Primus, Tommy The Cat - A Classical Musician’s First Listen and Reaction

#primus
Comic strips, anyone? What a hilariously quirky little song! I did get a good chuckle out of it!
Here’s the link to the original song by Primus:
• Primus - Tommy The Cat...
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Amy Shafer, LRSM, FRSM, RYC, is a classical harpist, pianist, and music teacher, Director of Piano Studies and Assistant Director of Harp Studies for The Harp School, Inc., holds multiple degrees in harp and piano performance and teaching, and is active as a solo and collaborative performer. With nearly two decades of teaching experience, she teaches privately, presents masterclasses and coaching sessions, and has performed and taught in Europe and USA.
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Credits: Music written and performed by Primus
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[@mrc-17]

I started playing bass as a kid, and les claypool was my absolute favorite at the time. Then I got to meet him when i was 16, working at a golf course. He was leaving because it started to rain. I happened to have my bass on me because i was going out of town after work. He waited in the rain for me to run and grab it for him to autograph. Then he jammed on it for a bit, no amp, no one else in the lot, jammed my own bass for just me.

[@thomaspaine656]

That's awesome!

[@necroriffmonger]

rad 😎

[@mikehamelin7520]

thats the coolest shit ever.

[@cedricwilford]

Very cool!

[@TheTruKman]

Why compare this 3 man band to pink Floyd? She doesn't understand the bass/singing talent of Les. That is awesome that you met him. Fortunately, I've seen him all over Colorado from the 90's to early 2010's. Best was the Crested Butte Festival on the mountain.

[@dampersand]

I love Primus, but I don't know how I'd react if I heard them for the first time on the recommendation that they were influenced by Pink Floyd.

[@punker-gamer-trucker-guy]

I'm curious what of Pink Floyd influenced this? I just always assumed it was a lot of funk and jazz

[@Ccastine9]

Yeah I love both quite a bit and dont see a parrallel in really any shape or form haha

[@dr.juerdotitsgo5119]

I don't quite remember at what point in my life I discovered Primus, but it must have been around the time I was into weird 70s prog rock and funk bands like Parliament and Sly & Family Stone, so Primus followed up quite smoothly.

[@tanobammino2519]

Inspired by Pink Floyd, sure...but I can't really hear the influence.

[@yes_head]

Yeah, much more of a Rush influence. I think Pink Floyd is sometimes name checked because Primus covered some PF in the past.

[@flavoredwallpaper]

I have never witnessed someone so seriously and intensely interpret Primus lyrics.

[@n3bula77]

It felt like she approached it all wrong. She seemed to be trying to find some sort of social commentary in the lyrics as she was comparing it to Pink Floyd's The Wall. As she had read that Pink Floyd was an influence. However, Pink Floyd wasn't an influence in a thematic or lyrical sense. The influence was the progressive playing style. It's rock, but it doesn't follow the 4/4 Verse-Chorus form most rock uses. Primus is more about the spectacle of their live shows. You have to see Les Claypool effortlessly slapping a bass line, tapping a counter melody to the guitar, and singing simultaneously. Dancing around the stage, crazy facial expressions, never once getting the slightest off beat. When you see all that, then you get the spectacle that is Primus.

[@MisterCaution]

Yep. Lyrics are definitely not the point of Primus.

[@lesclaypoolonbass9431]

As a primus fan, this should be hilarious. Lmao sorry you had to do this video poster, I didn't even get primus for the first like month I listened to their records being a rock guy.

[@joeladams2540]

Primus sucks ❤

[@PanekPL]

Of course the quirky/intelligent/offbeat/funny lyrics are absolutely ESSENTIAL to the Primus experience. Saying they're not is like those right wing dudes listening to RATM all their life, then reading a lyric/hearing about what the bands stands for and going "I liked it when they were less political"

[@seriousbismuth2173]

The guitarist, Larry LaLonde, is also one of the founders of Death Metal guitar work as well, having played in the band *Possessed* back in '85-86 or so. Ler is SUPER underrated ❤🤘

[@surfeit5910]

Ewwwww... dude can barely play a single melody. In fact, I woudl say he's the weakest link in the band, other than Claypool's singing, ,but at least Les also plays a killer bass! Their tribute songs to Rush are an freakin' ear sore. that guy should not try to play above his league like that!

[@edklingon]

Larry and Les played togheter in a metal band called BLIND ILLUSION, wich they left to form Primus

[@blakemeads9225]

I had no idea that Larry played in Possessed 🤯

[@alldaydevo]

Totally agree

[@BloodyChunX]

He was also a student of Joe Satriani. He's an amazing guitarist.

[@acfiv1421]

"I feel like I'm watching a cartoon" - LOL, actually the video for this song was (mostly) a cartoon! What's amazing is how Les Claypool can play these very tricky bass lines while scatting out the vocals really fast. Watch Primus's performance live at Bonnaroo 2012 for a look at how this song goes down live - the crowd loves it.

[@hjhjhjhj6611]

She's not ready for Primus. Maybe 2038. and primus sux

[@krusher74]

yeah, she did a good job of seeing the video from the song.

[@blackphoenixfamily8477]

First time viewer, and I have to tell you that my BS sensors immediately went off......don't get me wrong, she is charismatic and her review is something I'd watch again (or others)

[@therealnynetynyne360]

The arm extensions are kinda trippy

[@residentpotato6023]

Preemis

[@chrispate2696]

Primus is in a league of their own. Strange? Yes. Unique? Yes. Awesome? Yes.

[@entropygizmo2880]

Primus Sucks

[@davidsenick9664]

@@entropygizmo2880sorry you can’t appreciate musical virtuosity and fun lyrics…must be a Creed or Nickelback fan

[@robbiesharp311]

Primus sucks.

[@NeilBlanco]

@@davidsenick9664 I think you've missed the joke. Google "Primus sucks"... 😉

[@mattcalifornia7318]

@@NeilBlancoExactly. You beat me to it.

[@PlayingGilly]

Primus is literally its own genre. They defy classification.

[@nemanjajovanov]

I still remember how early winamp introduced separating your music into different genres and one of those genres was 'primus' 😄

[@starcrysis23]

The defy the laws of tradition

[@gherzome]

Nope, The Residents and the Butthole Surfers

[@XorsonX]

The best explanation I have ever heard was "Hillbilly Jazz" and I will never not use that...

[@jakehewitt2697]

@@starcrysis23 came here to say this

[@Wombatmetal]

Les Claypool is one of the great innovators on bass. As a bass player, I listen and wonder how he does that. Primus is also influenced by Rush. They did a whole tour recently playing the classic Rush album A Farewell to Kings in its entirety. Les is one of the best of all time at his craft.

[@HollowGolem]

They opened for Rush back in the 90's.

[@jima6545]

I don't know if this helps, but an early interview with Les he confessed he didn't know how to play bass. He knew h I w to play banjo, so he played bass with something called the claw hammer technique from banjo playing

[@axhed]

truly a unique voice in music.

[@MrDennie666]

Also King Crimson. Check out Jerry Was a Race Car Driver then listen to King Crimson Elephant Talk. Les said they influenced him

[@jbunte31]

The voice of the Tommy the Cat character is the great Tom Waits. And that's pretty much his normal voice!

[@aaronwynn8114]

its Butters the cat now :P

[@Rowenband]

Did know that, thanks for the info.

[@DrNothing23]

She should check out some Tom Waits too! Like "Singapore", speaking of colorful, quirky and descriptive lyrics.

[@Hitical_Crit]

"Wash your mouth out by the door, the whole town's made of iron ore!" @@DrNothing23

[@joeladams2540]

Woah!!!! That makes this amazing weird piece even more legendary 🎉

[@TheTilepile]

It’s always fun watching people listen to Primus for the first time. It’s definitely a wild experience.

[@Ukmongoose3]

All the musicians in this band are phenomenal.

[@joelbuff3254]

Primus often is cartoonish, but with quite dark themes. “My name is Mud” is about a hillbilly who “crosses the law” with a baseball bat- “John the fisherman” about a man who Longs to be one of the harvesters of the sea, Winona’s big brown beaver- about a not so shy carnie girl with a special pet. They have many different styles- all unique- all instantly recognizable as PRIMUS

[@korndogz69]

I think you happened to pick the very best introduction song to Primus (pronounced pry-muss). I also think you will very much enjoy the Primus journey through their catalogue! For your next selection, I would highly recommend the song, "Southbound Pachyderm". It's not as quirky as many of their other songs, but it still maintains the uniqueness that Primus brings.

[@cloudshad0ws]

Jerry was a Racecar Driver could have been good too, but maybe that's just because I played THPS as a kid lol

[@mnspstudioful]

Both great suggestions.

[@therealnynetynyne360]

Indeed, complete 180.

[@walterstevens8676]

Amy should do a deep dive into Tom Waits. It would complete me.

[@mikaeldk5700]

We can only dream that it happens some day

[@barryfeatherstone1616]

@@mikaeldk5700 Captain Beefheart too! 😃👍

[@pod054321]

With a disclaimer: his work varies greatly over time

[@stewartmitchell8007]

Agreed.

[@JuandeFucaU]

can you imagine her reaction to Pasties and a G-String?

[@GM-cd3rs]

In order to really appreciate this song you have to see the live version. Les's ability to sing over top of what he's playing is simply amazing. Top tier musicians all around.

[@Jadamhodges]

Oysterhead is my particular favorite band of Les Claypool’s… but I love Primus… I was lucky enough to see them open up for Rush in 1992. Tim Alexander, Larry La Londe and Les Claypool were amazing! And Rush was EPIC!!!!!😮

[@peelsreklaw]

Yesss Oysterhead is fabulous

[@seriousbismuth2173]

_"When all else has been done and said, along comes Mr. Oysterhead!"_ 🤘

[@MrRezRising]

He married him up a woman he liked to call Diane, tho her true name was Mai Pan, she changed her name to Mrs. Graham. After two stillborn babies, Billy said I am, just a portion of the man, I was before I went to Nam....

[@twisted2291]

Les Claypool is one of the worlds most unique bass players ever. (Prime-Us) Les was asked to try out for Metallica. After his audition. Metallica say that he was way too good to be playing in their band, and he should go and create his own. So he did. Other songs you should check into is Jerry Was A Racecar Driver, Wynona’s Big Brown Beaver, My Name Is Mud, or DMV

[@davidsenick9664]

I like Pudding Time, Harold the Rocks, Frizzle Fry and the epic The Toys Go Winding Down

[@MickySarge]

I second Jerry was a Racecar Driver and DMV. Some of my favs that are also approachable while still being awesome.

[@robbiesharp311]

Primus sucks.

[@mattcalifornia7318]

Les went to high school with Kirk Hammett. I just learned that on the WTF podcast interview with him. Anyway - good song recs. I also like Too Many Puppies and To Defy the Laws of Tradition and John the Fisherman off their first album.

[@jolemite2639]

@@robbiesharp311Indeed good sir. Indeed they do.

[@stephengibbons4771]

Les Claypool is a singular talent on the bass, a carnival barker extraordinaire, and a master teller of strange tales rolled into one awesome, weird dude. This was a great reaction, hopefully we see more Primus!

[@l1fef0rm]

I always thought of Primus as a "cartoon folk band". You called it perfectly, love it. (tales from the punchbowl is brilliant)

[@philmaddison8321]

Not to mention the south park theme and a few of their actual tracks that feature in it.

[@RenghisKhan]

I saw Primus perform live in '92 on Pukkelpop without ever having heard of them. One of the two most cherished live musical surprises in my life.

[@edwarddenhartog8100]

I was there too in 1992 at pukkelpop. 11 o'clock in the morning, first band to play that day, we had the field to ourselves like a private concerto..most amazing to me was it was a 3 man band.

[@1massboy]

I don’t think anyone’s quite ready for primus the first time to hear them. Les Claypool is a mad genius and probably for most people an acquired taste. But primus awesome regardless.

[@enjoi62137]

And Ler! One of my favorite guitarists. He is so underrated...

[@sombra1111]

It was love at first listen for me

[@Rowenband]

@@sombra1111 For me too, although it's not my generation…

[@SylviusTheMad]

Brilliantly said. The only thing that can prepare you for Primus is Primus.

[@chrismcelroy8219]

Primus sucks!

[@jmtlpt]

If you want to hear a bit more serious or deep song from Primus' repertoire listen to "Too Many Puppies" off of the Frizzle Fry album. Enjoyed the reaction it was a good interpretation of the song.

[@billyjames6472]

story of American life

[@wayneebanks5715]

I'm so glad I stumbled across this person. I could listen to her talk about music all day. Wonderful!

[@richpeltier9519]

Early Primus shows were hallmarked by unprecedented interaction between Les and the crowd. When I'd go see them in small clubs in the Bay, there was always a few handfuls if faithfuls up front sharing inside, running jokes with Les and Lar (or Todd depending on the weather). Me, I just went to mosh and gawk at Herb. And always keep an eye out for Harold of the Rocks! 🤟🧙‍♂️🤟

[@gradypatterson1948]

Primus ('pry - muss') and Les Claypool specifically are more influenced by earlier - and more experimental - Pink Floyd - less so than later works (the album "Dark Side of the Moon" is a pretty clear dividing line. Claypool is also strongly influenced by King Crimson - and the bass line of the Primus song "Jerry Was a Racecar Driver" is a pretty direct homage to the KC song "Elephant Talk", with it's unmistakable bass line by Tony Levin. The original studio recording, as many have noted in other comments, had the "scratchy" vocals provided by Tom Waits - in order to simulate Wats' voice for live performances, Claypool set up two microphones, one slightly compressed, and the other run through a mild distortion and a mid-range band-pass filter, giving that "old-time radio" sound. He has quite effectively used the same technique on a number of other songs since. Les' playing, singing, and general stage presence have to be seen to be appreciated - his right hand is moving at a furious pace using the "slap" technique, while he seems almost to be paying no attention to his left (fretting) hand, and still hitting exactly the note(s) he wants - all while singing lyrics which range from the caricature-building lyrics of "Tommy the Cat" to the anti-war anthem "Too Many Puppies" or the snarky double-entendre of "Wynonna's Big Brown Beaver". And then - just to *really* throw a monkey wrench into your thinking, there's Primus' complete re-imagining of the entire score of the Gene Wilder classic "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory"!

[@ronaldowens5025]

Don't forget that mic is Sandman, given to him by Mark Sandman of Morphine fame, a bassist that Les often said was the only truly innovative bassist of that time.

[@tonynecas4825]

Thank you for this.

[@joncoish]

Yes, I heard Elephant Talk for the time yesterday and immediately thought about Primus.

[@dani4ever]

More recently the desaturated seven is such a different thing from all their music before. I'm in love with that album.

[@yuvalraveh]

Her pronunciation of primus is quite commen in europe

[@andrewpeters8906]

Les Claypool is the vocals at the beginning and end. The "scratchy" voice in the middle is a guest appearance of Tom Waits (played Renfield in Francis Ford Coppola's Dracula).

[@JuandeFucaU]

"Oh, yes, a big cat! My salvation depends upon it!"

[@jamesstarrett3988]

The "say baby" section plays out exactly like a hip hop call and response. It is awe-inspiring to see live.

[@FriedPi-mc5yt]

I would love to hear your breakdown of “South Bound Pachyderm” by Primus.

[@mikaeldk5700]

Tom Waits!!! Mind blown. The greatest songwriter of this generation. If ever Tom Waits reaches this channel... I would not need the rest of the internet.

[@mikaeldk5700]

@divinelightshine Well presented and positive points you make.

[@drfunkology8164]

he's always so overlooked 👍

[@johnsilva9139]

Did not realize that Tom Waits did Tommy ( Waits? ) the Cats voice here. At first it reminded me of listening to recordings of Neal Cassidy talking.

[@mikaeldk5700]

'A gentleman is someone who can play the accordion, but doesn't.' - Tom Waits

[@JuandeFucaU]

@@mikaeldk5700 "I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a pre-frontal lobotomy."

[@timothyjones6323]

I salute you for giving this your characteristic respectful attention.

[@deanreach7198]

I love that she basically described the music video without ever seeing it. Primus is just one of those bands that you can't explain to someone who has never heard them. @Virgin Rock If you want to hear the Pink Floyd influence listen to Southbound Pachyderm.

[@therealnynetynyne360]

First listen to any primus song always look for the video, it will never dissapoint

[@Sicknick95]

Tom Waits is doing the voice of Tommy. Les claypool has the more nasal voice. And you nailed it with the Zappa comparison. Musically brilliant but lyrically quirky.

[@kindablue1959]

I'm so surprised and happy how open minded Amy is. Most classical music listeners I know wouldn't have gotten past the first 30 seconds, recoiling about how this music was going to 'ruin their ears' and how just 30 seconds gave them a 'headache'. LOL. I think building up to this by slowly progressing from Buddy Holly through The Beatles, into Floyd and Janis and into Ozzy and Soundgarden prepared her for Shock Rock music like this.

[@adamroodog1718]

it was only a year ago Metallica's and justice for all, nearly gave her ptsd. when it drops she almost falls off her seat.

[@kindablue1959]

@@adamroodog1718 I LOL'd when she said 'somebody likes the drums'. And then mentioned how the lyrics were quite different than the 'love songs' style Rock she had listened to prior. haha. What a trajectory she has been on!

[@adamroodog1718]

@@kindablue1959 hahah somebody like the drums but not napster

[@jayoh13]

Tom Waits deserves a listen on this channel. “On the Nickel” (album version). Great orchestration and subject. As Neil Young said at Waits’ induction into the R&R HOF “Tom wrote the songs and the Eagles covered them.”

[@JuandeFucaU]

"They say I have no hits and I'm difficult to work with - and they say it like this is a bad thing."

[@tylerstamps2786]

Primus is an acquired taste. The Tommy the cat comparison to Dr Seuss hit the head right on the nail! This was fun!

[@wobh688]

I like your interpretation of it as a cartoon of anthropomorphic cats which is how I think about it--and I think the video does too. An important context here is that Tommy the Cat is telling a story, about himself "I remember it as though it were a meal ago..." to an audience of what we may suppose is other, younger tom cats. I feel like we can also consider Tommy an unreliable narrator, and the story to be exaggerated, embellished, or even completely imaginary.

[@cjonesufc]

My wife always said she didn’t like Primus. I insisted it’s because she hadn’t properly experienced them and that she needed to see them live. She reluctantly joined me and a friend to see them live at the Toyota Oakdale Theater in Connecticut from the pit and had the time of her life. After fending off rowdy concert goers with her elbows and feeding off the crowd’s energy for a couple hours while Les and the guys played their asses off she left the show energized and excited wanting to know how soon they’d be back.

[@drfunkology8164]

whenever a girl says she hates primus , most do back then. i would agree and say . yeah, nobody gets laid in cargo shorts.

[@RaymondSolo]

This band is a very Progressive (sorta comical) in nature. "My name is Mud", "Jerry was a Race Car driver", "Wynona's big brown Beaver" and "Mr Crinkle" are some other good song's for this band.

[@kokubos]

Mr. Crinkle is probably my favorite primus song. Maybe Candyman too

[@PrinciplesMatter]

Mr Kringle

[@MattyNoNose]

For the longest time I couldn’t get over Primus’s goofiness…but one day it just clicked and I realized how genius Les Claypools lyricism is. There are some amazing songs in the catalog. Amazing lyrics. Deep lyrics. Incredible playing from the whole band.

[@stevenaarhus8850]

Too many puppies did it for me.

[@slothbearanonymous]

after tommy the cat, i thought all the songs sounded the same and left them alone for 15 years, then i listened again and "my name is mud" sold me now

[@jjerg]

The guitarist from Primus is considered one of the 'godfathers' of Death Metal since he played with Possessed before joining Primus. Both are great unique genre starting bands. 🤘🏼

[@benjamingrand694]

I did not expect a Primus reaction on this channel! ❤

[@jessew7565]

Quirky cartoon story teller quality - First 60 seconds listening to Primus and the vibe is nailed immediately, a testament both to Les' personality and the attentive listener imo

[@joesphschramm3754]

I was entertained watching your reaction to a classic. It kinda brought me back to when I heard it a long time ago. I hope you give their catalog a listen. They evolved over the decades.

[@jeffries8814]

By far my favorite reaction! Smiled the whole time!

[@rattfink9]

Between this and the jane's addiction reaction, you have made my October already!

[@edriquez57]

Enjoyed your perspective of the song. Your imagination and perspective captured the video exactly. I think the music goes with the lyrics, very unique! I think.

[@Yraha]

I’ve seen Primus live several times. Truly unique and wonderful. I enjoyed this reaction and definitely suggest you doing more Primus reactions ❤

[@user-ud5qj7dj1q]

What would draw you to back to this music for future listening would be the musicianship, no matter how goofy it may be it’s remarkably performed.

[@Roh_Echt]

Primus (pronounced; pry mus) is a fun live show. And...nobody goes at the bass as Les does. I've always wondered what Metallica would've sounded like if Claypool did get that job. I'm quite certain the bass-tracks on "...and Justice For All" would 'not' have nearly been completely muted.

[@jaredporter7623]

I was actually just thinking to myself yesterday how great it would be when she got to Primus. I'd really like to see Mr. Krinkle or Wynona's Big Brown Beaver but Tommy The Cat is good too. It's all good.

[@hippydippy]

I seriously doubt she'd do "Wynona's Big Brown Beaver", but it would be EPIC!🤣

[@mvfusion]

This was really fun to watch and I learned a lot from your perspective.

[@bandit6272]

Saw them live many times back in the day. Their concerts had a better pit than any heavy metal band I'd seen, a better groove than most funk/gogo bands, and enough showmanship to make a live performance better than you could imagine. Them, and the Roots, put on some of the best shows I've ever seen.

[@friendsofthefeather]

I think Les would be very proud to say someone compared his sound to Dr. Seuss. Interesting comparison. Great break down. Amazing band. Super song. Thanks!!!

[@lucidcharade12]

Tim Alexander, the drummer playing here, is well known for being an extremely technical drummer and Les Claypool (bassist/singer) has said on multiple occasions that they really more jam on stage. They give the impression of a band that practices a lot but Tim Alexander is what really keeps them cohesive. I highly reccomend you listen tho their 6 track concept album The Desaturating Seven. It's literally based on an old children's book called The Rainbow Goblins.

[@uktenatsila9168]

One of my all-time favorite bands. Rush was, for lack of a better way of putting it, the most influential band for Primus. Or perhaps Claypool specifically. Frank Zappa absolutely! Thank you for the video and the thoughts.

[@Testibus00]

Recently saw Les play Animals in it's entirety in a small venue with Harry Waters on the keyboard and Sean Lennon on guitar. Very, very cool. Right up there with seeing Primus in the early 90s. I'm a lucky dude.

[@anthonydawson8080]

Did not expect to see a interpretation of Primus. One of my favorite bands. Just like a lot of other groups they’re very eclectic and have surprisingly varied music the more you dig in.

[@jbfranz7376]

Agree! I would love to see her work with some of Mr Bungle!!!

[@davidgonzo228]

Great reaction! The observation about the children story similarities is on the money. Les Claypool has said that Disney soundtracks were one of his earliest influences. Also Primus has released albums of both Willy Wonka songs and an adaption of the children's book The Desaturating Seven.

[@marshalllee7720]

primus is a genre of it's own. I remember noticing that windows media player even had the category among the other genres back in the early 2000's

[@acpguitar1516]

I'm listening to this so loud on the bus and can't help but sing along. Ppl are looking at me very strangle. Except this one bube. And he's smiling He's got to be a primus fan 🤘😖🤘

[@jindas4217]

Tom Waits as Tommy the Cat. Btw #primussucks 😊 I love the change-up in dynamics that the rhythm section is the lead section and the lead guitar is the rhythm section. ❤

[@jindas4217]

I also agree with the relationship you brought up with Frank Zappa. Definitely hear at least creatively and lyrically, as well as the quirkiness.

[@beatmet2355]

PRIMUS SUCKS!🤟

[@rattfink9]

Oh, how I want you to dig in deeper (a lot of variety in Primus) to hear their songs that go so much deeper. American Life, for example.

[@antidote7]

Love this band. Wonderful rhythms, bass playing is phenomenal, and the band definitely liked Zappa. So unique, they have their own finger print.

[@sweeptalk]

The intro gives the feel of having stepped into the venue mid-show. The drums open the door and then -boom - you're in the midst of the action.

[@snixelpig]

My favorite reaction from you by a mile. Consider doing a Primus weekend. Love your vids.

[@RepresentTheLie]

It's crazy that you described it as cartoonish, back alley with flies, etc. Thats what the cartoon version video exactly is. Very interesting. Nice analysis

[@thomasfioriglio]

I loved watching your face as your try and make sense out of this. So good!

[@user-jl7ty1ni4o]

I live that you are so open to different genres of music.

[@danw2276]

THANKS! Les Claypool is a genious, hence the strange incredible way he expresses himself. Saw live and it blew me away how talented they were, and corky. Most barefoot

[@patmcgroin6916]

OH MY GAWD! I wondered when Amy would get around to these guys, lol! The group where the bass takes the lead and the lead supports the bass! Took me a while to get it, but I love Primus. "Too Many Puppies" would make a great counterpoint to this...

[@patmcgroin6916]

"Too Many Puppies" would be a great counterpoint to this...

[@jackc.5271]

I love how you alternate from laughing to looking very concerned, made me giggle. Good video.

[@kobudo]

Such a fun reaction video. I’ve loved this song since I was a kid, it was my introduction to Primus too.

[@SquirrelyDan6422]

Primus has always had a great gift of presenting a seemingly simple story or allegory, but using it to show an example of profound truth as it relates to the human experience. In this example, the song explains how a few typical ally cats go about the courting process, and it is exactly the same as human. No matter how much more advanced the species is than a cat, life still all works the same. There are many more Primus songs that present much deeper meanings, but usually each song is a major lesson to be learned.

[@williamsowder9573]

Primus is a cartoon for sure. And the videos and live performances are amazing!

[@timmycollins7665]

Tom Waits is the other voice on this track. Les does it live but it's Tom Waits and Les on this album track. You should have actually listened to Primus's cover of Have A Cigar. Primus also has another song with Tom Waits featured on an album about Courtney Love called Coattails of A Deadman.

[@doomlava222]

I love your interpretation of this song. You seem so perceptive and analytical i love it. Such a cool video. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🤘🏼

[@Ship-security]

You will need several songs from Primus. Their music varies. I recommend the songs, southbound pachyderm, my name is mud, damn blue colored, tweakers, and Wynonna’s big Brown, Beaver.

[@grawhide]

You are amazing! I've loved this song for over 30 years and your response is truly wonderful, innocent, and incredibly thorough. 😂😊

[@christiankoll1528]

This is one of my favorite songs of all time. You're maybe the 3rd or 4th person I've watched do a reaction video for it, and yours is my favorite. You really nailed the themes and tones, if you would have watched the video with it, many of your ideas would have been gratified lol. Fun fact: "Tommy the cat" is voiced by Tom Waits.

[@Funnysterste]

I was hoping for you to play that bassline on your harp. lol.

[@pxdave7488]

Haha, that crossed my mind too I have to admit :)

[@jasonemikel]

I had no idea how much I wanted to hear the Slap Harp.

[@korndogz69]

You nailed the vibe right away. I'm pretty sure the lyrical content was inspired by old cartoons like "Top Cat".

[@tonyswick8430]

I am watching this at 5 AM and it's absolute magic. Thank you!! 😂

[@hamforfree4511]

I've never seen you search for descriptors in your head as much as in this video. 😂❤

[@noracola5285]

You've got to listen to Syd Barrett era Pink Floyd (and why not Syd's solo stuff!) and some of their more experimental albums, like Ummagumma.

[@blechtic]

So, will we be hearing a harp rendition of this song?

[@G60syncro]

Once you've done the Beatles project and gotten a few more Primus pieces to get what he's all about, I strongly suggest you look into The Claypoll Lennon Delerium's South of Reality LP.... And I mention the Beatles because the Lennon in question is John's son Sean and you can clearly tell the apple did'nt fall far from the tree!! Combined with Claypool's playful wit, they both created a wonderful album of mind pictures, funny stories and some deep thinking to be done!!

[@richpeltier9519]

I went to a Local Band showcase show at The Stone in San Francisco back in the late 80's, because a guy I worked with was in a thrash/punk band Potential Threat and they were going to get the headline spot at the promotion. He told me to make sure to get up front and see the second band (there were 5 that night), so when they came on I got right up next to the stage and was leaning on one of the floor monitors. Then 3 guys came out, one was holding the most beautiful bass I'd ever seen (had scroll work like a violin and a whammy bar?!l The guy with the bass says, "Hello, we're Primus and we suck" and then they played In The Flesh off The Wall and my brain could not accept it. It took me half a minute to realize 3 guys were CRUSHING Pink Floyd and it was brilliant. The guitarist, Larry LaLonde was a HUGE Zappa fan as a teen. He would be very happy to hear the comparison. I've literally heard Les describe him as "this guy that listens to a lot of Zappa". Les is the driving force of Primus (and a few other bands) and was a huge Floyd fan as a teen. But primarily he was into bands like Yes, Rush and King Crimson because of their virtuosic bass players. One of Les' other bands does play Pink Flloyd as part of their live shows, but Primus is a different vehicle. When Les takes Primus on the road to honor a legendary band, it's Rush. I saw them play Rush's Farwell to Kings album a couple years ago and it was amazing. I was extremely fortunate to see Primus play in their early days. At their merchandise table they sold a self produced demo tape with 9 songs, all recorded live. Tommy was one those tracks and and early crowd favorite. The original recording was slick and raw. It was written as an homage to another one of Les' musical influences, Tom Waits. Years later when they went into the studio to record second studio album, they brought Tommy back. This is the version you listened to and the gravely voice you hear at the beginning and for a few lines in the middle, is the man Tom Waits himself. Primus went on to explore some really interesting musical realms, but it's important to remember that they came out of the Bay Area thrash metal scene of the 80's. The music is made to mosh to, but the crowds at a Primus show are incredibly supportive and safe, while being ridiculously rowdy. If you get knocked down in that pit, everyone pulls you back up. Not just an important musical influence, but a very large part of my youth is tied to their early live shows. 🤟🧙‍♂️🤟 Rich the Ancient Metal Beast

[@CristiNeagu]

Ah yes. Primus. Listening to their songs, especially seeing their videos, feels like a fever dream. It's like nothing you have or will ever listen to. I would personally categorize their music as swamp rock.

[@elskeletor3566]

You should try Ween. Songs like The Argus, Transdermal Celebration, Golden Eel, are just some of the songs you need to listen to from Ween.

[@arothmanmusic]

This song was my introduction to Primus (pry-muss) back in high school. The bass in this song blew my mind, and the drumming was so crisp. And of course you can't beat the unique sound of Tom Waits.

[@vincentdumont-mackay7142]

My good I hadn’t listened to this since I was 16! Fun memories. Thank you. :).

[@HurricaneDeanWalker]

I love this reaction. Thank you so much for doing Primus. This is truly a unique three piece band. They are so much better live than recorded. I love the story about the Robert Louis Stevenson poems used for children's songs. Cool. You suggested Primus is simple? Try playing this song on bass while singing/rapping out the lyrics. I think you missed that and what the drums are doing. Colonel Les Claypool's Fearless Flying Frog Brigade covers the entire Pink Floyd Animals album (my personal favorite Pink Floyd album). The Flying Frog band helps connect the dots when it comes to Claypool's Pink Floyd influences. Thanks again for doing this reaction.

[@richpeltier9519]

Lar comes from the Alex Lifeson school of playing impossible things on the guitar and making look easy so you are constantly overshadowed by the other two brilliant musicians on stage. And I love them both for it. Alex was the most talented member in Rush and if there's any doubt... watch Lar try to reproduce that stuff live. Guy working hard like Phil Lesh.

[@Aupheromones]

"I would like to branch out to the side just a little bit" Primus was an excellent choice for that. They are pretty much their own genre. I could not click on this one fast enough :) This song in particular has evolved a bit over time, too. There's a four-string fretted version from an earlier album, this one is six-stringed fretless madness. I think Seas of Cheese and Pork Soda were their best albums. And also, what a strange sentence that was to type out and read back to myself.

[@coryhickman4491]

Sailing the seas was the first CD I ever bought and I’ve been this way every since I love preemus and am also a big fan of sipress hill😂

[@Tomsthumb]

Btw, I subbed... Why....... because I love how you think it comes to music. Absolutely love your lingo on how Tommy the cat resonates with you and the expressions on your face says it all with how you explained it to us all beautifully. The rabbit hole that is your own music I'm about to dive in..... I'll comment on the over side. It seem's you REALY know your music. Sorry I'm so like you 🙃 You are 100% spot on with TTC, outstanding... If only you knew the bassist was also the singer at the time.

[@shadow__dancer]

The more she says Preemus, the more I love her.

[@cafecitoconazucar]

Tom Waits voiced Tommy the Cat for this song.

[@aaronmichaud1]

Bass and drums. Drums and bass. They are essential and well executed in Primus!

[@patrickdoake6022]

You have got it nailed! Best interpretation of tommy the cat ive heard thus far 🙀👌😇

[@nickdurcholz5988]

How did she not bat an eye when Les rolled out his little solos? The timing, dexterity and skill to play the bass like that is astounding. I would think a classical musician would recognize this, but not so much as a peep about his technical ability... There aren't many bassists as "refined" as Les Claypool.

[@fattyjaybird7505]

She just needs to see them live