February 20th, 2007 will mark the release of the humorously titled and highly anticipated (at least by Cheap Shot) split EP, Duet All Night Long. The EP co-stars modern day ska icons, Reel Big Fish, and Fairless Hills’ own Zolof the Rock and Roll Destroyer. It contains six covers of songs popular during the comeuppance of the Ninja Turtle generation, performed as duets by RBF’s Aaron Barrett and Zolof’s Rach Minton. The two bands take turns providing the music for each track, making for a delicious mix of melodic ska and synthy pop punk. It’s a match made in karaoke heaven. Still, it’s done very artfully.

Duet All Night Long is especially interesting because of the choice of cover material. It opens with a Reel Big Fished out version of the Smiths’ “Ask.” Of course, Johnny Marr’s signature chime, as well as the swirl of the original track, is absent. It instead becomes a downstroke laden, pop punk take - with modest use of horns and a smart, straight forward arrangement. Essentially, “Ask” sounds how you’d expect Reel Big Fish to play it, but with the addition of Minton on vocals. The interplay between Barrett and Minton is what makes the song interesting. The two trade off the croony Morrissey vocal lines in a playful fashion - kind of like you’d expect them to at a karaoke bar that cared enough to cater to the 1980's art rock set.

Morrissey has always been a notably chaste musician, the next selection needed to be sexier. Enter Zolof’s take on the Madonna classic, “Dress You Up.” As on “Ask,” Minton and Barrett split the verses and coalesce on each chorus. Synth flourishes take prominence throughout the track, and the harmonized guitar solo more than hints at the band’s love of 80's heavy metal. You’d think following the Smiths with Madonna would seem odd, but it’s as natural a fit as Twinkies and beer. Also, we might have expected a song from the Queen of Pop’s catalog on the EP, after Zolof paid tribute to her with “Ode to Madonna” on their eponymous debut.

Next, Reel Big Fish take on “Lyin’ Ass Bitch,” a live favorite of Fishbone fans. It’s a perfect song for RBF to cover. They didn’t have to rearrange the song much, just make it their own. Zolof fans will no doubt be a bit shocked to hear Minton deliver the words “bitch,” “slut,” and “bullshit” with so much venom. We’ve come to expect it from Reel Big Fish. Not that there’s anything wrong with that!

Zolof’s rendition of the Human League’s “Don’t You Want Me” may be the most obvious choice for the EP. It’s a karaoke classic that just begs for a room of people to croon in unison. Barrett is in full 80's kitsch mode and loving it. His voice is a natural fit for Zolof’s sound, and Zolof is perfect to cover the song. Zolof’s Vince Ratti adds a six string chunk absent in the Human League version, and we have a great remake on our hands.

The next track is the RBF version “It’s Not Easy.” The song comes from the 1977 Disney animated / live action flick, Pete’s Dragon. I’m sorry to say this, but I’ve never seen the film! If I did, I might get whole new levels of enjoyment from the tune. Still, this song is unquestionably the most adorable thing I’ve heard in ages. It’s fun, toe-tappin’, and yet absolutely sentimental. I dare you to listen to this song and not smile. I dare you. See? You can’t do it. This is the stand-out track of the EP, right here.

I spoke too soon. The final track is almost as surprising a choice as the previous. And it’s every bit as endearing. Backed by the mighty Zolof, our fearless karaoke all-star duo take on the Paul McCartney / Michael Jackson cheesefest, “Say Say Say.” In these capable hands, though, it’s anything but cheesy. Okay, well maybe it’s a little cheesy - but it also totally rocks! I am talking totally and unabashedly. Minton plays the part of McCartney, for the most part, while Barrett does a Jacko impression that sounds more like Michael Hutchence doing the same impression. Is that an insult? No way! I am fawning over this track. It has a killer groove, with just the right mix of tongue-in-cheek falsetto and heartfelt adherence to the spirit of the original version.

All in all, you should check this out when it hits stores next month. Personally, I preferred the Zolof tracks on here for the most part. Maybe that’s a bias in my musical preferences, or maybe because Reel Big Fish hasn’t yet done an interview for this site. (AHEM!) Either way, the entire thing is solid, with an interesting variety of tunes to fit many palates.