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March 29, 2024


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Reel Big Fish
Keep Your Receipt (Mojo Records)

By: Alex Steininger

After the smashing success of Reel Big Fish's major label debut "Turn The Radio Off," they served up an EP to keep fans happy until they release a new album. This EP contains five tracks, all of which have been previously released in one form or another: two off of their major label debut, two off of their now out-of-print first album, and one from their Mojo Records three song sampler (also available on "Take Warning: Songs of Operation Ivy.") But the real treat lies in the multimedia goodies contained on this CD! You can get a live version of "Trendy", or the official videos of "Sellout" and "Everything Sucks," in case you missed them on your local video station.

As for the music, the CD starts out with "Alternative Baby" off of "Turn The Radio Off." Pop-ska at its best. Bouncy horn lines that fly through the song keep the energy alive, while the overall bouncy ska beats of the song will get you dancing or jumping up with a smile on your face. Either way, you'll be in motion from this pop filled number. "Why Do All Girls Think They're Fat?" is off of their first album, which is now out of print. A straight forward pop song, it proudly showcases their sarcastic laced, humor filled lyrics. Sing along with this song as you bounce around to the fast paced track set down by the guitar. The CD closes with "Unity," a cover of the fathers of ska-punk themselves, Operation Ivy. Of course, they couldn't improve on the song itself, so they did their best to adopt it to their style. Bouncy pop-punk beats packed with punchy horn lines, you'll be smiling after you hear this one. The only problem, the vocals are distorted, leaving a lot to be desired on that end. Other than that, you'll be jumping and singing along to the song, and slowly the message of "Unity" will leak into your brain. It may seem like a harmless pop song, but Reel Big Fish plans to take over the world...one fan at a time! And wait as the disc plays and brings you a distorted, messed up clip of a song off their first album, "I Want Your Girlfriend to be my Girlfriend too." But wait! Stick this disc into your computer...and watch the fun escalate to the next level. Play with the videos, and fool around with the disc. You're bound to come out feeling a feeling of happiness and success.

Although there is only five songs, the multimedia part of the disc gladly makes up for this. Come for the music, and stay for the "toys." You won't be disappointed. I'll give this CD an A-. Pop it into your CD player, then your computer, and watch as time fly's...

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