Primus Tracks

The great Kello Gonzalez returns to the podcast on short notice to discuss Nothin' Ventured, which we interpret as our version of a Les Claypool motivational speech, particularly because the spirit of the song (bass solos) and lyrics (taking risks to achieve something) mirrors what LEs did with his career path. IT's also chock-full of cultural idioms amd a sneaky masturbation joke; everyone's favorite Claypoolism. Kello demonstrates the "five minute" interpretation of the bass line, and we dig into taking risks, the rewards, and why it matters. Find Kello on Youtube and Instagram. Get involvedInstagramFacebookEmailBurn your money 

Les Claypool's ode to his wife, Chaney, starts side two of Of Whales and Woe, and there's certainly no woe to be found in this joyous track, which reflects the irrational emotional highs of fulfilled love, through the Claypool lens. Josh, a native Iowan, sheds some light on the lyrical references and discusses agricultural exports, because that's all Iowans talk about aside from the weather. We also play an excerpt from Les's book tour in Iowa City. That evening was captured by the radio program Live At Prairie Lights and is archived here: https://digital.lib.uiowa.edu/node/797265Get involvedInstagramFacebookEmailBurn your money 

This week, we offer up a commentary track on the hour-long Primus Interstellar Drum Derby finale. Receiving this much video footage of the band auditioning, practicing, rehearsing, jamming, and recording music is so rewarding after years of shelved video-based projects. You can join in the fun by simply listening in, syncing the youtube video with the podcast ep at the 12:52 mark in the audio, or viewing the synced video at the Patreon site (see "Burn your money" link below).Drum derby finaleGet involvedInstagramFacebookEmailBurn your money 

NEW TRACK ALERT! Primus have released Little Lord Fentanyl, the first track to include newly-minted drummer John Hoffman. The track was a part of the final drum auditions for Hoffman and Borlai, who each composed drum tracks for the song. We discuss the workings of the tune and the lyrical content in a knee-jerk reaction mode, and what it possibly portends for Primus. Little Lord Fentanyl: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4NGvSR2waUDrum Derby finale: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFtaNtSYNYAGet involvedInstagramFacebookEmailBurn your money 

Today's track tells the tale of Richard McCaslin, a self-proclaimed superhero, who, disguised as the Panthom Patriot, invaded the Bohemian Grove in search of child sacrifices and other horrific crimes...in the off-season when the economic and political elite were not present. We provide the background on the story, as does Les Claypool in our associated live cuts. We also have with us regular contributor Matt Hunter, who models the bass riff, discusses the dynamics of the song, and helps us find where the pinky finger fits into the whole thing, as Les infamously broke his pinky finger during filming of a movie, and was unable to play this tune on tour for weeks as a reult. Lots to explore in this one - don't get radicalized!Get involvedInstagramFacebookEmailBurn your money 

The great Gene Meyer (@genemeyelol on the socials) of Bandit fame returns to the pod to discuss Vernon the Company Man. We get literary with some associations to Kerouac, Ginsberg, Arthur Miller, but we even it out with jokes about PRimus shirts being more effective than chastity belts. This tune is certainly a unique departure in terms of this record, but also for Claypool in general, thanks to excellent tabla and sitar provided by Mike Dillon and Gabby La La, respectively. Dig?Get involvedInstagramFacebookEmailBurn your money 

We tackle the title track this week with the help of old friend Lalo Fierro, who, even as a seasoned gigging bassist, maintains an uneven relationship with Claypool's bass playing, mostly due to its unpredictable nature, which is emblematic of today's track. We also consider the eternal question: Do you humor the crusty old guy's stories, or do you not engage? Plus, commentary on the recently completed drum search series (more to come?!) and killer live cuts. Buy me a theremin.Get involvedInstagramFacebookEmailBurn your money 

After the bicep of One Better, we head straight to the crotch for Lust Stings. Les seems to want to highlight the body parts that the people want to see. Lust Stings gleefully swamps the listener with percussion and instrumentation that makes you want to take a hot shower, and adds to it off-putting yet matter-of-fact lyrics about the spread of STI. While all of that doesn't sound too appealing, it all comes together to create a unique experience in the catalog. Make good choices, kids!Get involvedInstagramFacebookEmailBurn your money 

The great Luke Bemand returns to Primus Tracks to tackle One Better, the "bicep" of the Of Whales and Woe record. Luke shows us how Les flexes all over this track, and it's not limited to bass, as Les provides drums and guitar in addition to his usual bass and vocals. Luke also brings some commentary from Mike Dillon, who stars on the track.This is a Frankie favorite, so get ready for some fanboy business. Plus, Cold War stories? Sign me up! Find Luke on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lukebemandbass/Get involvedInstagramFacebookEmailBurn your money 

Les Claypool followed up his Electric Apricot jaunt with a collection of taut, focused tunes in 2006's Of Whales And Woe record, which largely sees Les on his own in the studio, laying down bass, guitar, drums, percussion, and vocals for these tracks, and guest turns from the mighty Mike Dillon, Skerik, and Gabby La La. We discuss the album's backdrop, the physical releases, the Fancy touring band to spawn from this record, and turn some attention to the album opener, Back Off Turkey, an ambient track in which Les got to goof around with his children. Climb aboard!Get involvedInstagramFacebookEmailBurn your money 

We are thrilled to speak with Soya and Steve Freeman, aka Extrakd, who has created loads of diverse music over the years with the likes of Brain, Disk, Mirv, Ler, and Buckethead. We tread some of the history and releases from the 90s and 00s, but hone in on Mars Mechanics, which has a new album titled In Through The Drive Through. The record is primarily arranged and performed by Steve, Brain, and Mirv with guest turns from Skerik and Ler. Each Mars Mechanics release has its own musical theme; the latest has a 1970s Miles Davis foundation, and the outcome is a high-energy dose of unmistakable majesty. Plus, Steve tells us about some projects that have yet to be made public, and may hold the key to understanding the tornado of urine (details in episode). Tracks sampled in episode, in chronological order:Its Brain (Mars Mechanics)Technology Doctor (MIRV)Darkside Whiplash (El Stew)Surf Mission (El Stew)B-boy Showcase (El Stew)The John Rocker Redemption Clause (No Forcefield)Claudius The God (No Forcefield)9a (Mars Mechanics)Gonzography (Mars Mechanics)Don't Bite Contradiction Bomb (Gonervill)Find Mars Mechanics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mars_mechanics/Mars Mechanics MusicYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXl_huq832S_MOC4OoCzgPwSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3sZiGJ55DnYXBpoBwYTqKEApple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/mars-mechanics/1468632210Mars Mechanics Merch: https://mdpe.shop/collections/marsmechanicsEl Stew - No Hesitation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y415bfxzoNcNo Forcefield - Lee's Oriental Massage https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZqCqfViCugNo Forcefield - God is an Excuse https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7-bbaQUS04Marsupial's Belly Flop Breaks - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4NQyZoYmj0PhonosycographDISK Live at Slim's - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAKc2PAOkxk&t=7sLom.

Les Claypool was quite productive in the mid 00s, including these two discs  - one a smattering of videos and live cuts from his numerous non-Primus projects; the other a live experience sourced from fan videos of the 2006 Fancy Band tour. Each DVD came about before the proliferation of Youtube and smartphones with decent audio and video capture properties, so they were welcome additions to the catalog. 5 Gallons of Diesel (2005) and Fancy (2007) work to define specific eras of Claypool's career, and we haven't seen anything like them since. Copies are out there on second-hand sites, and of course, they're on Youtube.5 Gallons of Diesel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04hVR2OFOxQFancy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vyt-yoICsWU&Get involvedInstagramFacebookEmailBurn your money 

In 2005, Les Claypool spawned an idea that would form Electric Apricot, a fictitious jam band of goofballs and misfits chasing their dream gig at Festeroo. The "band" formed and recorded some tracks at Rancho Relaxo in early 2005 before hitting the road that spring for some gigs that allowed them to gather live footage in between principle shooting slots. The film had a limited theatrical release, but gathered enough steam for physical releases of the film (2007) and soundtrack (2008). We chart this curiousity and dig into the hidden jokes and references throughout the film, and its significance to the jam scene for people in the know - thank you to our Primatrons! Get involvedInstagramFacebookEmailBurn your money 

Flapjax has been there since the beginning and seen it all in the world of Primus and Les - the long, slow rise to notoriety, life on the road, making music a sort-of career, and being with his friends through it all. Soya joins to reminisce and jog Dave's memory - it's a great old-school time!Get involvedInstagramFacebookEmailBurn your money 

In our newest sub-series, Primus Legacy, we speak with pro musicians who have a fondness for Primus, and how the music impacted their musical paths. We begin with the great Tye Zamora, who you may know from Alien Ant Farm, 'mēk, and his stints subbing in for bands such as Slightly Stoopid. Tye charts his Primus superfandom and how it influenced his development as a bassist, and handles with ease Frankie's rapid-fire questions. We should note that his a capella versions of Primus tunes are top notch. Find Tyehttps://www.instagram.com/tyemus/https://www.instagram.com/mekband/https://www.youtube.com/@mekband2341Get involvedInstagramFacebookEmailBurn your money 

We conclude our c2b3 experience with the towering album closer, Ignorance Is Bliss. Peat Rains of You Bred Raptors? joins us to explicate the music and lyrics, and to discuss what makes this a grand statement at the end of the record. For those who don't know what a mohel is, we have you covered. Find Peats band, You Bred Raptors? on Instagram and at youbredraptors.comGet involvedInstagramFacebookEmailBurn your money 

Note: We recorded this episode prior to NYE, and I thought it fitting to include our postulations as to what we'd witness, you know, for s&g. 48 Hours To Go is another tune critical of the W administration and sticks with lyrics of its time. We dig into the time capsule lyrics and the heady jams that Brain brings to the fore. Plus, Josh is entranced by this week's live tracks, and Frankie gets help in solving a major Primus mystery. Get involvedInstagramFacebookEmailBurn your money 

WE WERE THERE. The two-night stand for 2024 New Year's Eve dubbed Claypool Gold contained numerous surprises and delights to the senses as Les and Larry recruited numerous familiar faces to support them in performing a wide variety of tunes from the worlds of Holy Mackerel, Frog Brigade, and Primus. Limbomaniacs and Beanpole provided inspiring opening acts, making for two nights full of madness. We break it down with commentary on the set lists, lineups, our experiences, and Tim Soya (HE WAS THERE) drops in to share his perspective from behind the scenes. Were you there? How was your NYE? Hit us up on the socials!Get involvedInstagramFacebookEmailBurn your money 

Jackalope is the third of three instrumental tracks on the c2b3 record, and it doesn't stick around too long. However, it does have some unique aspects to it that separate the track from the rest of the record. Lalo Fierro helps us by modeling the bass parts and describing their singular elements, and how the band works together to make something groovy with very few theatrics. And while we're on the topic of jackalopes, Frankie shares his favorite cryptids. Find Lalo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lalofierro/Get involvedInstagramFacebookEmailBurn your money 

The title track of the c2b3 record inspires divergent thoughts from Josh and Frankie, but Matt Hunter holds us together with his bass breakdown and a look the tune's foundations. If you like exaggerated fretless bass slides and excoriating the media landscape, you're in luck!Get involvedInstagramFacebookEmailBurn your money RORY DOLAN FOR THE PRIMUS THRONE!

The heavy instrumental Scott Taylor attracted the attention of our old pal Luke Bemand, who had to marvel at its wildness with us. This tune's title was a mystery at the time of release, but we've sleuthed so that you don't have to, and the title is surprisingly(?) germane to much of the subject matter in the second half of the record. Live cuts feature loads of Bernie madness!Find Luke at lespecial.net and @lukebemandbass on the socials. Get involvedInstagramFacebookEmailBurn your money RORY DOLAN FOR THE PRIMUS THRONE!

The first of many tracks on the c2b3 that airs grievances and frustrations with the George W Bush administration, Junior directly derides W through a variety of vocalizations, supported by a greasy soundtrack. Speaking of greasy, Sam Stewart of Flagman drops in to dissect the tune and reveal what he's learned from studying Les and c2b3 on a musical level. Find Sam's music at flagmanband.com Get involvedInstagramFacebookEmailBurn your money 

Possibly the most challenging track of the album for its messiness and seeming lack of structure, there are redeeming qualities - Bucket's strange guitar sounds, a guest turn from Gabby La La, and the mystery of the single lyric - Hip Shot From the Slab captures c2b3 at its most abstract. Frankie doggedly mines English idioms to make sense of the title, for which we spend an inordinate amount of time. Some fascinating live cuts and brave Primates' Takes round out this episode. Get involvedInstagramFacebookEmailBurn your money 

The epic instrumental positioned at track 4 is mix of wistful pathos and chill dub, eliciting a wide range of interpretations and emotional responses. At Primus Tracks, we tend towards the visual spark, and this track takes us on some strange trips. We get into the heart of the matter, and discuss some megafauna along the way. Get involvedInstagramFacebookEmailBurn your money 

The tyranny of the hunt will take you by surprise, and so will the origins of this track! We have deep background on the lyrics of this track thanks to some interviews around the time of record release, as well as our recent episode with Les, Brain, and Soya. Who knew the gangrenous penis would become the stuff of legend? (Me. I knew.) The music is well-structured, with some inspired breaks among the stop-start verses, and Buckethead shows his versatility throughout. The lyrics lead us to a discussion of body horror (Halloween is coming!) and what our limits are. Spoiler: they're low. Get involvedInstagramFacebookEmailBurn your money 

The great Rory Dolan of Lespecial rejoins Primus Tracks to deconstruct Brain's unusual drum performance on the second track of the c2b3 record, which, actually, already sounds like it was deconstructed? After rocking our faces off, this looser number reveals the more casual and spontaneous side of the band and project. Frankie reveals the thematic origins of the seemingly-nonsensical lyrics, which brings it all together. Rory on Instagramlespecial.net Get involved:InstagramFacebookEmailBurn your money 

The great Kello Gonzalez rejoins Primus Tracks amid his jam-packed schedule to discuss the fiery opening track to the lone Bucket of Bernie Brains release, Buckethead. The second biographical track about the mysterious masked figure with lyrics by Claypool, this one hoists him as a paragon of honor and excellence, with a towering track to match, but only after a whimsical keyboard intro courtesy of Bernie Worrell, which calls to mind the improvisational nature of the band's live performances and the manner in which they took the stage. Kello is a Buckethead fan, adding a layer of commentary to the normal proceedings that brings to light Bucket's prolific releases, but also his undeniable musicality. Plus: SIX live tracks? Frankie's had too many cookies. Find Kello Gonzalez everywhere on the internet @kellogcGet involved:InstagramFacebookEmailBurn your money 

As we turn our attention to Colonel Claypool's Bucket of Bernie Brains, Tim Soya made sure we opened proceedings in style with two of the band members, Brian "Brain" Mantia and Les Claypool. We ask them about the origins and magic of C2B3 - which seems to be just that, given their commentary, but they certainly hold dear the experience of playing without a net and relying on one another to carry the show should the need arise. We get into some of the album's tracks and stump them with a clip of a song they didn't know they wrote. Massive thanks to Soya for wrangling Brain and Les for this very special episode of Primus Tracks. Reminder: Patreon members get video of this and more episodes! Get involved:InstagramFacebookEmailBurn your money 

We continue our DNA sub-series with a less obvious influence on Les Claypool and Primus: XTC. This English band influenced Les in his formative years, perhaps subconsciously influencing his own style, culminating in two Primus covers of XTC tracks from their album, Drums and Wires in Making Plans for Nigel and Scissorman. Here to provide a crash course in XTC And to describe what he hears of them in Primus is XTX Xpert Mark Fisher, who maintains an XTC podcast, What Do You Call That Noise? and keeps the world apprised of the band via xtclimelight.comSpecial thanks to Mark for his time and his insights. XTC are a worthy band to explore, and there's certainly something for every Primus fan within. Get involved:InstagramFacebookEmailBurn your money 

Les Claypool was busy enough in 2002 with the release and support of Purple Onion,  but he also found time to complete a cover of Hot Rod Lincoln for a compilation album, land Frog Brigade Bonnaroo performances on two official releases, and start his journey with Colonel Claypool's Bucket of Bernie Brains. We dig into the covers and the improv nature of c2b3.Get involved:InstagramFacebookEmailBurn your money 

As the 2024 Primus summer tour concludes, we take a look at the number of set list surprises and other goodies that packed the 33-date sojourn with much mirth, merriment, and mind-melting, mesmerizing musicianship. This tour was unique for being conducted without some kind of theme or conceit behind, nor any kind of official release to back. Primus was just out on the road, headlining some fetching venues and digging deep into the bag of tracks, much to the delight of the hardcore fans such as us. We sample some of the memorable moments captured by attendees and offer our astute(?) observations. What was your summer tour highlight? Tell us all about it on the socials!Get involved:InstagramFacebookEmailBurn your money

David Lefkowitz returns for another Master Class. Dave managed Primus/Les for about twenty years, and additionally was the president of Prawn Song Records when the label pivoted to releasing albums by talented Bay Area bands. We discuss the challenges and intricacies of running a record label (Dave's advice: don't.) and why it's not the greatest idea. Great talk with a true heavy!Get involved: https://linktr.ee/primustracks

Our latest Legendary Show Dissection takes us back to 2004 as Primus marauded across North America to bring Frizzle Fry in its entirety to the masses in a two-set evening-with format. On this particular evening, the band graced the crowd with what we believe is a record of six consecutive songs on the six-string fretless "rainbow" bass. Considering that the rainbow is retired due to age and sentimental value, and replaced by a fantastic Pachyderm sixer, this specific feat may never be replicated. Frankie guides us through this evening of enigmatic enchantment. Primus Minneapolis 2004 on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XyQvcXlyJYGet involved:InstagramFacebookEmailBurn your money 

The great Kello Gonzalez returns to wrap up Purple Onion in style with a breakdown of (and on) Cosmic Highway. We get into what makes this track a fan favorite, why it ends the record in a satisfying way, and what makes it so familiar to Primus fans picking up Les solo work for the first time. Find Kello on Youtube & Instagram Get involved:InstagramFacebookEmailBurn your money 

David Makalaster II continues the saga of our newscaster, whose manipulative messaging has taken a turn to the bellicose. Mak II stands as commentary on the media landscape post 9/11 and its exhortations to belligerence, whether abroad or domestic, and the music supports that military march to war, which we connect to Les Claypool's favorite film, perhaps finding some of the musical inspiration for this track. Think. It ain't illegal yet. Get involved:InstagramFacebookEmailBurn your money 

Sam Stewart of Flagman joins Primus Tracks to discuss Up On The Roof, and explains what makes it a certified banger in the Claypool catalogue. The track has familiar foundations in a percussive bass line and lyrics regarding drug addiction, but this tune remains fresh and vibrant over twenty years later. Get involved:InstagramFacebookEmailBurn your moneyLISTEN 2 FLAGMAN!

Lights in the Sky is another structured, thoughtful piece that seems simple, but allows maximum space for Frog Brigade collaborators to shine. In this case, they keep it atmospheric and low key until a bit of a heavier, unexpected ending. Although the lyrics are fairly generic for a Claypool tune, they provide ample fodder for conversation, and we take advantage by discussing stories of alien abduction. Because, yknow, it stands to reason. Get involved:InstagramFacebookEmailBurn your money 

This week on the podcast, we address the Les Claypool live staple D's Diner, which has been performed by so many iterations of his bands that everyone has lost count, except for Frankie. Bay Area resident and D's Diner regular Anthony Garcia helps us choose what menu items will be worth our while, models the main bass lick, and explains why it's okay to have a one-riff jam track in the middle of, to this point, a focused record. Next time you're in Sebastopol, get the breakfast burrito with extra red sauce!Get involved:InstagramFacebookEmailBurn your money 

Barrington Hall is a legendary location in the Primus world, and its debauched past pairs well with the refined nature of the music from this Purple Onion track. Matt Hunter models the bass parts and harmonies, and we delve into the sordid events that led to Barrington's demise as a student housing cooperative. Get involved:InstagramFacebookEmailBurn your money 

Ding Dang is a forceful number, both in terms of music and lyrics. We speak with bassist Alex Dalasio about the musicality of the tune, and what makes it memorable, as well as unpacking the lyrics, which are meant to provoke, and perhaps even make us uncomfortable, but there's a lesson to be learned and a resonant, timeless message. We get to the heart of the matter and solve all of the world's problems. Just another day at the office in Primus Tracks Towers!Find Alex's musical efforts under the name Psychedelic Waves on Bandcamp and Spotify. Get involved:InstagramFacebookEmailBurn your money 

Les Claypool started banging on the Whamola on February 14, 2001, at a Frog Brigade show in Boston, Massachusetts, and it's accompanied him on nearly every subsequent tour, and numerous studio records. He popularized the one-stringed instrument that an enterprising person could construct for less than $100, and put his unique spin on it with percussive playing that utilizes distortion and evelope filter to achieve a big sound. Here, on the Purple Onion record, the track serves as a solo showcase for Les's side men, and they all deliver wild slices of sound, supported by drummer Fish Fisher of Fishbone. We examine the history of the instrument, numerous live cuts, and whether the track holds up 20+ years later. Get involved:InstagramFacebookEmailBurn your money 

With Long in the Tooth, Les Claypool takes a page from the Tom Waits book of music, and puts his own spin on the concept, evoking numerous auti-biographical details - some clear, some hazy - that act as an ode to aging and general acceptance of the process. We explicate the lyrics in depth, and sample a bit of ol' Stompin' Tom Connors in the process.Get involved:InstagramFacebookEmailBurn your money 

Frequent bass contributor Louis Ortega returns to model and explain the hooks behind Buzzards of Green Hill, Frankie's favorite track from the album, and perhaps his top Claypool track. This one seems to be the backwoods hick Claypool that had shone through with some Primus material, but takes the wheel here for a (sober, we hope) drive out in the county. Lyrically, we contrast drunk driving and nursery rhyme motifs; the latter likely a result of Claypool having toddlers at the time, and the former from Les observing the world around him. Some killer live cuts accompany this episode!Find Louis on InstragramGet involved:InstagramFacebookEmailBurn your money 

This week, we discuss David Makalaster, often referred to as Mak 1, which brings Purple Onion to life after the ambient opening track. Mak 1 and 2 somewhat bookend the Pruple Onion record, and we discuss this first installment in near-isolation, but it's difficult to separate the two. Lots of lyrical references to unpack, and the mass of instrumentation makes for a busy and full musical experience. It's also the first exposure to Skerik's fancy sax for many fans, and boy, does he deliver. Plus, we have live cuts from over the years and lineups/iterations of Les's solo bands. Get involved:InstagramFacebookEmailBurn your money 

As we begin to peel back the layers of Les Claypool's 2002 album Purple Onion, we discuss the background of the record, its place in (and out) of its time, the inspiration for the title, and we discuss the title track's ambience and ambiguous lyrics. Purple Onion stands as the jump-start to the Les Claypoo; 2000s solo career in terms of writing and performing original material with the Frog Brigade, Fancy Band, Fungi Band - whatever the name of the iteration, it's based on a Claypool record. Grab your local, organic produce and join us. Get involved:InstagramFacebookEmailBurn your money 

No Forcefield was an experimental collaboration of Larry LaLonde, Brain, Adam Gates, DJ Disk, and Extrakd for Stray Records, which produced two albums: 2000's Lee's Oriental Massage and 2001's God is an Excuse. They're wild, unpredictable, bizarre, and good, clean fun. Both albums are long out of print, but readily available on resale sites such as Discogs. We discuss the (lack of) notoriety for the band, its truncated live history, and what went into the recording of these albums (beyond stimulants). It's c ertainly a departure  from the Primus and Claypool aesthetic, but who doesn't love pure, unadultered self-indulgence from Ler and company?No Forcefield at the Beta Lounge in 2001: https://betalounge.com/2001/02/22/no-forcefield/Get involved:InstagramFacebookEmailBurn your money 

Sessanta spoilers aboundRejoice, for there is new Primus! As part of the Sessanta tour celebrating Maynard James Keenan's 60th birthday, Primus is supporting live and recorded a track with Maynard for the Sessanta E.P.P.P. We couldn't wait to discuss this track, the first new Primus recording in two years. We discuss its greater context in Sessanta, the tour, and the tune itself, which is certainly a departure from anything else in the band's established catalogue. Hop on a hippo and ride along! (Don't do that. Really.)Get involved:InstagramFacebookEmailBurn your money

In this super-sized episode, we discuss the 1985/86 Primus demo tape informally titled Welcome To This World, and set it against its time period in the development of the band. From there, we welcome Peter Libby to the show. Peter drummed for Primus over 1984-86, and his skilled approach elevated the band in the Bay Area scene. Peter discusses those early days, his friendship with Tim Soya, his own musical path, and his takeaways from working with Primus. Get involved:InstagramFacebookEmailBurn your money 

We sample Frankie's newly-acquired 1984 Primate demo tape and give context to its origin, as well as comparing the primordial Primus tunes to what they'd become on official studio releases. Who knew that so many tunes were nearly fully formed as early as 84? We had clues from some bootlegs that go as far back as 86 or 87, but this is a whole new realm, including the infamous initial recording of Too Many Puppies! Enjoy chewing on this most delicate morsel of Primus history. At this time, we're deferring to the band and management as to whether to publish the audio in full. Thank you for your patience. Requests for full audio will be ignored, and offers to purchase the tape met with maniacal laughter.Get involved:InstagramFacebookEmailBurn your money 

Surprise! We're not quite through with Oysterhead yet. Weexamine the two "bonus" Oysterhead tracks created by Stewart Copeland shortly after the 2001 tour wrapped. Soya phones in from yet another hotel room and tells stories from the Oysterhead tour, including hanging with the men of Oysterhead and integrating with the Phish crew that largely staffed the tour, as well as the mysteries of Les's Shadow of a Man helmet, Trey's Matterhorn, and Stewart's snare drum sound. Get involved:InstagramFacebookEmailBurn your money 

We wrap up our coverage of the sole studio release from Oysterhead in style with Owner of the World, a sunny day feel-good track that closes the record in fine form.How does the album stack up for you? What lasting takeaways do you draw from the record? We want to know your thoughts! primustrackspod@gmail.comGet involved:InstagramFacebookEmailBurn your money