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The Cat Empire — Fishies
Album: So Many Nights
Avg rating:
7.1

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1912









Released: 2008
Length: 3:10
Plays (last 30 days): 2
I left the house left the room with the foxy on my back
And my supplies in a magic pack
And I followed the sound of music
Not up a hill - but down to an old wharf shack

Inside I heard the trumpets call
I salute to the champions on the wall
And in the jazz of squalls and impassioned brawls she danced

And the night she looked so fine to me
Oh I am a man on an Odyssey
And so tie me to the mast I must believe!

Wow didi didi I just had to look
I said wow didi didi how those hips they shook
Eye patch tongue ring little black book
Welcome fishies to my hook

And the tiny chefs they waved their giant knives
And the dark goumas they flicked dynamite
Still I kept the sight of my desire

And this one thing's sure I made no apologies
Lights dimmed but she shone like mythology
And I must admit she felt so alive

Chorus

She waves for everybody down on the floor
As if to pray to the gods of the festival
And there we were in the depths of the wild below

Her face so close I could taste the distant shores
She whispered 'wait for the trumpet's call'
It's not exactly love it's to adore

Chorus
Comments (124)add comment
 Cyndeeb wrote:

Had to stop what I was doing and see who this was - thought it was Squirrel Nut Zippers at first listen...love the ska similarity!  8 right out the door



Ditto! 
Had to stop what I was doing and see who this was - thought it was Squirrel Nut Zippers at first listen...love the ska similarity!  8 right out the door
wish there was an 11 rating !! this is it! dance , dance !
Probably one of my all time favorite songs! Great Latin vibe. Of course a RP introduction years ago to me.
Is it just me, hearing 'Crabbuckit' throughout this?
 Tayto wrote:


They've been through London (UK) a few times over the years and I've been very lucky to have been along to party for the night......and it is, a full on party!  No one (security staff included) can stand still for many of their numbers :)


They were in Manchester UK just before Easter - I feared for the structure of the building as the entire crowd danced in time. Absolute top party atmosphere.
 melzabutch wrote:

The gang from Melbourne knows how to kick it.  I would imagine they would be outrageous and exhausting to see live.  Dance your rear end off.



They've been through London (UK) a few times over the years and I've been very lucky to have been along to party for the night......and it is, a full on party!  No one (security staff included) can stand still for many of their numbers :)
 Sloggydog wrote:

Got to love RP. Stuff you know and love, stuff to get to know and love. 

spot on, could be their new byline.
LLRP

A song title that I'm sure is appreciated by the person who puts the slideshow together.  :-)
The song that got me into them, on the station that played it to me. Dunno why I held the last point back - 10 now so fixed. Every time I hear them I recall a horde of happy punters rolling down Camden High Street singing Still Young at the top of our voices as we left the Roundhouse. Every bit as good live as purported.
 melzabutch wrote:

The gang from Melbourne knows how to kick it.  I would imagine they would be outrageous and exhausting to see live.  Dance your rear end off.



On vacation, my wife, daughter and I always try to find a show of an artist we've never seen live before.  At the El Rey in LA in 2017 they moved the entire room!
I'd like it even better if it was two minutes long!
Like very much.  Reminds me of Squirrel Nut Zippers.
I only discovered the Cat Empire a few months back (via RP, thanks!) and they're great.  Yesterday, I got to see them live (virtually - I'm in the UK and they're in Australia) but they *totally* rock live.  What a band!  So much energy, it makes even my dance-averse self want to bop along!  Long live the Cat Empire (even though I'm aware that they're about to morph into a new version of the band)....
Hearing this here quite a while back sparked a love affair with these guys. Great live too. Got to love RP. Stuff you know and love, stuff to get to know and love. 
Beautifully done; as a pianist myself I appreciate the chops on display.
My favourite song by the Cats!

I've seen them live 4 times in 3 different countries.
If it wasn't for this awful pandemic, I would have added 2 more (and another country) to the list last year - I had tickets for Leeds and Barcelona. 
Very CAKE-like with the horns and fun beat.
awesome
Nice! I was at the 2013 Winnipeg Folk Festival and saw the performance pictured on the Wikipedia page. If my memory serves me correct, which it probably doesn't given the circumstances, it was a lively show.
Welcome, fishies, to my hook. ...?!! Poetry.
 
Best catch line in a long time....
 
Hooked me.  :-)
Swingin' thru my morning!
See this band live if you get the chance!
classic from a great Aussie band. brass is terrific. these guys are great fun.
First few beats in, my first guess was Sublime.
Love the groove on this one.... first time I've ever heard this band.... quite nice!
 Wrap these last two up with a little Caro Emerald...
The gang from Melbourne knows how to kick it.  I would imagine they would be outrageous and exhausting to see live.  Dance your rear end off.
 mitykc wrote:
One of the best live bands out there!

 
Now if Phish could swing half as well as this, I'd understand their popularity! 
I always get to grinning when this plays...it sure is a jamming tune; love the horns, the cool punchy vocals & piano — and the wry, fun lyrics!
Once upon a time the`re ten copycats  sitting on a bridge; One takes a final leap eye on the big fish. Almost forgetful,  others start to sing ''when push comes to shove'' on the borderline.
 Lazarus wrote:

I am still too ambivalent about this song to actually rate it one way or the other... everybody in my alien space craft is puzzled...

hope you are having a good time these days, Rotterdam...  time flies when we're having fun...  Radio Paradise is the best radio station in this galaxy...



 
Hey, Lazarus, the only reason that I am not shimmying across my office to this song today, is that the cleaner is here. No problem for us all to have different views, is there? As long as we can use the mute button when something we hate comes on. I am also a great fan of RP. Enjoy!
 mitykc wrote:
One of the best live bands out there!

 

Agreed! Have seen them many times and they never disappoint.
 
One of the best live bands out there!
 Rotterdam wrote:

I don't believe that I rate anything higher than Lazarus!
I adore this. Makes me want to dance and laugh - rather than being at my computer... 
 

I am still too ambivalent about this song to actually rate it one way or the other... everybody in my alien space craft is puzzled...

hope you are having a good time these days, Rotterdam...  time flies when we're having fun...  Radio Paradise is the best radio station in this galaxy...


What fun!  8-)
Yes! PLEASE play more Cat Empire! They have so many great songs from a few different albums. Another band you should check out is one from South Africa called "Aking" (different genre but catchy and deep lyrics. 'You and I', 'Against all Odds' would be 2 good ones to start with! Love your station by the way, and I will certainly be contributing and supporting just as soon as I am in the position to, and have a credit card to do so!
Is Big Head Todd in the room?
This is just sheer, unadulterated craic! The trumpet really makes this song, but it bounces along beautifully and is just so much FUN!! It deserves a big floor with hordes of energetic dancers, and speakers up to 11. The sort of song that has a twinkle in its mischievous eye. 9 from the toe-tappin' Nottingham jury.
 Lazarus wrote:


I know what you mean...  some cool horn work, but the rest is forgettable...  I am too ambivalent about it to actually rate it one way or the other...
 

 
This song and the singer need more energy. It's all a bit too safe. 
Annoying mess/
 Lazarus wrote:


I know what you mean...  some cool horn work, but the rest is forgettable...  I am too ambivalent about it to actually rate it one way or the other...
 

 
I don't believe that I rate anything higher than Lazarus!
I adore this. Makes me want to dance and laugh - rather than being at my computer... 
Every time you feel like playing that godawful pounding crashing headache inducing macho BS Black Keys band, please play this instead. RP is finesse, not bonehead. Eh?
 rdo wrote:
I've never been able to get into these silly, light-hearted songs.  They just seem like throw-aways to me.  I need a song that really makes me think.
 

I know what you mean...  some cool horn work, but the rest is forgettable...  I am too ambivalent about it to actually rate it one way or the other...
 
I've never been able to get into these silly, light-hearted songs.  They just seem like throw-aways to me.  I need a song that really makes me think.
This rocks!
 Yeoleman wrote:
Only decent song on this disc...
 
"No Longer There" is nice.
Only decent song on this disc...
Quite liking this, but prefer Big Head Todd.
 philbertr wrote:
Is it just me, or does anyone else hear influence of Squirrel Nut Zippers?
 
Well, Squirrel Nut Zippers has lots of influences too.
A cat empire needs a cat emperor.  I have just the thing.....

Krosp I, Emperor of All Cats, from "Girl Genius"
sorry not today,,,not feeling it.
 philbertr wrote:
Is it just me, or does anyone else hear influence of Squirrel Nut Zippers?
 
yes.  which album?  I need to get rid of the one I have if you're interested.
Every once in a while, a set of songs comes along on RP that makes me hit stop and put a CD on. Barr Brothers - "Beggar" etc. + this one is one of those sets.
Is it just me, or does anyone else hear influence of Squirrel Nut Zippers?
This song has  a great "hook"{#Wink}
My daughter introduced this band to me last year.
Happy to hear them on good old RP! Never fails to surprise!!!
So I'm working alone in the service desk and jamming out to this, head bobbing and desk drumming, when our cleaning lady walks by and looks through the window in the door.  I could hear her laughing over the music.

Oh well, this is a good song and I have every right to enjoy it!  If she has terrible taste in music, she can bite me.
Love me some fishies!
Ahhh....this is just what I needed to counteract the mind-numbing hold music the IRS is playing in my other ear.  Cranking this one up!
Love this so much! I cheered when Bill announced the song! {#Bananapiano}
I usually leave my office door open because it gets too cold in here if I close it.  Well, I had to close it so I could turn the volume up for this one.
 Byronape wrote:
It's hard to work when I'm trying not to grove my @$$ off.  This needs played much louder then I have any business playing it in my office.  Must research band and add to library.
 
Its lunch time here!

{#Dancingbanana} 
 Byronape wrote:
It's hard to work when I'm trying not to grove my @$$ off.  This needs played much louder then I have any business playing it in my office.  Must research band and add to library.
 
Seconded. It's hard to leave work when RP keeps playing such stonking tunes, and there's a fresh foaming pint with my name on it down the pub, too. A thousand curses on RP! :o)

It's hard to work when I'm trying not to grove my @$$ off.  This needs played much louder then I have any business playing it in my office.  Must research band and add to library.
I love me my blaring horns!


Piano is pretty fun too...
 Cynaera wrote:

{#Bananasplit}{#Roflol}{#Bananasplit} 

 

(insert chairdancin emoticon)
Sounds a lot like a renamed Alien Fashion Show.
 Xeric wrote:
Blaring horns = sucko-barfo. Automatically. Every time. And boy, are those some blaring horns.
 
Try and get some soul my friend.

Saw these guys live recently.  Best show I've ever been on.  They are endlessly creative onstage.
Kind of a blander remake of their outstanding tune "Sly".  Still tremendous fun and a jolt of energy when the playlist gets all mopey.  Some fo the best trombone work since Squirrel Nut Zippers broke up.
 Rotterdam wrote:
Oh, for heaven's sake. How am I supposed to work? Gotta dance. Gotta.... here I go.... yi-haaaa!!!!
 
{#Bananasplit}{#Roflol}{#Bananasplit} 

Blaring horns = sucko-barfo. Automatically. Every time.

And boy, are those some blaring horns.
The newest CD is awesome too!!

Welcome fishies to my hook... MUHAHAH!

Is the whole CD like this? Love it!
Oh, for heaven's sake. How am I supposed to work? Gotta dance. Gotta.... here I go.... yi-haaaa!!!!
 jhorton wrote:
Cake meets the Mariachi Horns. Blech!
 

LOL  The reasons you dislike them are the very reasons I like them!
Good song...jazzy
Cake meets the Mariachi Horns. Blech!
This makes me think of the Cherry Poppin Daddies!! I'm digging it!! {#Bananasplit}
The Cat Empire is always good fun. Nice groove!
I'm really liking this song. Great horn!!
Now that's killer tone on a bass...... eh Bill?  Thanks for playin' this one here bro. {#Bananajam}
 Beez wrote:
Kind-of reminds me of a slower "Date Rape" by Sublime.........strange, I know.
 

I hear it too. There is a similarity in tone, rhythm
Mad funky! Like it.
Kind-of reminds me of a slower "Date Rape" by Sublime.........strange, I know.
I don't know how this guy looks like, but his voice is ...terrrribly sexy  {#Tongue} (yeah well, would have prefered a "blinking eyes smiley with very loooong lashes" but you'll have to imagine)
衝䟆草泥銬 source  - wikipedia China
Really liking this..{#Dancingbanana_2}

dancing bananing {#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}{#Dancingbanana}


This upside down piece is good on ya australia
 CamLwalk wrote:
Wow...who are these guys?  What fun!
 

You MUST see them live if you can.
Wow...who are these guys?  What fun!
 Dave_Mack wrote:

I don't suppose I need to tell you where they get the energy...

 
I would think not.  A friend of mine was an extra in one of their video clips. She said they were very cool to be around, very friendly.  But then again she was very much like a giggling teenager around them. 

 Spud wrote:
They put on a great live show, so much energy.  {#Dancingbanana}
 
I don't suppose I need to tell you where they get the energy...

 Xeric wrote:

Mine, too.  God, I hate that sound!
 
I'm with you, bro! 

Whoops foot tapping.  Didn't realize it.  This is cool!
Just what I need for this Monday morning!
The Cat Empire on Radio Paradise?

JJJJJÄÄÄÄÄÄAAAAAHHHHHH!!! 
 Spud wrote:
They put on a great live show, so much energy.  {#Dancingbanana}
 
Some friends caught their show the other night at the Commodore in Vancouver.  By all accounts a pretty amazing show!

High-energy Cake, meets Squirrel Nut Zippers.

Nice!!

They put on a great live show, so much energy.  {#Dancingbanana}
Sabroso! {#Dancingbanana_2}
 jagdriver wrote:
The Mariachi-style trumpet got my attention!
 
Mine, too.  God, I hate that sound!

{#Bananajam}{#Bananapiano}{#Bananajumprope}
 jagdriver wrote:
The Mariachi-style trumpet got my attention!
 
Me too. Is there no limit to the ingenuity of cats? Mrowl! 8 from the toe-tappin' Nottingham jury.

No, I don't want to buy a bottle of water.

  Now please walk away from my car.

 Oh wait. I'm not driving and this isn't an intersection.

 Never mind.
 rajulkabir wrote:
Best band you'll ever see live. They play all kinds of fun little venues around Australia - if ever there, it's worth checking their tour schedule.
 
I second that. I'm not a huge fan of their studio stuff, but they are awesome live.

They're coming to Alice Springs (again. With Jimmy Barnes this time!)

What? No dancing bananas?
The song title is 'Fishies' not Fishes. Easier to find on iTunes when you spell it right.
very cool!
Best band you'll ever see live. They play all kinds of fun little venues around Australia - if ever there, it's worth checking their tour schedule.
Reminded me of the Stray Cats, so I looked and they both have Cat in their name. I wonder if they are related?
Saw them on David Letterman awhile back, maybe a year ago. Rocked the house, fun, funky, sorta silly. Dig.
Yay!
Suave!

CafeRacer wrote:
This is so fun! It reminds of a mix of Arctic Monkeys and Squirrel Nut Zippers.

Yeah! With Andrew Bird on lead vocal. This is super fun!

The Mariachi-style trumpet got my attention!
Fun!