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What's This? 1976​-​1979

by Skafish

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  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    Purchasable with gift card

      $9 USD  or more

     

  • Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album

    Six-panel digipack with 36 page booklet featuring liner notes by rock legends Cheap Trick, rare and previously unseen photos and complete lyrics.

    Includes unlimited streaming of What's This? 1976-1979 via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ships out within 7 days

      $14 USD or more 

     

  • Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album

    Six-panel digipack with 36 page booklet featuring liner notes by rock legends Cheap Trick, rare and previously unseen photos and complete lyrics, personally autographed by Skafish.

    Includes unlimited streaming of What's This? 1976-1979 via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ships out within 3 days

      $25 USD or more 

     

  • Poster/Print

    11" x 17" limited edition poster, personally autographed by Skafish, shipped in a sturdy poster container.
    ships out within 3 days

      $8 USD or more 

     

  • Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album

    A limited edition promotional CD in a cardboard sleeve marked "Property of 829 Records."

    Includes unlimited streaming of What's This? 1976-1979 via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ships out within 3 days

      $10 USD or more 

     

  • T-Shirt/Apparel + Digital Album

    This shirt was designed and manufactured specifically to promote the What’s This? 1976-1979 album. LIMITED QUANTITY AND LIMITED SIZES

    T-shirt lettering says:

    WHAT’S THIS FREAKIN’ $%&!?
    www.skafishwhatsthis.com

    These are from a limited edition item of 300 and after they are gone, this T-Shirt will never be manufactured again. So far, we have only used this item for promotional purposes and this is the first time we are opening it up for sale. We have 200 shirts to sell. Normally, we would sell this T-Shirt for $25, but we are offering this item to you at the introductory price of $20.

    The T-Shirt is:
    100% cotton
    Black T-Shirt with white, distressed lettering
    Pre-shrunk
    Machine wash and tumble dry
    Substantial quality
    In a sealed plastic bag with air holes for freshness
    Made by Tennessee River

    Includes unlimited streaming of What's This? 1976-1979 via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ... more
    ships out within 3 days
    edition of 200 

      $20 USD or more 

     

  • Full Digital Discography

    Get all 6 Skafish releases available on Bandcamp and save 25%.

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality downloads of Conversation & The Rejects, Nothing I Can Do, SKAFISH (Remastered Reissue), BOOTLEG 21-35, What's This? 1976-1979, and Tidings of Comfort and Joy: A Jazz Piano Trio Christmas. , and , .

    Purchasable with gift card

      $36.75 USD or more (25% OFF)

     

1.
Executive Exhibitionist You’re an executive with your own office You are a rich man You dress in tailored clothes You drive a nice car You wear a diamond ring Good reputation throughout your neighborhood You hold good standing in your community You go to church and you give to charity You pick the check up in fancy restaurants Sneak off from work go down by school Behind the bushes wait be cool And when the kids get out of class Go snatch one quick down with your pants Exposed! Exposed! Exposed! Exposed! You finished high school then on to college You studied pretty hard Received your degree You met your partner then worked your way up You met the girl who became your lovely wife You two made babies and made your family You love your children You want the best for them You give them money You buy them presents Flip flop flip flop your pee pee round Doodle doodle it up and down Gobs of pleasure you receive Just watching all the children scream Exposed! Exposed! Exposed! Exposed! The children run the children scream Oh mommy mommy help me please She is mad and quite disturbed The whole community’s perturbed Exposed! Exposed! Exposed! Exposed! Throw him out of our town Far away from children He belongs in sick home Nowhere near my kid Throw him out of our town Far away from children He belongs in sick home Nowhere near my kid Throw him our of our town Far away from children He belongs in sick home Nowhere near my children Throw him out of our town Far away from children He belongs in sick home Nowhere near my children Written in 1976 by Skafish © 2007 Skafish (Skafish Music/BMI)
2.
Knuckle Sandwich Hey little boy you want a sandwich to eat It can make your mouth flow and it tastes pretty neat I can feel good when I feed you some food You’re gonna eat my knuckle sandwich on white Can’t throw a football you don’t know how to fight Don’t hang around don’t you tag on along ‘Cause we only run with boys who are big and strong Go to your bedroom read your science magazine You’re gonna eat my knuckle sandwich on rye Can’t throw a football you don’t know how to fight Your legs are thin and your arms of flab And your stomach is mush and you walk like a fag Don’t come around I’m gonna give it to you You’re gonna eat my knuckle sandwich on white Can’t throw a football you don’t know how to fight You study hard get the top grades in class Miss Landers pet ‘cause you never would sass Wait till the bell rings I’m a kickin’ your ass You’re gonna eat my knuckle sandwich on white Can’t throw a football you don’t know how to fight Waltz this way boy I’ll grab your limp wrist I’ll show you the way Because we’ve dealt with your kind before yeah Mommas little boy always stay close to home Play with your sister can’t you leave her alone Splash in your pool daddy bought just for you But you’re gonna eat my knuckle sandwich on white Can’t throw a football you don’t know how to fight Your sister wants to leave she’s goin’ out with her boyfriend He comes to pick her up he will not pretend He hates your little guts about the same as me He says, “Hey little boy go play in the street!” Written in 1976 by Skafish © 2007 Skafish (Skafish Music/BMI)
3.
They Give You Bad Feelings They give you bad feelings Just keep punchin’ and pokin’ you They trip you and you fall They grab your dime There’s on one to call If you’re all inhibited up ready to explode I’ll let you scream and yell in my home In - in my home - in my home They will give you the old one-two and as they pulverize you Then they smash you and knock your block off You’re bloody black and blue There’s nothing to do If you’re all inhibited up ready to explode I’ll let you scream and yell in my home In - in my home - in my home After they leave to find a new one You work and grow old Embedded memories on your heart You almost fall apart Those bad days don’t seem to go If you’re all inhibited up ready to explode I’ll let you scream and yell in my home In - in my home – in my home Just walk right in… Written in 1974 by Skafish © 1975 Skafish (Skafish Music/BMI)
4.
Maybe One Time (1976) As my spirit cries out Hopin’ someone might be there Well I guess I could forget All the affection I wish to get Watch me look the other way As I watch them walk right by me Holding hands being close My half smile is forced Just look at me You know I’m a sight After all this time Love still ain’t right I’m warm and safe Yet shakin’ with fright Such a lonely night They are clingin’ together Never alone Out every single night Love could end anytime Hangin’ on hangin’ on Till a good-bye Just look at me You know I’m a sight After all this time Love still ain’t right I’m warm and safe Yet shakin’ with fright Such a lonely night They touch each other I’m touched by it If I could run to the store buy it - it’s mine How much would it cost to be held? Maybe one time Maybe one time Maybe one time Maybe one time Written in 1976 by Skafish © 1979 Skafish (Skafish Music/BMI)
5.
You Invited Me Such a nice party Such a nice home So many nice pieces of furniture I tried to warn you Now I blame you It ‘s your fault ‘cause you invited me Please will you show me through your house? Yes I’ll pretend I’m not a louse I got my eye on all your things All of the doom I’m gonna bring Yes I will ruin your time Then I will wreck your life Then I will know your party flopped Drag for your friends hostess You are a dope You didn’t know what I would do You invited me I’m gonna wreck it for you I love the cocktails and hors d’oeuvres All of the bodies got the curves Yes I see everyone is nice So I will give them lots of lice I’m gonna dance and crash All of your lamps go bash All of your crystal gets a zing Drag for your friends hostess You are a dope You didn’t know what I would do You invited me I’m gonna wreck it for you I see we have a party I’m gonna smash the cake now It really is so elegant I’ll make your little guests split Little baby come to me – oh! You are a dope You didn’t know what I would do You invited me I’m gonna wreck it for you Oh yes I see everyone is nice So I will give them lots of lice Then I will wreck your fancy furniture Then I will wreck your fancy living style Then I will sign your death Then you will lose your breath Then I will wreck your fancy car Drag for your friends hostess You are a dope You didn’t know what I would do You invited me I’m gonna wreck it for you I see we have a party I’m gonna smash the cake now It really is so elegant I’ll make your little guests split Little baby sleeping nice come to me – oh! You are a dope You didn’t know what I would do You invited me I’m gonna wreck it for you Oh little baby oh (improvised) Oh oh oh Little baby sleeping soundly Dreaming sweet things I know you You see me I’m a face filled with glee Yes I know I look big How I will hold you tight Come to me – oh! You are a dope You didn’t know what I would do You invited me I’m gonna wreck it for you Yeah you are a dope You didn’t know what I would do You invited me I’m gonna wreck it for you You are a dope You didn’t know what I would do You invited me I’m gonna wreck it for you You are a dope You didn’t know what I would do You invited me I’m gonna wreck it for you It’s your fault - it’s your fault You invited me It’s your fault you invited me Written in 1977 by Skafish © 1977 Skafish (Skafish Music/BMI)
6.
Tattle Tale 03:14
Tattle Tale Hey little tattle you tell on me (na na na na na na na na na na na) Tattle tale never let me be (na na na na na na na na na na na) The teacher she says she cares That’s why she calls my parents on the phone and warns them to beware Push me and my books down the stairs I run to the nurse for care and a band-aid Nurse is laughing hah hah hah Even she’s down on me They didn’t give me therapy Just lots of slapping and pushing around Therapy was later when they all lost hope in washing out my mouth with soap I’d love to play I have no friends today And it feels real bad - oh That I am not ok I ran home today I hid in the garage All day in the garage My mother found me She asks, “Why is everyone down on me?” (I’m gonna push you down I’m gonna tell on you) I’m leaving I’m going Farewell good-bye The truant officer was out and looking all around for me I don’t care I’m gonna leave My mouth is bleeding My clothes are ripped I’m in hell Every day I’m hit Hey little tattle tale you tell on me And you knock me down, down, down I said, “Hey little tattle tale when will you stop beating another kid up?” (I’m gonna tell on you I’m gonna tell on you) (I’m gonna push you down I’m gonna tell on you) I said, “Hey little tattle tale everyday you make me cry and run away everyday” (na na na na na na na na na na na) (na na na na na na na na na na na na na na na na) Written in 1977 by Skafish © 1977 Skafish (Skafish Music/BMI)
7.
Sign of the Cross (Studio) I wanna have some fun tonight I never have a happy day I never get to feel right Please will you help me find the way Let’s do the Sign of the Cross It’ll make you feel real boss Do a genuflection Oh maybe you’ll get an erection doin’ the Sign of the Cross If you’re depressed and full of strife If you are sick of living life If you are sad and full of woe I have the key to fun behold Let’s do the Sign of the Cross It’ll make us feel real boss Do a genuflection Oh maybe you’ll get an erection doin’ the Sign of the Cross All of the kids who bop around Everyone rocks around the town All of the kids are getting down Even the adults are foolin’ around They do the Sign of the Cross It makes them feel real boss Get up get down get dancing do the Sign of the Cross Do a genuflection maybe you will get a huge erection Get up get down get dancing do the Sign of the Cross I would have killed myself today I would have smeared myself away I would have been so glad to die But in the midst of all my strife I did the Sign of the Cross It made me feel real boss Do a genuflection Oh maybe you’ll get an erection doin’ the Sign of the Cross If you’re afraid you’ll go to hell You better start your dancing now If you don’t quite get up to heaven I’ll guarantee at least purgatory Let’s do the Sign of the Cross It’ll make us feel real boss Get up get down get dancing do the Sign of the Cross Do a genuflection Oh maybe you’ll get an erection Get up get down get dancing do the Sign of the Cross Follow me before it’s too late for your eternal salvation Written in 1976 by Skafish © 1977 Skafish (Skafish Music/BMI) Copyright Renewed 2005
8.
No Liberation Here (1977) I am feeling like I need some abuse Throw me round the room let me be misused I don’t feel right No liberation here Rub my nose in doggie’s duty today Please embarrass me so I’ll be ashamed I cannot be proud No liberation here I have close to no pride Which way? Where is the bathroom? I will do my duty here Where’s the disease infested toilet seat that I can plunge in deep? Bury my head and face in crappy toilet water in shit Let me kiss the one with bad breath that reeks Let my tongue caress the rotted brown teeth I can’t walk with my head held high No liberation here I can’t look at myself with pride or joy Every night I’m filled with fright I look all up and down Behold what a sight Mother nature secretly told me this is not right Well my darling let’s see what I can be When my body does defy the basic birds and bees There’s a couple who wear fry boots today And they make good love in the outdoors today Love in the great outdoors How does it feel to be free in the great outdoors? I have close to no pride Which way? Where is the bathroom? I will do my duty here Where’s the disease infested toilet seat that I can plunge in deep? Bury my head and face in crappy toilet water in shit I don’t feel right No liberation here I cannot be proud No liberation here I can’t walk with my head held high No liberation here I don’t feel right I’m a prisoner I’m a prisoner I’m a prisoner I cannot be proud I have nothing to be proud of I am not proud I am not proud I can’t walk with my head held high No liberation here Written in 1977 by Skafish © 1977 Skafish (Skafish Music/BMI)
9.
Work Song (Single Version) What’s the average guy gonna do? What’s the average guy gonna do? He just has a labor job He can’t find a better job Work all day in the steel mill Be a cop or drive a truck Get a four-year college degree End up in the factory Be the man who works all day You get your pay Spend it on a Friday night Life’s not great but it’s not bad You don’t think much about being sad You just do what you have to do Work all day you got a job to do Muscles work Your body is as hard as rock Hit him like a rock tonight Drive the car through morning traffic Punch the clock and start the day The loud machines ring in your ear The air is grey your body’s aching When does it stop so you can relax? Get up every morning work for your money There’s a bar right down the street After the work the guys meet They’re dirty and hot they want a beer They watch the baseball game here Chicago Cubs will play today They’re gonna shout “Hey! Hey!” Blacks and whites and Mexicans Ethnic men from Poland Call your friends You’ll have some fun when you get drunk Drinking with the guys tonight Drive the car through morning traffic Punch the clock and start the day The loud machines ring in your ear The air is grey your body’s aching When does it stop so you can relax? Get up in the morning work for your money No one help you out You’re stuck like millions working everyday Just work work work work Work work work work Work work work work work It won’t stop All the men work they’re stuck in the middle Nowhere near richness But they aren’t starving Taxes, food, car payments, electric bills Oh but you’re not starving Now you’re an old man Do you get to retire or do you die soon from a heart attack? You worked your whole life and broke your back Every day just seems the same you did your work Work work work work Work work work work Written in 1977 by Skafish © 1978 Skafish (Skafish Music/BMI)
10.
There's A World You ask your best friend for some nice advice What you might do with your life and time He said, “You were dumb and you won’t succeed” Right then and there you were about to cry About to cry so sad Don’t you cry there’s a world There’s a world Passing by Why do you let it pass? Find your world Grab your special world It’s your life - your life What to do - and your choice I feel you can do ok It’s hard to face things don’t run away I’ll be by your side You won’t even know I’ll send your spirit the healing of The healing of above Don’t you cry there’s a world There’s a world Passing by Why do you let it pass? Find your world Grab your special world It’s your life - your life What to do - and your choice You are strong I’ll make you strong You’ll be strong So you won’t just survive You’ll climb and have a choice tonight You won’t fall I’ll hold you up You won’t fall You’ll be the strongest thing That I ever did see You answer the ad for a job interview They are so harsh they intimidate you They say “We are busy we don’t have time” You stop and think Now what can I do what can I do at all? Don’t you cry there’s a world There’s a world Passing by Why do you let it pass? Find your world Grab your special world It’s your life – it’s your life What to do - and your choice They will say you will flop They will hold you down They will laugh as you fall They don’t care for you It’s your choice Try and break free - if you can Written in 1977 by Skafish © 2007 Skafish (Skafish Music/BMI)
11.
Disgracing the Family Name (Single Version) How are the old folks at home? Grandmother built respect for family name My father worked to keep it just the same My mother once was proud of family name Paralyzing the family name with paralysis My brother Peter does not understand My sister Mary Lou she hopes the best When I was small they knew I was a pest Pesty little moron (Oh what a shame) Disgracing the family name Debasing the family name Erasing their fine fine reputation How are the old folks at home? Parents rejected me household germ I crawl all through the garden with the worms I am the rotten apple with the worms Chewing at my core (Oh what a shame) Disgracing the family name Debasing the family name Erasing their fine fine reputation Listen to them whine as they dine Whine - whine - whine -whine - whine I started school at a primal age Teachers were so enraged hated me I lifted old ladies dresses at age three Dirty as a baby (Ooh - oh what a shame) Disgracing the family name Debasing the family name Erasing their fine fine reputation How are the old folks at home? Oh they hang their heads in shame You better leave the neighborhood And change your name 'cause I am Disgracing - Destroy the family name Debasing - Wrecking, ruining the family name Disgracing – Erasing, erasing their fine fine reputation Disgracing - I will embarrass my family name Debasing - Destroy the family name Debasing - Suffocating their fine fine reputation Disgracing - Erasing the family name Erasing - Wrecking, ruining their fine fine reputation Written in 1977 by Skafish © 1978 Skafish (Skafish Music/BMI)
12.
Spoken commentary
13.
Spoken Commentary
14.
Spoken Commentary
15.
Spoken Commentary
16.
Spoken Commentary

about

Over thirty years later, take a step back into the future and rediscover the birth of Chicago punk, new wave, alternative, indie and experimental rock featuring 11 studio recordings, 9 previously unreleased, 5 new commentary tracks by Skafish himself including the historically accurate story of Sid Vicious’ last public event at a Skafish performance in New York, a 36 page booklet featuring liner notes by rock legends Cheap Trick, rare and previously unseen photos and complete lyrics. Experience the music that Cheap Trick says “started it all.”

credits

released April 1, 2008

Executive Producer: Skafish

Tracks 1-4:
Produced, written and arranged by Skafish
Recorded and mixed August 29, 1976 at Rainbow Bridge Studios in Libertyville, Illinois
Engineer: Unknown

Tracks 5-8:
Produced by Robin McBride
Written and arranged by Skafish
Recorded October 12, 1977 and mixed October 17, 1977 at Hedden West Studios in Schaumburg, Illinois
Engineer: Mike Freeman

Tracks 9-11:
Produced and written by Skafish
Arranged by Skafish (with special assistance by Scott A. Cameron and all band members).
Complete band tracks recorded July 16, 1978 on a 4 track recorder live in Skafish's basement in East Chicago, Indiana
Engineer: Ken Rasek
Vocals and occasional musical overdubs recorded August 3, 1978 at Pumpkin Studios in Oak Lawn, Illinois
Engineer: Gary Loizzo

Commentary Tracks 12-16:
Produced and spoken by Skafish
Voice recorded on November 15, 2006 at Chicago Recording Company in Chicago, Illinois
Engineer: Dennis Tousana
Assistant engineer: Dave Rieley
Musical Intros and Outros inserted on November 25, 2006 at Chicago Recording Company in Chicago, Illinois
Engineer: Dennis Tousana
Assistant engineer: Todd Fitch

All tracks recorded on take 1 or take 2
No remixing or editing was done to the original tapes
Mastered December 2006 by Trevor Sadler at Mastermind Productions

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about

Skafish Chicago, Illinois

Chicago and Indiana's first punk, new wave, alternative, indie and underground rock artist, and a pioneer of these art forms internationally. Skafish made his first record in 1970, has released 7 LP’s, toured/performed with such artists as The Police, Ramones, Iggy Pop, XTC, UB-40, Stranglers, The Cramps, English Beat, Sha Na Na, Scorpions, & U-2, and appeared in the film "Urgh! A Music War! ... more

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