Bass Teacher REACTS to PRIMUS "Jerry Was A Race Car Driver" | Les Claypool is QUITE the Spectacle...

[@poptya]

Best description of Primus I ever heard: Three outstanding musicians all playing a different song at the same time while a hobo talks in your ear.

[@RickNasty42069YOLO]

this is pretty good lol

[@Boethius411]

That is pretty accurate but needs more cheese. 😂

[@joemiller7082]

Hilariously true. Haha.

[@ettorebecaro]

Hahaha genius, man!! That's super accurate

[@danielschmaderer]

Couldn’t be more accurate.

[@jcool0122]

Les Claypool is from outerspace. Truly one of a kind. I feel like I saw them about once every 9 months or so in the late 90s and early 2000s, probably 6-7 times in total. Always a great show.

[@jakebeaudrie]

There isn't really any lore to it. it's more that Les is just a nutty story teller. I remember reading in an interview once that a lot of his characters were based on people he met working construction in northern California in the years after high school. I've been a huge fan since I was in highschool in the late 80s early 90s. It's always come off like Evil Carnival Music. Like if a bunch of carny tweakers started a band it would sound like this.

[@LowEndUniversity]

Honestly, this is even cooler than there being an actual story 😅

[@robzilla69]

He basically smokes weed and writes songs about people in his life. Take fish on. Mentions 1 past and on present band member and his dad.

[@christiankoll1528]

Larry was in a band called "possessed" before Primus. They are attributed with coining the genre of death metal. So yeah, primus's guitarist helped invent death metal, he's familiar with heavy and evil.

[@jamellelangfordiii3586]

​@christiankoll1528 I always thought Death coined the term "death metal".

[@NightmareSnake]

​@@jamellelangfordiii3586coining the term and coining the genre aren't the same

[@stephen3164]

The even crazier part is that this live version sounds note for note to the studio recording - so nothing in the guitar solo or drum work or bass groove was “ad lib”. This is how the song was written - all the parts. So awesome to see a live version - it has even more energy to the groove! When I first picked up the bass in 1991, Primus was a big “influence” - I had already started playing bass, and was listening to Stu Hamm, etc - but when I heard Primus, it was other worldly. And I say “influence”, but I never got the tapping down or learned any of the songs. Pre-internet meant trying to listen and figure it out, and as a beginner, there was no chance at that. Even now I’m blown away by the rhythmic playing and unique approach to the instrument.

[@MrDennie666]

He also attributed this riff to King Crimson. Check out Elephant talk song with Tony Levin on Chapman Stick. It's wild

[@MrDennie666]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2nImYaee72FmJIsi=3WI-GN-doV8rLQrQ

[@robdubent]

I can help but think his exaggerated slide down makes it sound like a race car driving past. My old band opened for Primus many many years ago- I got to hold and play his Carl Thompson ‘Antimatter’ bass and he was such a nice guy. Very interesting and personable. I think he knew how special that was for me being an 18 year old fan and fellow bass player. I’ll never forget it!

[@chickenminute8195]

that's so cool

[@AtomizedSound]

Yup all custom made for him

[@TSE_WOODY]

All the stories I hear about Les make him sound like such a sweet guy, real interesting dude. One of the good meet your heroes situations I think

[@therapist6328]

I saw Primus open for U2 in the early 90's and I assume Les' reaction to Adam Clayton, was the opposite of your story. Great story nevertheless!

[@christiankoll1528]

For sure, and the heavy parts sound like an engine revving up. Very onomatopoeic.

[@debbieleighton2288]

A couple of years ago Primus did a tribute to Rush tour. They played the entire Farwell To Kings album as well as play Primus' own music. It was truly one of the best concerts I had been to in quite a while. They were incredible.

[@arottie4097]

W0W!

[@margo1896]

oh my god, I woulda given ANYTHING to be there

[@Oddball-dc2qt]

I went to that too!

[@Rowebot15]

I was at the Paso Day Rooooooobleeees performance. (El Paso de Robles is the town) Here Come the Bastards was Glorious!

[@jackzimmer6553]

Rush and Primus are two of my favorite power trios!

[@gregiep123]

I agree his technique is impeccable, what’s even crazier is he makes it look like it’s the easiest thing he’s ever done

[@elihood6474]

Don’t forget he’s also singing

[@themoderatecuber8040]

and dancing@@elihood6474

[@roentgen571]

A few years back, I asked on the talkbass forums about how Les was playing a riff on a live video of "The Rumble of the Diesel" ...the consensus was that he wasn't really doing anything particularly strange. Les' technique is apparently pretty straightforward and orthodox. He's just extremely fast, clean, and accurate.

[@gregiep123]

@@roentgen571 that’s the point, he does it just like everybody else, except for his technique is impeccable.

[@jcdthevoice3896]

As he dances about like a carefree killer. One of my favorite parts of this particular master is how he slams through the song while barely looking at the instrument. When he does, it makes you wonder why.

[@wingnutbert9685]

That guitar solo, when I first heard it, made me picture him trying to play a solo but the neck broke at the heal and he's trying to hold it in place long enough to finish the song.

[@DaltoniousMaximus]

Yeah I can’t stand the way Primus sounds, it’s like they’re “trying” to sound good but they generally don’t want to even though they all have incredible talent to do so? I just can’t hardly listen to them because of the out of tune awful sounds they make

[@lucidshadows666]

​@@DaltoniousMaximus Bad troll is bad troll. If you're for real, you're just not getting it, and that's okay, I've met loads who didnt and won't and never will - the key is seeing them live - just once, then it all makes sense.

[@MrMetalclay]

Although Les makes up a huge portion of the Primus sound, Tims random foot patterns and Larrys dissonance really gives them dynamics, texture and depth that is also different from almost any other band. They've really crafted something spectacular.

[@joelbuff3254]

Tim’s one of my all time fave drummer- a huge part of the primus sound. I play drums, and you will find Herb”s patterns nowhere else. Like the rest of the band- they make what doesn’t work fit together and sound so groovy

[@scramblesish]

Larry is one of my faves - so often overlooked but such a crucial part of the sound

[@justink2874]

I saw in a interview Tim said he never plays the kick the same.. mimicking the engine of a stock car.. and Les' "aaahhh" is the car going around the track as it passes the spectators. 🤘❤️🤘

[@jessejames-]

Well that was the deal with the late 80's early 90's. Bands like Primus, Tool, Pixies, Janes, KMFDM ,Ministry, 311, Sublime, Cowboy Junkies all doing there own thing and not giving a fuck about radio or MTV or what record labels thought.

[@brandocalrissian3294]

They're 3 masters of their instruments who make beautiful chaos.

[@MrBlackbergk]

He is a virtuoso, and soo dang good live. I've seen Primus twice, and the Lennon Claypool delirium.

[@crazyjoedavola5430]

The crispness of Herb's drums and his attack cannot be overlooked when it comes to their sound.....

[@billycole852]

They've always had top tier drummers

[@crazyjoedavola5430]

@@billycole852 - For sure

[@simonworthington7979]

Pretty much have to. Can't keep up with Les otherwise.@@billycole852

[@Silverfox1982]

Some of the worst music ever😂

[@satevo462]

I mean that kick drum sounds straight up studio quality. Which is insane for a live show.

[@jeffnicholas6342]

Primus is the ‘Rush’ for the Grudge/Alternative era of bass/rhythm weirdness that got me into playing any guitar

[@jamiereekie9342]

Redneck Rush 😂

[@baliusd]

Funny, I saw them open for Rush on the cheese tour.

[@ZenOwl]

@@baliusd They recently did a tribute tour covering Rush actually. Called Farewell to Kings, I caught one of the shows and it was so surreal and amazing!

[@newusernamehere4772]

They are kind of like if a grunge band actually developed musical chops. They're the only band of the era that really stood out to me instrumentally (not counting Phish or any of the others that didnt get much if any radio play). RHCP is a very distant second and I won't even listen to them after learning about the possible underage solicitation (same with Jimmy Page, David Bowie, Phil Collins...). Ironically the bassist for Phish got his ass beat for being a child molester and he's the only one I'm sure ISNT one - sorry that got so dark lol

[@nwerd7584]

They also played with Rush minus Neal obviously and Ween for the South Park concert at red rocks.

[@CoffeeAndSteel]

Les is phenomenal. All members of the group are insane when you think about how well everything comes together, despite being chaotic at the same time.

[@Rowebot15]

It's Total Loki music. Mischief and Chaos

[@hermanmelville3871]

As gnarly as Les Claypool’s parts are if you listen to the drums isolated you can literally hear the melody of the song in his patterns. This band is just insane.

[@gwoody4003]

Yeah Brain and Jay are really good drummers but Tim blows everyone out the water. I have seen them several times before Tim returned and it just sounded small, for lack of a better way to put it.

[@gwoody4003]

Mind blowing all that sound comes from just 3 guys.

[@edobkin]

Yeah that drummer is fucking excellent!

[@scarybaldguy]

Bonzo had a very similar style, mostly playing in sync with Page.

[@justincaron8428]

I've seen Les live in one form or another over 25 times. He never disappoints. Primus is amazing live. His present tour with Frog Brigade, where they cover Pink Floyd's Animals font to back was great!

[@dantelles5714]

CL delirium has a hold of me. Sean can play a mean fuckin guitar. I love the history songs. Blood &rockets, monolith of phobos, boriska, bubbles burst,

[@thorinteague989]

I saw Frog Brigade in the Majestic (a pretty small venue) in Detroit in 2003. Then I saw Primus at the State theater (much bigger) in.... 2004? I think... both were awesome.

[@robertallenhurst8448]

​@@thorinteague989 A Perfect Circle State Theater Oct 2000 ICP Majestic Oct 30, 1999 Primus Oakland University 2005? GWAR @ Harpos

[@thorinteague989]

@@robertallenhurst8448 I saw GWAR at Club Soda in, can't remember if it was Kalamazoo or Battle Creek in 1996. I was always afraid to go to Harpo's for anything, let alone a GWAR show. LOL :)

[@monomamori]

Primus makes me jump around and have fun! Also greatly artisticly inspire me to be a better musician

[@happywebster7151]

always have fun with primus. "over the falls" is a masterpiece in using the time signature itself as another instrument.

[@bryanlowry9162]

This is fun.... pretty much sums it up. Damn fine 3 piece band meshing together perfectly. Saw them 3 times in the 90s, amazing. Thanks for the vid.

[@PRESTIGEworldwide32]

Les Claypool's dance moves are as good as his playing.

[@LowEndUniversity]

Honestly think the dancing while playing those riffs might be harder than the singing / playing is 😅

[@kiltedcripple]

Very Dave Matthews

[@jk-76]

​@@kiltedcripple Very BEFORE Dave Mathews. Nerd.

[@dantoth3199]

Accurate

[@ryanpsencik6350]

​@@LowEndUniversity the leg bounce(?) comes directly from Larry Graham.

[@ShadwTrooper]

I saw Primus (1991ish) when they toured with Rush. I was a fan after that. Watching Les dance was a joy. A lot of talent in this band. Thanks for the vid!

[@bilbocarter7732]

Carl Thompson basses have been his go-to for many years. He also played a Fender Jazz for a bit in the Tales From the Punchbowl era.

[@Tomversal]

I thought that was just in the Wynona video just to fit the look of his character tbh

[@MosinAttractedPerson]

@@Tomversalhe played in something similar in videoplasty

[@bilbocarter7732]

⁠@@TomversalThere’s some footage of him with a Fender J jamming “Awakening”

[@jacksears2750]

He played one at Billy Strings’ wedding recently. It looked criminally wrong to be fair.

[@k.h.1587]

He played the jazz bass on several tours, punchbowl, brown album, rhinoplasty etc... He has played a ton of different basses if you count all his side projects too.

[@ralphmunn1685]

Seeing Primus live would be a life-changer for me, much as seeing Captain Beefheart and the Magic Band during his Trout Mask Replica phase was. Listening to that album MANY times beforehand was a head scratcher despite my adolescent drooling, but seeing them LIVE and up close brought all of the discords and arrhythmias into crystal clear focus! 🙏

[@martydibergi5228]

Albert Lee’s keyboard player told me awesome stories of captain beefheart when he played keys with him years ago Thanks JT Thomas He also played keys on the hit Give me one Reason👍

[@XENO333]

Hey, guitar player here. I'm enjoying your videos. Your analysis is great! Primus is unclassifiable. 30+ years listening to them. I enjoy all of their albums. Most metalheads I've run into enjoy them very, very much. That always seems to be a constant. Keep up the great work!

[@SBDavin]

I believe "My Name is Mud" is based on his name, "Les Claypool". I love the three fishing songs on each of the first three albums.

[@diabeticmonkey]

The best thing about Larry is that he was in Possessed. The man innovated by helping create death metal, and then playing in Primus.

[@martinmix7464]

It's also kind of cool from a trivia standpoint that Larry is married to one of the ladies who used to be on The Price is Right. It's a cool weird world out there!

[@Joetime90]

​@@martinmix7464really? Good ol' Ler?

[@martinmix7464]

@@Joetime90 Yeah, I feel like there is a fascinating story there but I don't know it. They've been married a long time though.

[@joseluna1875]

Seven Churches is pure fire! I hear a lot of Ler in lots of great death metal solos. Robert Vigna of Immolation prolly the most.

[@edwardgurrola1951]

Saw Primus headline at Lollapalooza in’94. They are truly a phenomenal live band.

[@TheSrrice]

That was ‘93, but you’re right they were awesome. I was there at the Santa Fe Dam in California. So many great bands that year, and best overall lineup in my opinion.

[@edwardgurrola1951]

@@TheSrriceobviously foggy times. 😂 I saw them three times with a span of like 15 months. Great memories, kinda.

[@kristofwynants]

About the lore: Les mentions in his biography that he was actually quite shy and embarrassed about his singing voice and he noticed he could sing with more confidence when he imagined he WAS the character, like an actor on a stage. Hence his songwriting style grew from that among other things. That and he's a really big XTC-fan, who also tend to craft a lot of 3rd person narratives.

[@ColtonFultonUK]

I'd say its more he sounds exactly like the singer for The Residents.

[@blitheringrando1410]

It's funny cuz I always find myself drawn to storytellers with unique voices, and those unique voices aren't always pretty. But music is supposed to be unique and Les brings that

[@zoeherriot]

I always liked their cover of Scissor Man.

[@tattoodude8946]

David Bowie actually said something similar about being shy on stage, hence all the characters he created over the years: Ziggy Stardust, The Thin White Duke, Aladdin Sane. They were all characters he could play on stage and leave himself behind. Even later in life (specifically a 1999 interview with Jeremy Paxman) he said he still wasn't comfortable performing in front of people. Many performers (and artists in general) are introverts, and they have to find a way around that since their very livelihood revolves around getting attention to support their art. It's kind of a nasty circle when you think about it.

[@musicglenn]

i was happy to catch them in the 80s when they sometimes opened for equally great bands that didn’t last (like dot 3, whose bass player sometimes played a chapman stick bass)

[@wizardmix]

For the record it is absolutely a Carl Thompson bass, otherwise known as "The Rainbow Bass". It also appeared in the "Tommy the Cat" music video and the "Jerry was a Race Car Driver" video filmed at the Phoenix Theater in Petaluma, CA. In that video the bass looks different but Les had the bass modified have that massive strap horn on it not long after. It is a fretless bass.

[@LiminalMan777]

Really cool listening to dissect Primus, you’ve nailed the live element adding to the overall experience, I’m glad you chose live versions for your Primus videos. Plus Ler always shreds hard live.

[@Enzocalifornia]

So stoked to have found this channel. The analysis quality is so good

[@LowEndUniversity]

That really, really means a lot. Thank you! Happy to have you here 🙏🏼🥹

[@LadyGX]

This is one of the bands that makes me glad to have been a young adult in the 90s. Having a base as the lead instrument makes their sound very unique and fun. I think funky grunge rock is what I would call it. The lyrics are like folk songs, fun little stories. This song is particularly fun because they are playing the sounds of speeding cars. The chorus is Les singing the sound of race car as it passes in front of you. The instruments also invoke the tense feeling of being in a car that is speeding through a neighborhood, and of course when the car crashes, the chaos ensues.

[@efren3723]

Not only does he make it look EASY, He's also singing and playing on point 😎

[@ethansargent406]

To be fair he doesnt really sing here. This was one of the easiest songs for me to cover because you can kinda just talk.

[@faouzi1896]

Look Mark king level 42!

[@TheAnomaly01010]

Really enjoyed this video! Favorite song from Primus!! Your bass is so sick looking dude, that green is dope, sounds amazing as well. Also when you sang the chorus I LOL!!!

[@SCOTTEDWARDS111]

I saw Primus a few years back. As a bass player, I was blown away by Les’s bass playing! At times it’s fun, weird and quirky. I had a great time at the show!!!!

[@drindy5166]

So good seeing this vid. TIM the Herb Alexander was by far my fav drummer for what Primus was. Brian the Brain is also a force to be reckoned with. Miss these days bigtime... what a time it was to be in music!!! 🤘🧡👍

[@ugopennacchi5093]

What I love about Primus is that they make me love my weirdness. That's what their songs tell me "rules are boring, have fun being a weirdo !!!"

[@SlickAstley_TV]

2:10 "Wynona's big brown beaver was also on the pole" Oh, you betcha!

[@rogerbrown2910]

Been listening to Primus since they came out. For years I couldn't understand why I enjoyed them SO much... now it's clear - watching people feel what I did years ago via videos like this 😎. Good time to be alive witnessing the likes of Les Claypool!!!

[@soundautomatic1]

les uses a type of chaos to communicate the riskiness and excitement of racing cars. I've always found the emotional expression of Primus to be pretty layered.

[@gradypatterson1948]

It is reasonably well-known that Les Claypool is a King Crimson fan - and has covered a number of their tunes. Less-known is that the bass line for "Jerry ..." is derivative of (and more than a bit of a homage to) Tony Levin's bass line for the King Crimson song "Elephant Talk" (from the album "Discipline").

[@philbritton189]

I was going to make this same comment. It has to be an homage to Elephant talk

[@zatoichi1]

Claypool Lennon Delerium cover of Court of the Crimson King is 🔥

[@dee-taylor]

Primus are the absolute masters of making dissonance sound almost harmonic. Their sound is so unique you cannot explain it with words. "They play funky, jazzy, upbeat, silly, dissonant metal." That would be a hard pass for me had I not actually heard Primus.

[@skepchica]

When I saw them there was a DJ scratching turntables and a flautist. In front of a mosh pit.

[@EddyOtway]

You can see them live next year with Puscifer and A Perfect Circle in April 🤟🏼

[@russcole5685]

Puscifer? Pacifier of Shehard

[@TheOnlyDonQuixoteDeLaMancha]

Sessenta!

[@AnthonylangLang]

Saw them in 1990 in a small club, supporting their second album. Very good live band that i had the fortune of seeing early in their career

[@sentenced03]

Southbound pachyderm was always my favorite he mantains this constant thrum while playing other notes. it's really cool.

[@brettjones4733]

Just makes me want to turn my bass into a coffee table 😂🤘

[@michtarragon4665]

Primus was the first band I ever saw live. 1992 with Fishbone, in Columbus Ohio. Seas of Cheese tour. So memorable!

[@captainshiner42]

Primus wasn't the first band I saw live, but Frog Brigade was my second live show after moe. Being in that crowd like 30 feet from Les Claypool was fucking insane! I was able to experience that several more times after that. Primus are just legends.

[@k.h.1587]

I saw primus open for U2 in 1992, was an unexpected bonus, I had won white zombie tickets on the radio, but couldn't go because I was going back east to visit my dad when that concert was going on. I had recently discovered primus and was trying to describe them to my cousin who liked fishbone and U2, and there was this big U2 concert at Saratoga so we decided to go, on the way there they were interviewing Les claypool on the radio, holy shit that band primus I was telling you about is opening the show, let's get there fast. Well traffic and a very long walk had us miss the first few songs, but we got to see most of it. My cousin and his friend loved it, but the rest of the audience just didn't get it (ya think? U2 fans in 1992 probably not the best mix for primus). It was the first time I saw them and the only time on a truly massive stage, other than when they played Irvine meadows in 2004, but that was not as big as Saratoga racetrack stage by a long shot. Most primus shows I went to were in large clubs, medium theatres under 3000 capacity, usually with up and coming nu metal bands opening, such as limp Bizkit, Incubus, powerman 5000, pod etc... Yeah all those bands would open for primus in the 97-2000 time frame most of the shows I went to were in. Dog will hunt

[@chito2294]

i saw that same tour but in San jose. gwen stefani was like 16 or something but you could tell she was gonna be a star

[@cblackburn81]

Damn, what a lineup.

[@ce5243]

Just went and saw Claypool in Albany recently with the flying frog brigade. Such a good show first claypool show and I was blown away at some points. Definitely a favorite of the year

[@Canine77]

From a big Frank Zappa fan, they make me feel/enjoy their amazing musicianship and how the parlay such.

[@2Chickaboom2]

I was watching this and just wondering how, musical and personality wise, the dynamic of Les and Zappa would interact. Any ideas?

[@glassontherocks]

Zappa would have made him a Brother Mother.

[@bigdog1849]

I was one of the lucky ones. Never heard Primus before I saw them open for RHCP. My face has been melted ever since.

[@MrGmonkeywillruleyou]

Im so lucky they’re locals here. Amazing live and I can’t wait to see them with Maynard next year. Got the tickets!!!

[@CityofStLouisMissouri]

I saw them live as an opening act on the Anthrax/Public Enemy "Bring the Noise" (91 or 92) tour. I had never heard of them before that show and they were the best part of the show for me. I went out the next day and bought all their CDs, which at that int was only 2 or 3 discs, but I've been a fan ever since. They opened the show with Jerry Was a Race Car Driver and I was hooked.

[@jons3808]

I saw them live two or three times in this era. They were incredible and so fun. Sailing the Seas of Cheese is still one of my favorite albums.

[@daveruble5150]

This one got me subscribed. I appreciate your approach; your ... philosophy(?) nice relaxed exposition! smooth resume insert!

[@therapist6328]

I just can't believe that he sings while playing like such a madman! True Master.

[@DavidDArcy1975]

i've been listening to Primus for more than 30 years and they are an absolute killer band... quirky, intelligent & masters of their respective instruments 😎🤘 Les Playcool = GOAT 😎🤘 Respect & Peace ☘

[@knastee]

Was lucky enough to see them in the early 2000s. They did a best of set, then Frog Brigade played the intermission, and closing set was Sailing the Seas of Cheese straight through. One of the best shows of my life

[@MrCrumbcake8]

I’ve seen Primus many times when they are doing the intro to my name is mud it is insane the whole audience is jumping up and down with the groove.

[@rmp5s]

Tapping on a fretless...while singing...and dancing around...Claypool is a legend!!

[@DrVegtable]

Another band that's just like Primus in that a live show is absolutely necessary is Jane's Addiction. Perry Farrell has got to be one of the all time greatest frontmen.

[@jk-76]

Sailing the Seas of Cheese is one of my favorite tapes from my teen years in the early 90s. I remember when I first listened to this song. I was blown away!

[@flyfishizationjones4940]

Same. It sounded so different from everything I had heard up to then, I was immediately hooked. Haven’t heard anything like them since either.

[@no2freakshow]

All these years I have been a Primus fan, I never once thought about "Chorus" or "Music Theory." With these guys, it's all about the story & the experience. I never realized the moaning was the chorus. 😂

[@cjonesufc]

His live shows are incredible no matter what project it is. Primus is the best one, though. Do not hesitate to go see them live if you get the chance.

[@michaelgriffin6275]

Is it just me, or are the tri-tone/intervals he is utilizing at @5:00 are the exact opening notes to Groundhog's Day from Frizzle Fry??

[@justinbrooks6502]

Listening to them has always been like watching controlled chaos. It inspires a child-like glee in me. Lol.

[@BrandonJ79]

You really should see them live. I've been to two shows. One was the tour de fromage (No opening band ... Just them playing about a 90 minute set of their music, then a 20 minute jam session with Herb and Les then they played sailing the seas of cheese album from start to finish live. They are AMAZING live) and I saw them in Houston with their latest album. Similar set up to the last one. No opener. Some hits... Some covers, then they have a jam interlude with Herb and Les and then the new album from start to finish. They are my favorite band, and any chance I get I'll see them live.

[@mogsy2112]

The thing I love about Primus is that they don't fit neatly in any kind of box. Its heavy, it's funky, its goofy. They are their own genre. I've seen them a handful of times over the years, and their live shows are so much fun. It's the epitome of controlled chaos. You can tell that they truly enjoy what they're doing, and don't take themselves too seriously. Very fun, and chill vibe.

[@mikethomasmcm]

iTunes used to list Primus’s genre as Primus which is super fitting. There sound is so singular

[@TVindustries5000]

Primus was a part of an unnintentional movement of bands that in the late 80s and early 90s had creativity, humor and weirdness without caring about looking cool. many are also loosely connected Ween, Primus, Butthole Surfers, Dead Milkmen, Beck, They Might Be Giants, and more that im not as familiar with. Probably Mr Bungle/Faith No More.

[@griffinhan-lalime4357]

⁠@@TVindustries5000Pavement fits this category really well, and Cake, Pixies, Barenaked Ladies, and the Presidents fit decently well too. The attitude also somewhat trickled up into mainstream bands like Blur, Smash Mouth, and arguably even Nirvana. Really interesting decade for rock, and I think it was a deliberate reaction to the relative homogeneity of the mega-popular stadium rock groups of the mid-80s. Stadium-filler bands were still there in the 90s, but there was suddenly all this diversity of attitude… groups like Soundgarden and Pearl Jam and Oasis were massive weirdos in comparison to, e.g., Def Leppard or even KISS. And it kinda mirrors what happened in the late 70s with punk and new wave, which was a reaction to prog rock and “corporate” rock (e.g. The Eagles) - that punk wave had a similar sense of humor and deliberate weirdness. Culture is cool like that.

[@UrbanTaxi99]

Stellar musicianship, unique song writing, and a vibe that thunderously connects to the universe, whats not to love about the Primus lads.

[@cjonesufc]

Tommy the Cat is Tom Waits who guested on the studio version of the song. Larry LaLonde is another one of Joe Satriani’s old students alongside Steve Vai and Kirk Hammet. When you started playing notes regarding the tapping I thought you were playing the opening chords to the Primus song “Groundhogs Day”

[@Tomversal]

I thought the exact same thing 😅

[@joeldeleon6107]

Primus was my first live show I ever went to when I was 18 years old back in 95. I loved primus before I saw them but blown away when I saw them live.

[@mratomsfitzgerald8523]

I love Primus! I’ve been lucky enough to see them several times in GA. They are SO good live! They opened for Tool a while back. It was the shit..

[@martinmix7464]

My son got the set list from that show in GA. Les doodles something different on each set list (I suspect you already know this) and this one has a doodle about the dinner the night before. Very cool momento and for them to play Welcome to This World at that show was phenomenal!

[@mratomsfitzgerald8523]

@@martinmix7464 Nice… Yeah, I’ve seen his little “set list doodles..” lol.. Very cool that your son got it!

[@theheavymetalhippie]

@@martinmix7464 I got the setlist from the Hutnsville, AL show. It was their first time ever playing Huntsville. The setlist doodles are some of the best!

[@martinmix7464]

@@theheavymetalhippie That's awesome! Yeah I love seeing the setlists online. I'm too old to get up front for them so I'm glad my son was able to get up there.

[@joshlewis3069]

Primus makes me feel all of the above . How someone can make the bass a dominant instrument and be so unique at the same time. It makes me want to play like that and push my abilities as a musician.

[@RyvenProductions]

That is called the "Rainbow Bass" made by Carl Thompson. It was finished right before the Sailing the Sea of Cheese tour.

[@LowEndUniversity]

Wow. He’s pretty much been using them this whole time, it seems! They’re gorgeous instruments.

[@justinbrooks6502]

@@LowEndUniversity fairly certain he rocks EMGs in them. I could be wrong, but I know at one point he was one of their premier bass artists.

[@macknoeth4851]

Rainbow because it has 6 different types of wood in it I think

[@tonyswick8430]

I love your take on the different sounds and techniques that Les uses to his advantage. They are all masters of their craft, and they compliment one another very uniquely. I've always liked Primus and the different bands and gigs that they've done over the years (Grand Pecking Order, Claypool Battle Brigade, the infamous Animals set.) Subbed!

[@geofffitz1497]

Jazz with grunge instrumentation. So much talent.

[@mattnelson2318]

I've seen them live 29 times, this April will be #30! First time was in '95, and it's been so fun to watch them develop over the years. Definitely go see them when you get a chance! They will be on tour this April with Puscifer and A Perfect Circle!

[@Denbot_is_here]

Check out the tone on his side project Les Claypool & the Holy Mackerel off the album Highball With the Devil. One track in particular "Hendershot" is very cool. Les recorded all the instruments in the studio himself and then hired a touring band afterward. So much talent in one individual. Cheers!

[@matthewstayancho3454]

I believe he had other guitar players and percussionists on the studio recording. Just going by memory, the guy from the band MIRV on Hendershot?

[@martinmix7464]

He's included Hendershot on the Frog Brigade tour for a number of shows. I got to see them play it in Atlanta. Les teased Sean Lennon about the song saying it scares the hell out of him. They were great, though, as always.

[@13Jared]

Yeah, definitely see them live if you can. I was fortunate enough to be in the Bay Area around their early days and the Larry, Tim and Les lineup was awesome to see. I wasn't always present in those days if you know what I mean but I do have some fun memories of them playing at some San Francisco venues. All three are great musicians and entertainers.

[@bcole1134]

Ler once joked in an interview that when making a solo for a Primus song, he takes whatever key the song is in, and not use any of notes of that key.

[@tattoodude8946]

Yeah - I think that was in Guitar World magazine if I remember correctly.

[@tattoodude8946]

Also, what else is he supposed to do? With Les going nuts on the bass, how do you play guitar over that? The bass is usually the grove the guitarist can jam over. You going to jam over that? No way! So, you have to think outside the box - color outside the lines!

[@TheCocoaDaddy]

Yes, Primus MUST be experienced live!!!! Thanks for posting!

[@maxx.mazzeo]

I Remember seeing those guys here in Argentina about 8 years ago, I met Les backstage and he is a weird person but a good dude. The hole band is on point always, destroys with the wall of sound. Nice review from a musician point of view.

[@frankevega]

I was there at their first Lollapalooza performance in Dallas Texas in the early nineties and I was blown away the mosh pit was insane and credit to the drummer for his tuning. Shit was so crisp

[@ThomasLockney]

I saw them play a few times back around that time, including the tour they did with Anthrax and Public Enemy. Definitely an incredible show. Interesting note: Larry LaLonde actually studied under Joe Satriani.

[@PUNKinDRUBLIC72]

I'm jealous,I've seen all three including Anthrax and Public Enemy together.But all three together!?!?!?❤ Then end then chill out at the end to Floyd🤪

[@k.h.1587]

Same with Kirk Hammett, who was Les' school buddy. As well as Steve Vai. All took lessons from satch

[@Jasons-c3p]

Yep. Yes. Anthrax. Fishbone

[@tinabaconsrevenge653]

Primus is amazing because they're each amazing musicians and incredibly tight live... great band

[@tya8182]

Prior to 2011, Les used Carl Thompson's basses exclusively. After 2011, he used Pachyderms 4 strings(which he designed), and earlier this year, he debuted the first 6 String Pachyderm, used to replace the 6 string Carl Thompson he used in this video. I hope this helps.

[@martinmix7464]

I haven't seen the Pachyderm 6 but Les mentioned it in a conversation a few months back and said he basically had it built because the Rainbow Bass was so valuable and he was afraid to take it on tour. I love the Pachyderm and wanted to buy the one he auctioned off a few years back but I recognize that they're built specific for him and likely wouldn't fit my playing very well.

[@mhlevy]

Les has quite a few Carl Thompson basses, and that specific bass is known as "The Rainbow Bass," due to all the different woods used in the instrument. It IS a lined fretless bass, and has an ebony nut and bridge, with an EMG pickup (I'm not sure about the electronics though.) Carl's older basses used Schaller passive pickups, and he's a big fan of Kent Armstrong electronics. I've got one of his older basses, and it's an amazing instrument, though mine doesn't have any scroll work, it's just a plain 2 pickup instrument, with a set neck and mahogany body & neck (with 29 frets.) About 12 years ago, I sent to Carl for a "check up," and he replaced the brass nut a local luthier made with a new ebony nut, updated the ebony bridge and while keeping the Shaller pickups, replaced the passive electronics with a Kent Armstong preamp, and it still sounds amazing. One thing I've noticed about all Carl Thompson basses is how incredibly light they are, yet they still have amazing sustain. My CT sustains notes as well as an Alembic Distillate, that weighs nearly double the weight of the CT! On top of everything else, Carl is one of the nicest people you will ever meet, and he has always shared his "secrets" and technology with others in the building of instruments. BTW, he did a lot of the original work in coming up with both the Piccolo Bass with Stanley Clark, and the Contra Bass that Anthony Jackson came up with, and who now uses Fedora basses.

[@markshaffer6447]

They just announced a few shows with Pucifer and A Perfect Circle at Red Rocks next April, should be f'ing epic!

[@chriswebb7822]

I'm completely sick I can't see this!!

[@wingracer1614]

Damn I wish they were coming to the east coast.

[@martinmix7464]

I hope they do some sort of live stream or professional video of at least one of the shows. I won't be able to see the show in person but really would like to see it.

[@c.conga11]

I remember hearing this song for the first time, and I had NO IDEA that a bass guitar was used on that part until I saw it live

[@joninawhitecoat]

For a completely side to Les's playing, I would recommend "Over the electric grapevine" by Primus as Les's playing is sublime and it's a beautiful and epic song.

[@reedrothchild7966]

Lucky to have seen Primus & Les (solo) many times & his shows/their shows are the best.

[@Mechagnostic]

The bass he is playing is a Carl Thompson. All the basses you see les playing back then were Carl Thompson instruments. That 6 string fretless is referred to as the "Rainbow Bass." Edit: primus is the only band to have its own ID3 genre tag as used in apple music, spotify etc. So I'm going with that. Primus is free of genre or expectation.

[@Bummer873]

It's been far too long since I binge listened to some Primus. They are truly masters of the craft.

[@matthewwhitney17]

Yes. Yes you do need to see them live. Just be prepared to bounce!

[@Bolshevik1973]

If I remember when I saw them, Les played a Michael Tobias 6 string bass in Tommy the Cat. This was back before they were readily available as they are now. I would like to know if you could do Primis’ American Life?

[@bacongl]

Les used to play Carl Thompson, but Carl died so his basses are no long attainable and the prices went through the roof. If you see one, you will probably be looking at 10k$+. Although another Luthier took over for Carl, you can still custom order instruments from them. This 6 string fretless is nicknamed the “Rainbow Bass” because it has strips of walnut, curly maple, padauk, purple heart, ebony and cocobolo. He now plays Pachyderm.

[@WilhelmDrake]

I've seen them live twice , for the Brown Album Tour and then Anti-Pop Tour where Buckethead opened for them. Amazing.

[@carrionmywaywardsun]

Polar opposite of Primus, Lou Barlow of Dinosaur Jr. is extremely underrated, should give em a listen. It’s heavily distorted chords on bass while J. Mascis shreds guitar and Murph obliterates the drums. The loudest band I’ve ever seen live

[@chriss8792]

Dinosaur jr is beyond underrated !

[@Jwthemechanic]

I got to see Lou play in Sebadoh, Dinosaur Jr., and solo on the Weezer Cruise in 2012. Was freaking epic.

[@Jazz_Daddy]

This is the "Rainbow Bass.' He used Carl Thomspon bass guitars until the 'Green Naugahyde' album in 2011. That's when he used his own "Pachyderm Bass."

[@Untrainedpilot1]

This is iconic! Such a staple of bass playing. You gotta add Laquer Head to your list. One of the craziest bass fills you’ll see followed by a nasty breakdown. His tone on that track is just mwah. Actually, you may have seen it in the Tommy the Cat video. EDIT:it’s a different bass fill than the Tommy the cat. Still just as crazy.

[@jk-76]

No joke. Laquer Head is a fuckin blast.

[@kvltizt]

LACQUERHEAD SETS HIS SKULL ON FIYAHHH

[@AaronWhite-s1i]

Carl Thompson bass. He started Pachyderm basses a few years ago modeled on Carl's designs. EMG pickups and Mesa Boogie (i believe) amps .