Primus – Primus & The Chocolate Factory with The Fungi Ensemble (Limited Edition, Gold Colored
Vinyl, Gold Foil O-Ring / Jacket)
Weekly Review:
Primus sideways sense of humor and flair for both the theatrical and experimental made a track-by- track revision of the classic Charley and the Chocolate Factory soundtrack seem like the perfect project. That 2014 album is finally – and belatedly – arriving on vinyl.
Bandleader Les Claypool’s unusually style of bass playing is equally rooted in both Bootsy Collins and Frank Zappa and has no problem referencing all points in between. Claypool clearly delights in his role as Willy Wonka, bringing out the darker, sinister elements in the material. Where “Pure Imagination” was a delightful daydream in its original version, here it is something closer to, if not a nightmare, definitely an ominous warning.
Backing Claypool are Primus’ original drummer Herb Alexander, in his first appearance on a Primus album in nearly 20 years and longtime guitarist Larry LaLonde. The Fungi Ensemble, comprised of Kansas City-based vibraphonist Mike Dillon and cello player Sam Bass, add even more unusual textures to the tracks.
Because Claypool and company are working off other people’s songs, Primus and the Chocolate Factory isn’t quite as unhinged as a standard Primus composition can get. That said, it is plenty weird and should please both fans of the band, the movie and underground culture. -Joel Francis
