Five Iron Frenzy - All the Hype That Money Can Buy (15 tracks) +Album Reviews

In a word: DIVERSE!

Steve | Akron, Ohio | 04/27/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have been awaiting this CD since November. FIF is the only ska band that is musically satisfying to me, and this is more true than ever with this release. ALL THE HYPE is far from typical "chinka-chinka" ska fare, with songs dabbling in salsa, calypso, reggae, straight ahead rock/ska, and a few that defy catagorization and even explanation. GIANTS is strange and very complex, featuring a deluge of minor chords. YOU DON'T WANT TO MOVE HERE is perhaps even more eclectic, and features lead vocalist Reese Roper yodeling, as well as music that is 100% unique; I would love to see them execute this song live! Again, strange would be a understatent, but THIS IS A GOOD THING! Other highligts are "THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD" and "THE WORLD WITHOUT END" However, there are no truly weak songs on the disk. The one guarantee on this album is that NO ONE can complain that any songs sound alike, and FIF is the only ska band that those words can be said of. Lyrically, the album is still has silly songs, but is the most serious album released by FIF to date. The album has a few songs that may stir some controversy; "FAHRENHEIT" is a song about Freddie Mercury of Queen, and Reese apologizes for feeling that Mercury deserved to die because of his Homosexuality. The song ends with Reese repeating "I'm sorry, I'm sorry" "Four-Fifty-One" critisizes the Christian music industry, and many Christians for excess conservatism in their "sterile Christian bubble." Many of the songs, however, speak of God's grace. This album is a must for any remaining ska fans and all that enjoy music that is fun yet challenging."

Buy this cd! five iron is stronger than ever

lyn zeman | Kennesaw, Ga USA | 04/27/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"this cd is killer. the first time i listened to it i had a bit of a mixed reaction. its not all happy pop ska like the other 5 iron dics. it's much more diverse and now that i listen to it again I realize that Reese has reached a new level with his song writing on this disc. they even attack big business and the "christian Bubble". a much more mature album"

Catchy as hell and super fun!

tongue-tied lightning | Zeeland, MI USA | 07/25/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Before listening to "All The Hype" all I'd ever heard of FIF was 'When I Go Out' and the Pants rock opera from Quantity is Job 1. I checked All The Hype out on a whim and absolutely fell in love with the band through it all.

While some may argue that the songwriting on All The Hype is a patchwork at best, if you look at Five Iron's other albums, it's easy to see that All The Hype does reflect and influence their other albums. For instance -- the odd recording style of "Giants" parallels FIF2: Electric Boogaloo's "Vultures". "The Phantom Mullet" continues Five Iron's quest for all-around 'fun' songs, following in the footsteps of "Blue Comb '78"and, of course, the Pants rock opera. "World Without End" echoes the uplifting feel of "Every New Day". And "A New Hope" sets the stage for Five Iron's crossover to more rock, less ska on their later albums.

The album is fun to listen to, albeit rocky in transition at some points -- 'You Probably Shouldn't Move Here' to 'Hurricanes' to 'Giants' to 'I Still Like Larry' sticks out as one of the more painful setups in Five Iron's history -- but get past all that and you'll find yourself with an album that's perfect to sing along to.

Also, it features the greatest cover of "It's Not Unusual" of all time.

So ditch R.E.O. Speedwagon and listen to "All The Hype" as you're cruisin' downtown in your Camaro."

The most controversial ska album to date!

Michael L. Wrigglesworth | West Seneca, NY | 05/26/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Well, this is another fine album the boys and girl have delivered. Although this isn't my favorite fif CD it is probably the best ska CD I have heard this year. Let me describe it a little bit.
WHAT'S UP: I guess you could call this the secret track since it's track 0. It's a punk/hardcore song that is about 1-2 seconds long. It's so stupid that it's funny.

THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD: One of my favorite FIF songs ever. It's a really upbeat fast paced ska song with alot of emotion to it. Somewhat reminiscent of 'Every New Day'.

ME OH MY: This is another upbeat tune. This time it's driven by punk guitar more-so than the ska guitar even though it has the riffs.

SOLIDARITY: This is a really cool song. It's ska with a little reggae mixed in. A favorite at their concerts nowadays.

THE PHANTOM MULLET: A humorous song about 80's hair. It's a good ska/rock tune. I think they could have done without the guitar solo though.

UGLY DAY: I think this is my favorite on this CD. It's a little change of pace compared to the last four songs. It's got the nice pretty guitar riffs and the whoa's mixed in with the horns like any great ska song should have.

FARENHEIT: A faster paced ska/punk tune. It talks about having compassion for gay people. Read the lyrics. It has a very good message.

451: This song has a strong mix of ska and punk with a little rasta vocals mixed in. Great song.

YOU PROBABLY SHOULDN'T MOVE HERE: I really didn't care for this song musically. It's got a polka beat to it. But it's got some pretty funny lyrics.

HURRICANES: This song is mediocre. It's a bit too depressing to me though. It's a slower reggae/ska tune. It does have it's high points at certain parts of the song.

GIANTS: Decent song but the only complaints I have about it is how the vocals sound like the lead singer is talking through a loud speaker and the fact that the little girl talks during the song. That stopped it from being one of my favorite ska songs. It's worth listening to though.

I STILL LIKE LARRY: This is a 30 second punk rock song. The lyrics make no sense but the music is cool.

ALL THE HYPE: This is a pretty cool ska/rock song. It has a hip-hop beat to it but that doesn't effect it too much. It's very catchy.

IT'S NOT UNUSUAL: AHHH! TOM JONES HAS GONE SKA! Well not really .It sounds it though. Great cover song.

A NEW HOPE: Great edgy ska/rock song. Talks about the Columbine tragedy.

WORLD WITHOUT END: This is the fastest song on the CD. It's a good ska/punk tune but they could have done without the choir at the end.I don't understand why some people give this CD ... reviews. If it weren't for a few pointless songs this album would be really great.
If you like FIF or ska at all this CD is essential to your collection. It took me a little too long to realize that since I was a person that didn't like this album for a time."

Always Pushing the Envelope

geschichte | Sedalia, MO | 06/18/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"FIF has taken Ska to a new place. It is no longer a style of music for people just looking to have fun, but they have offered something here for the true musicians. They have become more experimental (we saw some of it on Quantity) and it has paid off. Oh and their props to Christian music pioneers is very nice with the Stonehill guest vocal!"

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