Label: Interscope Records

Release Date: October 7, 2003

Website: www.primussucks.com

Primus - Animals Should Not Try to Act Like People
Dan MacIntosh

The jury is divided on Primus, making it one of those love 'em or hate 'em kinds of bands. But Animals Should Not Try To Act Like People might best be called a 'You also gotta tolerate looking at 'em' CD/DVD packages as well, since rock videos outnumber newly recorded audio tracks 13 to 5. Leader/bassist Les Claypool is either a musical genius, or an obnoxious houseguest -- or both. In this release's aural and visual entries, Claypool plucks up a low-end storm and talk-sings with that annoying and/or endearing affected voice of his. Claypool should really consider trying to act like a likeable person sometime, but there's probably just too much animal in him for that to ever happen.

Unquestionably, Primus has made some memorably eye-catching videos. The shiny and colorful cowboy costumes of "Wynona's Big Beaver" are a true visual treat, and the animated accompaniment to the cover of Charlie Daniels' "The Devil Went Down To Georgia" is a nice piece of work. If videos were as hot as they once were back in the '80s, Primus would rule the music world, or at least have a high post in it. And even if you don't like pre-prepared performances, this DVD also includes various Primus live concerts. The eyes clearly have it here, and then some.

This album's new studio pieces are fairly typical Primus creations. Claypool sings with a scowl in his voice on "My Friend Fats," and rants about the law's adversarial relationship to the recreational drug usage with "Pilcher's Squad."

Animals Should Not Try To Act Like People is mainly for diehard Primus fans. But curious ones may come away with a better appreciation of this unique act after listening to it and viewing all this stuff. This animal house is also a full house, with an oddly shaped foundation where its beauty – or lack thereof – is forever in the eyes of the beholders.

posted 02.29.04

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Dan is the lifeline to banjo virtuosi everywhere (courtesy of Googlism). E-mail him at dmacinto@elite.com

2003 White Elephant Productions