It has been billed as a "more rock" record, but while there are instances of basic rock nuance to be found on FIF's latest offering, All The Hype That Money Can Buy, they are mostly there for sardonic effect—especially on "The Phantom Mullet," a brilliant piece of stadium satire. Other than that and a few other minor samples, this album unapologetically rebukes the popular notion that "Ska is dead." In fact, not only has FIF stayed true to their Ska nature, they have delved further into the style, calling upon rootsy elements and even throwing in some pseudo-reggae now and again. It is this reviewer's opinion that the band made a very respectable decision in this regard, and the resulting album is something even the Toasters would probably approve of.
However, true to their past records, FIF makes musical diversity, unique character, and smart, masked social commentary their key focus. "Fahrenheit" and "Four-Fifty-One" take fervent stands against judgmentalness and ignorance. "Ugly Day" is a dichotomous pop tune that uses mock cheer to lament the loss of a would-be-mate. Somehow the upbeat "woah-ohs" just make it all the more depressing. "Giants" is too informed for its audience, and is closer to genuine socioeconomic subversiveness than any American Christian band has ever come. (Me-thinks that someone took a Political Economics and Social Movements class. Zinn...is that you?) Don't worry my dear scenesters, rounding out all that bothersome stuff that makes you think too much is some trademark wackiness, including a short ode to Larry Boy and a comical cover of "It's Not Unusual." "World Without End" and "The Greatest Story Ever Told" add the overt spiritual touch, and they are reverently but jubilantly handled—sure to induce worshipful sentiments. The congregational A Capella touch and subtle ringing bells at the end of "World..." are beautiful.
"Solidarity" is a nice thought, but drifts into something a tad too forced musically, "You Probably Shouldn't Move Here" is entertaining—the first time, and "Hurricanes" gets boring after the second stanza. Overall, though, this is a VERY impressive album that doesn't back down on any front. Nice job.
Other coverage for this album
The Rebel Base 2001Reviewed by Mark BakerHave you ever had one of those days where everything seems to be going against you, and the world has teamed up to make you miserable? I know I have. One day recently for me was like this. I happened to pop in Five Iron's CD, All the Hype That Money Can Buy. It cracked right though that bad mood and made me sing along! Everybody now: "Cuttin' it short in the front, I want that for me! Growing it…ReAL Magazine 2000Reviewed by Kevin D. Hendricks"This album is the first step towards world peace," says bass player Keith Hoerig. And with typical Five Iron Frenzy style comes their third full length studio release, All The Hype That Money Can Buy. It's being billed as more rock, but the band stays true to their ska roots and manages to stray stylistically--enough to keep things interesting. Five Iron has earned the reputation for being…Decapolis 2000Reviewed by Tom BastianI found this album kind of hard to review. Some of the songs sound similar to their older stuff (rock/ska/punk), yet other songs are just different (reggae, rasta, rap). The songs I enjoyed on this release were the songs that sounded similar to their other stuff. Songs such as, "The Greatest Story Ever Told", "Me Oh My", "The Phantom Mullet", and "Fahrenheit". Some of the other songs such as…Decapolis 2000Reviewed by Jim ShadyI have been a fan of FIF for about 4 years now. Actually, it would be more correct to say that I am a sideline fan, meaning that I am anxious to hear what they come up with next but I am not about to go see them in concert. Ever since their first album Upbeats on the Beat Downs, I have not been overly impressed. Sure they put out one or two good songs per album but I can compare them to any of…Decapolis 2000Reviewed by ChrisI have never been much of a fan of Five Iron Frenzy, it's always seemed to me that they are a bunch of talented musicians who COULD be a very, very good band, but never quite hit the mark. This, like the other FIF stuff I've heard, has some really good serious material, and some totally silly stuff. I call it silly, and not humor, because none of it even got a chuckle out of me. I guess I am just…The Phantom Tollbooth 2000Reviewed by Michial FarmerIt takes an awful lot of guts to release a song against homophobia on a Christian label: I was in eighth grade I said he was a queer I thought he had it coming He died of AIDS that year My liberty As if Christ's death meant nothing to me (From "Fahrenheit") It takes even more to follow that up with a song condemning Christian escapism and isolationism: The radio is preaching the candy coated goo…Similar sounding releases
1999The O.C. SupertonesChase the Sun
Bunch of BelieversIt's a Ska Ska Ska Ska World
2001The DingeesThe Crucial Conspiracy
2004PepperIn With The Old
1999The ChinkeesPeace Through Music
2002ApologetiXGrace PeriodMore from Five Iron Frenzy
2003The End Is Here
1998Quantity Is Job 1
1996It's Funny... but not very creative.
1999Proof That the Youth are Revolting
1997Our Newest Album Ever!
2003Cheeses...
