Fishbone is still kicking it with latest release, it's good
In the year 2000. . . . Fishbone is back!
These veteran funksters return to shake your booty with mischievous grooves and fat, cellulite-laden bass beats.
"Fishbone and the Familyhood Nextperience Presents the Psychotic Friends Nuttwerx" is the long, title to 'Bone's seventh full length blend of rock, funk, punk, jazz, soul, ska and reggae. The LP was released March 21.
After surviving the 80s and rising like a phoenix from the ashes in the 90s, Fishbone is ready to snag more of their share of the rewards of righteous funk that The Red Hot Chili Peppers enjoyed for so long.
But Fishbone doesn't harbor any ill will toward the Peppers. In fact, the two groups go way back together in L.A., and both have survived separate tragedies. (Drug overdoses in the Peppers, religious overdoses in the Fishbone family.)
A long list of friends help out 'Bone on this latest 10 tunes, including Flea, Chad Smith and John Frusciante from the Peppers. Lending their voices are George Clinton, Rick James, Gwen Stefani, Perry Farrell, and Donny Osmond.
Donny Osmond? Truly a primordial soup of flavors here.
The obvious rising star on this CD is the cover of Sly and the Family Stone's "Everybody Is A Star." Increasing the fun is the metal and punk closing that earmarks the remake as one scandalized by Fishbone.
'Bone lead singer and horn player Angelo Moore, aka Dr. Madd Vibe, finds inspiration from big butts, and perhaps from black bar pants. For proof, check out "Where'd You Get Those Pants?" as he croons "Where'd you get those pants? Like honey stickin' to a jar attractin' ants. It makes me salivate when your chocolate shakes, so gimme double chili cheese and bacon cake, and throw me in a side of romance."
Fishbone has kept an ear to the ground throughout their 20-year career in keeping in touch with Everyman, and continues their groove-filled fight against injustices in songs like "One Planet People" and "Aids and Armageddon."
Ska and reggae influences help power this disc, while new guitarist Tracey Singleton brings his heavy metal roots into play without resorting to cheesy solo overtones. But the foundation of the 'Bone sound continues to be set by the vigorous horns of Moore and Walter Kibby II, who, along with bass player Norwood Fisher, form the two decades old core of the band.
Overall, it sounds like Fishbone is still having fun after coming a mighty long way, with help from their Psychotic Friends Nuttwerx.
**** out of 5
