I still remember as if it was today, the first time I heard of Primus Frizzle Fry, it was in October 1990. I remember I was feeling melancholy because despite a few fairly good new albums were released at that time I couldn’t find anything really fiery that deeply viscerally involved me. Then a miracle occurred when a pious soul lent me two albums: one was Primus ‘s Frizzle Fry and the other Jesus Lizard ‘s Head. I assure you that that day is stuck on my memory.(*)

Finally my prayers were answered. For long time I felt the void of worthy successors to two great bands like the Circus Mort (first band of the legendary Micheal Gira) and the Phosphenes; but finally, as I was saying, something arose: the  Primus.

Frizzle Fry is the first Primus’ studio album (preceded in 1989 by Suck on This a live collection of Berkeley performances that took place during the same year), that collects the sound’s legacy of the above mentioned bands (i.e. funky jazzy sounds with hardcore fury), but with a substantial difference, especially in the case of the Circus Mort, a throughout approach to the lyrics and to the general attitude definitely more wry and easy-going. Les Claypool’s singing style perfectly fit the Californian band’s irreverent lyrics. Each song is a surprise; some of them are even memorable. Les Claypool in addition to his convincing but particular way of singing (he sounds like Popeye at times) also plays the bass in an equally particular and involving way; Larry “Ler” Lalonde (Satriani’s pupil) death metal guitarist effectively support him, and drummer Tim “Herb” Alexander pull in the other two with his wide-ranging and powerful drumming.

The only doubt I had: will Primus be able to repeat the quality of this masterpiece?

Was it clear I like this album a lot? No? Then I will more explicit: this album is a masterpiece, if you don’t already have it, buy it, buy it buy it!!!

Curious facts: Kirk Hammett (Les Claypool’s old schoolmate and Metallica guitarist) appears in the video of the beautiful song John the Fisherman. The same song was also included in the 2006 game Guitar Hero 2 for Playstation2. Lastly the 2002 album reprinting contains two Residents’s cover as bonus track.

Mario (maggio 2007)      translation by Barbara Burgio

(*) si lo so l’intro è quasi uguale a quello della recensione di Head ma non è colpa mia se li ho sentiti tutti e due in quel memorabile giorno di ottobre 

Tracks:

1. “To Defy The Laws Of Tradition”

2. “Groundhog’s Day”

3. “Too Many Puppies”

4. “Mr. Knowitall”

5. “Frizzle Fry”

6. “John the Fisherman”

7. “You Can’t Kill Michael Malloy”

8. “The Toys Go Winding Down”

9. “Pudding Time”

10. “Sathington Willoughby”

11. “Spegetti Western”

12. “Harold Of The Rocks”

13. “To Defy”