Fishboy: Classic Creeps, In Review

Classic Creeps is one of my favorite albums of the year 2011. After browsing through quite a few year-end lists, I've found it's been left off every single one. I feel obligated to at least make a mention, even if no one ever reads this. Classic Creeps is a short, ten song album that tells a complex story about 10 characters and, despite merely scratching the surface of the story, tells us quite a bit about each one of them. It gives us insight into each one's aspirations, actions, and (most frequently) failures. It's not an uplifting story, to say the least. But the manner in which it is presented is simply outstanding and refreshing. The tone of each song shows the sense of hope that the characters keep despite leading miserable lives of yearning. Each and every one wants so much more out of their lives, some act on it and do regrettable things, others just sit in a sense of complacency, avoiding facing their unrealized dreams. Another believes he has accomplished what he set out to do, but he grows increasingly worried just trying to hold onto what he's earned and begins to lose his grip on what he had. Every character is believable and life-like, even when the plot gets a bit strange. And the music! Good lord, the music! Every sound is expertly maneuvered through each song, using originality and repetition alternately to keep us interested and comfortable all the time. Please, listen to this album. I cannot recommend it enough.