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

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  • Опубликовано: 1 дек 2024
  • #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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Комментарии • 1,7 тыс.

  • @mrc-17
    @mrc-17 Год назад +1381

    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
      @thomaspaine656 Год назад +42

      That's awesome!

    • @necroriffmonger
      @necroriffmonger Год назад +9

      rad 😎

    • @mikehamelin7520
      @mikehamelin7520 Год назад +33

      thats the coolest shit ever.

    • @cedricwilford
      @cedricwilford Год назад +3

      Very cool!

    • @TheTruKman
      @TheTruKman Год назад

      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.

  • @seriousbismuth2173
    @seriousbismuth2173 Год назад +316

    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
      @surfeit5910 Год назад

      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
      @edklingon Год назад +10

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

    • @blakemeads9225
      @blakemeads9225 Год назад +9

      I had no idea that Larry played in Possessed 🤯

    • @alldaydevo
      @alldaydevo Год назад +3

      Totally agree

    • @BloodyChunX
      @BloodyChunX Год назад +7

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

  • @dampersand
    @dampersand Год назад +1103

    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
      @punker-gamer-trucker-guy Год назад +38

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

    • @Ccastine9
      @Ccastine9 Год назад +25

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

    • @dr.juerdotitsgo5119
      @dr.juerdotitsgo5119 Год назад +17

      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
      @tanobammino2519 Год назад +14

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

    • @yes_head
      @yes_head Год назад +43

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

  • @Supervandal
    @Supervandal 4 месяца назад +21

    Pre-mus is pretty great. What a wholesome channel, too.
    Dear, algorithm. Thanks!

  • @flavoredwallpaper
    @flavoredwallpaper Год назад +476

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

    • @n3bula77
      @n3bula77 Год назад +36

      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.

    • @lesclaypoolonbass9431
      @lesclaypoolonbass9431 Год назад +6

      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
      @joeladams2540 Год назад +23

      Primus sucks ❤

    • @PanekPL
      @PanekPL 11 месяцев назад +12

      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"

    • @PanekPL
      @PanekPL 11 месяцев назад +1

      @MisterCaution Damn man... I dunno what to say. That sucks. All I'd recommend is giving your favorite albums a spin with the lyrics booklet open. I've been a Primus fan since around 2006 (I was 14 then) when me and my friends got into playing bass and started obsessing over Primus and Claypool's side projects. A lot of the lyrics really stuck with me and Primus wouldn't be the same without them.

  • @TheTilepile
    @TheTilepile Год назад +46

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

  • @acfiv1421
    @acfiv1421 Год назад +297

    "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
      @hjhjhjhj6611 Год назад +20

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

    • @krusher74
      @krusher74 Год назад +2

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

    • @blackphoenixfamily8477
      @blackphoenixfamily8477 Год назад +2

      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
      @therealnynetynyne360 Год назад +1

      The arm extensions are kinda trippy

    • @residentpotato6023
      @residentpotato6023 6 месяцев назад +1

      Preemis

  • @GM-cd3rs
    @GM-cd3rs Год назад +21

    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.

  • @chrispate2696
    @chrispate2696 Год назад +468

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

    • @entropygizmo2880
      @entropygizmo2880 Год назад +73

      Primus Sucks

    • @davidsenick9664
      @davidsenick9664 Год назад +4

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

    • @robbiesharp311
      @robbiesharp311 Год назад +44

      Primus sucks.

    • @NeilBlanco
      @NeilBlanco Год назад +23

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

    • @mattcalifornia7318
      @mattcalifornia7318 Год назад +8

      @@NeilBlancoExactly. You beat me to it.

  • @joelbuff3254
    @joelbuff3254 Год назад +65

    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

    • @HisPurpleMajesty4
      @HisPurpleMajesty4 4 месяца назад +3

      Lacquer Head is my favorite

    • @nondescriptcat5620
      @nondescriptcat5620 4 месяца назад +2

      @@HisPurpleMajesty4 best thing Fred Durst ever produced

    • @MatthewFors-f8x
      @MatthewFors-f8x Месяц назад +1

      not to mention that the video for this is an actual cartoon

    • @gotham23us
      @gotham23us 19 дней назад

      “Too Many Puppies” is an anti-war song about the tragedy of sending boys off to kill and die. “Too many puppies with guns in their hands, too many puppies in foreign lands.”

  • @Wombatmetal
    @Wombatmetal Год назад +136

    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
      @HollowGolem Год назад +10

      They opened for Rush back in the 90's.

    • @jima6545
      @jima6545 Год назад +9

      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
      @axhed Год назад +2

      truly a unique voice in music.

    • @MrDennie666
      @MrDennie666 10 месяцев назад +3

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

    • @pegasus00
      @pegasus00 3 месяца назад

      @@MrDennie666 Agreed. Heard them doing warmups before show doing 80's King Crimson.

  • @Ukmongoose3
    @Ukmongoose3 Год назад +41

    All the musicians in this band are phenomenal.

    • @gotham23us
      @gotham23us 19 дней назад

      If Ler and Herb played for any other band they would be on every list of the world’s greatest metal guitarists/drummers.

  • @jbunte31
    @jbunte31 Год назад +395

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

    • @aaronwynn8114
      @aaronwynn8114 Год назад +12

      its Butters the cat now :P

    • @Rowenband
      @Rowenband Год назад +5

      Did know that, thanks for the info.

    • @DrNothing23
      @DrNothing23 Год назад +32

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

    • @Hitical_Crit
      @Hitical_Crit Год назад +14

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

    • @joeladams2540
      @joeladams2540 Год назад +3

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

  • @chrisbrunskill8204
    @chrisbrunskill8204 9 месяцев назад +7

    Amazing how she describes the music video in such depth - without ever actually seeing the music video :)

  • @korndogz69
    @korndogz69 Год назад +90

    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
      @cloudshad0ws Год назад +8

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

    • @mnspstudioLOST
      @mnspstudioLOST Год назад +2

      Both great suggestions.

    • @therealnynetynyne360
      @therealnynetynyne360 Год назад +2

      Indeed, complete 180.

  • @tzillacapone7066
    @tzillacapone7066 2 месяца назад +1

    Anyone who appreciates music can’t help but smile when listening to Primus. They are so good at what they do.

  • @twisted2291
    @twisted2291 Год назад +84

    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
      @davidsenick9664 Год назад +7

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

    • @MickySarge
      @MickySarge Год назад +2

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

    • @robbiesharp311
      @robbiesharp311 Год назад +21

      Primus sucks.

    • @mattcalifornia7318
      @mattcalifornia7318 Год назад +3

      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
      @jolemite2639 Год назад +2

      @@robbiesharp311Indeed good sir. Indeed they do.

  • @l1fef0rm
    @l1fef0rm Год назад +24

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

    • @philmaddison8321
      @philmaddison8321 7 месяцев назад

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

  • @stephengibbons4771
    @stephengibbons4771 Год назад +56

    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!

  • @wobh688
    @wobh688 Год назад +22

    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.

  • @walterstevens8676
    @walterstevens8676 Год назад +145

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

    • @mikaeldk5700
      @mikaeldk5700 Год назад +5

      We can only dream that it happens some day

    • @barryfeatherstone1616
      @barryfeatherstone1616 Год назад +12

      @@mikaeldk5700 Captain Beefheart too! 😃👍

    • @pod054321
      @pod054321 Год назад +5

      With a disclaimer: his work varies greatly over time

    • @stewartmitchell8007
      @stewartmitchell8007 Год назад +3

      Agreed.

    • @JuandeFucaU
      @JuandeFucaU Год назад +3

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

  • @PlayingGilly
    @PlayingGilly Год назад +104

    Primus is literally its own genre. They defy classification.

    • @nemanjajovanov
      @nemanjajovanov 10 месяцев назад +9

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

    • @starcrysis23
      @starcrysis23 10 месяцев назад +36

      The defy the laws of tradition

    • @gherzome
      @gherzome 10 месяцев назад

      Nope, The Residents and the Butthole Surfers

    • @XorsonX
      @XorsonX 10 месяцев назад +5

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

    • @jakehewitt2697
      @jakehewitt2697 8 месяцев назад +1

      @@starcrysis23 came here to say this

  • @timothyjones6323
    @timothyjones6323 Год назад +12

    I salute you for giving this your characteristic respectful attention.

  • @jamesstarrett3988
    @jamesstarrett3988 Год назад +10

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

  • @RepresentTheLie
    @RepresentTheLie Год назад +5

    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

  • @wayneebanks5715
    @wayneebanks5715 Год назад +6

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

  • @deanreach7198
    @deanreach7198 Год назад +19

    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
      @therealnynetynyne360 Год назад +3

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

  • @Sicknick95
    @Sicknick95 Год назад +17

    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.

  • @1massboy
    @1massboy Год назад +96

    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
      @enjoi62137 Год назад +6

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

    • @sombra1111
      @sombra1111 Год назад +4

      It was love at first listen for me

    • @Rowenband
      @Rowenband Год назад +1

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

    • @SylviusTheMad
      @SylviusTheMad Год назад +1

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

    • @chrismcelroy8219
      @chrismcelroy8219 Год назад +11

      Primus sucks!

  • @RenghisKhan
    @RenghisKhan Год назад +14

    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
      @edwarddenhartog8100 8 месяцев назад

      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.

  • @jmtlpt
    @jmtlpt Год назад +38

    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.

  • @sonofnothing
    @sonofnothing 4 месяца назад +2

    "Quirky, humorous story telling quality about it" you nailed it. Combined with the most infections and deep groove of the rhythm section, this is why Primus are so freaking good. Welcome to the club!

  • @cjonesufc
    @cjonesufc Год назад +14

    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
      @drfunkology8164 Год назад

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

  • @mvfusion
    @mvfusion 8 месяцев назад +2

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

  • @jessew7565
    @jessew7565 Год назад +6

    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

  • @jjerg
    @jjerg Год назад +10

    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. 🤘🏼

  • @Jadamhodges
    @Jadamhodges Год назад +17

    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
      @peelsreklaw Год назад +6

      Yesss Oysterhead is fabulous

    • @seriousbismuth2173
      @seriousbismuth2173 Год назад +4

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

    • @MrRezRising
      @MrRezRising Год назад +2

      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....

  • @edriquez57
    @edriquez57 Год назад +3

    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.

  • @mikaeldk5700
    @mikaeldk5700 Год назад +38

    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
      @mikaeldk5700 Год назад +5

      @divinelightshine Well presented and positive points you make.

    • @drfunkology8164
      @drfunkology8164 Год назад +4

      he's always so overlooked 👍

    • @johnsilva9139
      @johnsilva9139 Год назад +3

      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
      @mikaeldk5700 Год назад +10

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

    • @JuandeFucaU
      @JuandeFucaU Год назад +3

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

  • @joesphschramm3754
    @joesphschramm3754 Год назад +2

    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.

  • @andrewpeters8906
    @andrewpeters8906 Год назад +13

    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
      @JuandeFucaU Год назад +1

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

  • @jeffries8814
    @jeffries8814 Год назад +3

    By far my favorite reaction! Smiled the whole time!

  • @jayoh13
    @jayoh13 Год назад +16

    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
      @JuandeFucaU Год назад +5

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

  • @friendsofthefeather
    @friendsofthefeather Год назад +7

    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!!!

  • @richpeltier9519
    @richpeltier9519 Год назад +11

    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!
    🤟🧙‍♂️🤟

  • @philipbenner
    @philipbenner Год назад +5

    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.

  • @anthonydawson8080
    @anthonydawson8080 Год назад +7

    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
      @jbfranz7376 Год назад +1

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

  • @Yraha
    @Yraha Год назад +2

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

  • @gradypatterson1948
    @gradypatterson1948 Год назад +63

    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
      @ronaldowens5025 Год назад +4

      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
      @tonynecas4825 Год назад

      Thank you for this.

    • @joncoish
      @joncoish Год назад

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

    • @dani4ever
      @dani4ever Год назад

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

    • @yuvalraveh
      @yuvalraveh Год назад +1

      Her pronunciation of primus is quite commen in europe

  • @Musicore08
    @Musicore08 Год назад +3

    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 🤘😖🤘

  • @FriedPi-mc5yt
    @FriedPi-mc5yt Год назад +19

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

  • @eezergoode8588
    @eezergoode8588 Месяц назад

    I love your reactions, you're so wholesome and chill. But you also put music I've listened to for years in a whole new context.

  • @MattyNoNose
    @MattyNoNose Год назад +23

    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
      @stevenaarhus8850 Год назад +1

      Too many puppies did it for me.

    • @slothbearanonymous
      @slothbearanonymous Год назад

      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

  • @uktenatsila9168
    @uktenatsila9168 Год назад +4

    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.

  • @benjamingrand694
    @benjamingrand694 Год назад +13

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

  • @christiankoll1528
    @christiankoll1528 Год назад +2

    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.

  • @kindabluejazz
    @kindabluejazz Год назад +18

    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
      @adamroodog1718 Год назад +4

      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.

    • @kindabluejazz
      @kindabluejazz Год назад +3

      @@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
      @adamroodog1718 Год назад

      @@kindabluejazz hahah somebody like the drums but not napster

    • @GarrettJayChristian
      @GarrettJayChristian 5 месяцев назад

      I dunno; I fell upon Primus through the classical avant-garde. Felt very similar to what I was listening to/trying to emulate on the 'symphonic' side.

  • @davidgonzo228
    @davidgonzo228 Год назад +6

    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.

  • @VintageWanderer
    @VintageWanderer Год назад +7

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

  • @johnbeaney1237
    @johnbeaney1237 2 месяца назад

    I am 60 plus and seriously love my music. Tried my hand a pub n Hall bands as a young bloke, had a few years piano 🎹 tuition as a teen. I still have not yet heard a classically trained musician satisfy me with an interesting, illumination of their perception of rock or/and an insight that fascinates or engages me. I look forward to the day. 😊

  • @lucidcharade12
    @lucidcharade12 Год назад +3

    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.

  • @shadow__dancer
    @shadow__dancer Год назад +5

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

  • @korndogz69
    @korndogz69 Год назад +5

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

  • @sweeptalk
    @sweeptalk Год назад +4

    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.

  • @danw2276
    @danw2276 Год назад +5

    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

  • @TDBTylerable
    @TDBTylerable 4 месяца назад +2

    3:30 I love the reaction to the bass here xD

  • @RaymondSolo
    @RaymondSolo Год назад +12

    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
      @kokubos Год назад +2

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

    • @PrinciplesMatter
      @PrinciplesMatter Год назад

      Mr Kringle

  • @jaoanejsonsd
    @jaoanejsonsd 10 месяцев назад +2

    When she said “that kinda reminds me of Frank Zappa” I was like “that’s a good comparison” and then she said “maybe not THAT far out there” and I was like “yea kinda about equally far out as Zappa” lol

  • @SquirrelyDan6422
    @SquirrelyDan6422 Год назад +4

    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.

  • @Testibus00
    @Testibus00 Год назад +2

    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.

  • @HurricaneDeanWalker
    @HurricaneDeanWalker Год назад +11

    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
      @richpeltier9519 Год назад

      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.

  • @grawhide
    @grawhide 8 месяцев назад

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

  • @wayneebanks5715
    @wayneebanks5715 Год назад +3

    The voice of Tommy the cat is actually American treasure Tom Waits. The song is an homage to him, Tommy the Cat is his nickname

  • @BlinDefender
    @BlinDefender 2 месяца назад

    I recently caught my first Primus show (I'm 66) and really enjoyed it. I think I'm a new fan! I was surprised to learn they have been around since the 80s and have so many albums. I feel like a kid at Christmas binging on all the "new" music now in my Spotify library.

  • @snixelpig
    @snixelpig Год назад +4

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

  • @antidote7
    @antidote7 Год назад +3

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

  • @deanbolton6013
    @deanbolton6013 Год назад +6

    I was wondering how a classically trained ear would react to Primus, but your comments were amazing. I first heard Tommy the Cat watching the video, and was so impressed that you picked up that feel. One of the things I love about Les Claypool is he is a virtuoso who remembers music can be fun and taking it too seriously sucks the fun out of it.

  • @Ship-security
    @Ship-security Год назад +4

    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.

  • @Roh_Echt
    @Roh_Echt Год назад +9

    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.

  • @thomasfioriglio
    @thomasfioriglio 9 месяцев назад

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

  • @tylerstamps2786
    @tylerstamps2786 Год назад +13

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

  • @marshalllee7720
    @marshalllee7720 Год назад +2

    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

  • @nickdurcholz5988
    @nickdurcholz5988 Год назад +4

    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.

  • @doomlava8
    @doomlava8 7 месяцев назад

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

  • @blechtic
    @blechtic Год назад +8

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

  • @jackc.5271
    @jackc.5271 8 месяцев назад

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

  • @rattfink9
    @rattfink9 Год назад +4

    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.

  • @aaronmichaud1
    @aaronmichaud1 Год назад +1

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

  • @cafecitoconazucar
    @cafecitoconazucar Год назад +7

    Tom Waits voiced Tommy the Cat for this song.

  • @macorte1972
    @macorte1972 Год назад +1

    You cannot review this song without the video. It’s the icing on the cake that makes it so much sweeter.

  • @jindas4217
    @jindas4217 Год назад +5

    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
      @jindas4217 Год назад

      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
      @beatmet2355 Год назад +1

      PRIMUS SUCKS!🤟

  • @Tomsthumb
    @Tomsthumb 9 месяцев назад

    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.

  • @elskeletor3566
    @elskeletor3566 Год назад +4

    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.

  • @kobudo
    @kobudo Год назад

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

  • @patmcgroin6916
    @patmcgroin6916 Год назад +7

    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
      @patmcgroin6916 Год назад

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

  • @arothmanmusic
    @arothmanmusic Год назад +1

    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.

  • @Funnysterste
    @Funnysterste Год назад +20

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

    • @pxdave7488
      @pxdave7488 Год назад +1

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

    • @jasonemikel
      @jasonemikel Год назад +3

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

  • @bandit6272
    @bandit6272 8 месяцев назад +1

    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.

  • @grahamokeefe9406
    @grahamokeefe9406 Год назад +13

    I used to play with a bassist who was very influenced by Les Claypool. Crazy trying to keep up with him. The slapping technique is almost a genre unto itself. I don't think there's too much to be understood from the "weirdness" of this music, other than that's Claypool's personality.
    1:55 - The Zappa comparison is apt, mainly in the satirical area.
    9:48 - There's a definite rap influence. In the late 80s/early 90s, there was a big trend for "rap/funk metal" when the Red Hot Chilli Peppers (a band you should investigate at some point) hit. That sort of paved the way for Primus.
    18:15 - I think you'd find it closer to some of Pink Floyd's early stuff where they were doing a lot of noisy sound collage kinds of things. (Interstellar Overdrive, &c)

  • @bradygreen9457
    @bradygreen9457 Год назад +1

    Great reaction! Love how you nailed the music video without watching it.