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)
The Set Up
Reel Big Fish Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
For me to not care
But I don't, and that's why
You think I'm a great guy
But I want you and you want me too
And you need this, wanna give it to you
And I thought this time I'd say something new
I'll call you, I swear
So, next time be there
Can't keep up, not more
Should quit but, what for?
But I want you and you want me too
And you need this, wanna give it to you
And I thought this time I'd say something new
It's not cruel, I do like you
And I want you to feel that I do
But I want you and you want me too
And you need this, wanna give it to you
And I thought this time I'd say something new
But I want you and you want me too
And you need this, wanna give it to you
And I thought this time I'd say something new
The lyrics of "The Set Up" by Reel Big Fish seem to describe a situation where the singer is not fully invested in a relationship but is still interested in pursuing it. He starts off by acknowledging that he may not be treating his partner fairly by not caring as much as he should, but also asserts that his lack of concern is what makes his partner think highly of him. He then goes on to say that he wants to be with this person and that they both desire each other, but he has never told them anything new.
In the chorus, the singer seems to recognize that he may be leading his partner on, but also expresses a desire to make them feel loved and appreciated. He acknowledges that he likes them and wants them to know that, but also emphasizes that he wants to take things slow and not rush into anything. Overall, the lyrics of the song seem to explore the complexity of human relationships and the struggle to balance desire with emotional limitations.
Line by Line Meaning
I guess it's not fair
I know that it's not fair of me
For me to not care
to not care about you
But I don't, and that's why
I don't and that is the reason
You think I'm a great guy
you think I'm a great person
But I want you and you want me too
I want you just as much as you want me
And you need this, wanna give it to you
you need this and I want to give it to you
And I thought this time I'd say something new
I thought I would try something different this time
I'll call you, I swear
I promise I will call you
So, next time be there
so be there next time
Can't keep up, not more
I cannot keep doing this anymore
Should quit but, what for?
I should quit, but what would be the point?
It's not cruel, I do like you
it's not cruel, I really do like you
And I want you to feel that I do
and I want you to know that I really do
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: JONES, STONE, TROUTMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
blahblahiheartu
I’m 36, been listening since I was 12 and I NEVER knew that Scott produced those amazing vocals at the end! That was always my favorite part of the song!
Eric Huntsman
Matt Wong didn't get enough screen time for his fantastic bass lines in this song
David
Wow this was when Andrew and Tavis were still in the band. Peak rbf. I can’t believe how many times I saw you guys live.
Black 25
Arron have new band calls the fish boys since 2012
Beerett
@Black 25 why did they leave to start a new band? cheer up was the last album that I listened to and I don't think they were in the band then.
ShawnMillerMan
And Grant! (Although they worked really hard to edit around him in the video, so I'm guessing he got the boot at some point between filming it and releasing it) Great line-up.
Chapterhouse86
I'll never forget 2004 Warped Tour. These guys played their set and it was amazing. After they finished, the singer threw his bass pick into the crowd and I caught it. Still have that fucker. Great memories.
Nick B
When I remember why it felt like to be in 8th grade, RBF’s turn the radio off album is the soundtrack. I used to jam that album on my discman on the school bus all the time. Great band man, they’re still awesome.
winnie
i would listen to this three times on the way to school just waiting for Scott's part and then i'd try to soak his voice into my soul
Cody Taylor
Aaron and Scotts harmonys were always incredible i love how their voices sound together.