Primus Album: “Antipop”

I don't get all the negative reviews for this album. Primus is an awesome live act, and this album captures their live sound better than anything else they've done (STSOC is a close second).

Now to the point of this review. This is a rhythm section delight. We all know Les is an amazing bassist (although he is a little overhyped), but the drumming, oh my heck the drumming? Maybe only a drummer would understand, but Brian pulls out some amazing chops on this disc. Just listen to the opening minutes of "Antipop" and listen to the intricacies (however you spell it) of the hi-hat work so get an idea of what I'm talking about.

Another thing - these guys actually sound aggresive and confident again. After 'Tales' and 'the brown album' you had to wonder what the heck was going on. On this album they actually sound alive. That's all I've got - take it for what it's worth.

Oh yes, they are back! This is definitely the best cd since sailing the seas of cheese. Les is more for sure. Tom waits should be a permanent part of the band as everything they work on together turns to gold.

Rarely does an album grow on me the first time I listen to it. This one did.

On Antipop, Primus regains the hard-edged swagger that Les so confidently exuded on such classics as Frizzle Fry and Cheese. Of course the bass licks are jaw dropping, and LaLonde's guitar is spectacular but finally Primus has regained the momentum that they started with Frizzle Fry and continued with Seas of Cheese. There are a number of guests on Antipop including the legendary Tom Waits on Coattails of a Dead Man, Tom Morello of the now defunct Rage Against the Machine on Electric Uncle Sam and Electic Electric with former FNM lead guitarist Jim Martin and (ugh)James Hetfield. The music rocks and Claypool is front and center tearing away at his bass, and delivering his oddball lyrics with nasal intensity. Eventhough, I think Primus was better with Herb Alexander, I can definitely respect this album and Les' vision of what he wanted it to be. If you are a serious Primus fan you should own this already but for the more casual fan, pick this up you won't be disappointed.

Contrary to the disc's subversive title, this is actually the most straightforward release Primus has given us in years. The production really shines here - every note of every instrument is crystal clear, and the end result is something that sounds more like the work of a concerted group effort than that of a mad genius. Tom Morello's guitar work is a welcome bonus, and Tom Waits is always a treat. Perhaps not as adventurous as some of the Cheeseboys' previous efforts (you decide whether that's a good thing or not), but this is a solid, rockin' album which, as others here have noted, often harkens back to the days of Frizzle Fry. Buy it!

Upon buying Pork Poda I was completely impressed and wanted to hear more of this great bands music. In the other cds Les' singing suffers in many songs...his singing isnt bad...its impressive actully like on songs tommy the cat found on sailing the seas of cheese and my name is mud found on pork soda. His singing from what ive heard has a new approach and sounds more serious than what it used to. Just listen to electric uncle sam and you will get an idea of how good at bass claypool....this is also a great cd for an advanced slap bass player to use to become much better at the technique....many of the techniques that les uses origionated with him so dont be afraid to alter your style and become somthing amazing. i would recomend any primus cd just to hear les play bass if nothing else!!!