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THE REVIEW
In 2006, the first true solo album by Les Claypool, the brilliant bassist of the equally brilliant Primus, was released.
The album starts with "Back off Turkey", a track that on first listen may leave you a bit puzzled, but nonetheless interesting. The following track is one of the best on the album, "One better". The song is characterized by its aggressive funky style that fits well with Les's nasally voice and features a stunning slap bass riff, just like only he can do. The same goes for "Nothin ventured" and "Phantom patriot", which along with the aforementioned "One better", are the best tracks on the album. There are also more experimental pieces like "Vernon the company man". "Robot chicken" is a 40-second interlude that precedes the two concluding tracks: "Filipino ray" and "Off white guilt". The first is a classic "Claypool-style" song, also characterized by an excellent bass riff, while the concluding piece is an instrumental that adds little to the quality of the work.
In conclusion, Les Claypool's solo debut (although in reality, good Les already has several projects to his credit) does not disappoint expectations but rather gives yet another confirmation of the indisputable talent of this extraordinary and brilliant artist. Awaiting a return of Primus...
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Summary by Bot
Les Claypool's solo debut album Of Whales And Woe showcases his unique bass-driven style, blending funky grooves with experimental sounds. Key tracks like "One Better" and "Phantom Patriot" highlight his signature slap bass and vocal style. While some experimental tracks challenge the listener, overall the album confirms Claypool’s artistic brilliance and leaves fans eager for more, especially a Primus return.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
04 Of Whales and Woe (03:03)
the bowels gurgle a bit more these days it seems
and he thinks more about the way he saunters 'round
the posture of his father is not his chosen destination
but though his head remains in the same proximity
his chin with creeping dangle moves closer to the ground
he aims his good ear best he can towards conversation and sometimes leans in awkward toward your seat
and if by chance one feels their space too invaded
then try your best to calmly be discreet
because this septic breathed man that stands before you
is a champion from days gone by
and the tales of whales and woe off his liquored toungue will flow
the light will soft white twinkle off the cataracts in his eye
so if by chance you're cornered near the bathroom
or he blocks you sprawled in his aisle seat
embrace the chance to hear some tales of greatness
'cause he is the most interesting ball of toxins you're ever apt to meet
06 Phantom Patriot (04:01)
Intro
The Phantom Patriot (Repeat)
Verse 1
Creeping ever creepy
Like a fox in the night
Turning wrongs into right
He boldly works alone
With a crossbow on his shoulder
And a saber at his side
His brand is guns and knives
His mask is white as bone.
Bridge
The Phantom Patriot (Repeat)
He's come to save the day
The Phantom Patriot (Repeat)
He's come to save the day
Yes he's come to save the day. (So desperately the way)
Verse 2
Walking through the compound
With a formulated plan
?There'd had? been so a man
At this decisive point in time
The Bohemians at The Grove
Don't see it quite the same
Smelling danger in his game
They dub his quest a crime.
(Bridge)
Verse 3
Searching for his query
Through the elite redwood maze
He's walked provisioned ?for forty? days and nights
He must remain alert
And though it's not intended
Our hero soon is apprehended
With "Phantom Patriot" in sharpie
Written boldly cross his shirt.
(Bridge)
07 Iowan Gal (03:29)
I got me an Iowan gal
You should see my Iowan Gal.
I got me an Iowan gal.
You may try to win her, but you never will pal, my purebred, cornfed Iowan gal.
I got me an Iowan gal.
She's pretty as a picture, happy as a clam
, pinch me and tell me how lucky i am, you may try to win her but you never will pal, my purebred, cornfed Iowan gal.
I got me an Iowan gal.
Well you should see my Iowan gal.
I got me an Iowan gal.
She's got a round bottom i like to spank, she quilt me up a kashmir blanket, pretty as a picture, happy as a clam
, pinch me and tell me how lucky i am, you may try to win her but you never will pal, my purebred, cornfed Iowan gal.
I got me an Iowan gal.
Well you should see my Iowan gal.
I got me an Iowan gal.
She's the sweetest thing in this side of Des Moines, she cooks up a mighty fine pork loin. So hop a airplane, catch a train pal, get youself cornfed Iowan gal.
You should see my Iowan gal.
09 Rumble of the Diesel (04:03)
I like the rumble of the diesel and the smell of the oil
I percolate my coffee off the radiator boil
I been chasin' tuna nearly 27 years
I got the eyeballs of an eagle but there's ringing in my ears
I like the rumble of the diesel and the smell of the oil
Granddad was a farmer but I couldn't stand the soil
I like to keep it simple; it helps to keep me sane
I like floating in the ocean it nullifies the pain
Some say we can find a place
Between heaven and hell
Some work to make the bread rise
I like to plow the ocean swell
Errol's got a sweet monterey
Rigged for salmon and crab
Never had a family
Unless you count that old yellow lab
I like the rumble of the diesel and the smell of the oil
I percolate my coffee off the radiator boil
I been chasin' tuna nearly 27 years
I got the eyeballs of an eagle but there's ringing in my ears
I like the rumble of the diesel and the smell of the oil
Granddad was a farmer but I couldn't stand the soil
I like to keep it simple; it helps to keep me sane
I like floating in the ocean it nullifies the pain
Lookin' back to '95
I had a fresh Cummings re-power
Draggin' lines for Albacore
'Till the market went sour
We talked of strike for 40 days
'Cause the price was drove down
And when we finally settled up
We got less than a dollar a pound
I like the rumble of the diesel and the smell of the oil
I percolate my coffee off the radiator boil
I been chasin' tuna nearly 27 years
I got the eyeballs of an eagle but there's ringing in my ears
I like the rumble of the diesel and the smell of the oil
Granddad was a farmer but I couldn't stand the soil
I like to keep it simple; it helps to keep me sane
I like floating in the ocean it nullifies the pain
Les Claypool
Les Claypool is an American bassist, vocalist, and songwriter best known as the frontman of Primus. Renowned for virtuosic, idiosyncratic bass work and a nasal, cartoon-like delivery, he has led numerous projects and released solo albums including Of Whales and Woe and Of Fungi and Foe. He has also authored the novel South of the Pumphouse and directed Electric Apricot.06 Reviews
