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)
S.R
Reel Big Fish Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Why did Ed and Scott quit?
Please don't go, Suburban Rhythm!
All the other bands are just shit!
A real big fish en de la mer because
I start a record company that's gonna repair
They mess up all the lyrics and they got no style
Don't touch that dial
I've never been told if we're that good
And I said I'd never, never play with a ska band again
I guess I never showed up
What ever happened to suburban rhythm?
Why did Ed and Scott quit?
(Would you please drop some bass and shit?)
Please don't go, Suburban Rhythm
All the other bands are just shit
(You said it!)
The lyrics to Reel Big Fish's song "SR" are a tribute to the band Suburban Rhythm, who was a big influence on the ska punk community in southern California in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The singer is reflecting on the breakup of the band and expressing his disappointment that they are no longer together. He questions why Ed and Scott quit the band and pleads with them not to leave, as in his opinion, "all the other bands are just shit."
The lyrics also touch on the singer's own journey with starting a record company to help support the ska punk community. He acknowledges that some of the bands he is working with may not have it all together yet, but he is confident that they will get there in time. The line "I've never been told if we're that good" speaks to the uncertainty that comes with starting something new and untested.
Overall, the lyrics are a nod to the camaraderie and shared passion that comes with being a part of a small, tight-knit music scene. The breakups of bands like Suburban Rhythm can be devastating for those involved, and the singer is expressing the collective sadness that comes with losing a beloved fixture of the community.
Line by Line Meaning
What ever happened to suburban rhythm?
I wonder what caused the demise of Suburban Rhythm.
Why did Ed and Scott quit?
I am curious as to what drove Ed and Scott to leave the band.
Please don't go, Suburban Rhythm!
I plead with Suburban Rhythm to keep playing because they are amazing.
All the other bands are just shit!
I find other bands to be subpar in comparison to Suburban Rhythm.
A real big fish en de la mer because
I feel like an important figure in the music industry right now.
I start a record company that's gonna repair
I am starting a record company that will restore the quality of music that has been lost.
They mess up all the lyrics and they got no style
Other bands make mistakes in their lyrics and have no originality.
I say, "They're gonna get it right, but it might take a while"
I remain hopeful that other bands will improve, but it may take time.
Don't touch that dial
Please do not change the radio station.
I've never been told if we're that good
No one has ever told me if my own band is good or not.
And I said I'd never, never play with a ska band again
I made a vow to never play music with a ska band again.
I guess I never showed up
I failed to keep my promise to avoid ska bands.
(Would you please drop some bass and shit?)
A request to the band to play a certain type of music.
(You said it!)
Agreement with a previous statement.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: AARON BARRETT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ejavier_7
Bra stick'm
Ha ha-ha-ha stick'm
Bra stick'm
Ha ha-ha-ha stick'm
What ever happened to suburban rhythm?
Why did ed and scott quit?
Please don’t go, suburban rhythm!
All the other bands are just shit!
A real big fish en de la mer because
I start a record company that’s gonna repair
They mess up all the lyrics and they got no style
I say, “they’re gonna get it right, but it might take a while”
(do wah!)
Don’t touch that dial
I’ve never been told if we’re that good
And i said i’d never, never play with a ska band again
I guess i never showed up
What ever happened to suburban rhythm?
Why did ed and scott quit?
(would you please drop some bass and shit?)
Please don’t go, suburban rhythm
All the other bands are just shit
(you said it!)
@originalscreenname44
They did this when I saw them at Warped Tour several years ago, but the real surprise was when they came on and and said "We are Metallica!" and then went on to do the first verse and chorus of Master of Puppets.
@camlukas9781
masters ! masters !
@bereg2k
Scott's voice's so amazing, really
@WildWombats
@@marmaider8997 Sameee
@user-si6vs1cx3o
@@WildWombats what happened to them btw ? they still playing or what ?
@ultimateninjaboi
this is still the video I use to explain why I love this band.
@AngelsDewTube
I have seen RBF three times live and they are a complete pleasure to experience. Wonderful guys too, as they're so friendly and my most recent time, Johnny Christmas (the trumpeter) immediately gave me the setlist after the show and took a photo with me and Ed (the drummer) gave me and my mom tour waters (which is Monster's special for touring musicians). I love Reel Big Fish!!!
@matthewbucher8227
They came to my college for free and they kicked ass.
@klockwerk187
Still one of the greatest bands from my childhood. Thanks for the memories!
@Alucard1191
Saw these guys for the first time at the House of Blues in Los Angeles. They were absolutely fantastic. Saw them several times since then, and while I rarely listen to anything from my high school days, RBF is the sole exception.