Primus - Green Naugahyde

Don’t you just love those few-and-far-between bands? They’re truly like no other. Sure they have a hint of this or a touch of that (other band) in them, but for the most part they are one-of-a-kind. Even if it’s not your cup of tea as far as genre is concerned, it’s always impressive to hear it and what separates it from the pack. For me, Primus is this band.

Even though one might need a graph to keep the members straight, one thing has remained the same: Primus has made some of the most unique music to ever hit the hard rock/metal scene. Founding (and constant) member Les Claypool (bass/vocals) has all of the best characteristics. Bizarre, angry, funny, and exceptional, he is inarguably the foundation of this group of misfits. Joined by guitarist Larry “Ler” LaLonde (1989 – present) and drummer Jay Lane (1988, 2010 – present), they are a combination of sounds and talents genuinely in a league of their own.

Green Naugahyde, the trios seventh full-length studio album and first in almost 12 years, is an extension of the Primus of old and brings an energy that is refreshing and, at the same time, somewhat disturbing. All the elements of old Primus are there. Claypool is an all-star on the bass–an absolute mastermind ala Victor Wooten, Jaco Pastorious and Geddy Lee, bassists that transformed the its role in music. Slapping, strumming, picking, bowing, Claypool brings the bass from the background to front and center, taking over the lead of tunes with jaw-dropping creativity and accuracy. LaLonde does a superb job of keeping up, complimenting Claypool at every turn, while simultaneously adding his own chaos. And the “team player award” goes to Lane, laying down a steadfast foundation for all of this madness and never staggering on sick lick after sick lick.

Although, the most stand-out characteristics of Naugahyde may be its lyrics. An overt statement on current American society, it seems to leave no stone unturned. Pop culture (“Eyes of the Squirrel,” “Moron TV”), the environment (“Last Salmon Man”), capitalistim and economic woes (“Eternal Consumption Engine,” “Hoinfodoman”), and movie stars (“Lee Van Cleef”), Claypool pops the cork on all of the emotions he’s bottled up over the past decade, and to be honest, I’m not sure how I feel about it. He avoids going all-out political and focuses more on the man rather than the machine. For the post part, I’m in his boat, but there’s something odd about it…something unsettling. Maybe because it’s so overt. Maybe because that exactly what he wants. Who knows. Let’s just say, you probably won’t walk away from this with a smile on your face. But did you expect to?

That aside, for those new to Primus, Green Naugahyde is as good a place as any to start. It’s hard to expect anything quite as good as Sailing the Seas of Cheese–like Pink Floyd after Darkside–but Naugahyde does fit well in the catalog and is hopefully a sign of more to come. Primus is just too good of a thing lose.

Rating
Overall: 4/5
Originality: 5/5
Production: 4/5
Listenability: 4/5