Truth and Soul

I remember hearing 'When Problems Arise' in 1986 and was instantly hooked on this band. Still one of my favorite songs, but this album took it to another level. The musicianship and talent came pouring out of this band when I saw them live for the first time live in 1988. Fishbone continued to put out (in my opinion) some of their best efforts through the mid-90's, with some hard-driving rock. Words cannot express the energy from this band. Their studio albums don't tell the whole story. Go see them live. Never seen a more impressive band in concert since them.

Man what classic effort from an awesome band. Was a Fishbone fan since skanin to the beat. I saw this tour When I was in college at the tiny Kings Head Inn in Norfolk. Norwood let a group of us in free... He only requested 2 40oz.. Then walked us in. They killed it that night. You need this album.

This is hands down my favorite fishbone album, while I admit I haven't heard anything later than reality of my surroundings, this album is the album to check out if your new to the great music that is fishbone, it's one of those albums that you listen to from start to finish and marvel in the great songwriting and musicianship of this outstanding band, the producer and engineers deserve credit as well for a top-notch job, this is one of my favorite road trip cd's as well, a definite classic! I also recoommend reality o.m.s. and the high energy comp nuttmegasaurus which is loaded with essential tunes.

All of fishbones work up to The Reallity is just a classic. Not the most well known bands, yet easily one of the best. Bonin' is just so great.

The songs and performances are what make this album worthwhile. I am a middle aged white guy but I still love to crank "Ghetto Sound Wave" and "Ma and Pa". Not a lot of party songs out there as good as "Bonin' in the Boneyard". There is not a bad song on album. The album is heavy in its indictment of racism, but even though I am no bleeding heart liberal, it is not over the top, and does not interfere with the music. "Slow Bus Moving" is an awesome track that offers a perspective of the civil rights movement that is both frightening and entertaining. "Change" is very interesting too, especially in light of the president's (no, I didn't vote for him) campaign theme. It also makes you realize that it takes more than symbols and words to make people whole. The production is fairly clean, with more than a few sound FX thrown in. Overall, the mix is a bit thin on the bottom end on most tracks, and the crazy horn arrangements tend to be a bit cluttered unless you are listening on a very high quality system. The acoustic guitar parts sound like they were recorded with a cheap pick-up instead of being properly mic'd up. That said, if you like to rock, appreciate GREAT funk, and don't mind hearing music that makes you THINK, get this album.

This album was as influential in raising me than my parents. Fishbone really pulled their individual talents together in this superbly produced record. Grounded with solid songwriting and Fishbone's signature high energy performance, this record has really stayed with me all of these years. While re-listening to it now after nearly 10 years, I am realizing that this album is every bit as solid as i remember it. The album stands up in its entirity, but if you choose to grab just a few songs, I'd recommend "Ghetto Soundwave", "Ma and Pa", "Bonin'", ... ah damn, it's too hard to choose, just get the whole record!

They are the pinnical of live bands. To see them, is to live them. Fishbone is more than a band. They are a life party. You can't help but to feel good everytime you listen to them. I was lucky enough to sing a vs of "Party At groung Zero" on stage with them at the Fox Theather in Boulder Co. Live long my brothers.

as one of the most overlooked albums ever produced. was kind of hard for fishbone to duplicate something this good.

The concert was likley the most entertaining i have EVER seen and the album is one of my all time fav.

A classic record by a seemingly underrated band. Harder than their previous LP, "In Your Face", and not quite as dense as "The Reality..." (their 1991 follow-up). This record stands up well nearly 20 years later. Maybe if we ask nicely, Sony will give iTunes the "It's A Wonderful Life" EP in time for the next holiday season?