Review Summary: Primus is one of those bands that you either love or just feel kind of left out in the cold by. Their first studio album, Frizzle Fry, is their heaviest, most accessible album of the Tim Alexander-era. It also has some of the most nonsensical lyrics (whic
Primus is:
Les Claypool - Bass/Vocals
Larry "Ler" Lalonde - Guitar
Tim "Herb" Alexander - Drums.
But you already knew that, didn't you?
When you look at this album cover, the first thing you think is either
what the hell is this going to be like? or
I feel sorry for that egg...thing. We all know Primus is known for being very bizarre. The lyrics are strange, and often sound like they could have a deeper meaning, but really are just meant to fit the music (like Soundgarden but more blatantly out there, or like Captain Beefheart if he didn't just say whatever came to his mind). This mixed with Claypool's slap bass and Ler's weird, noisy guitar tone makes for a unique experience (not to downplay Tim's drumming. He is a master in the ways of the bass drum). So let's get started.
1. To Defy the Laws of Tradition [6:41]
The album starts with what appears to be a live cover of Rush's YYZ, which is stopped after 12 seconds with some weird effects. This leads to a slow, pretty-sounding bassline with an occasional booming, distorted open E played to set the mood. After 30+ seconds, Ler and Tim make their presence known with a noisy slide and a slow snare roll, and Les hammers three loud chords to start us off. Now let me say here that Les appears to be having more fun on this album than the others I've heard, especially on this song. He's constantly yeahing and here-we-going, and after the first of the two weird little tapping choruses, he bellows a weird "Yeeeaaaaaah" that rivals even Young Jeezy. The bassline on this song is sexy.
5/5
2. Groundhog's Day [4:58]
Now we transition into a slower, chiller song. The bouncy bassline and loungey guitar make this song relaxing, but not one I don't skip once in a while. This is the worst or second-worst normal-length song on the album.
3/5
3. Too Many Puppies [3:57]
A little cymbal play leads into a riff that will get stuck in your head and WILL NOT GO AWAY. This heavy stomper is a strangely disguised anti-war song that would turn away a casual listener as soon as Les yells "Too many puppiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiies" for the first time. The bridge seems like it's used only to break up the repetition.
4/5
4. Mr. Knowitall [3:51]
Another one in which Les seems to be having fun. Les shows off his tapping skills and a bit of lyrical irony at the end (They call me Mr. Knowitall/I am so eloquent/Perfection is my middle name/And whatever rhymes with eloquent). The song itself is okay, but not really interesting.
3.5/5
5. Frizzle Fry [6:04]
This is, at the moment, my favorite song on the album. They make it feel like the most epic song on there, but it ends all too quickly. The tapped intro leads into one of the weirdest basslines ever. The song makes about as much sense as...something that makes very little sense, for lack of a better simile. What really makes this song great is Les's vocal delivery ("A-This time they might take him away!") combined with that amazing bridge riff and the thrashy finish. If you're having trouble getting into the album at this point, this song pretty much decides whether you should keep listening or not.
5/5
6. John the Fisherman [3:37]
This is one of Primus's big 5 or 6 (along with Jerry Was a Race Car Driver, Tommy the Cat, My Name is Mud, Wynona's Big Brown Beaver, and one could make a case for the South Park theme)--their group of songs that everyone has heard at least one of. Recently, it's gotten more exposure with the release of Guitar Hero II and the greatest hits album, and there's no reason why it doesn't deserve it. The song opens with a great drum beat, and a sudden blast from Les's distorted, whammy barred bass that makes you anxious for what's next. Les's "1, 2..." count leads into one of the great simple riffs of all time. Les narrates the life of a kid named John who wants to be a fisherman while accompanied by Ler's weird sliding riffs. Catchy as hell and one of the best songs on here.
5/5
7. You Can't Kill Michael Milloy [0:25]
The first of the three short filler/interludes on this album. It's extended live.
No rating.
8. The Toys Go Winding Down [4:35]
Starts off with a bizarre carnival riff, but quickly turns into a marching, triplet-driven song. The bassline is the driving force, although less so during the quiet bridge, and reminds me of a line of marching wind-up toys. The most underrated song on the album.
4/5
9. Pudding Time [4:08]
One of Primus's main fan favorites. The verses have a great little bass riff made entirely of muted notes. With it's fun, crazy lyrics, catchy chorus ("It's pudding time, CHILDREN!" has been spoiled for me by a friend of mine who constantly says it), and bizarre musicianship, it's easy to see why the song is loved by so many fans.
4.5/5
10. Sathington Willoughby [0:24]
The second of the filler/interludes. Continued later in the 90's.
No rating.
11. Spegetti Western [5:42]
The opening drum beat pulls you in to this half-rant/half-jam. Les plays an unemployed pot-smoker watching a spaghetti western in his house. When he gets to the line "We need new pornos/Guess I'm still writin'," the song turns into a slap and pop showcase, with Les occasionally saying the title of the song over the noise. The other worst normal-length song on the album.
3/5
12. Harold of the Rocks [6:17]
Another fan favorite which should be the ending. The song follows the story of a group of friends. One weekend, a new addition is made to their group: Harold. Harold can talk the balls off a rhinosaurus, but he doesn't make much sense. The chorus is composed of a riff that reminds me of Master of Puppets and Les shouting the title. The song takes a 180 degree turn in the middle with an unexpected blues jam. Les shows off a very different style than what we are used to hearing from him. This song has one of the best endings ever, lyrically, but I don't feel like putting the whole thing here.
5/5
13. To Defy [0:38]
The third of the stupid little filler tracks. It is basically a sample of the second part of the beginning "To Defy the Laws of Tradition."
No rating.
Bonus Track: Hello Skinny/Constantinople [4:48]
The Residents, one of the only bands strange enough to influence Primus in the lyrics department, get their respect with this double-cover only available on the remastered 2002 version. The bass here is less prominent, which allows Skinny's story to be told with more attention payed to it by the listener. Skinny is, well, skinny. He sells things, and apparently the most interesting thing was a Hello Dolly record--which he sold to a truck driver. After the creepy "Helloooooo
DOLLYYYYY" part, the band suddenly transitions into the bouncy "Constantinople," which is more of a fun guitar-focused song with lyrics open to interpretation. I haven't heard the original songs, so I am unbiased about these, and I give this interesting finish a:
3.5/5
So there you have it. Primus's first and not-quite best adventure into the studio is completed.
