OF WHALES AND WOE

This is really a solo album as Claypool plays most instruments himself. This includes drums, except on one track, and guitar. He does quite a decent job at both of them, although if you compare with his virtuoso bandmates in Primus, his skills are quite limited. But it works well in this context. He's assisted by his Frog Brigade mates Mike Dillon on vibes, marimba and other percussions, and Skerik on sax. A couple of tracks feature Gabby Lala's sitar and one has Claypool's kids playing percussion. But it's of course Les' trademark bass and vocals that lead the whole thing. With slighty different arrangements and instrumentation, most tracks could've been done by Brown Album -era Primus.

There's obvious influence from Tom Waits, Captain Beefheart and, as usual, the Residents. Emphasis is on rhythm, sounds and weird stories. "Lust Stings" is not terribly far from something Morphine (Claypool is their fan) could've done, although Mark Sandman probably wouldn't have have sung about eating worms. "Iowan Gal" has Claypool playing a bass banjo and that's a sick sounding instrument if there ever was one. Whether it's positive or negative, is up to you, but I find it difficult to listen to.

Primus fans have likely checked this out already, but it comes recommended to all who like it weird and quirky and/or are interested in the names dropped in this review.