TALES FROM THE PUNCHBOWL

Primus is a band that i knew several years ago, in fact this album was my introduction to them, since then i like it so much.

I`m a bassist, so i have been always familiarized with Les Claypool and his works (among other bass players of course), he has a very particular style, im still impressed because of the way he plays, also he can sing at the same time!!, but well, this is not a Les Claypool`s review, but i have to start saying that he is who makes Primus very special.

I dont know exactly what kind of music do they play, it is so strange and weird, it could be Art Rock, Experimental Music, even Alternative Rock, i dont really know, but what i know is that they are a great band with their original and particular sound. Tales From the Punchbowl in my oppinion is an excellent album, because of the blend of ideas, the imagination to create great strange songs, with a bit funny sound, with power in some songs , but i repeat, the best is their unique style, because not only Claypool has his own style, also Herb Alexander is a great drummer, and the guitarist (i dont remember his name) is also nice.

A clear example of what Primus are, is the first song, first of all we can notice the strange name of it "Professor Nutbutter`s House of Treats", which start with a "circus" sound, then the song is progressing, making a strong and powerful sound, with the bass as the instruments "leader" (believe me, the bass is simply awesome, he can do things and sounds that we cannot imagine, it seems to be so difficult for an amateur like me, but he does it so easy, what a man), returning to the point, this song is weird, its almost perfect, if you dont want the album, at least look for this song.

"Wynona`s Big Brown Beaver" , im sure it is the most well known song here, it is a classic Primus`song, and it is also great, maybe short, but anyway we can notice and appreciate the skill , so many good passages in one short song.

"Southbound Pachyderm", oh man, another excellent song, this time over 6 minutes, it could be a bit repetitive, but it has some strage and obscure mood, maybe one of the best songs here, great arrangements, and maybe the darkest of them all, (check time and tempo changes)

"De Anza Jig", is another nice song, but in fact it could be funny, because it has a clear country sound, (Les Claypool also plays Banjo, and very well), i can imagine myself in an old town enjoying this ound, banjo, bass and vocals, great again, for these kind of particular things, im saying that Primus has their unique style, they are not trying to experiment, they create!

"Over the Electric Grapevine" is another excellent song, this time i like a lot the work of the drummer, you can listen to this song here in PA.

After all, i love this album , i have always love it, and im afraid i will. Not truly a progressive masterpiece, but im sure it could be an excellent addition to any prog lover, but remember one thing, this is not so easy to dig.

So 4 stars !

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