drink to celebrate all of us
Who are breakin' our backs every day
Those of us who work hard every day
If wantin' the good life is such a crime
If wanting to enjoy life is considered wrong
Lord, then put me away
Then punish me, God
Here's to ya
A toast to you
[Chorus: x3]
Refrain repeated three times
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BOBBY DALL, BRET MICHAELS, BRUCE ANTHONY JOHANNESSON, RIKKI ROCKET
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Krish Shanmugam
on Everyone Else is an Asshole
dont