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

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2071









Released: 2008
Length: 3:10
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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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 (126)add comment
I was standing so still doing my eyebrows - THIS came on - Just HAD to dance !!!! 
Posted 2 months ago by Roku    [ Reply ]
They have a new song out in Spanish.
Posted 5 months ago by q4Fry    [ Reply ]
 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! 
Posted 10 months ago by surfool    [ Reply ]
Posted 11 months ago by vandal    [ Reply ]
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
Posted 11 months ago by Cyndeeb    [ Reply ]
wish there was an 11 rating !! this is it! dance , dance !
Posted 1 year ago by Roku    [ Reply ]
Probably one of my all time favorite songs! Great Latin vibe. Of course a RP introduction years ago to me.
Posted 1 year ago by renegade_X    [ Reply ]
Is it just me, hearing 'Crabbuckit' throughout this?
Posted 1 year ago by RazzCat    [ Reply ]
 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.
Posted 1 year ago by rfc940    [ Reply ]
 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 :)
Posted 1 year ago by Tayto    [ Reply ]
 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

Posted 2 years ago by jkforde    [ Reply ]
A song title that I'm sure is appreciated by the person who puts the slideshow together.  :-)
Posted 2 years ago by ExpatLarry    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 2 years ago by Sloggydog    [ Reply ]
 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!
Posted 2 years ago by OMGegan    [ Reply ]
I'd like it even better if it was two minutes long!
Posted 2 years ago by johnfiva    [ Reply ]
Like very much.  Reminds me of Squirrel Nut Zippers.
Posted 2 years ago by hokiesfan93    [ Reply ]
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)....
Posted 2 years ago by jtcedinburgh    [ Reply ]
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. 
Posted 3 years ago by Sloggydog    [ Reply ]
Beautifully done; as a pianist myself I appreciate the chops on display.
Posted 3 years ago by Edweirdo    [ Reply ]
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. 
Posted 3 years ago by Rijidij    [ Reply ]
Very CAKE-like with the horns and fun beat.
Posted 4 years ago by eyke    [ Reply ]
awesome
Posted 4 years ago by mccaindesign8034    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 4 years ago by alexandersmcmillan    [ Reply ]
Welcome, fishies, to my hook. ...?!! Poetry.
 
Best catch line in a long time....
 
Hooked me.  :-)
Posted 4 years ago by RazzCat    [ Reply ]
Swingin' thru my morning!
Posted 4 years ago by zenhead    [ Reply ]
See this band live if you get the chance!
Posted 5 years ago by krisolson    [ Reply ]
classic from a great Aussie band. brass is terrific. these guys are great fun.
Posted 5 years ago by gbt    [ Reply ]
First few beats in, my first guess was Sublime.
Posted 5 years ago by discdrive    [ Reply ]
Love the groove on this one.... first time I've ever heard this band.... quite nice!
Posted 6 years ago by Funkyfreddy    [ Reply ]
 Wrap these last two up with a little Caro Emerald...
Posted 7 years ago by passsion8    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 8 years ago by melzabutch    [ Reply ]
 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! 
Posted 8 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
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!
Posted 9 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 9 years ago by twoplain2sea    [ Reply ]
 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!
Posted 9 years ago by Rotterdam    [ Reply ]
 mitykc wrote:
One of the best live bands out there!

 

Agreed! Have seen them many times and they never disappoint.
 
Posted 9 years ago by strawberrymojo    [ Reply ]
One of the best live bands out there!
Posted 9 years ago by mitykc    [ Reply ]
 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...


Posted 10 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
What fun!  8-)
Posted 10 years ago by sid1950    [ Reply ]
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!
Posted 10 years ago by guycockcroft    [ Reply ]
Is Big Head Todd in the room?
Posted 10 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 10 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
 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. 
Posted 11 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
Annoying mess/
Posted 11 years ago by hakuindude    [ Reply ]
 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... 
Posted 11 years ago by Rotterdam    [ Reply ]
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?
Posted 11 years ago by Segue    [ Reply ]
 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...
 
Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 11 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
This rocks!
Posted 11 years ago by Alexandra    [ Reply ]
 Yeoleman wrote:
Only decent song on this disc...
 
"No Longer There" is nice.
Posted 12 years ago by MojoJojo    [ Reply ]
Only decent song on this disc...
Posted 12 years ago by Yeoleman    [ Reply ]
Quite liking this, but prefer Big Head Todd.
Posted 12 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
 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.
Posted 12 years ago by valeriogonzalez    [ Reply ]
A cat empire needs a cat emperor.  I have just the thing.....

Krosp I, Emperor of All Cats, from "Girl Genius"
Posted 12 years ago by Baby_M    [ Reply ]
sorry not today,,,not feeling it.
Posted 12 years ago by Kaisersosay    [ Reply ]
 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.
Posted 12 years ago by cohifi    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 12 years ago by le_colonel    [ Reply ]
Is it just me, or does anyone else hear influence of Squirrel Nut Zippers?
Posted 12 years ago by philbertr    [ Reply ]
This song has  a great "hook"{#Wink}
Posted 13 years ago by boober    [ Reply ]
My daughter introduced this band to me last year.
Happy to hear them on good old RP! Never fails to surprise!!!
Posted 13 years ago by daedalus    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 13 years ago by Byronape    [ Reply ]
Love me some fishies!
Posted 13 years ago by AliGator    [ Reply ]
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!
Posted 13 years ago by QueenLucia    [ Reply ]
Love this so much! I cheered when Bill announced the song! {#Bananapiano}
Posted 13 years ago by errantpenny    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 13 years ago by 2cats    [ Reply ]
 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} 
Posted 13 years ago by SuzG    [ Reply ]
 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)

Posted 13 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 13 years ago by Byronape    [ Reply ]
I love me my blaring horns!


Piano is pretty fun too...
Posted 14 years ago by SuzG    [ Reply ]
 Cynaera wrote:

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

 

(insert chairdancin emoticon)
Posted 14 years ago by SuzG    [ Reply ]
Sounds a lot like a renamed Alien Fashion Show.
Posted 14 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
 Xeric wrote:
Blaring horns = sucko-barfo. Automatically. Every time. And boy, are those some blaring horns.
 
Try and get some soul my friend.

Posted 14 years ago by wiredsol    [ Reply ]
Saw these guys live recently.  Best show I've ever been on.  They are endlessly creative onstage.
Posted 14 years ago by pherthyl    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 14 years ago by JGM    [ Reply ]
 Rotterdam wrote:
Oh, for heaven's sake. How am I supposed to work? Gotta dance. Gotta.... here I go.... yi-haaaa!!!!
 
{#Bananasplit}{#Roflol}{#Bananasplit} 

Posted 14 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
Blaring horns = sucko-barfo. Automatically. Every time.

And boy, are those some blaring horns.
Posted 14 years ago by Xeric    [ Reply ]
The newest CD is awesome too!!

Welcome fishies to my hook... MUHAHAH!

Posted 14 years ago by imperience    [ Reply ]
Is the whole CD like this? Love it!
Posted 14 years ago by SpamNRice    [ Reply ]
Oh, for heaven's sake. How am I supposed to work? Gotta dance. Gotta.... here I go.... yi-haaaa!!!!
Posted 14 years ago by Rotterdam    [ Reply ]
 jhorton wrote:
Cake meets the Mariachi Horns. Blech!
 

LOL  The reasons you dislike them are the very reasons I like them!
Posted 14 years ago by twitterpated    [ Reply ]
Good song...jazzy
Posted 14 years ago by dekruyter    [ Reply ]
Cake meets the Mariachi Horns. Blech!
Posted 14 years ago by jhorton    [ Reply ]
This makes me think of the Cherry Poppin Daddies!! I'm digging it!! {#Bananasplit}
Posted 14 years ago by KahunaMatata    [ Reply ]
The Cat Empire is always good fun. Nice groove!
Posted 14 years ago by Palaverist    [ Reply ]
I'm really liking this song. Great horn!!
Posted 14 years ago by swell_sailor    [ Reply ]
Now that's killer tone on a bass...... eh Bill?  Thanks for playin' this one here bro. {#Bananajam}
Posted 14 years ago by mrdak    [ Reply ]
 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
Posted 14 years ago by SmackDaddy    [ Reply ]
Mad funky! Like it.
Posted 14 years ago by Bosami    [ Reply ]
Kind-of reminds me of a slower "Date Rape" by Sublime.........strange, I know.
Posted 14 years ago by Beez    [ Reply ]
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
Posted 14 years ago by ambrebalte    [ Reply ]
Really liking this..{#Dancingbanana_2}
Posted 14 years ago by Huey    [ Reply ]

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


Posted 14 years ago by ambrebalte    [ Reply ]
This upside down piece is good on ya australia
Posted 14 years ago by a_genuine_find    [ Reply ]
 CamLwalk wrote:
Wow...who are these guys?  What fun!
 

You MUST see them live if you can.
Posted 14 years ago by marc1980    [ Reply ]
Wow...who are these guys?  What fun!
Posted 14 years ago by CamLwalk    [ Reply ]
 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. 

Posted 15 years ago by Spud    [ Reply ]
 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...

Posted 15 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]
 Xeric wrote:

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

Posted 15 years ago by macmarine    [ Reply ]
Whoops foot tapping.  Didn't realize it.  This is cool!
Posted 15 years ago by kilroyjoe3    [ Reply ]
Just what I need for this Monday morning!
Posted 15 years ago by Pieter    [ Reply ]
The Cat Empire on Radio Paradise?

JJJJJÄÄÄÄÄÄAAAAAHHHHHH!!! 
Posted 15 years ago by simsalonaut    [ Reply ]
 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!

Posted 15 years ago by bknv    [ Reply ]
High-energy Cake, meets Squirrel Nut Zippers.

Posted 15 years ago by lmic    [ Reply ]
Nice!!

Posted 15 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
They put on a great live show, so much energy.  {#Dancingbanana}
Posted 15 years ago by Spud    [ Reply ]
Sabroso! {#Dancingbanana_2}
Posted 15 years ago by HombreDeMezcal    [ Reply ]
 jagdriver wrote:
The Mariachi-style trumpet got my attention!
 
Mine, too.  God, I hate that sound!

Posted 15 years ago by Xeric    [ Reply ]
{#Bananajam}{#Bananapiano}{#Bananajumprope}
Posted 15 years ago by akmegan    [ Reply ]
 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.

Posted 15 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 15 years ago by bokey    [ Reply ]
 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!)

Posted 15 years ago by ZedLeppelin    [ Reply ]
What? No dancing bananas?
Posted 15 years ago by Pieter    [ Reply ]
The song title is 'Fishies' not Fishes. Easier to find on iTunes when you spell it right.
Posted 15 years ago by Papernapkin    [ Reply ]
very cool!
Posted 15 years ago by philinnz    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 15 years ago by rajulkabir    [ Reply ]
Reminded me of the Stray Cats, so I looked and they both have Cat in their name. I wonder if they are related?
Posted 15 years ago by EssenceLumin    [ Reply ]
Saw them on David Letterman awhile back, maybe a year ago. Rocked the house, fun, funky, sorta silly. Dig.
Posted 15 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
Yay!
Posted 15 years ago by Pieter    [ Reply ]
Suave!

Posted 15 years ago by papaman    [ Reply ]
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!

Posted 15 years ago by DoctorHooey    [ Reply ]