Reel Big Fish delivered their first studio full-length since leaving Mojo/Jive Records in July. They’ve still got their spunky pop-rock ska style, but the boys, having shed the chains of a major label, have opted for some angrier and edgier lyrics, such as in their “Another F.U. Song.” The anger is perhaps most directed at their old label: “So try to hold me if you want, try to control me if you want, but you won’t keep down, I’m not your clown, I’ve got to find my own way now” sings Aaron in “Live Your Dream” which is coupled with less-rock-infused a ska riff in the instrumental sections of the song. This more traditional ska style, also found in songs like “Slow Down” and “Will the Revolution Come,” is rumored to have been discouraged by Jive in order to increase the likelihood of mainstream radio play of RBF’s earlier albums.

Obviously if you’re a big Reel Big Fish fan, you’ll already have this album in your collection. If you’re not familiar with the band, I’d still recommend Cheer Up! over this album because popping it into your CD player is like popping open a bottle of fun. Monkeys for Nothin’ and the Chimps for Free, on the other hand, is a more eclectic mix of styles given their new freedom to explore different sounds. So if variety is your gig, have a listen and enjoy punkier songs like “Why Do All Girls Think They’re Fat?” to poppier songs like “Til I Hit the Ground” along with the more traditional ska beats mentioned above. In the end, though, the best thing about RBF (and generally ska in general) is how playful it can be: “Everybody’s Drunk” and “Please Don’t Tell Her I Have a Girlfriend” display this trait beautifully with their to-the-point, hilarious lyrics.

Track Listing (a lot for your money/monkey!):
1. Party Down
2. Another F.U. Song
3. Live Your Dream
4. My Imaginary Friend
5. Slow Down
6. The New Version Of You
7. Will The Revolution Come
8. Another Day In Paradise
9. Everybody’s Drunk
10. Please Don”t Tell Her I Have A Girlfriend
11. Way Back
12. Hate You
13. Call You
14. Why Do All Girls Think They’re Fat
15. I’m Her Man
16. Til I Hit The Ground
17. Cannibal