Faith No More — The Real Thing
The pinnacle of happiness: On tour!
Faith No More’s album, The Real Thing, was released in the summer of 1989. However, the album wouldn’t be on my radar for another year. That’s how living in the deep south worked back then. It took time for things to trickle down.
The internet wasn’t a thing yet, and the local radio stations only played the top hits. By this time, I did have MTV, but that’s not how this album came to be in my life. Nope, I have Arsenal Hall to thank for that — Thank you, Mr. Hall!
My senses declared them similar to Red Hot Chili Peppers (they deny this) with a dash of Beastie Boys! For me, this was a winning combination, and I had to hear more. As soon as I had the opportunity, aka someone to take me, I went off in search of this album. But, the only place to purchase music within thirty miles only had the single. I graciously handed over my three dollars and forty-nine cents, or whatever it was. Sadly, two songs would have to do until I could make the trek to the next town over the following weekend.
I did eventually get the entire album, and it didn’t disappoint! Although in some songs there was an RHCP flare, they carried their own unique style easily. Every track was good, though some were better than others! My top two favorite tracks on this album are The Real Thing and Zombie Eaters, aside from Epic. Their rendition of Black Sabbath’s War Pigs is also notable!
It’s hard to believe this album came out thirty-two years ago, give or take a few months, at the time of this article. It’s even harder to believe that Faith No More has been around since1979! You read that right. They’re still together — AND ON TOUR! Aside from a ten-year hiatus, and the typical drama associated with almost all groups, they’re still trudging forward.
Ron Hart wrote a piece that was published on Billboard.com about how the band “switched singers and delivered a classic,” that article can be found here if you’re inclined to know more.
“The pinnacle of happiness filling up your soul You don’t think you can take any more You never wanna let go
To touch the roots of experience The most basic ingredients To see the unseen glitter of life And feel the dirt, grief, anger and strife
Cherish the certainty of now It kills you a bit at a time Cradle the inspiration It will leave you writhing on the floor…” - The Real Thing (partial lyrics) by Faith No More
Special thanks to the Riff and the readers who provided a warm welcome last week! — I am thrilled to contribute to such a fabulous group! Thank you for reading!
Click below to read the article I recently wrote about Pink Floyd!