Description

Bad Manners – Fat Sounds – Compact Disc

Fat Sound is the eighth studio album by the British ska band Bad Manners, released in 1992. Known for their lively, high-energy ska and 2 Tone sound, Bad Manners has long been a staple of the UK ska revival scene that emerged in the late 1970s and 1980s. Fronted by the charismatic and larger-than-life Buster Bloodvessel (Douglas Trendle), the band is celebrated for their humorous, party-starting approach to ska, combining brass-heavy arrangements with playful, often comical lyrics.

Bad Manners, composed of vocalist Buster Bloodvessel (born Douglas Trendle), Louis Cook (guitar), David Farren (bass), Martin Stewart (keyboards), Brian Tuitti (drums), Gus Herman (trumpet), Chris Kane (saxophone), and Andrew Marson (saxophone), were one of the many bands to take their inspiration from the Specials and the ska revival movement in England in the late ’70s.

They quickly became the novelty favorites of the fad through their bald, enormous-bodied frontman’s silly on-stage antics, earning early exposure through 2-Tone Records package tours and an appearance in the live documentary Dance Craze. In the early ’80s, they managed several U.K. hits including ‘Ne-Ne Na-Na Na-Na Nu-Nu,’ ‘Lip Up Fatty,’ ‘Special Brew,’ and ‘Can Can.’

By the mid-’80s, the ska craze was over and the band retired temporarily after the release of 1985’s Mental Notes, only to return in 1989 with Return of the Ugly, remaining a live attraction despite a lack of concurrent hits. By the mid-’90s, a third wave ska revival renewed interest in the band. Eat the Beat was released in 1996 and Uneasy Listening followed in 1997, as well as several collections from the band’s peak years.

Fat Sound represents Bad Manners’ return to form after a period of lineup changes and a shift in the music industry that saw ska falling out of mainstream favor. Despite these challenges, the band remained dedicated to their signature sound, delivering another batch of infectious, brass-driven ska tunes that continue to celebrate the joy and fun that have always defined their music.

Fat Sound features a mix of upbeat ska rhythms, catchy hooks, and the tongue-in-cheek humor that has always been a hallmark of Bad Manners’ music. With Buster Bloodvessel’s distinctive baritone vocals front and center, the album serves as a reminder of why the band became one of the most popular ska acts in the UK.

‘Feel Like Jumping’ – A high-energy opener, this track is classic Bad Manners, with its infectious beat and brass-heavy arrangement. The song is a celebration of dancing and having a good time, setting the tone for the rest of the album.

‘Crazy Over You’ – A catchy, upbeat ska love song, ‘Crazy Over You’ combines playful lyrics with bouncy rhythms and a strong horn section. Buster Bloodvessel’s humorous vocal delivery adds to the song’s charm.

‘My Girl Lollipop’ – A cover of Millie Small’s 1964 hit, Bad Manners’ version adds their trademark ska energy to the classic pop tune. The band’s fun and irreverent take on this old favorite makes it one of the standout tracks on the album.

‘Sally Brown’ – A classic ska song that has long been associated with Bad Manners, ‘Sally Brown’ gets an energetic revival on this album. Its infectious rhythm and upbeat horns make it a fan favorite at live shows.

‘Skaville UK’ – Another fast-paced, brass-driven track that showcases the band’s ska roots. ‘Skaville UK’ pays homage to the vibrant UK ska scene, combining upbeat rhythms with nostalgic lyrics.

‘Bonanza Ska’ – A playful instrumental, this track takes the theme from the classic Bonanza TV series and turns it into a ska tune, showcasing the band’s sense of humor and musicianship.

‘King Ska/Fa’ – A slower, reggae-influenced track, ‘King Ska/Fa’ allows Buster Bloodvessel’s voice to take center stage. The song has a chilled-out vibe, offering a nice contrast to the more upbeat tracks on the album.

Bad Manners’ music has always been characterized by its high-energy sound, playful lyrics, and connection to the ska and 2 Tone movements. ‘Fat Sound’ continues in this tradition, with songs that focus on fun, dancing, and the joy of music. The band’s love for traditional ska is evident in both their original songs and their choice of covers, which they reinterpret with their own unique style.

The album’s sound is defined by its prominent use of horns, upbeat rhythms, and Buster Bloodvessel’s unmistakable vocal delivery. His charismatic, larger-than-life personality comes through in every track, adding to the infectious energy of the music.

While Fat Sound may not have reached the commercial heights of Bad Manners’ earlier releases during the height of the 2 Tone movement, it was well-received by the band’s fanbase and helped reaffirm their place in the ska revival scene of the 1990s. The album showed that Bad Manners still had plenty of life left in them, and they continued to tour extensively, bringing their raucous live shows to audiences around the world.

The 1990s saw a renewed interest in ska, particularly in the US with the rise of third-wave ska bands like The Mighty Mighty Bosstones and Reel Big Fish. Bad Manners’ consistent output and dedication to the genre during this time helped keep the spirit of ska alive and introduced their music to a new generation of fans.

Fat Sound serves as a testament to Bad Manners’ enduring appeal and their commitment to the ska genre. The band’s ability to deliver energetic, fun music with a sense of humor has made them one of the most beloved acts in ska, and this album captures that spirit. For fans of traditional ska, 2 Tone, and energetic live performances, ‘Fat Sound’ is a reminder of why Bad Manners continues to be a favorite in the ska community.

With its combination of high-energy tracks, catchy hooks, and playful attitude, Fat Sound remains a fun and lively listen for ska fans both old and new.

Song List
1. Mambo/Ska No.8
2. Do The Creep
3. I Can’t Stand The Rain
4. Crazy Over You
5. Feel Like Jumping
6. Midnight Rider
7. Skinhead Love Affair
8. Voices In Your Head
9. The First Cut Is The Deepest
10. Wet Dream
11. Stop Making Love Beside Me
12. Pig Bad
13. Mambo No.5
14. Teenager In Love
15. Lola 16. Wet Dream (Dub Mix)
17. Mitnight Rider (Dub Mix)
18. I Can’t Stand The Rain (12in Mix)