Great Music While High: Primus

Primus is a unique and whacky rock band sure to be adored by weedists, so long as they can get their heads around the bizarre art of the group.

Primus is a three piece U.S. rock band hailing from San Francisco, comprised of guitarist Larry “Ler” LaLonde, drummer Tim “Herb” Alexander, and of course, bassist and vocalist Les Claypool. The band was originally formed in 1984 by Claypool and guitarist Todd Huth, who were later joined by drummer Jay Lane, but the latter two had since left the band leading to various changes in line up from 1988 to the groups current members.

Listeners might quickly recognize the musical style and vocals of Primus from the original theme song of stoner favorite “South Park” (I can’t help but speculate Claypool himself was the inspiration for the guitar player with the funny hat). With song titles such as “My Name is Mud,” “Jerry Was a Race Car Driver,” and “Shake Hands with Beef,” the band will surely dazzle and enlighten weedists with their mastery of musical disarray.

Primus live.

Featuring Les Claypool’s legendary bass skills and bizarre vocals, Primus has been giving open minded music fans a new style of music to jam to. Primus had been labeled in numerous genres of music over the years, such as progressive rock, experimental rock, alternative metal and ‘thrash funk’. Les Claypool once described the groups music as ‘psychedelic polka’ in an interview with Kerrang!

“I hate having to try to describe Primus, but now I always say — and it’s in the new biog now — ‘psychedelic polka.’ But then everybody thinks I’m being a smartass again.”

I can only describe the groups sound as a pinnacle between chaos and creativity. There’s really no good way to describe them other than “Primus” so you’re really just going to have to take a listen for yourself. I would suggest starting with the more approachable “John the Fisherman” before moving into some of their more bizarre tracks such as “Mr. Krinkle,” “Jerry Was A Race Car Driver,” or “Eternal Consumption Engine.”

Primus is a great band to listen to if you’re looking to have a fun/trippy time while grooving to the delectable bass licks of the visionary Les Claypool and the mind bending dissonant chord progressions. I would also definitely recommend watching any of their music videos while high. Seriously just try it, you will have a great time. I’d recommend watching personal favorites “Southbound Pachyderm” and “Too Many Puppies.” Have fun, and remember, Primus sucks.

Check out other posts from Weedist’s Great Music While High series!