Review:

on 2006-11-30 AndyFromJersey Said:

I can give props to this. It's definitely a sweet album, completely packed with stuff. One thing I want to add is that this is one of those live album's that's actually good. Those of us who have Less Than Jake's subpar "Live From Uranus" will know what I mean. The band plays consistently and energetically with that RBF style we all know and love. And, speaking from personal experience, the live show really is as good as the album makes it sound.
Rating: 7/10

Review:

on 2006-11-29 green_clash Said:

Jive records sucks. You say 'Why do Reel Big Fish make so depressing music?'. 'Cause they're signed to soul sucking music buisness a-holes. Oh, let me correct myself, they WERE signed to Jive. Yes, Jive finally dropped Reel Big Fish and the band couldn't be happier. Now they can do whatever they feel like, and the first order of business, make a huge live album that would second as a greatest hits collection. Good idea right? Well... yeah, it turned out quite well. Through the magic of overdubbing that was first used to trick KISS fans that KISS could play perfectly live while their instruments were on fire, Reel Big Fish have collected seven shows and created the RBF you would hear on a perfect night, as they say. This three disc set is loaded with classic ska songs and there is almost never a spot in the show that you will dislike. Also, Reel Big Fish has done something that many bands attempt to do, but fail miserably. They've evened out the songs on each disc so that one of them doesn't seem any better than the other. The first may contain the Free Bird of Reel Big Fish shows, "Beer", but the second disc contains the bands breakthrough single "Sell Out". And the band doesn't deliver the songs they want you to like like many artist attempt to do. They give you the good stuff you want. The third disc is the DVD that contains the live show from The Alley in Fullerton (complete with two awesome commentaries) and loads of extras including the overdubbing process, the practice before the show, and Aaron and Scott... unplugged! As for the songs, you will not be dissapointed. Whether your new to Reel Big Fish, or a hard core fan, you should love every second of this collection. The songs are geniuely good, all containing extraordinary musicianhsip and awesomely hilarious lyrics. And it definetly warrants a purchase for fans, as you will find the never released "So Much For Rock and Roll" (which went through lot's of renovating before becoming what it is now) and the fan favorite "S.R. (the many versions of". Not only do you get your reggae induced original, but you get your emo, and your country, and your death metal and it goes on and on and on. My only gripe with the album is that a few songs could've been replace with better songs, but that's the thing about Reel Big Fish. Almost all of their songs can be played live and enjoyed. Their set lists are constantly changing after each show and though these one or two songs don't deliver, they're still great songs. You see, Reel Big Fish is the Led Zeppelin of ska, their worst is better than most band's best.
Rating: 9/10