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Les Claypool

Of Whales and Woe | Prawn Song
By JESSICA COUGHLIN  |  July 11, 2006
2.5 2.5 Stars

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CRACKED OUT: Les Claypool
The new Les Claypool album is seriously cracked out. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. Claypool himself describes the music as “Morphine meets old Isley Brothers with some bastardized version of Woody Guthrie.” When this album is good, it’s folky and funky. When it’s bad, it’s an acid trip gone awry. Masterful bass backs up outlandish lyrics, shouted beatnik poetry, and occasional electronic sound effects. Guests include Gabby La La on the sitar and theremin and Claypool’s young children on percussion. Reminiscent of a psychedelic circus, “Robot Chicken” is the opening theme from Seth Green’s Cartoon Network show; it’s strange, but what would you expect from Captain Primus? Meanwhile, Claypool displays his musical prowess on banjo, guitar, and drums as well as bass. Think of it as a muso indulgence that still manages to be a lot fun.

LES CLAYPOOL + THE COUP | July 17 | Avalon, 15 Lansdowne St, Boston | 617.931.2000

On the Web
Les Claypool: http://www.lesclaypool.com/

Related: Super freaks, Geek squad, On the Racks: May 30, 2006, More more >
  Topics: CD Reviews , Woody Guthrie, Les Claypool, Les Claypool,  More more >
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