This month’s legend released their eighth full-length album (seventh studio) after a 12 year break from new material, and if I may say so myself, thank goodness for it! Bass driven band Primus have returned with more of their humorous, difficult to label music, and that (along with their years of service providing the world with music that strays away from the re-hashed, boring sounds of top 40 bands) has earned them a spot as an EtS: AotW Legend.
The year was 1984 and in a small town in Northern California Les Claypool, Todd Huth, and a drum machine began what would be the hit band Primus. The early years of Primus saw many changes in the line-up, with Claypool finally settling with Larry LaLonde on Guitar and Tim Alexander on drums. Claypool himself on the bass, constructed a band that was heavily experimental with music described as a mix between Frank Zappa and Rush. Primus’ songs often feature comical stories about strange events and situations among people from all walks of life. However, the stories and lyrics frequently play second fiddle to the intricate instrumental work that goes into each song.
The late 80’s and early 90’s saw the rise of Primus as they were selling out shows in the Bay Area. Their first albums, Suck on This, a live album, and Frizzle Fry, a studio album, got them the interest of Interscope Records. Two years later was the release of Sailing the Seas of Cheese which brought the hits “Jerry was a Race Car Driver,” “Tommy the Cat,” and “Those Damn Blue-Collar Tweakers,” giving Primus plenty of air time on the radio as well as MTV. For the next several years Primus kept busy releasing albums (with the frequency of about one every two years) and touring heavily. Primus’ popularity was ever increasing. In 1996, Matt Stone and Trey Parker, creators of South Park, asked the band to write the intro song to the series, which has remained the theme song to this day. They also contributed the song “Mephisto and Kevin” to show’s 1998 Chef Aid album. With 1999’s Antipop, Primus began slowing down and in 2001 the band announced their hiatus.
Primus reunited in 2003, but no new material was released or worked on. It was seen in Claypool’s eyes as more of a nostalgic reunion than the progression of more work.  From then until 2010 the band had been touring and compiling footage for live DVD’s on the band. Sometime in 2010 after many side-projects and touring, the band got together to do record Green Naugahyde, their most recent album released earlier this month. They re-enlisted early drummer Jay Lane as Tim Alexander opted not to join the band for recording.
Primus’ latest album is a welcome return for fans. While maintaining the bizarre lyrics, and unique sound, you can also see that the band have matured in their music and are experimenting with some different styles in their songs. Though perhaps we fans may not have matured in our chanting of “Primus sucks!” it certainly doesn’t mean we’re unappreciative of new material. The band are currently on tour supporting the album (tickets for their Wiltern show have already sold out, sadly), so check out the links below to get your fix and to see if they’re coming to a theater near you.
Useful Links
Primus-“KICKS ASS!”