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)
Scott's A Dork -
Reel Big Fish Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I love her and she loves everyone,
She said she likes my band but I don't even like my band,
I love her and she loves everyone,
I saw her kiss him last night,I'm sick now,
(but it's just a little cold)
Scott's a dork,
She loves me and I love everyone,
I was kissin' her but she was wishin' it was him,
She loves me and I love everyone,
They told her,about you and me, she's mad now
(But she'll get over it)
Scott's a dork,
You'd think that after all this time, she'd change but, she didn't.
(No no no)
The lyrics to Reel Big Fish's song "Scott's A Dork" describe the complicated and messy emotions that come with a love triangle. First, the singer mentions his love interest's unusual pizza preferences, which reflects how even the smallest details can draw us to someone. Despite the fact that the singer admits he doesn't even like his own band, his love interest claims to enjoy their music which shows how people in love often try to support each other's passions even if they don't completely understand them. However, the singer's happiness is short-lived when he witnesses his love interest kiss another person and becomes ill from emotional distress. The chorus then shifts the focus onto the character of Scott, who the singer suggests is a dork. The end of the song suggests that despite all the drama and complications, the singer cannot help but love everyone involved.
Overall, the lyrics to "Scott's A Dork" are a comedic and exaggerated reflection of the messy emotions involved in love triangles, while also poking fun at the character of Scott. The song also touches on the idea that love is often irrational and illogical, and sometimes we can't help but love someone even if we know they're not good for us.
Line by Line Meaning
We like pizza but she doesn't eat the crust,
We have a surface-level compatibility but differ in our preferences and priorities.
I love her and she loves everyone,
I have strong feelings for her while she is friendly with everyone.
She said she likes my band but I don't even like my band,
She expresses appreciation for something I personally don't value or appreciate.
I saw her kiss him last night,I'm sick now,
I witnessed her cheat on me and am now feeling upset and betrayed.
(but it's just a little cold)
I am trying to downplay the severity of my emotional reaction.
Scott's a dork,
Scott is socially awkward and not cool.
When I say "I give up" it just means I am gonna try again,
I express defeat but really have an undying persistence.
She loves me and I love everyone,
We have affection for each other but maintain a platonic feeling towards others.
I was kissin' her but she was wishin' it was him,
I am engaging in physical intimacy while she has feelings for someone else.
They told her,about you and me, she's mad now
Others informed her of our relationship and she is now angry or upset about it.
(But she'll get over it)
I believe that her negative feelings will eventually pass.
You'd think that after all this time, she'd change but, she didn't.
Despite spending a significant amount of time with her, she has not changed as I had hoped.
(No no no)
I am expressing frustration or disappointment with her lack of change.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: AARON BARRETT, DAN REGAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Krish Shanmugam
on Everyone Else is an Asshole
dont