No.76 - ‘Fishbone and the Familyhood Nextperience Present: The Psychotic Friends Nuttwerx’ by Fishbone (2000)

“Understand I`m a man who believes in the glory of love; True love is the light shining bright from the Heavens above; I believe it is better to trust even when I`m wrong; Than to let my fear drive me from the home where I have belonged…”

Back to the Lockup - the early morning punk rock show on Radio 1 as mentioned before, where I discovered the legends that are Fishbone! A live session on the show, playing with an energy and sound I’d never heard before, their 80s classic ‘Ma & Pa’ and the excellent ‘Where Did You Get Those Pants’; this was a unique mix of eclectic ska, soul, funk and punk. 

I admit a struggle to fully enjoy their albums. Such is the wide range of styles, sometimes all smashed together in an incredibly manic fashion, from heavy metal, to reggae, rock and those mentioned previously. But a slight departure from others, this album is far more approachable. More of a pop feel, without losing their ska, funk and soul edge, ‘Psychotic Friends Nuttwerx’ remains my favourite Fishbone album.

Vocalist Angelo Moore (mentioned in No.77) sounds incredible; soulful, poetic and a voice full of character and he’s brought his buddies along for the ride. The album kicks off with a soul funk cover of The Temptations ‘Shakey Ground’, which includes Flea, Jon Frusciante and Chad Smith of long time friends, the Red Hot Chili Peppers (with even Donny Osmond on backing vocals!’). Gwen Stefani, Rick James, George Clinton and Perry Farrell (Jane’s Addiction) are also present on vocals for the almost like for like cover of Sly & The Family Stone’s ‘Everybody is a Star’, which is a must listen, even for the hectic thrash punk ending.

And the ska and reggae rhythms are frequent throughout the album, which pleases me! Although cleaner and less punky than some of their other albums, the whole thing is incredibly listenable. But if you do want to catch a taste of the crazy hectic Fishbone, check out the last track ‘Karma Tsunami’…i cant even describe what genre this song falls under!

Fishbone formed in 1979 and have pretty much remained in the underground punk and rock scene, gaining a little commercial success from the late 80s to early 90s. Lyrics have been political in nature, focusing on socialist ideas, racism, family life, oppression and nuclear war. This album was unfortunately never released on vinyl.

Favourite songs -  The Suffering, AIDS & Armaggedon, Where Did You Get Those Pants







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