Everyday Sunshine - A História do Fishbone

I finally got to see the documentary last night the Riverside Film Festival in California. Let me just start by saying I've been a fan of the band since day one... I've seen every incarnation live and pretty much loved them all. The filmmakers had the daunting task of encapsulating their massive history it into a compelling movie under 2 hours.

For the most part they did a great job. They covered the early years perfectly, including touching interviews with both Angelo and Norwood's mothers. Norwood gave a tour of the school where they all met and told the story about their initial formation which was inter cut with Angelo's interview in an occasionally hilarious fashion.

Dirty Walt's interviews were a highlight as well. I've seen him as more of a silent serious type for years. He's always been a great presence in the band. A firm and confident, yet slightly menacing anchor to the mayhem on stage. His interview showed a whole different side of him. A confident, humorous and charismatic story teller.

They also handled Kendall's breakdown and ensuing band turmoil perfectly. The Berkley reunion was touching and heartfelt as well as the subsequent Chris and Kendall meet up.

Technically, as a documentary, the movie did a great job presenting LA history. It touched on a wide range of subjects: the Black Panther movement, integrated school busing, the LA riots, the crack epidemic ... all the way to the rise and fall of the 90's Alterna-rock scene.

I would have liked to see more included on the creation of the music itself. See the band at work writing, their actual creative process. So much mention was made of their music being a groundbreaking mash up of styles, but not enough was actually shown.

As well I felt the end portion of the movie seemed overly dire. I know they had to focus on one story so they chose the initial lineup, but I think the current band is much better off than it seemed. Yes, their greatest successes with publicity and sales were with the original lineup ... but half of their career has been with other players. The current members have been performing together since 2003 to rave reviews.

I'm not saying it should have been a "love letter" to the band, ... I just feel it wasn't exactly accurate. Maybe a few extra minutes of live footage clearly mentioning that it is from the current lineup should have been highlighted. One of the reasons that they continue to persist is that they still put on an intense and passionate live show.

Anyway, glad to see that someone put the time and effort into getting the almighty Fishbone the extra attention they truly deserve.

I was very pleased on how raw and real this documentary was. I was surprised at how much detail the director was able to get about this remarkable band in under 2 hours. I appreciate the director including the stories of all the original band members and focusing on the relationships and difficulties they have all faced and continue to face while being able to focus on the originality of their music. It was funny, informative, and gives these talented men the recognition they deserve. This movie was well overdue and fans will love it. It brought back so many nostalgic memories about how Fishbone helped shaped my teenage years by opening my eyes to new and refreshing rock, ska, reggae mix of music. No one does it like Fishbone, and no one ever will.

I've loved Fishbone for a very long time, but I did not expect this film to be so good. I could see viewers who aren't even fans get caught up in this story. There is excitement, drama, humor, tragedy, conflict.... you name it. The famous musicians (who were not part of the band) that are interviewed have interesting perspectives and give the film an extra layer of credibility. The filmmakers were able to pull together some amazing live footage of the band in their heyday. They have really crafted this band's story into an amazing narrative. The members of Fishbone really put their soul into that band, and they pour their hearts out on camera.

Do yourself a favor and go see this film!

This is a must see for fans of the band. I found out a lot about things that went on with the band I hadn't heard about previously. Very insightful into the the music industry and how fickle it can be. This film touches on everything from personal infighting to race relations in America during the late 70's and 80's. Why does one band make it big while others are left by the roadside or still struggling after 30 years? This film won't exactly answer that, as there's so many factors that contribute, but it does explore many of the facets of one of the hardest working bands of the last 30 years. Go see it if it's playing near you. Bring a friend or three, even if they aren't fans, they may become one after.

Such a treat to learn more about one of the greatest bands ever. The comments from their contemporaries are priceless - and getting to know Angelo and Norwood on such a personal level was so insightful. My only complaint about the movie is it tended to paint a rather bleak picture of the band's existence and didn't focus enough on the great things they've continued to accomplish like their continued success touring in Europe or their album "Still Stuck in your Throat". In fact - this album was skipped altogether - which is sad - as it is a "later career" record - and is surely one of their top 3 of all time. Nonetheless - Fishbone certainly deserves far greater praise and success than they enjoy today. Let us hope this film helps push them higher, as there is no band on the planet more deserving.