(Interscope)
Holy Mackerel! On first hearing of Les Claypool's new solo album, there was one thought I had in my mind: "This sure isn't Primus."
That's exactly what the enigmatic frontman of Primus wants you to think. On this record, Claypool hasn't been confined to his normal routine of bass and vocals. Les explodes, playing guitar, drums, singing, and of course living up to his bass-god status.
Recorded at Claypool's home, or "Rancho Relaxo" as he likes to call it, the record has a great sound, reminiscent of Primus (I wonder why?), and spans forty-eight minutes and 15 songs. Highball With The Devil features a host of wacky guests, including Mark "M.I.R.V." Haggard, Charlie Hunter, Jay Lane, and Henry Rollins.
Les says that he is the true dictator on this album. With the ideas he has on this album, any country where he's the dictator would be pretty cool! The album sounds like Primus mixed with the Residents and some 80's pop culture. It's not really that easy to explain. It's music that could only have come from Les' twisted mind.
The highlights of the album include 51-second lead-off track "Running The Gauntlet", "Highball With The Devil", surf-like "Hendershot", "El Sobrante Fortnight" and "The Awakening", a bass and drum duet by Otis Redding's son Dexter.
Let's face it. This record isn't really a solo album. Mr. Claypool even admits that he wasn't going to put his name on it until he realized that "it would be nice to sell a couple of these bastards." The album is amazing, with the best stuff I've heard from Les in quite awhile, and it basically only come out of jamming with friends.
So, is this album worth buying? If you're a Primus fan, you probably already have it. If you're not, but are ready to be dazzled by the many talents of Les Claypool and friends, I'd go for it.
