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Our Top 10 Fishbone Songs introduces us to a rock band whose style of music portrays a blend of a sense of humor, hyperactivity, and self-conscious diversity. Formed in Los Angeles in 1979, Fishbone has been an influential rock band known for fusing punk, metal, ska, funk, soul, and reggae music to make unique music. Brothers Phillip and John Fisher, drummer and bassist respectively, brought in guitarist Kendall Jones, keyboardist Christopher Dowd, and vocalists Angelo Moore and Walter A. Kibby II to form Fishbone. Thanks to sublime performances of their unique blend of music styles, the band saw its popularity grow to influence the trajectory of alternative rock. Fishbone performed in clubs where Columbia Records would later spot them in 1983. What would follow was the release of a single hit, “Party at Ground Zero,” which was closely followed by an eponymous EP.
Fishbone’s music career would bear international recognition later in 1988 after releasing their ska and funk album Truth and Soul. The success was majorly attributed to uncompromising social commentary on important social matters. Years that followed, Fishbone made a string of successful releases touring different arenas with the band Red Hot Chili Peppers. The band would later team up all its members, current and former, to make a documentary Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone, back in 2010, which won multiple awards for Best Documentary. Despite the few lineup changes, the band has maintained its musical style and impression on the rock industry even years after their prime. Here are the top 10 Fishbone songs that have made the band one of the most distinctive alternative rock musicians from the late 80s.
#10 – Bonin’ in the Boneyard
Ushering us in the top 10 Fishbone songs, the ballad “Bonin’ in the Boneyard” from the band’s 1988 album Truth and Soul. “Bonin’ in the Boneyard” is about love and how euphoria can make you do things you could not imagine doing. Fishbone’s vocalist Angelo Moore would later in an interview describe the song as a ballad created out of the nasty things that people wish to do because of love, one of them being high school students chasing intimacy. Notably, Red Hot Chili Peppers, who were friends to Fishbone band members, capitalized on the greatness of “Bonin’ in the Boneyard” by using a snippet of the song for their hit “Good Time Boys.”
#9 – Swim
While “Swim” did not become one of the best Fishbone songs in America, the band received greatly by the United Kingdom fans. As a result, this heavy metal style ballad peaked at number 54 on the UK Singles Chart. Its music video features Fishbone band members performing in swimming gear in front of their fans frolicking in a pool. In addition, “Swim” is included as a soundtrack in the film Last Action Hero.
#8 – Unyielding Condition
Number 8 in our top 10 Fishbone songs is “Unyielding Condition” from the band’s 1983 album Give a Monkey a Brain, and He’ll Swear He’s the Centre of the Universe. The song blends some reggae and pop vibes to bring a truly unique tune that serves the vocalist Angelo Moore right. “Unyielding Condition” is a compilation of great instrumentals and sublime lyrics, all presented in an awe-inspiring comedy-like performance.
#7 – Fight the Youth
Written by the Fisher brothers and Kendall Jones, “Fight the Youth” is among the songs that made Fishbone’s 1991 album The Reality of My Surroundings quite a massive hit. The song’s opening chords serve your rock moods right just before the melody sets in. “Fight the Youth” is a song about stolen faith and tragic glory. Its delivery tries to balance hard-edged funk and hard rock vibes with a soft tune to serve the Angelo Moore vocals right.
#6 – When Problems Arise
“When Problems Arise” is among the few songs that have proved resilient to time and change still accorded as one of the great releases of Fishbone. Featured on the band’s album In Your Face, “When Problems Arise” is a groove-conscious ballad that possesses unmatched lyrical and melodic depth. Moreover, the song sent a notification to the funk-rock and ska-punk music lovers that Fishbone was here to impress and nothing less!
#5 – Party at Ground Zero
Performed and featured on the film The Tripper and Camp Nowhere, respectively, “Party at Ground Zero” is yet another hit worth mentioning in our top 10 Fishbone songs. The song’s title possesses some reference to a surface above or below a nuclear explosion site owing to the phrase ‘Ground Zero.’ When all of you wish to party on the beaches, and best nightclubs, rock and roll for Fishbone has to happen anywhere without worrying, even at places some would term depressing.
#4 – Servitude
We all have something that we worship, be it a being or a material thing. “Servitude” serves the theme of worship right, having it shun light upon a guy who allows himself to be pushed around by people he serves. In addition, the song questions the morals people uphold, especially those in the army. One of the most relatable lines in the song is ‘Will you die or continue to kill?’
#3 – Sunless Saturday
Featured on the band’s album The Reality of My Surroundings, “Sunless Saturday” is a powerful ballad that describes a planet filled with pestilence. The song serves as a perfect awareness hit to the reawakening of society’s consciousness. This is captured in the line that says that the sun will return when everyone visualizes the truth. Thanks to the thrashing guitar riffs and bass lines that the song possesses quite an infectious beat.
#2 – Ma and Pa
“Ma and Pa” was the highlight of the band’s 1988 album Truth and Soul and by far one of the most popular songs by Fishbone. The song was written by the band’s frontman Angelo Moore as inspired by his parent, who was going through a divorce. While the song might have quite a sad subject, the band didn’t lower their bar performing the song in their trademark party vibe.
#1 – Everyday Sunshine
The crème de la crème of Fishbone’s career is the hit “Everyday Sunshine” from the band’s 1991 album The Reality of My Surroundings. “Everyday Sunshine” is an uplifting song that envisages a world where beauty towers over greed and oppression that people have moved on from. Its ultra-merry beat helps call for a better place for human beings where we can all be happy without any worries. “Everyday Sunshine” happens to be the title of Fishbone’s iconic documentary.
Top 10 Fishbone Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2021
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![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. Listen to "Gentlemen," "Fountain and Fairfax," and "What Jail Is Like." 9) In on the Kill Taker by Fugazi (1993) By this time, I had been sucked in and spit out by the major-label record industry. Glam came and went; grunge was history, too. I was searching for new sounds. When I heard Fugazi's twin guitar approach, I knew this was what was missing. Fugazi may be considered a less polished sound than the albums above; however, once you "get it," it hits you like a ton of bricks, and there's no going back. From the moment I heard Fugazi, I went to every NYC show after. It's easily some of the best concerts of my life, and possibly my favorite bassist in Joe Lally. And their DIY ethics refused to charge us more than $5 a show! In on the Kill Taker is a powerful album demonstrated in songs such as "Smallpox Champion," "Great Cop," and "Public Witness Program." 8) Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses (1987) I discovered many of these albums (sometimes long) after they were released. However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1815495569-1-300x200.jpg)
