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May 18, 2024 1:18 PM Subscribe
Faith No More was one of the most influential bands in the 1990s. The song and video for Epic was a hit in the US, Australia and New Zealand. Like many songs, it was about sexual frustration. They weren't the first to mix rap and metal, but they are the ones who have to apologize for it.
But about that fish ...
It was the 90's. Maybe he needed the money. It all turned out OK, according to the director.
I wonder if Bjork ever forgave them ...
It was the 90's. Maybe he needed the money. It all turned out OK, according to the director.
I wonder if Bjork ever forgave them ...
I really liked Epic (and The Real Thing as a whole) when it came out, though I never cared much for the video. But once Angel Dust was released, I don't think I ever listened to The Real Thing again. They have very little in common, but I can't imagine wanting to listen to The Real Thing if I could listen to Angel Dust instead.
posted by Slothrup at 1:47 PM on May 18 [16 favorites]
posted by Slothrup at 1:47 PM on May 18 [16 favorites]
Honestly, Epic always left me flat. From Out of Nowhere on the other hand...
posted by BigHeartedGuy at 1:59 PM on May 18
posted by BigHeartedGuy at 1:59 PM on May 18
Their music was inescapable for a while, but then just completely disappeared. Until clicking on the link above I hadn't heard it in many years.
posted by Dip Flash at 2:23 PM on May 18 [3 favorites]
posted by Dip Flash at 2:23 PM on May 18 [3 favorites]
gee that looks like fun
posted by signal at 2:44 PM on May 18 [1 favorite]
posted by signal at 2:44 PM on May 18 [1 favorite]
I remember Roddy Bottum formed Imperial Teen. Seasick never got the love that it deserved.
posted by jonp72 at 3:01 PM on May 18 [5 favorites]
posted by jonp72 at 3:01 PM on May 18 [5 favorites]
Yeah, Epic doesn't hold up too well, but Mike Patton went on to do lots of interesting stuff (Tomahawk, Fantomas, the bonkers noise record "Adult Themes for Voice") as well as co-founding Ipecac Records, which puts out a ton of great bands.
posted by gwint at 3:15 PM on May 18 [3 favorites]
posted by gwint at 3:15 PM on May 18 [3 favorites]
I saw Mr. Bungle recently, which has a whole different vibe than FNM especially with Anthrax and Slayer veterans in the current lineup. But they did play "My Ass is on Fire" and Patton ended it with the "Nausea, Heartburn, Indigestion, Upset Stomach ... Diarrhea!" jingle.
posted by credulous at 3:18 PM on May 18
posted by credulous at 3:18 PM on May 18
The Real Thing is still my ceremonial greeting to the first day of excellent windows-down driving weather each year - just absolutely crank that excellent sound.
posted by FatherDagon at 3:56 PM on May 18 [1 favorite]
posted by FatherDagon at 3:56 PM on May 18 [1 favorite]
I like Imperial Teen a lot.
Epic sounds a whole lot like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, so maybe they’re the ones who should apologize. As a matter of fact, I saw the Peppers a long long long time ago and to this day it was the worst concert I’ve ever seen AND I WANT AN APOLOGY!
I still think that Epic slaps.
posted by ashbury at 3:59 PM on May 18 [4 favorites]
Epic sounds a whole lot like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, so maybe they’re the ones who should apologize. As a matter of fact, I saw the Peppers a long long long time ago and to this day it was the worst concert I’ve ever seen AND I WANT AN APOLOGY!
I still think that Epic slaps.
posted by ashbury at 3:59 PM on May 18 [4 favorites]
I can't imagine wanting to listen to The Real Thing if I could listen to Angel Dust instead
Agreed. Angel Dust ranks among my top 5 albums, ever. It is so perfect.
posted by grumpybear69 at 4:26 PM on May 18 [1 favorite]
Agreed. Angel Dust ranks among my top 5 albums, ever. It is so perfect.
posted by grumpybear69 at 4:26 PM on May 18 [1 favorite]
Yeah, Epic doesn't hold up too well
I always assumed the lyrics to Zombie Eaters actually described what it must be like to date a member of the band.
But i have happy memories of blasting Epic while painting Warhammer miniatures with my middle school buddies.
posted by ducky l'orange at 4:42 PM on May 18 [3 favorites]
I always assumed the lyrics to Zombie Eaters actually described what it must be like to date a member of the band.
But i have happy memories of blasting Epic while painting Warhammer miniatures with my middle school buddies.
posted by ducky l'orange at 4:42 PM on May 18 [3 favorites]
The Real Thing has its moments but I will forever love that, at the height of their commercial success, FNM decided to follow it up with Angel Dust. It’s such a dense, spiky, funny, chaotic work of genius. The band wanted to call it Crack Hitler but that was too much for the studio.
It was obvious that the band was not in a happy place when they made it and the creative tension ended with Jim Martin being booted. But what a piece of work.
posted by the duck by the oboe at 5:25 PM on May 18 [3 favorites]
It was obvious that the band was not in a happy place when they made it and the creative tension ended with Jim Martin being booted. But what a piece of work.
posted by the duck by the oboe at 5:25 PM on May 18 [3 favorites]
I was living a very down market life in Montreal after moving there in '89 a month or so after I graduated from from art school.
One of the things I was doing was randomly buying cassettes and that's how I ended up with We Care A Lot, which I sort of liked, especially the title song. A year later I had a small CD player and the very first CD I bought was The Real Thing.
I played the golly gosh darn heck out of it for a year or so and then put it away. I rarely played it after that then one night at my previous job, back in 2014, I streamed it and I was quite surprised at how much I liked it still. So, yeah, I am a fan of that album, despite the cheesy cringe of certain elements, or maybe because of the cheesy cringe of certain elements.
I still play the CD from time to time, but mainly in the car during my festering commute, which seems to work well.
I think what I like the most is the sound of the album as a whole; it's heavy guitar based epic type rock, but there is also a lot of air and space in the mix as well.
As a matter of fact, I saw the Peppers a long long long time ago and to this day it was the worst concert I’ve ever seen AND I WANT AN APOLOGY!
I completely agree. I saw the Chilli Peppers at a nightclub in Vancouver in '89 and thought they were horrible. I think one of the differences between them and FNM is that with the elements they share, the Peppers are really interested in letting you know just how great they are for incorporating those elements into their music while FMN just goes about their business behind Mike Patton.
I am somewhat odd when it comes to music; I will love something yet I won't get anything else by them, perhaps because I what I have is enough. But, I really have to properly listen to Angel Dust.
Anyways, I did not mean to bloviate but The Real Thing is extremely evocative of a certain time and place when my life completely turned upside down and became something else entirely; one of the two or three really crucial turning points I have had in my life.
posted by Phlegmco(tm) at 5:34 PM on May 18 [4 favorites]
One of the things I was doing was randomly buying cassettes and that's how I ended up with We Care A Lot, which I sort of liked, especially the title song. A year later I had a small CD player and the very first CD I bought was The Real Thing.
I played the golly gosh darn heck out of it for a year or so and then put it away. I rarely played it after that then one night at my previous job, back in 2014, I streamed it and I was quite surprised at how much I liked it still. So, yeah, I am a fan of that album, despite the cheesy cringe of certain elements, or maybe because of the cheesy cringe of certain elements.
I still play the CD from time to time, but mainly in the car during my festering commute, which seems to work well.
I think what I like the most is the sound of the album as a whole; it's heavy guitar based epic type rock, but there is also a lot of air and space in the mix as well.
As a matter of fact, I saw the Peppers a long long long time ago and to this day it was the worst concert I’ve ever seen AND I WANT AN APOLOGY!
I completely agree. I saw the Chilli Peppers at a nightclub in Vancouver in '89 and thought they were horrible. I think one of the differences between them and FNM is that with the elements they share, the Peppers are really interested in letting you know just how great they are for incorporating those elements into their music while FMN just goes about their business behind Mike Patton.
I am somewhat odd when it comes to music; I will love something yet I won't get anything else by them, perhaps because I what I have is enough. But, I really have to properly listen to Angel Dust.
Anyways, I did not mean to bloviate but The Real Thing is extremely evocative of a certain time and place when my life completely turned upside down and became something else entirely; one of the two or three really crucial turning points I have had in my life.
posted by Phlegmco(tm) at 5:34 PM on May 18 [4 favorites]
I appreciated their cover of "Easy," not because it added a lot to it, but just because at a certain moment seeing it on MTV ca. 1993 it was great to be reminded how much I had enjoyed the original.
posted by Wobbuffet at 5:35 PM on May 18 [1 favorite]
posted by Wobbuffet at 5:35 PM on May 18 [1 favorite]
I was more of a fan during the Chuck Mosley (RIP) era. I saw them at the Berkeley Square (probably in 1989?) and couldn't help but notice they had a new singer (yep, Patton). Was disappointed enough that I didn't feel at the time I was in the presence of future greatness. (I also wouldn't be able to tell you if they performed embryonic versions of "Epic", et al). The show wasn't bad in retrospect, but I pretty much faded away from them afterwards. (Hearing "Epic" to the point of overkill didn't help)
And as a bonus, here's a track from when they were still Faith.No Man
posted by gtrwolf at 6:35 PM on May 18
And as a bonus, here's a track from when they were still Faith.No Man
posted by gtrwolf at 6:35 PM on May 18
And speaking of the influence de Peppers, I'm sure I'm not alone in being traumatized for life by the deluge of punk-funk bands that scarred the musical landscape of the Bay Area (and beyond?) during the late '80s/early '90s. Did see Primus at the Berkeley Square (funny how that club's name keeps popping up....) when they recorded their debut album and thought they were pretty good, but they were more the exception than the rule (especially how they "stretched out" musically later on )
posted by gtrwolf at 6:38 PM on May 18
posted by gtrwolf at 6:38 PM on May 18
To be honest, I like Angel Dust (the album, not the other thing) a lot more. Crack Hitler and Midlife Crisis are high on my list of favorite songs ever.
But, that fish thing has always left me wondering until now.
And I would argue that Primus was its own thing and didn’t really fit in with those other bands very well.
posted by JustSayNoDawg at 9:34 PM on May 18
But, that fish thing has always left me wondering until now.
And I would argue that Primus was its own thing and didn’t really fit in with those other bands very well.
posted by JustSayNoDawg at 9:34 PM on May 18
Apparently there was no love lost between Patton and Anthony Kiedis of the Chili Peppers as Mr Bungle was ruthless in taunting them during their shows (and not in good taste, I might add).
Angel Dust still packs a wollop and is easily the best FNM album. However, their later stuff is pretty good, especially King For a Day, Fool For a Lifetime.
Mr Bungle was always more of an mutating weird thing, from thrash (early stuff including the re-released Raging Wrath of the Easter Bunny) to circus metal (their eponymous album) to whatever the hell Disco Volante is. California is very accessible (for them) while being left-field enough to be a Mike Patton joint.
Finally, let’s not forget one of Mike Patton’s most unforgettable performances.
posted by snortasprocket at 9:37 PM on May 18
Angel Dust still packs a wollop and is easily the best FNM album. However, their later stuff is pretty good, especially King For a Day, Fool For a Lifetime.
Mr Bungle was always more of an mutating weird thing, from thrash (early stuff including the re-released Raging Wrath of the Easter Bunny) to circus metal (their eponymous album) to whatever the hell Disco Volante is. California is very accessible (for them) while being left-field enough to be a Mike Patton joint.
Finally, let’s not forget one of Mike Patton’s most unforgettable performances.
posted by snortasprocket at 9:37 PM on May 18
What reminded me of all of this was watching video of a professional voice coach analyzing Mike Patton's singing. It's interesting watching someone's mind being blown.
And Patton really takes it to a new level in this performance.
On the Tonite Show, of all places.
posted by JustSayNoDawg at 9:44 PM on May 18 [3 favorites]
And Patton really takes it to a new level in this performance.
On the Tonite Show, of all places.
posted by JustSayNoDawg at 9:44 PM on May 18 [3 favorites]
OH dear god don't scare me like this with this past tense bullshit.
FNM is amazing. The last album was still awesome even though they're ancient these days, they still rock.
Nothing beats Angel Dust, but it's also a great reminder of what we "lost" with the Grunge Invasion.
We ended up getting shitty Nu-Metal instead of actually good talented stuff. And Yarling.
But there was that brief era where funk and rock mixed, Janes Addiction, FNM, Fishbone, and I know there were others I can't think of off the top of my head.
I wasn't super into Pattons other projects, though I've enjoyed what I heard. If there is any singer that I consider worthy of praise in modern rock it's Mike. I remember when they listed Axl as the singer with the greatest range, and people were like no - It's Patton and they had to retract their Axl and put Mike on the pedestal. Fuck yeah.
"Would anybody tell me if I was getting stupider?" - dude was how old when he wrote that line? I'm 47 and constantly relate to that. (also: RIP Chuck Mosley)
posted by symbioid at 11:20 PM on May 18
FNM is amazing. The last album was still awesome even though they're ancient these days, they still rock.
Nothing beats Angel Dust, but it's also a great reminder of what we "lost" with the Grunge Invasion.
We ended up getting shitty Nu-Metal instead of actually good talented stuff. And Yarling.
But there was that brief era where funk and rock mixed, Janes Addiction, FNM, Fishbone, and I know there were others I can't think of off the top of my head.
I wasn't super into Pattons other projects, though I've enjoyed what I heard. If there is any singer that I consider worthy of praise in modern rock it's Mike. I remember when they listed Axl as the singer with the greatest range, and people were like no - It's Patton and they had to retract their Axl and put Mike on the pedestal. Fuck yeah.
"Would anybody tell me if I was getting stupider?" - dude was how old when he wrote that line? I'm 47 and constantly relate to that. (also: RIP Chuck Mosley)
posted by symbioid at 11:20 PM on May 18
Usually when I go back to Angel Dust I remember how much I love but I also think.. hm the keyboards are a little cheesy aren't they.
posted by fleacircus at 11:34 PM on May 18
posted by fleacircus at 11:34 PM on May 18
I saw Faith No More play in Stockholm in 1993, it was an insanely great show. My jeans were soaked with sweat from moshing, and while me and my friends were waiting for our train home they became pillars of salt, basically.
As I was trying to pin down the year of that show I discovered that you can listen to it here. Interesting!
I also bought a very cool t-shirt that said "Touring on Angel Dust" at that show. Good times.
posted by soundofsuburbia at 5:19 AM on May 19 [1 favorite]
As I was trying to pin down the year of that show I discovered that you can listen to it here. Interesting!
I also bought a very cool t-shirt that said "Touring on Angel Dust" at that show. Good times.
posted by soundofsuburbia at 5:19 AM on May 19 [1 favorite]
Favourite band of all time. The wilfully contrarian eclecticism (although often retaining that metal intensity), Patton's vocal acrobatics, an openly gay member ...
posted by GallonOfAlan at 5:41 AM on May 19 [1 favorite]
posted by GallonOfAlan at 5:41 AM on May 19 [1 favorite]
@Dip Flash They may have 'completely disappeared' in the US because they didn't remake 'The Real Thing' 10 times for US radio, and 'Angel Dust' was too weird for the metalheads. But they remained hugely popular in the rest of the world.
posted by GallonOfAlan at 5:44 AM on May 19 [2 favorites]
posted by GallonOfAlan at 5:44 AM on May 19 [2 favorites]
FNM wails but pattons best outing, and possibly one of the best EPs ever, is the absolutely bonkers 18 minutes that makes up Dillinger escape plan’s irony is a dead scene.
posted by MisantropicPainforest at 11:12 AM on May 19
posted by MisantropicPainforest at 11:12 AM on May 19
It's-it!
It's in MY face, and you can't have it!
posted by otherchaz at 11:22 AM on May 19 [1 favorite]
It's in MY face, and you can't have it!
posted by otherchaz at 11:22 AM on May 19 [1 favorite]
Also? Memories of making out in the car after church with my first girlfriend while listening to The Real Thing album (Underwater Love in particular) while mom commingled with all her church friends. And GURPS at my friends house pissing off his friend trying to run a game while I'm like "Let me log into the computer, what do I see on the screen" C:\ "OK, I type DIR" "THIS ISN"T HOW YOU DO IT!" (and War Pigs)
OK sorry.
Seconding Patton's cameo on Irony is a Dead Scene is amazing if you've never heard it.
posted by symbioid at 11:37 AM on May 19
OK sorry.
Seconding Patton's cameo on Irony is a Dead Scene is amazing if you've never heard it.
posted by symbioid at 11:37 AM on May 19
I have only one serious regret: passing on the opportunity to see FNM, GNR, and Metallica at the same show -_-
posted by CheesesOfBrazil at 2:47 PM on May 19
posted by CheesesOfBrazil at 2:47 PM on May 19
Roddy also went on to CRICKETS (with JD Samson) who were great and now is in Man On Man with his bf. Also great!!
posted by wemayfreeze at 3:39 PM on May 19
posted by wemayfreeze at 3:39 PM on May 19
I appreciated their cover of "Easy ," not because it added a lot to it, but just because at a certain moment seeing it on MTV ca. 1993 it was great to be reminded how much I had enjoyed the original .
Contains the single greatest "ewww" in all of recorded music.
posted by metaxa at 6:46 PM on May 19 [1 favorite]
Contains the single greatest "ewww" in all of recorded music.
posted by metaxa at 6:46 PM on May 19 [1 favorite]
Re: RCHP, I saw them play at Lollapalooza '92, and what I remember most clearly is Anthony Kiedis being exactly 1/2 step flat for the entire duration of "Under The Bridge." It was really something.
posted by grumpybear69 at 8:21 PM on May 19 [1 favorite]
posted by grumpybear69 at 8:21 PM on May 19 [1 favorite]
I saw RHCP during Lollapalooza II at the Houston County Fairgrounds near (of course) Houston, TX. All I remember is that they headlined, so they were the last act and they were late. The mud we were standing in smelled like pee and the thrill of seeing them was quickly overwhelmed by the fatigue of having been there all dang day and the pee-smelling mud. it was a fun day and I will never, ever do something like that again. Did I mention the mud? Smelled like pee?
Thing like that sticks in your mind.
And on your clothes.
The ride home in a crowded car suuuuucked.
posted by JustSayNoDawg at 8:50 PM on May 19 [2 favorites]
Thing like that sticks in your mind.
And on your clothes.
The ride home in a crowded car suuuuucked.
posted by JustSayNoDawg at 8:50 PM on May 19 [2 favorites]
I was lucky that L92 was held at Jones Beach Amphitheater which is a proper arena with seating. So I was able to enjoy all of the acts while sitting down, and as a result my memories are of the music - Pearl Jam, Ministry, Ice Cube, Soundgarden, Lush and the Jesus & Mary Chain.
'93, which was held in Waterloo, NJ, was a hot, dusty hellscape. And even though I got to see Tool and Fishbone and Arrested Development and Babes in Toyland, all I remember is how dusty it was, how my girlfriend was extremely grouchy, how expensive the water was and how someone landed on my head while crowdsurfing.
posted by grumpybear69 at 7:16 AM on May 20
'93, which was held in Waterloo, NJ, was a hot, dusty hellscape. And even though I got to see Tool and Fishbone and Arrested Development and Babes in Toyland, all I remember is how dusty it was, how my girlfriend was extremely grouchy, how expensive the water was and how someone landed on my head while crowdsurfing.
posted by grumpybear69 at 7:16 AM on May 20
Faith No More, Primus and They Might Be Giants were the soundtrack for the end of my time in college and disastrous attempt at grad school. I don't listen to any of them much anymore, but hearing any of them puts me back in my 20s. Now, let's give Angel Dust a listen.
posted by Gorgik at 7:15 AM on May 21 [1 favorite]
posted by Gorgik at 7:15 AM on May 21 [1 favorite]
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posted by chavenet at 1:43 PM on May 18 [8 favorites]