Les Claypool - "Of Whales And Woe' Review

Artist/ Band: Les Claypool
Title: Of Whales And Woe
Label: Prawn Song
Year of Release: 2006
Artist/ Band Link (click for details/ ordering)

The Review:

Wow where to begin. I’m very aware of Les Claypool in Primus but never really listened to any of his music, until now. While not a primus album, it bears a similar quirkiness that Les made famous in Primus. The music on “Of Whales and Woe” can be called funky, punk, artsy and experimental. Les Clayppol’s bass work reminds me of a more ampted up version of John Wetton, Chris Squire and Geddy Lee, to name a few.

I must confess this was one of the hardest listens I’ve come across in the 5 years of reviewing because, there’s really no way to compare Les to anything aside from Primus. It does take many listens to begin to understand the music. As of writing this review, I still haven’t absorbed the music on whole. I think it’ll take many more listens to appreciate the uniqueness of this album One of the songs that is recognizable is, “Robot Chicken”. For those unaware, this is the theme music for the popular Seth Green cartoon show Robot Chicken.

If you like anything Les Claypool has done in the past, I’m sure this will be up your alley. I would also recommend this to the progressive rock fans that like their music on the quirky side. Check out les’ page over at MySpace.com for full songs to listen to.

Reviewed by Ron Fuchs on July 12th, 2006

Tracks:

1. Back Off Turkey

2. One Better

3. Lust Stings

4. Of Whales And Woe

5. Vernon The Company Man

6. Phantom Patriot

7. Iowan Gal

8. Nothin' Ventured

9. Rumble Of The Diesel

10. Robot Chicken

11. Filipino Ray

12. Off-White Guilt