Ahhh....Primus.
I find that most people either absolutely love Primus or hate them with a passion. I find the former to be ture for me, and Sailing the Seas of Cheese is a great album, executed perfectly from begining to end. Primus are really musician's musicians.
Les Claypool - Bass, Vocals. Les is the foundation and main creative element in Primus. His songwriting is always top-notch and his bass playing simply must be heard to be believed. A pretty nasal voice that is an acquired taste, but for me it doesn't distract at all. I can't picture Primus without Les' thin voice.
Larry "Ler" LaLonde - Probably one of my all time favorite guitarists. He obtains a level of originality that you just don't see anymore and I love his willingness to produce atonal noise instead of merely replicating Les' riffs.
Tim "Herb" Alexander - Not the greatest drummer in the world, but he knows exactly when to fit in and when to stand out (something that is not an easy task with Les' crazy playing). Much better than Brain (drummer on the brown album and antipop) to say the least.
Track by Track:
Seas of Cheese:
Just an upright bass and some rocking ship noises. It's only an intro but the songwriting here is actually pretty good.
(no rating)
Here Come the Bastards:
Ler follows Les on this track making it not as great as some of the other tracks on the album but he does contribute a lot with his dissonant solo. I think this song is about Primus describing themselves (they do like to call each other bastards often) (Refer to "The Heckler" on Suck on This).
(8/10)
Sgt. Baker:
I find this song a bit repetitive, but the intro and songwriting in this song make it crutial to the make-up of the album. Probably the worst guitar solo on the album, but its still pretty cool (and looks really bad-ass on the Halluco-Genetics DVD).
(7/10)
American Life:
One of my personal favorites of any Primus song. The instantly memorable bass riff and solo really push this song right over the edge making it one of the best on the album. Ler demonstrates an excellent ability in knowing when and when not to play (something a lot of guitarist lack)Probably the best songwriting too.
(10/10)
Jerry Was A Race Car Driver:
Oh yeah. What can you say about this song?! It's simply amazing. The best display of Les' virtuosity on the album, incredible songwriting, an awesome moshing section, and one of the coolest solos ever!
Unquestionably...(10/10)
Eleven:
Herb owns the intro on this song. Not really sure whats it's about but who cares about that when you have an awesome riff, and a great wah solo.
(8/10)
Is it Luck?:
The weirdest song on the album, but it's pretty funny. Les does some crazy-ass riff, and Ler squaks out some wicked nosie (especially on the solos). In this song, Les just states random things then asks "Is it Luck?" Great song with all the classic Primus elements.
(8.5/10)
Grandad's Little Diddy:
Just a deep, deep voice singing in the shower. Filler.
(no rating)
Tommy the Cat:
Quite possibly my favorie Primus song, and i have all their albums. Tom Waits does a great job with the lyrics on this song, making it funny as hell. Excellent, excellent musicianship here. Ler's solo then Les' solo (back to bcak) push this song right over the edge for me. It should be a crime making a song this awesome.
Certainly...(10/10)
Sathington Waltz:
You could argue that it's only filler but I find this song completely necessary. It's an excellent inturmental and a great bridge to Those Damned Blue-Collar Tweekers. Works great with the album and showcases how Primus is great with unorthodox insturments (at least in rock music).
(9/10)
Those Damned Blue-Collar Tweekers:
One of the best on the album. A great, memorable riff with awesome songwriting and wicked solos (from Ler and Les respectively). Absolutely fantastic.
(10/10)
Fish On:
The second installment in the Fisherman's Chronicles and a really coll song. The song it petty slow, but that is not a bad thing all. Les dominates in the intro with the six string fretless, and the entire band is very laid back. Tim does a spectacular job throughout and Ler's dissonant lines give a really unique feel. A good ways in the song speeds up for a long bass solo from Les that fits in perfectly with the song. Great song.
(9.5/10)
Los Bastardos:
A reprise of Here Come the Bastards with the main riff higher-pitched and random people yelling weird things in the background like "Shut up you bastards!" and "You just called him a bastard, didn't you?" A great ending to a great album.
(8/10)
Overall: (9/10)
An album that I simply don't grow tired of, and I hope you feel the same way. If you don't own it check it out. You might be surprised.
That's All.
