Great to have a major release of moe's early recordings.
10/29/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"moe has constantly separated themselves from other bands in their jam/improv genre by being able to put out consistently enjoyable studio albums. This effort is no different. The songs won't be new to those familiar with moe's music, but the arrangements are sometimes different than what one is used to. Reminiscent of Phish's Junta and Widespread Panic's Space Wrangler in that it is a re-release of an early, independent work, Fatboy satisfies on all levels. moe's early songs can be a little harsh to the unitiated. If you were expecting soft, hippie dippie types of songs then you will be surprised by this cd. The songs are thick, dense and all over the place. Once again, bassist Rob Derhak's vocals are almost indecipherable, but that is his chosen vocal style. At their best, moe is the quintessential live band - perhaps in the top 5 of all time in that medium. They have come a long way since this recording as far as musicians, singers and group improvisers, but this is a startling example of how talented moe was at such a young age."
So here's where the Primus comparison comes from...
shadrach1 | 12/03/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Being a long time moe. fan I purchased this the day it came out. I popped it in the player and the first thing that struck me was Primus (lots of good bass by Rob). Upon hearing Dr. Graffenberg (SP?), I immediately understood where these "Dave Matthews meets Primus" summaries had come from. Bottomline, as usual, I like the CD. It is different from their other cds, but it is by no means disappointing. It has more of an upbeat tempo so if you really enjoy the occassional moe. country tune, this cd may leave you wanting. The biggest excitement this cd created for me was the thought of a possible Loaf re-release, which I once had and loved in college but then my roommate left. All in all, another great moe. cd, these guys can just flat out play."
Good for an early work, essential for the moe.ron
Ken Ashton | Henniker, New Hampshire United States | 04/29/2003
(3 out of 5 stars)
"This was moe at their rawest, when they were still just doing it for kicks, and not taking themselves as seriously (if that's even possible for Moe.) If you haven't heard Moe., and you need a good album to start with, don't get this one. For the quintesential moe. get "No Doy!" or possibly "Dither" as a second choice. For me "No Doy!" ranks up there with Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon, Fleetwood Mac's Rumours, AC/DC's Back in Black, and The Dead's Terrapin Station as one of the greatest rock albums of all time."
My favorite moe. album
Ben Rubenstein | Chicago, IL | 11/05/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Most people say that studio albums by jam bands really can't be good, and I'll agree that the best way to hear moe. is live (I've seen them twice, and they're phenomenal). But this album stands alone as a great piece of work. Even without really extended jams moe. puts together some tight songs that flow well...Time Ed, Timmy Tucker, Brent Black, and Recreational Chemistry are all favorites of mine...get this."