REVIEW: Fishbone, The Psychotic Friends Nuttwerx (Hollywood)
- Paul Andersen
The frenetic, ever-mutating musical gumbo that is at the core of the veteran L.A.-based ska/funk/whathaveyou band known as Fishbone makes itself known once again on their Hollywood debut, The Psychotic Friends Nuttwerx, proving that while some bands lose their sight along the way, others only get better as they get grayer. Fishbone not only belong to the latter category, they are poster children for the Organization of Musical Futurists Now. The grooves contained within this recording will still be fresh two millenniums from now. I guarantee it.
Like any band that has been around for more than 20 years, Fishbone has seen a number of changes over time. Down to a core trio of Angelo Moore, Norwood Fisher and Dirty Walt' Kibby II from the old days, they have reincarnated themselves by grafting fresh players into spots that most other bands would have folded over, becoming even stronger in the process. Add in a guest list of musicians ranging from George Clinton, Flea, Gwen Stefani and Blowfly to Jeff Skunk' Baxter and Donnie Osmond -- yeah, you read that right -- and you come up with a potent mix that will blow your speakers clean out of the brackets (this is great music to cruise with).
If Clinton is the master of P-Funk, then Fishbone is a both a branch of that family tree and a fresh synthesis of the essence of what funk is all about. More than any other band currently playing, they know that funk is not just a style of music, but a life force all its own. Come get the juices flowing, baby, and immerse yourself in the joy that is Fishbone.
