Every Song Sucks: A Reel Big Fish Podcast
Every Song Sucks: A Reel Big Fish Podcast

The show where each week we break down and discuss one Reel Big Fish song until we’ve covered their entire catalog. Gary Mastriano (Backyard Superheroes), Anthony Rondina (The Guilty Parties), and Matt Vest (On The Upbeat) Sister podcast to On The Upbeat.

Sometimes relationships end. Sometimes it's your fault, sometimes it's not. And sometimes all you get for your troubles is a burning hot hatred. Danny Ricker (Author/Head Writer for Jimmy Kimmel Live) joins us to talk about his love of ska, Reel Big Fish, and his opinions on "P.S. I Hate You" from the 2012 album Candy Coated Fury.
This week we're doing something special! Not only do we talk about an RBF cover song, but we gave the listeners a chance time chime in on the podcast! Not only do you get to hear what Gary, Matt, and Anthony have to say, but the community lets you know how they feel as well!
Matt Kelly (Christmas 365, One Hit Thunder) spends another episode celebrating a Reel Big Christmas with ANOTHER RBF Christmas cover--though this one is an instrumental. This week we're talking about "Lickle Drummond Boy" from the 2015 EP Happy Skalidays.
is "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer" a holiday classic? Maybe that depends on your definition of the term "classic" but you know what, it's a song that people have strong feelings about one way or another. This week we discuss all things Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer and more with guest host Matt Kelly (Christmas 365, Weird Algorithm, One Hit Thunder, and more Geekscape podcasts).
We have a Thanksgiving holiday treat for you this week! OG Host Adam the Ska Mailman and guest host RJ Phoenix bring a ska trivia game for us to feast upon!
It's the greatest city on Earth, but is it the greatest Reel Big Fish Song? This week we take on the cover of "New York, New York" from the 2002 album Cheer Up!
Reel Big Fish's "The Fire" from the album Cheer Up! is a protest song? That's what Mike Damante (Hey Suburbia, Hey Ska-burbia, Punk Rock and UFOs) posits as hey joins us to talk about the song!
A breakup song without an F-word? Is this Reel Big Fish's most mature song? Mike Damante (Punk Rock and UFOs) joins us to talk about "Where Have You Been?" from the 2002 album Cheer Up.
Everyone has one. They stick around a little too long, they talk too much, and they don't get the hint. Punishers crush you emotionally and drain your soul, but thankfully we brought Eddie Waters (The Originals - A Reel Big Fish Cover Band) back on to discuss this song the song "Punisher" from the 2012 album Candy Coated Fury and why it's not in their set list (yet).
Must be love, what else could it be? Reel Big Fish you love me, I'm not crazy! This week we discuss the controversial(?) song "Skatanic" from the 1996 album Turn the Radio Off.
Every time I try so hard I get nothin' and at this point I don't f***ing care anymore. At least, that's how we're interpreting the song "Nothin'" from the album Turn the Radio Off. And who are we interpreting this song with? Jesse (The OC Scholars, The Goodwin Club, Blu Aux, Teen Heroes) and we've got a lot to say about nothing.
It's not me, it's you. You're the problem. It couldn't be me because you're the asshole and you're the reason I'm not having any fun. But here's the good news: Jesse Wilder (The Scholars/Goodwin Club/Blu Aux) is here to give his insights and share some old school Reel Big Fish stories with us as we discuss "Everyone Else Is An Asshole" from the 2012 album Candy Coated Fury.
This is episode 69. Do not expect us to be professional. We're children. Speaking of children, this one isn't for you, kids. This week we're joined one final time by Danny Smyth (Abortion Twins/Over Wait Mammal) as we talk about the song "Suckers" from the 2002 album Cheer Up!
A Reel Big Fish cover, but this time it's slower than the original. This week Danny Smyth (Abortion Twins, Over Wait Mammal) joins Gary, Matt, and Anthony as we discuss the Social Distortion song "Story of My Life" as covered by Reel Big Fish on the 2005 album We're Not Happy Until You're Not Happy.
You ever see someone at a show and you desperately wanted connect with them--or maybe only did briefly but were left longing? Yeah, me too. Why didn't you make your move? Were you worried about saying something stupid? Nah--just go for it! Getting shot down is part of life. Speaking of down, we're down to just the three hosts as we discuss "Alternative, Baby" from the 1996 album Turn the Radio Off.
We all have expectations of ourselves and sometimes we have expectations for others lives as well, but what we really hate is when others have expectations for our lives. I don't want to live your dream, dude--back off! And speaking of dreams; Gary, Matt, and Anthony discuss "Live Your Dream" by Reel Big Fish from the album Monkeys for Nothin' and the Chimps for Free.
Life sucks, what's new? We all feel this way sometimes. Sometimes you just gotta cheer up and keep moving. Matt Sullivan joins Gary, Matt, and Anthony to discuss the song "Cheer Up" form the album Cheer Up! (2002).
Chill out and take a break. Chill out for goodness sake! It's time we pull it back a notch and slow down. We're joined by Matt from Title Holder to talk about "Slow Down" from the 2007 album Monkeys for Nothin' and the Chimps for Free.
Someday these will be the good old days. You may not know it know, but it's all downhill from here. Every second you're alive is one second closer you are to death, right? Too grim? Well don't worry, this episode is a lighthearted romp featuring Derek Gibbs (Reel Big Fish) as he joins Gary, Matt, and Anthony to talk about the Reel Big Fish cover of The Forces of Evil song "The Good Old Days" from the 2018 album Life Sucks... Let's Dance.
Toxics relationships in practice: not fun. Toxic relationships as told by a Reel Big Fish song: fun. This week we're joined by Reel Big Fish bassist Derek and guest vocalist Julie to talk about the song "I Know You To Well To Like You Anymore" from the 2012 album Candy Coated Fury.
Coolie Ranx! He features on a few Reel Big Fish songs, but there's one song in particular--Song #3 where Coolie takes the lead and who better to speak on the song than the man himself? Coolie joins Gary, Matt, and Anthony to talk about how his involvement in Song #3 from the 1998 album Why Do They Rock So Hard? came about as we analyze the song together.
Authority. What do we know about it? We know it should always be questioned, but we know it always wins--at least according to John Cougar Mellencamp. Speaking of the Coog--Gary, Anthony, Matt, and Vince Walker from Suburban Legends discuss "Authority Song" off of the 2009 covers album Fame, Fortune and Fornication.
It took 59 episodes, but we're finally covering our namesake song! Join Gary, Matt, and Anthony as we discuss "Everything Sucks," which contrary to what some may believe, first appeared on the 1996 album Turn the Radio Off and not on the 1995 album Everything Sucks.
Feel stretched thin? Us too. Sometimes life pulls you in all sorts of directions and you feel like you're living for everyone and everything but yourself. This week we have a host-only episode with Gary, Anthony, and Matt as we discuss "You Can't Have All of Me" form the 2018 album Life Sucks... Let's Dance!
Aha! I knew this one would tickle your fancy. We're covering "Take On Me" from the BASEKETBALL soundtrack this week! This may be Reel Big Fish's best cover song, but we're so busy talking with former trumpet player, Tavis Werts, that we forget to compare it to the rest of the plethora of RBF covers!
This week is a special week! For the first time, we have a member of Reel Big Fish that recorded on the song we're talking about. Former trumpet player, Tavis Werts, joins Gary, Anthony, and Matt for a chat about the many versions of "I'm Cool" (but mostly we talk about the version from Why Do They Rock So Hard).
Wait! Is this song about the Michael Bay movie Armageddon? No... it can't be--but can it? Chris Graue (Louser) joins the crew to discuss "She's Not the End of the World" from the 2012 album Candy Coated Fury.
Another beer song? Well yes, but that's actually the name of the song. It's "Another Beer Song" from the 2018 album Life Sucks, Let's Dance! and we're joined by none other than Chris Graue AKA Lo(u)ser.
You ever want something you know you can't have? There's something to be said about desiring something just out of reach. This week Rick Bisenius (I Voted For Kodos, The Von Tramps) joins Gary, Matt, and Anthony to talk about "I Want Your Girlfriend To Be My Girlfriend Too" from the 1998 album Why Do They Rock So Hard?
We love you because you really understand our podcast and as a gift to you we're going to cover our first Reel Big Fish ballad! Rick Bisenius (I Voted For Kodos, The Von Tramps) joins Gary, Matt, and Anthony for a discussion about "We Care" from the 1998 album Why Do They Rock So Hard?
Sometimes you just know that you've got a good thing going and there's a fear that it won't last, but you know what? Enjoy that time. Just like you'll enjoy your time with Gary, Matt, and Anthony as they are joined by Karen Roberts (Chase Long Beach) as we talk about the 2002 song "Good Thing" from the album Cheer Up!
This week we are joined by Karen Roberts (Chase Long Beach) as we talk about baseball, our hatred of other people's favorite teams, and "Good Thing" from the 2002 album Cheer Up.
This is the song we were handed for episode 50? Yikes! Well, the Fishmonger gave us lemons, so listen as Gary, Matt, and Anthony are joined be Karen Roberts (Chase Long Beach) as we trash possibly the worst Reel Big Fish song of all time!
This week we say "goodbye" to Matthew Milligan (Wheatus) as he gives us one more episode as we dive deep into the Reel Big Fish song "Say Goodbye" from the 2005 album We're Not Happy Until You're Not Happy.
I know you're probably thinking "Another Cover Song?" But you know what, this one is different--it's not an 80's song! Matthew Milligan (Wheatus) joins Gary Matt, and Anthony as we discuss this classic song and whether the RBF version does it justice!
Did you ever have a friend that let you down so much you started to doubt their existence? Me too. It's a bummer, but sometimes you have to move on. This week we discuss "My Imaginary Friend" from the 2007 album Monkeys For Nothin' and the Chimps For Free!
Did you ever have one of those friends that wasn't there when you needed them? Are they even really your friend anymore? Did they ever really exist? Adam the Ska Mailman, Gary, Matt, and Anthony tackle what we feel may be the deepest Reel Big Fish song "My Imaginary Friend" off of the 2007 album Monkeys For Nothin' and the Chimps for free.
We're not here to let you down, but if we did we'd get to the point. This week we bring back original host Adam (The Ska Mailman) for a look at the Reel Big Fish cover of "Don't Let Me Down Gently" off of the 2012 album Candy Coated Fury.
Unity! This week we're joined by Taylor Morden (Pick It Up: Ska In the 90's, The Last Blockbuster) as we discuss the Reel Big Fish cover of the Operation Ivy classic "Unity."
Scott's a dork. This is known. But where do dorks rank on the social hierarchy? Are nerds cool? What about geeks? dweebs?! The answers can be found by listening to this week's episode as we examine and rate "Scott's A Dork" from the 1998 album Why Do They Rock So Hard?
We all have our friends, but what are they for? Gary, Matt, and Anthony talk about mixing friend groups (and how that's a bad idea) as we discuss the Underrated Reel Big Fish banger "What Are Friends For?" from the 2002 Underrated Reel Big Fish banger of album Cheer Up.
Hey! Let's have ourselves another drink because we're going out drinkin' all night long! Join Gary, Matt, and Anthony as they talk about the song "Drinkin'" from the 2005 alum We're Not Happy Until You're Not Happy.
Will this podcast go down in flames as we try to reel ourselves in after last week? It doesn't help that we have Max and Tara from Half Past Two return for another week of insanity! Join our guests plus Gary, Matt, and Anthony as the discuss "Down In Flames" off of the 1998 album Why Do They Rock So Hard?
What exactly is a "Thang" you ask? You should probably listen to the show fore our opinion. Max and Tara from Half Past Two join Gary, Matt, and Anthony as we discuss "Bleached Thang Baby" from the 2018 album Life Sucks... Let's Dance!
Boys aren't supposed to cry, are they? Sure they are! Everyone cries! Join Gary, Matt, Anthony, and Asa (For The Record) as they cover a cover of The Cure's "Boys Don't Cry" by the Reel Big Fish off of their album A Best of Us... for the Rest of Us (2011).
Do you like musicals? Gary does. Join Gary, Matt, and Anthony as well as our guest host Asa from For the Record as we discuss the hard to find track "Nothin' Like a Dame" from Reel Big Fish's split with Cherry Pippin' Daddies "Reel Big Fish & The Cherry Poppin' Daddies are Vacationing In Palm Springs."
Everything is cool. How are things with you? We wish you were... here? Asa Waggoner (For the Record) joins Gary, Matt, and Anthony to talk about "Everything Is Cool" from the 1998 album Why Do They Rock So Hard? There's some major disagreement on this week's ratings? Where does everyone stand? There's only one way to find out.
Reel Big Fish turn an acoustic song into a ska banger! Brian (Suburban Legends/Reel Big Fish) joins Gary, Matt, and Anthony to discuss "Boss DJ" from the 2002 album Cheer Up! Join us as we talk about Sublime, Suburban Legends, and more.
This week Brian is back with 241 reasons why you should love Reel Big Fish--You won't believe number 112! (We also talk about the song "241" from the 1996 album Turn the Radio Off)
Hey Everybody, come on let's listen to the show where we talk about the ska band singing about going to the ska show with a bunch of ska musicians talk about going to ska shows! Gary, Anthony, Matt, and Brian Robertson (current trombone player for Suburban Legends and former trombone player/merch maestro for Reel Big Fish!) talk about the song "Ska Show" from the 2018 Reel Big Fish record "Life Sucks... Let's Dance!"
Oh Reel Big Fish, you gave us everything but all we want is more. Is that so bad? Maybe we should love ourselves? Gary, Matt, and Anthony are Joined once again by Evan from Hooray for Our Side as we discuss "All I Want is More" from the 1996 album Turn the Radio Off. The real question is: do we love this song? There's only one way to find out.
Finding love is find. Finding love after heartbreak? Harder. Join Gary, Matt, Anthony, and guest host Evan as we open up our hearts and discuss "In Love Again" from the 2018 album "Life Sucks... Let's Dance!"
New year, new me? Should we embrace the villain role? This week we're joined by Evan from Hooray for Our Side as we discuss "The Bad Guy" from the 2005 record "We're Not Happy Until You're Not Happy." Will you be let down be our ratings? It's mean, but we're not sorry.
It's out final episode of 2024 and how could we not sign off with Reel Big Fish's take on Auld Lang Syne? The final track on Reel Big Fish's 2016 holiday EP "Happy Skalidays." We'll see you in 2025!
Everyone wants to skank for Christmas! That's what you were thinking when you heard this song... right? This week the gang tackles our first RBF Holiday song "Skank For Christmas" off of their 2016 EP "Happy Skalidays."
Is "The Kids Don't Like it" really one of the best Reel Big Fish songs? There's only one way to find out--and that means you have to listen to the episode. Along the way you'll discovery a sugary surprise as we talk about the 13th track off of the 1998 album "Why Do They Rock So Hard?"
Sometimes life just sucks--the bad guys win, you find out that everyone hates you, and maybe things are worse than they've ever been? Well, good news for you: none of us are getting out of here alive so let's dance! Come along on a journey with our hosts as we discuss "Life Sucks... Let's Dance!" the title track from Reel Big Fish's 2018 album "Life Sucks... Let's Dance!" Maybe if you have some fun you won't feel so bad?
It gets real...? Gets dark...? Gets awesome...? YES! Awesome! So, so awesome when Eddie from The Originals (A Reel Big Fish Cover Band?) chats with the lads about the song "The New Version of You" from Reel Big Fish's "Monkeys for Nothin' and the Chimps for Free" album. Enjoy!
This week we breakdown the Reel Big Fish cover of Nothing But A Good Time. This song was first preformed by 80's hair metal band, Poison. Also, Eddie from The Originals (a RBF cover band) joins us.
This week Eddie, lead singer of The Originals (a Reel Big Fish cover band), joins us to discuss, I'd Rather Get It Wrong. This Reel Big Fish song is from their 2018 album Life Sucks...Let's Dance.
This week Tami from The Goodwin Club joins us to discuss the Reel Big Fish song Evil Approaches.
This week Tami from The Goodwin Club joins us to breakdown the Reel Big Fish song, Join The Club. This track is off of RBF's 1996 album, Turn The Radio Off.
This week Tami from The Goodwin Club joins us to discuss Reel Big Fish's One Hit Wonderful, of their 2005 album, We're Not Happy 'til You're Not Happy.
This week Aaron Carnes, author of In Defense Of Ska, joins us to discuss the Reel Big Fish song, I Should Know By Now. This song is from the band's 2018 album, Life Sucks...Let's Dance. Preorder the second edition of In Defense of Ska: https://www.clashbooks.com/new-products-2/aaron-carnes-in-defense-of-ska-the-ska-now-more-than-ever-edition-preorder
Aaron Carnes, author of In Defense of Ska, returns to help us breakdown Hiding In My Headphones. This song is off the 2012 album, Candy Coated Fury by Reel Big Fish.
This week we are joined by Aaron Carnes. Aaron wrote a book called In Defense of Ska. He is releasing an expanded edition of In Defense of Ska on October 29, 2024. Aaron joins us as we discuss Somebody Hates Me off of Reel Big Fish's 1998 album, Why Do They Rock So Hard? In Defense of Ska: https://linktr.ee/aaroncarnes?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4650efc5-0bb4-4609-b813-13195592720f
This week we are joined Jonathan London from Geekscape. Jonathan directed the music video for this week's Reel Big Fish song, Don't Start A Band. We get some amazing inside info on the music video, the band and this song.
This week Gary, Matt and Anthony discuss the song The Joke's On Me. This song is from Reel Big Fish's 2005 album, We're Not Happy 'till You're Not Happy.
This week Gary, Matt and Anthony breakdown Reel Big Fish's cover of Veronica Sawyer. This song was originally by Edna's Goldfish.
This week Gary, Matt and Anthony breakdown Drunk Again from Reel Big Fish's 2002 album Cheer Up.
This week Gary, Matt and Anthony discuss the Reel Big Fish cover of Lyin' Ass Bitch. This song was originally by Fishbone. This cover by RBF appears on Duet All Night Long.
This week Gary and Matt are joined by Anthony of The Guilty Parties. On this episode they discuss Rave-olution. This is the theme song for 'Rave Master' anime.
This week Gary and Matt are joined by Brian from Backyard Superheroes. This week they breakdown the song Tongue Tied and Tipsy Too from the Reel Big Fish album, Life Sucks...Let's Dance.
This week the gang talks about Are You Sure This Is Cool? on the Best Of Us For The Rest Of Us. Gary and Matt are joined by Brian from Backyard Superheroes.
This week Gary, Matt and Brain (Trumpet player for Backyard Superheroes) breakdown the song A Little Doubt Goes a Long Way. Backyard Superheroes: backyardsuperheroes.com Be sure to follow Every Song Sucks on Facebook, Instagram and X @everysongsucks
We're Back!! This week Gary and Matt are joined by Brian from Backyard Superheroes. The guys breakdown the song Call You off the Reel Big Fish 2007 album Monkeys for Nothin' and the Chimps for Free. Hosted by: Gary Mastriano (Backyard Superheroes) Matt Vest (On The Upbeat Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and X @everysongsucks Join us next week as we discuss A little Doubt Goes Along Way
This week we're taking a break from our normal format and spending the beginning of Summer Break with our families. But I didn't want to leave you empty handed, so heres a fun and cute interview with my kids to find out WHY the Kids Don't Like It! Join us next week when we return to our normal format and discuss the song, "Call You" from the album, "Monkeys for Nothin' and the Chimps For Free"
This week we're discussing, "Trendy" Track w from the album, "Turn The Radio Off" This is a big episode! Hosted by Adam Wallace (The Ska Mailman) Gary Mastriano (Backyard Superheroes) and Matt Vest (On the Upbeat) Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and X @EverySongSucks Send us an email at EverySongSucksPod@gmail.com and do me a favor and follow me on TikTok: The Ska Mailman Listen to Gary's band, Backyard Superheroes, and the new single Mass Hysteria Feat. Coolie Ranx! Join us next week for a big episode... "Call You"
This week we're discussing, "Lost Cause" Track 11 from the album, "Candy Coated Fury DOTS?!?! Hosted by Adam Wallace (The Ska Mailman) Gary Mastriano (Backyard Superheroes) and Matt Vest (On the Upbeat) Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and X @EverySongSucks Send us an email at EverySongSucksPod@gmail.com and do me a favor and follow me on TikTok: The Ska Mailman Listen to Gary's band, Backyard Superheroes, and the new single Mass Hysteria Feat. Coolie Ranx! Join us next week for a big episode... "Trendy"
This week we're discussing, "It's Not Easy" from the EP, "Duet All Night Long" Another episode discussing a cover!!! Hosted by Adam Wallace (The Ska Mailman) Gary Mastriano (Backyard Superheroes) and Matt Vest (On the Upbeat) Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and X @EverySongSucks Send us an email at EverySongSucksPod@gmail.com and do me a favor and follow me on TikTok: The Ska Mailman Listen to Gary's band, Backyard Superheroes, and the new single Mass Hysteria Feat. Coolie Ranx! Join us next week for... "Lost Cause"
This week we're discussing, "Uniform of Destruction" from the compilation, "Runnin' Naked Through a Cornfield" Our first episode discussing a cover!!! Hosted by Adam Wallace (The Ska Mailman) Gary Mastriano (Backyard Superheroes) and Matt Vest (On the Upbeat) Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and X @EverySongSucks Send us an email at EverySongSucksPod@gmail.com and do me a favor and follow me on TikTok: The Ska Mailman Listen to Gary's band, Backyard Superheroes, and the new single Mass Hysteria Feat. Coolie Ranx! Join us next week for... "It's Not Easy"
This week we're discussing, "A-W-E-S-O-M-E" the 4th track off of, "We're Not Happy 'til You're Not Happy" If you listen to this episode then you're AWESOME, SO AWESOME! Hosted by Adam Wallace (The Ska Mailman) Gary Mastriano (Backyard Superheroes) and Matt Vest (On the Upbeat) Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and X @EverySongSucks Send us an email at EverySongSucksPod@gmail.com and do me a favor and follow me on TikTok: The Ska Mailman Listen to Gary's band, Backyard Superheroes, and the new single Mass Hysteria Feat. Coolie Ranx! Join us next week for... "Uniform of Destruction"
This week we're discussing, "Rock 'n' Roll is Bitchin'" the 11th track off of, "Cheer Up!" This is podcast is just getting started and it's already so Bitchin'! Hosted by Adam Wallace (The Ska Mailman) Gary Mastriano (Backyard Superheroes) and Matt Vest (On the Upbeat) Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and X @EverySongSucks Send us an email at EverySongSucksPod@gmail.com and do me a favor and follow me on TikTok: The Ska Mailman Join us next week for... "A-W-E-S-O-M-E"
This week we're discussing, "Brand New Song" the 2nd track off of, "Why Do They Rock So Hard?" Perfect way to kick off a Brand New Podcast! Hosted by Adam "The Ska Mailman" Wallace Gary Mastriano (Backyard Superheros) and Matt Vest (On the Upbeat) Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and X @EverySongSucks Send us an email at EverySongSucksPod@gmail.com and do me a favor and follow me on TikTok: The Ska Mailman Join us next week for... "Rock and Roll is Bitchin'"
Welcome to Every Song Sucks: A Reel Big Fish Podcast This week, there is no song to discuss. Instead we're going over what the show is? How the songs are picked, our Reel Big Fishtory with the band, and setting up what you can expect in future episodes. Hosted by Adam "The Ska Mailman" Wallace Gary Mastriano (Backyard Superheros) and Matt Vest (On the Upbeat) Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and X @EverySongSucks Send us an email at EverySongSucksPod@gmail.com and do me a solid and follow me on TikTok: The Ska Mailman