Everyday Sunshine: The Story Of Fishbone
DVD Reviews | Apr 4th, 2012
Starring: Fishbone, Laurence Fishburne, Tim Robbins, Les Claypool, Flea, Ice-T, Gwen Stefani, George Clinton, Eugene Hutz
Written By: Lev Anderson, Chris Metzler
Directed By: Lev Anderson, Chris Metzler
Studio: Cinema Guild
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Fishbone have influenced many bands & musicians over the years. The band has had a few DVDs out before but nothing that truly documented the band’s history. This is a must-see documentary about one of the best LA rock bands ever!
Everyday Sunshine was released in select theaters and then aired on PBS as well. The documentary is narrated by Laurence “Mother Fucking Morpheus” Fisburne and features many interviews from the likes of Tim Robbins, Flea, Gwen Stefani, George Clinton, Perry Farrell, Eugene Hutz and many many others. Obviously Angelo Moore and Norwood are the main players in this film, but other original members are interviewed as well. The filmmakers show us the start of the band and how Fishbone didn’t sound or look like any band that was currently playing. They played ska, rock, metal, funk, jazz fusion, and punk. Put all those genres together and that’s Fishbone’s style. Fishbone’s music was hard to describe back then (still is), but one word to describe their live shows would be insanity. The film also covers some of the band’s original members leaving, and what the band is up to now. There’s more to the film than that but basically it’s just a band documentary from beginning to present.
I found out about Fishbone through my older brother, who was listening to them and other bands like the Chili Peppers and punk rock in the late 80s/early 90s. I listened to Fishbone for a little bit but didn’t really know too much of their early ska stuff until I got into ska music in ‘96. And yes, I remember their appearances in Back to the Beach and I’m Gonna Git You Sucka. But sadly, I still haven’t seen the band live after all these years. I actually prefer the band when they are playing ska instead of the loud metal/rock stuff they did when I first heard them.
I found the documentary to quite interesting. For one, didn’t know Angelo Moore was a Jehovah Witness or was(?). The film shows the financial troubles Angelo was having and had to move in with his mother. Like with any band documentary, the film shows bands coming and going and this one isn’t any different. As much as I liked the band’s stuff, I didn’t know all the behind the scenes drama they were going through. Even if you aren’t a fan of the band or their music, I still think this is worth watching. I just find any band documentary interesting really.
The DVD release includes audio commentary by the band and filmmakers, some deleted scenes, interview outtakes with Fishbone and members of No Doubt, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bad Brains, Chuck D, Gogol Bordello, special featurettes, and unreleased performance footage of Fishbone’s early years and today.
Definitely give Everyday Sunshine: The Story Of Fishbone a peak. It’s a must-see for fans but even if you’re a casual music documentary fan, this might be interesting to you. Perhaps it will even get you into Fishbone’s music as well.
Features:
Audio Commentary With the Filmmakers & the Band
Unreleased Archives – Photos and Concert Footage From the Early Years and Today
Interview Outtakes with Fishbone and Rock Stars
Deleted Scenes
Video:
Widescreen 1.85:1 Color
Audio:
ENGLISH: Dolby Digital Stereo
Bottom Line: Interesting documentary about Fishbone that’s narrated by Morpheus
Running Time: 107 mins
Rating: NR
Extras Rating:
Overall Rating:
