What makes Law of the Fish by The Radiators notable?

Law of the Fish is notable for its exploration of themes rooted in New Orleans culture and for showcasing the band's eclectic musical style. The album helped cement The Radiators as key figures in the burgeoning jam band scene of the late '80s, influencing subsequent artists who embraced improvisation and regional sounds. Released in 1987, Law of the Fish is The Radiators' third studio album, coming after their self-titled debut in 1978 and the critically acclaimed Ghost Story in 1984. At this point, the band was solidifying their unique sound within the swamp rock genre, gaining a loyal following through their energetic live performances and distinctive blend of rock, blues, and Cajun influences.

How many songs are on Law of the Fish?

Law of the Fish has 12 tracks, running approximately 45 minutes.

Law of the Fish

The Radiators · 1987

45 min · 12 tracks · swamp rock

A vibrant blend of swamp rock and Southern roots, brimming with playful energy and lyrical wit.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Doctor Doctor — This track encapsulates the band's swamp rock vibe with its infectious rhythm and clever narrative about seeking help in a lighthearted manner.
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Oh Beautiful Loser — The song features poignant lyrics that blend humor with introspective reflection, showcasing the band's knack for storytelling within their music.
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Suck the Head — An energetic anthem that highlights The Radiators' ability to fuse traditional New Orleans influences with a rock sensibility, making it a crowd favorite at live shows.
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Mood to Move — With its upbeat tempo and catchy hooks, this track exemplifies the joyful spirit found throughout the album, inviting listeners to dance along.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album features strong lyrical themes and varied instrumentation but lacks a tightly cohesive flow.

What we noticed

The album opens with a lively track that sets a mid-tempo groove, which is maintained through the first half before shifting to more varied tempos.
Lyrically, the songs often incorporate playful storytelling and cultural references specific to New Orleans, enhancing their thematic depth.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 This Wagon's Gonna Roll 4:20
2 Like Dreamers Do 4:04
3 Doctor Doctor 4:04
4 Oh Beautiful Loser 4:11
5 Suck the Head 3:13
6 Mood to Move 3:58
7 Sparkplug 3:00
8 Holiday 4:00
9 Love Is a Tangle 4:10
10 Boomerang 4:19
11 Hard Time Train 5:34
12 Law of the Fish 0:58

What to play next

Listen next

Zig-Zaggin' Through Ghostland

1989

Go back to

Heat Generation

1981

Full The Radiators discography Artists like The Radiators

swamp rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata