What's This? 1976-1979

by Skafish

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adammajdeckijanicki I have Skafish's debut LP. This is what it is, and what's this? Amazing music with an edge by a fascinating artist. Favorite track: Executive Exhibitionist.

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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.

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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.

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Poster/Print
11" x 17" limited edition poster, personally autographed by Skafish, shipped in a sturdy poster container.

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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.

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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

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edition of 200

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Full Digital Discography

Get all 4 Skafish releases available on Bandcamp and save 25%.

Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality downloads of SKAFISH (2019 Remastered Reissue), Tidings of Comfort and Joy: A Jazz Piano Trio Christmas, What's This? 1976-1979, and BOOTLEG 21-35. , and , .

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1.	Executive Exhibitionist 03:41	lyrics	buy track

2.	Knuckle Sandwich 02:28	lyrics	buy track

3.	They Give You Bad Feelings 03:13	lyrics	buy track

4.	Maybe One Time (1976) 03:00	lyrics	buy track

5.	You Invited Me 03:43	lyrics	buy track

6.	Tattle Tale 03:14	lyrics	buy track

7.	Sign of the Cross (Studio) 03:42	lyrics	buy track

8.	No Liberation Here (1977) 05:34	lyrics	buy track

9.	Work Song (Single Version) 03:52	lyrics	buy track

10.	There's A World 02:51	lyrics	buy track

11.	Disgracing the Family Name (Single Version) 03:33	lyrics	buy track

12.	Commentary: Introduction 01:12	lyrics	buy track

13.	Commentary: The Recordings 08:31	lyrics	buy track

14.	Commentary: The Chicago Scene 04:05	lyrics	buy track

15.	Commentary: The Skafish Band 05:50	lyrics	buy track

16.	Commentary: Conclusion 04:28	lyrics	buy track

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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Track Name: Executive Exhibitionist: 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)
Track Name: Knuckle Sandwich: 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)
Track Name: They Give You Bad Feelings: 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)
Track Name: Maybe One Time (1976): 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)
Track Name: You Invited Me: 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)
Track Name: Tattle Tale: 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)
Track Name: Sign of the Cross (Studio): 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
Track Name: No Liberation Here (1977): 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)
Track Name: Work Song (Single Version): 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)
Track Name: There's A World: 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)
Track Name: Disgracing the Family Name (Single Version): 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)
Track Name: Commentary: Introduction: Spoken commentary
Track Name: Commentary: The Recordings: Spoken Commentary
Track Name: Commentary: The Chicago Scene: Spoken Commentary
Track Name: Commentary: The Skafish Band: Spoken Commentary
Track Name: Commentary: Conclusion: Spoken Commentary

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