Primus - Animals Should Not Try To Act Like People

After nearly ten years, the original, "classic" lineup of rock-weirdos Primus is back together for at least an EP (and tour) of five new tracks in the form of the DVD/CD combo Animals Should Not Try To Act Like People. Tim (no longer "Herb") Alexander has rejoined to inject his much-needed jazz-inflected drumming into the increasingly stiff and dull output of Primus.

When Alexander left after the 1995 album, Tales From The Punchbowl, Praxis drummer Brain took his place but certainly couldn't fill his shoes. While a talented skins-pounder, Brain's style is more in the pocket, in sharp contrast to Alexander's off-kilter jazzy colorings. Why this is important is exactly why Primus sounded so unique in the first place: Primus is a backwards band. It's no secret that the band is centered around the uniquely unmistakeable playing of bassist Les Claypool. Claypool's ability to both stick to the beat and play around on top of it with melodic elements forces guitarist Larry "Ler" Lalonde's skronky guitar playing into the background, where he performs as a sort of schizophrenic rhythm section paired with the drumming. What makes this odd equation work is a drummer who plays just outside of normal - pushing and pulling, or just plain prodding at the beat with complex fills and flourishes. This kind of accompaniment keeps Claypool reacting spontaneously and keeps the music inventive and fresh. When Brain took over, the band found itself employing a very solid, heavy timekeeper - someone who, in the right band (most bands, really,) is cherished for keeping a stomping groove going. Consequently, Claypool's playing became less inventive and less out front, quickly slipping back into the role bass is known for: keeping a deep groove going. As a result, Primus' output began to become more and more mundane with each release. Hearing Claypool play standard bass lines, or the closest thing to "standard" Claypool could be expected to play, is not what made people love Primus.

Article Author: Tom Johnson

Visit Tom Johnson's author page — Tom Johnson's Blog