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 of Reel Big Fish's song S.R. tell the story of a ska band that seems to have disbanded, leaving the singer and his new record company to try to salvage the remains of Suburban Rhythm. The singer reflects on the departures of Ed and Scott, two members of the band, and expresses his concern over whether the band can be saved. He states that all the other bands are just shit in comparison, expressing his strong sense of loyalty and admiration for Suburban Rhythm.
The singer appears to be taking on the role of a band manager or promoter, trying to find a way to bring Suburban Rhythm back to its former glory. He acknowledges that they have some work to do, as the band has messed up its lyrics and lacks style. Nonetheless, he is confident that they can get things right with time and effort. He ends the song with a plea to Suburban Rhythm, begging them not to go and insisting that they are the only band worth listening to.
Line by Line Meaning
What ever happened to suburban rhythm?
The songwriter reminisces about the band they used to play with called Suburban Rhythm and wonders what happened to them.
Why did Ed and Scott quit?
The songwriter wonders why two particular members of Suburban Rhythm named Ed and Scott quit the band.
Please don't go, Suburban Rhythm!
The songwriter expresses his desire for Suburban Rhythm to not break up and continue making music.
All the other bands are just shit!
The songwriter thinks poorly of other music groups and believes that Suburban Rhythm is much better.
A real big fish en de la mer because
The songwriter uses a metaphor of a big fish in the sea to describe himself starting a record company.
I start a record company that's gonna repair
The songwriter intends for his record company to fix the issues that he sees with other music groups.
They mess up all the lyrics and they got no style
The songwriter criticizes other music groups for making mistakes with their lyrics and lacking a unique style.
I say, "They're gonna get it right, but it might take a while"
Despite his criticisms, the songwriter believes that other music groups can improve over time.
Don't touch that dial
The songwriter tells the listener to not change the channel or turn off the music.
I've never been told if we're that good
The songwriter admits that he has never been given confirmation on whether his band is actually good or not.
And I said I'd never, never play with a ska band again
The songwriter reflects on a past experience where he vowed to never play with a ska band again.
I guess I never showed up
The songwriter admits that he did not keep his promise to never play with a ska band again.
(Would you please drop some bass and shit?)
The songwriter makes a request for one of the band members to increase the bass in the music.
Please don't go, Suburban Rhythm
The songwriter repeats his request for Suburban Rhythm to not break up and continue making music.
All the other bands are just shit
The songwriter repeats his belief that other music groups are inferior to Suburban Rhythm.
(You said it!)
Another band member agrees with the songwriter's negative opinion of other music groups.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
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.