Monkey's For Nothin' And The Chimps For Free,
Reel Big Fish
It's crazy to think RBF have been going for more than 10 years, probably closer to 15, and they've not once tried to develop their sound. I mean sure, the song subjects have changed a bit, but their bouncy ska-punk remains as bouncy as it did when 'Sell Out' and 'Beer' first launched themselves upon us more than a decade ago. Sadly the band seemed to disappear up their own angry behinds after album number 3 and their last couple of records have been nothing short of dire. However, in places 'Monkeys...' is actually really, really good. And yes, there are still some really, really poor songs, but it's the best thing the band have done in years.
And that's saying something, because even though this isn't great, it still shines like a beacon in comparison with some of the chuff the band have put out in recent years. Ironically, you'd never know from their live performance, which on the recent UK jaunt was as fun and entertaining as it was when I first saw them in 1999/2000. 'Monkeys...' starts off as the band started out - pure fun. 'Party Down' sticks firmly to the RBF rulebook, as does the following 'Another F.U. Song', which has tongue firmly in cheek for what will undoubtedly become a live favourite.
And although the first two or three songs are the best - bar a really fun cover of Phil Collins' 'Another Day In Paradise' - the rest of the album is fun enough to warrant further listens. What made RBF's last few albums so dull over time was that Aaron Barrett clearly had a bee in his bonnet and his pissed off attitude began to grate. Now he's got that off his chest the band sound all the better for it. Throw in a special DVD 'making of' which is also quite fun and you have a decent - albeit generic RBF - record. It's not their best - Hell, they'll never top the first two records, ever - but compared to what they've served up previously, this is an improvement.
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