TALES FROM THE PUNCHBOWL

This one was my second Primus album. I have to say that when i first heard it (after Sailing Seas of Cheese) i was deeply dissapointed. It is a weird sounding album indeed, but this is a turn off just in the begining. After giving it some time of listening with an opend mind, it turned to be aincredible album, one of my favorites indeed.

The songs have this very unique Primus style melody. I think That after their 3 last albums, the band reached a place where they could fully let their creativity flow, leading them to make the weirdest and own styled songs. This time, Larry Lalonde's guitars appear more important than in the former releases, giving a special touch to the album, a diffrent tone; a bit more colourful and odd at the same time. Lyrics might be found realy stupid and nosesnse. But in my opininon somehow they are well written, even though they touch (mostly) silly, or uncomprensible issues. In the end it is just a part of Primus's aesthetics.

For me the album is amazing from tip to toe, nevertheless, it has its highlights. "Wynona's big brown beaver" wich is sort of a powerful prog-country song, with an amazing guitar solo. "Year of the Parrot" a 7/4 time signature, great drumming. "Mrs. Baileen" "Del Davis Tree Farm" "Over the Electric Grapevine" "Southbound Pachyderm" Are some of my favorites.

Well, one thing you must remember, dont give up on this one! at the end one finds how amazing it can get. Essesntial for me.