What makes Rare & Fatty by Bad Manners notable?

The album is significant for revitalizing interest in the ska genre during a time when it was experiencing a resurgence in popularity. It received positive reviews from various publications, highlighting how Bad Manners managed to blend humor and traditional ska sounds, thus influencing a wave of third-wave ska bands emerging in the late '90s. Released in 1999, Rare & Fatty was Bad Manners' first album in nearly a decade, marking their return after a lengthy hiatus following the 1990 release of Heavy Petting. This album came at a time when the band sought to reconnect with their ska roots while also appealing to a new generation of listeners.

Who is Rare & Fatty for?

Rare & Fatty works well if you're into mid-tempo danceable grooves, playful lyrics for sing-alongs and invigorating spirit for gatherings.

How many songs are on Rare & Fatty?

Rare & Fatty has 16 tracks, running approximately 43 minutes.

Rare & Fatty

Bad Manners · 1999

43 min · 16 tracks · ska

Energetic ska rhythms blend with cheeky lyrics, delivering a vibrant and irreverent sound that defines Bad Manners' unique style.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Paranoid — Opening with infectious energy, this track showcases the band's signature upbeat tempo while exploring themes of anxiety and paranoia, making it both relatable and engaging.
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Jezebel — This song features catchy melodies and clever wordplay, encapsulating the playful yet pointed lyrical style that Bad Manners is known for.
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Tighten Up — A reimagining of a classic reggae tune, this track exemplifies the band's ability to merge traditional sounds with their own distinctive flair, resonating well with both old fans and newcomers.
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Night Bus to Dalston (original version) — This track’s narrative about late-night adventures captures the spirit of urban life while showcasing the band's knack for storytelling through music.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

mid-tempo danceable grooves
playful lyrics for sing-alongs
invigorating spirit for gatherings
steady rhythm for background energy

Maybe skip if you

prefer slow, introspective music
seek complex, lengthy compositions

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1999, Rare & Fatty was Bad Manners' first album in nearly a decade, marking their return after a lengthy hiatus following the 1990 release of Heavy Petting. This album came at a time when the band sought to reconnect with their ska roots while also appealing to a new generation of listeners.
Stylistic neighbors: Madness· The Specials· Toots and the Maytals

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Tracklist

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

1 Paranoid 3:00
2 Devil’s Dub 2:38
3 Tighten Up 2:41
4 Jezebel 3:35
5 Elizabethan Reggae (original version) 2:06
6 Boots 2:37
7 Double Barrel 2:43
8 Are You Monster? 3:28
9 Why Wait? 2:41
10 Help Me 2:48
11 Shakin’ Up (Downing Street) 2:50
12 When Will I See You Again? 2:25
13 Night Bus to Dalston (original version) 2:12
14 That’ll Do Nicely (Rare mix) 4:16
15 Truckin’ 2:15
16 Angel Above 1:03

What to play next

Listen next

Special Brew

2000

Go back to

Viva la Ska Revolution

1998

Full Bad Manners discography Where to start with Bad Manners Artists like Bad Manners

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata