Talk:Primus (band)

Antipop dropped d tuning

Is it relevant to add in that Primus wanted a heavier sound in the Antipop days so they tuned most songs to dropped d tuning? I thought it was a cool fact. Tanner9461 (talk) 15:38, 22 November 2008 (UTC)

Cool fact, yeah, if you have a good source for it. --Say Headcheese!--hexaChord² 15:48, 22 November 2008 (UTC)

Do you think that a few actual tablatures would be good to include as a reference? Tanner9461 (talk) 15:01, 1 December 2008 (UTC)

Only if it's really reliable. Fan work won't be accepted I fear. --Say Headcheese!-hexaChord² 20:08, 4 December 2008 (UTC)

If you have the original Antipop tab book, it may be relevant... but to say that "Primus wanted a heavier sound" without a cite it is speculation... we could just put that the songs are mostly in dropped d tuning, and let the reader guess for himself... what do you think about it? Sickboy3883 (talk) 17:29, 29 December 2009 (UTC)

Those Other Drummers

I noticed an edit which listed the "many variously assorted 80's drummers" got marked as vandalism and was removed, I have evidence that these people mentioned were actually in Primus at one point and are not just the editor listing him and his friends just so people all over the internet can think he was a former member of Primus (which happens a lot in other articles), I think we should add these drummers to the list, and I have no clue how that could be considered vandalism - Protozoic Waste -

Who is CG the Mexican??

I noticed that at the beginning of the article when the thoughts of the critics towards Primus' music are mentioned, there is no evidence to support that these people actually said such things. I believe a link or some other type of evidence shold be posted after quotes.

"Subliminal" Section

I think the section about subliminal messages should be deleted. All the things mentioned about the songs are just the actual song meanings. They aren't subliminal messages. And Primus isn't "known" for having subliminal messages in their songs. The fact that there are only six songs mentioned just proves it. Also, the section was made by someone who couldn't spell. I made three corrections to it. That has nothing to do with anything I've said, I just thought I'd mention it. -dayve_57

Yeah, especially because none of the "subliminal" messages are subliminal. Of course Too Many Puppies is an anti-war song. Who actually thinks it's about puppies with guns in their hands? Facamus 07:29, 13 September 2005 (UTC)

The title was changed from "subliminal messages" to "song content", I used the wrong words, thats prolly what puzzled you guys. Protozoic Waste

P.S.-Spelling doesn't nessecarily equal intellegence.

Perhaps that section could be moved into it's own article with a long list of possible Primus song meanings and references? --Z2000 03:47, 8 January 2006 (UTC)

The songs lose their individual meaning when disected like that. You make your own meaning out of them, and some are more blatantly obvious then others, but thats just my take on it.

Vegoose

Damn did you see them at Vegoose, their set kicked ass! They suprisingly played De Anza Jig (though Ler's banjo was messed up), Eleven (killer jam portion), and Over the Elctric Grapevine, plus their "regulars" (My Name Is Mud, American Life, Jerry Was a Racecar Driver, To Defy the Laws of Tradition, Frizzle Fry, and maybe something I'm missing). I was pleasantly suprised.

Sir Squiggly

Name

Where's the name Primus come from?

-Primus was originally called Primate until another band called The Primates threatened legal action. Les claypool allegedly selected "Primus" as the closest thing to "Primate" in the dictionary, though he has been known to claim that Primus "was the closest thing that rhymed with anus". Primus is Latin for "the first".

How do you pronounce their name?

Pr-EYE-mus —Preceding unsigned comment added by 69.242.208.91 (talk) 19:45, 30 December 2007 (UTC)

A few things

There are at least a couple of things in here that I think need some tweaking. I wouldn't mind doing them myself, but also wanted to check in on the consensus before doing so. First, there's an allusion to Claypool getting the Carl Thompson 6 for Pork Soda and that changing things somewhat, which is about half a truth. Claypool plays a six-string bass on large portions on Sailing the Seas of Cheese, including, notably, on "Tommy the Cat". Also, there's the here that "Wynona..." makes them big stars in a way they hadn't before, and the sense I have is that it gave them something of a boost in popularity, but, as the "...Seas of Cheese" entry suggests, that record was considered itself something of an alternative (or whatever) classic. Pork Soda sold quite well, but it isn't the difference between Bleach and Nevermind or anything like that; it's a much slower build we're talking about in this case and they're never really an enormously popular band. There is reputedly some dissent in the band after that, but there's also reputedly dissent in the band before Pork Soda; I don't think the "Behind the Music" trajectory is theirs, especially if you look at the way musicians seem to come and go in projects Les Claypool's been involved with since the Sausage record or so. Also, I think I would generally agree that the Brown Album is less well-regarded than other records, but we don't really have any evidence of that; anyone know of any reviews or other things we can use to demonstrate this? Adbarnhart 19:24, 15 November 2005 (UTC)

After a band becomes really sucessful, their earlier work becomes more regarded. Before "Wynona..." Primus were a rock sensation, but Wynona was their first and only song to break the Top 40, SSOC is considered a classic today because when critics look back most of them think it was their best album. Thats all I can help you with -Protozoic Waste

Requires disambiguation. NB I believe 'Primus' (stoves) is a trademark. -- Toby Woodwark 05:04, 2004 Apr 13 (UTC)

Misc

I Monte eliot believe primus is the best band in the world I Protozoic Waste agree

I can't find any-where in this article that says where this band is from. Are they English, Canadian, Bolivian, what?

-They are from, mainly, El Sobrante, California, a suburb of San Francisco, just north of San Francisco.

The original version of Frizzle Fry was on Caroline Records. I believe Prawn song didn't exist until 1994 when Riddles Are Abound Tonight was released.

Beavis has no Primus connection

Someone said that "The video to "Riddles Are Abound Tonight" - featuring the band in blue leotards performing on stationary bicycles - was the impetus for Beavis's Cornholio character when it appeared on Beavis and Butt-head."

The idea for Cornholio was just something Mike Judge thought of, just something that he saw kids doing. He says that himself in the newest DVD that came out, ppl need to check facts here! I went ahead and got rid of the last bit of that line that connects the two. Hope you all dont mind.

The music video for "DMV" was featured in a Beavis and Butthead episode, but other than that, you're right, no connection.--24.119.143.87 (talk) 02:09, 12 May 2008 (UTC)

Actually, "The Beavis and Butthead Experience" CD contained a song by Primus called "Poetry and Prose". Not a connection to the Beavis Corholio thing, but another link to the show not mentioned here. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.49.63.176 (talk) 13:51, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

Brown Album

This has to be one of the most POV pieces I've ever read. Basically every sentence is ridiculously slanted against this album. As a huge Primus fan, the Brown Album is maybe my favorite album. Also, to say that Brain's drumming is inferior to Alexander's is a ridiculous statement. Brain is considered one of the foremost studio drummers, and is highly sought after. To compare the two is ridiculous. The only reason I'm not going to edit it is because I am such a huge fan of this album I wouldn't want to slant it the other way. It is in DESPERATE need of change though. Flannel 00:59, 1 April 2006 (UTC)

Airheads

I have removed the citation for Primus playing the winner of the battle of the bands in the movie Airheads. That isn't true, the band "Sons of Thunder" was made up of Monty Colvin, Alan Doss, Ben Huggins, and Mitchell Dane Sonnier, who are members of the band Galactic Cowboys.

New Primus Information

I edited this page with new information about the Primus greatest hits album and their Fall/Winter 2006 Tour but it was taken down. All this information is available on the Primus website.

I took it down because you didn't cite anything. Was that so horrible that you had to blank my userpage and put "i love penis" on it? You shouldn't try to make that kind of claim without some back-up. Because, you know, how would we have known the site said it? In fact, I already summed this up in my edit summary. --Machchunk | make some noise at me 22:56, 11 September 2006 (UTC)

"How could we have known the site said it?" You could go to the Primus website(which I cited).

You completely missed the point. You were the only one that knew what the site said. Now nobody else saw or knew that. So now the situation is there's this guy coming in and making an edit totally out of the blue with nothing to back him up. You should've said the site said it in the first place.

That still doesn't explain why you went out of your way to blank my page and put "i love penis". --Machchunk | make some noise at me 01:08, 12 September 2006 (UTC)

Actually, I too knew what the site said because I am a capable navigator of the Internet. Also I love penis. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 129.97.233.57 (talk • contribs)

Maybe people don't necessarily care enough or have the time to have a window up on their site all the time and refresh every 10 seconds only to see if there is anything new with the band?

Besides, I have the article watchlisted. You'd think there would be a reason I reverted that. As I said, no ref = rv. --Machchunk | make some noise at me 14:53, 23 September 2006 (UTC)

Currently above history

On every other band page I've seen on Wikipedia, information is presented in roughly chronological order. Why is the Primus page different? Why is the newest information first instead of last? To me, this suggests an intent to promote rather than inform and a POV violation. Unless anyone has a good reason for placing this new information first, I'm going to move this section to the end. (I'll wait 24 hours to see if anyone has a quick answer first.) Paul Armstrong 05:42, 14 October 2006 (UTC)

Because the "Currently" section isn't part of their history. The "Currently" sections are supposed to chronicle what's happening now, not what they already did.

If you were just a casual user of Wikipedia, only doing research and stuff, and you saw that the band is still going, you'd want to know what they're doing presently right then and there, right? Instead of having to wade through all that backstory? --Machchunk | make some noise at me 14:29, 14 October 2006 (UTC)

I can understand where that reasoning is coming from; however, I've viewed many other pages about bands on Wikipedia and every one of them starts with the history first, and then details current activities after. So, with all due respect, I don't find your reason to be convincing. It is my opinion that the informally established format (history first) ought to apply to Primus as well, so I'm moving the "Currently" section after the History. Paul Armstrong 06:14, 15 October 2006 (UTC)

The reason is valid, I've seen the same opinion relating to other articles, including non-band articles, and I strongly agree with it. Just because it isn't done this way on other currently active band articles doesn't make it wrong. It's not promotion and there isn't a POV. The latest info should be on top; the user should not have to dig through an article for the latest information. Also Tool. --Hobbes747 14:42, 16 October 2006 (UTC)

family guy ref

what episode makes a ref about primus? i havent seen it.

It is the episode where Peter goes to the doctor to get a prostate exam. He is talking to an old sailor about how he does not want to have his prostate checked and the sailor shows him a few roll down pictures from his arm, most notably a diseased prostate and a primus poster.

Yeah it was a random instance where the sailor shows a quick shot of a Primus poster. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Tanner9461 (talk • contribs) 22:04, 3 October 2008 (UTC)

blind illusion and bonnaroo

some one should put in that they played at bonnaroo 04 and include the band "blind illusion" that les played in previous to primus.primus also played a show in wisconsin in 05 at a festival titled hedgepeth ..spelling may be incorrect , these things may be considered suitable to this article..hope somebody else thinks so...-butter

From what I can see, Hedgpeth is mentioned. But not Bonnaroo. --Machchunk | make some noise at me 01:21, 3 January 2007 (UTC)

Jerry was a race car driver

The "Captain Peirce" of the Richmond fire department was a real person; I knew a guy on the RFD and he told me that he was a firefighter who did retire. I can't cite a source, should this be added to the "Song content" section? Cranialsodomy 20:42, 26 November 2006 (UTC)

Maybe if we could confirm him as Captain Peirce, Richmond engine #3, retired at 64. But until then, it can't be confirmed. So unless we can verify this information, it shouldn't be included in the content.--24.119.143.87 (talk) 02:08, 12 May 2008 (UTC)

Strange trivia note for this song, the "Dog will hunt" sound bit in it is a clip from Texas Chanisaw Massacre 2. Aside from that it is said by a character that greatly resembles what Les looked like when the album came out. (71.49.63.176 (talk) 14:02, 13 June 2008 (UTC))

Pee Wee Herman influence?

Perhaps this is completely irrelevant, but I found some interesting nods to Pee Wee Herman throughout Primus's Career.

• Danny Elfman's soundtrack to Pee Wee big adventure was used by the band as the lead up music before comming on stage during their 'Tour De Fromage'
• Les and the gang made extensive use of 'headlight glasses' during the show. Headlight glasses were featured in Pee Wee's big adventure
• After learning the Alamo dosn't have a basement, Pee Wee dresses up in a loud and gaudy cowboy outfit that is a very close match to the outfits worn in Primus's "Winona's big brown beaver" music video.
  

I haven't heard any of the band members talk about Pee Wee explicitly, but 'The Pee Wee Herman Show' would have been airing while the band members had just formed up, and could easily have been viewed by band members. Anyone else notice any other references to Pee Wee in Primus's work? —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 70.113.204.223 (talk) 04:18, 12 March 2007 (UTC).

Photo subtitle error???

Im probably being stupid here, but isn't the subtitle under the first picture "Primus, left to right: Les Claypool, Tim Alexander, Larry LaLonde in a promo picture circa 1995" incorrect? I thought it was actually L-R Tim "Herb" Alexander, Larry "Ler" LaLonde and then the dirty ol' Les Claypool in that order.

Can any y'all fix it? I'm too lazy to work it out myself. And maybe a little stupid. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 202.74.195.206 (talk) 09:45, 5 April 2007 (UTC).

Fair use rationale for Image:Antipopcover.jpg

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Removal of excess non-free images

Hi folks, I've removed the piles of non-free images from the discography section again. I think these serve their purpose in the Primus discography article, as they serve to illustrate the albums, and album art is often important when considering themes etc presented in an album. However, here they serve as little other than decorative and space-filling.

Overuse of non-free images is a violation of our policy on nonfree images/media. Please don't re-add them again, because there's no good reason to add them here. Riana ⁂ 09:28, 7 June 2007 (UTC)

Re-adding the images while logged out is highly counterproductive. I strongly recommend that whoever is doing this stops immediately. Riana ⁂ 16:14, 8 June 2007 (UTC)

Original Primus breakup

It says in the article that the original Primus (Claypool, Huth, Lane) were active from 1984 until 1988. Is this correct, because Claypool not only auditioned for Metallica in 1986 but joined Blind Illusion and recorded and toured with them, where he met Larry LaLonde and resigned along with him to reform Primus. This sort of makes it sound like the original Primus broke up in 1986. If I'm wrong (I probably am) could somebody explain what was happening there? 75pickup (talk · contribs) 03:45, 12 July 2007 (UTC)

Wynona, Song Context, Collaborators, Discography, Brown

Does anyone know what Wynona's big brown beaver is about (about a vagina?) or rather who Wynona is, and whether Winona Rider knows the real truth about the song. Have any members of Primus ever met her (she's from Petaluma, not far from Les's house and where they often perform in the Phoenix).

I believe there is a lot of information missing in the "song content" section, if you agree that it is important (maybe not so much for groups like Back Street Boys). To say that many of Primus' songs have political undertones is almost an understatement considering the Cheese and Halucinogenics tours. They have had political and social commentary in their lyrics since the very beginning: The Pressman, To defy the laws of tradition, DMV, Return to Sathington Willoughby, Pudding Time, Seas of Cheese, Here come the bastards, Sgt. Baker, American Life, Eleven, etc.... One can go on and on, and I'm sure there are songs I still don't quite understand to this day. Anyone who was present at the Cheese or Halucinogenics tours (or has seen the videos) can easily understand the anti-war message put forward with their images, the lyrics of the respective performed albums and the newest anti-bush songs (not to mention "These Damn Blue Collared Tweekers" about Bush Sr. and Co. "while curious George's drug patrol is out here hunting snipe"). On top of the Song content there are several entries about who have collaborated with Les Claypool & Primus missing, including those in side groups, his & Brain's most recent work with Tom Waits (on Real Gone and Orphans) and not to mention Tom Waits as voice of Tommy the Cat.

Most of all I would like to say that the remark about Anti-Pop being a "'return to form' by most long term Primus fans, featuring harder edge song-writing fans had been craving" seems out of place or needs some source here. I would agree that it was well produced and it is an amazing album, but the question remains whether the title Anti-pop (a remark on U2's album Pop?) is meant to be ironic, since it was the most "produced" album they have had, and although it does not come near to Santana's "Supernatural" is not really Anti-pop in the sense. Perhaps Primus was predicting MTV's rejection of Laquerhead...

Also, there is much lacking in information about the Brown album. Considering it makes up a third of the subject matter of the title of that section, it is surprisingly lacking to have only one line about the album. Is there any information about the equipment used for recording this album? (analog equipment?), or whether it was on purpose that the Vinyl-LP was released with a nice color jacket and the CD only with a cheap thin paper non-color booklet? I used to have a few of their albums on LP before my whole collection of vinyl was stolen, and I really liked the sound on the Brown Album. "The Brown Album was a departure from previous Primus work." It would be good if you explained what you meant by this line. If you compare any of their albums to the rest I am sure you could easily say the same about each one. Each album, although truly Primus in nature is like a redefinition of their sound (for example Coddingtown-just listen to that Upright Bass!!! And that fast guitar riff, the drums smashing through the song... and well I'm biased cuz I'm from Santa Rosa. The only distinction that I would mention is that there was probably a clear influence from their newest member Brain, as it was their first LP with him. But in this case you could compare Primus albums to Les Claypool's solo albums which could often almost be sold as Primus albums. If anything you could say that the Brown Album had elements that other albums had as well: a heavy catchy bass line with funny lyrics in Shake hands with Beef, as well as in Fisticuffs with a good narative, a funky upright bass, autobiographical pieces, songs that alternate between Ler and Les playing the main parts, solos and of course the creative distorted almost dischordant Primus trademark sound that keeps us Primus fans addicted and buying albums as soon as they are released. You don't buy Primus' album after their single is released or after they get good reviews, you just buy it, or download it, or burn it, and then you consume it, hear it, and feel it, groove to it, drive to it, or snowboard to it, or spread your mind to it.... Of course any review of an album is going to be biased, but at least list sources if you write so called fans' opinions.

Last of all the question about the The Beat A Dead Horse Tour. Why did they name it that? Could it be they didn't want to do a "Greatest Hits tour" and felt it was "a dead horse" horse that too many bands with long history's had done? How many rock bands do we know that reunite after years only to play their greatest hits and little to no new material? I'm sure no one would complain, especially since the did release the Animals Should... EP with their DVD, and since they aren't coming out of the woodwork after years of stagnation, but rather continuing to do what they do best.

So any rumours about a new album release?

"Wynona's Big Brown Beaver" easily has sexual innuendos in it, a "big brown beaver" is a reference to a hairy vagina, with countless others...

Pronunciation of name please

It would be helpful if the pronunciation of the band's name were given in the article. Thanks 24.90.17.134 00:31, 31 July 2007 (UTC)

Why? It's Pry-mus. I don't see any other way it could be pronounced. Roman Dog Bird 20:21, 31 July 2007 (UTC)

You're kidding, I hope. Bear in mind that 1) not everyone who reads a Wikipedia article is a native speaker of English, and even for those who are, 2) it's a self-invented name, and the band can pronounce it any way they want, and someone who doesn't know anything about the band, which is why, surprise surprise, someone might be reading the article, might not wish to just assume a pronunciation that might be incorrect. 3)Did you pronounce Bono's name correctly the first time you read it? (or maybe you're still pronouncing it Boh-noh rhymes with Oh No - since many people wouldn't "see any other way it could be pronounced" Or how about Yeats, or Bishop Berkeley, Deborah Kerr or Ralph Fiennes? Sade anyone? 4) the vowel "i" is frequently pronounced "ee", as in "machine", or shortened further to the "it" in prim or primitive.

Anyway, thanks for the phonetic tip. I was betting on that one, but I wanted to be sure. 24.90.17.134 20:40, 1 August 2007 (UTC)

Primus is the latin word for first, pronounced pree-mus —Preceding unsigned comment added by 67.162.251.165 (talk) 23:41, 15 September 2007 (UTC)

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Main Picture

Is there no other main picture we can use for the article? I think it's rather stupid that its a picture with Brain in it, when he isn't even in the band anymore. Can we not find a single useable picture with Tim Alexander in it?--Pritoolmachine2806 (talk) 02:12, 12 May 2008 (UTC)

I agree. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Tanner9461 (talk • contribs) 22:08, 3 October 2008 (UTC)

Residents Influence

I find it strange how there's no mention of the influence The Residents has had on the band. Their sound is very similar to The Residents. And Primus has even performed some of their songs as well as Les wearing an eyeball shirt from time to time.. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 75.142.126.59 (talk) 10:04, 17 June 2008 (UTC)

Bot report : Found duplicate references !

In the last revision I edited, I found duplicate named references, i.e. references sharing the same name, but not having the same content. Please check them, as I am not able to fix them automatically :)

• "All Music Guide" :
  • {{cite web | url = http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&searchlink=PRIMUS&sql=11:18qog4kttv8z~T1 | accessdate = 2006-11-13 | author = Stephen Thomas Erlewine & Greg Prato | title = All Music Guide Bio | publisher = Allmusic.com | date = }}
  • {{cite web | url = http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll? <br/> [[Heavy metal]]p=amg&searchlink=PRIMUS&sql=11:18qog4kttv8z~T1 | accessdate = 2006-11-13 | author = Stephen Thomas Erlewine & Greg Prato | title = All Music Guide Bio | publisher = Allmusic.com | date = }}

DumZiBoT (talk) 17:05, 8 August 2008 (UTC)

more background info on Claypool

I think there should be more on his previous bands. Tanner9461 (talk) 18:52, 4 December 2008 (UTC)

And I think that's to go in the Les Claypool article, not the Primus one. --Say Headcheese!-hexaChord² 20:09, 4 December 2008 (UTC)

The picture

It's so old! 11 years old! It should be updated. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.74.162.173 (talk) 00:36, 29 April 2009 (UTC)

Do you have a better one? --Avant-garde a clue-hexaChord² 05:30, 29 April 2009 (UTC)

Primus as Incubus' influence

I read a while back that Incubus was influenced (early on) primarily by Primus and Red Hot Chili Peppers. I think it may have been in liner notes for one of their earlier albums, or for their Fungus Amongus re-release. Can anyone find a creditable/significant reference to cite for this? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 131.107.0.114 (talk) 03:51, 10 June 2009 (UTC)

Psychedelic Polka, huh?

Well, that was fun.

Regarding improving the article, can someone explain why Jerry Cantrell is listed as an associated act? I know he's sat in for a few sets and did a song with Les, but I don't see how that associates him with proper weight to mention it in the infobox. If no one objects, I believe I'll remove it per WP:WEIGHT.

Also, Buckethead should really be associated with Les' article and Puscifer with Herb's. Blind Illusion would certainly be more appropriate. And if Oysterhead is mentioned, why not all of Les' solo acts? I think the associated acts needs a major overhaul. DKqwerty (talk) 02:32, 13 July 2009 (UTC)

http://www.ram.org/music/primus/articles/say_cheese.html <--- Les says "I hate having to try 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." Primus are a Psychedelic Polka band.62.10.118.226 (talk) 16:14, 1 November 2012 (UTC)

References

Insane Clown Posse say they're "Wicked Pop", does that mean we add it to the genre field? no. I could start a death metal band and say we play hip hop and then be able to add that to our genre field on wikipedia by your logic. I call the big one bitey (talk) 16:31 1 November 2012 (UTC)

Progressive rock

Progressive rock should definately be under genres. They have much more in common with Rush than metal. Rockgenre (talk) 17:45, 12 October 2009 (UTC) :In general Primus are simply just alternative rock and alternative metal. Along with Faith No More they are probably one of the most prominent example of alternative metal. They have no music that resembles Rush (other than having prominent bass). To try and call them progressive just because Rush had a progressive period during the late 1970s/early 1980s is a weak comparison. Its bad enough that the box contains funk rock???, which they have none. Their music has lots of thumb n snap bass style thanks to Claypool. But all that means is that they alternative music with thumb n snap bass. Having that bass playing style does not automatically make a band funk. Having that in their is borderline trolling. GripTheHusk (talk) 21:33, 12 October 2009 (UTC) Striking sock Rockgenre (talk) 01:31, 2 December 2009 (UTC)

"They have no music that resembles Rush" I disagree. They were heavily influenced by a lot of prog like Rush, Yes, King Crimson, etc. And rhapsody does note them for having, "structures of Prog" and that their music was in, "territory as self-indulgent as Prog" source: http://www.rhapsody.com/primus# . Primus are not a metal band, Ler and Claypool were both in a metal band before Primus(and of course Ler was in Possessed as well), but Primus just aren't heavy. Rockgenre (talk) 22:24, 12 October 2009 (UTC)

:::Lots of bands, like Primus, have been influenced by prog acts but do not play prog themselves. And yes, Primus has nothing that sounds like Rush. The book "Rock n Roll-A Social History" states: "Primus mixed heavy metal intensity with a funk bass style to create an alternative metal boom in the early nineties." In the book "The Trouser Press' Guide to 1990s rock" it says: "Primus had a searing musical attack that almost managed to kill off progressive rock completely." The book "A to X of Alternative Music" states that: "Faith No More, Primus and Jane's Addiction were the birth of heavy metal's alternative 'other' and were the saviour of a genre of music that was becoming increasingly irrelevant." The list goes on and on. Leave your personal opinions at the door and stick to sources that pass WP:RS. GripTheHusk (talk) 22:59, 12 October 2009 (UTC) Striking sock Rockgenre (talk) 01:31, 2 December 2009 (UTC)

Agree with GripTheHusk: anything not properly sourced (and Rhapsody can hardly be considered a reliable source for subjective items like genres) is nothing but original research and synthesis.

GripTheHusk: could you please add those books as references? I don't have access to them but they sound like solid arguments and references for specifying the band's genres without resorting to web-based publishing like Rhapsody and iTunes, which are about as reliable as user-submitted content. I'm not sure if they're better worked into the article's prose or infobox (or maybe both) but you seem like you can make that judgment call yourself. DKqwerty (talk) 23:12, 12 October 2009 (UTC)

I always struggle with the {cite book} template but I will give it a shot. I am not a fan of putting citations in an infobox. I always support the push that cited text goes in the article. I will try to figure out the cite book template and squeeze then into the first line of the musical style section. GripTheHusk (talk) 23:17, 12 October 2009 (UTC) Striking sock Rockgenre (talk) 01:31, 2 December 2009 (UTC)

"Leave your personal opinions at the door and stick to sources that pass" I could say the very same thing with you and your biased opinion on GNR when many sources cite them as metal. And here's a quote from Rolling Stone, "Primus have been peddling for years – progressive-rock instrumentals" http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/primus/albums/album/249664/review/5944365/brown_album Rockgenre (talk) 23:20, 12 October 2009 (UTC)

:::Does Rolling Stone have anu credibilty when it comes to metal. I think their rating and reliablity for metal coverage is about zero. If I were looking for a quote about the Ramones or Sonic Youth or The Pixies I might be apt to look there. But for anything to do with metal that's the last place to go looking. GripTheHusk (talk) 23:32, 12 October 2009 (UTC) Striking sock Rockgenre (talk) 01:31, 2 December 2009 (UTC)

However, the quote continues, "…camouflaged in the tattered rags of punk and the absurdist narratives of a junior Zappa." It's not saying that Primus is prog. rock, they're saying it's a large influence which is hard to discern in the presentation (i.e. not prog at all). Not to mention this is not Rolling Stone saying this, it's Tom Moon who's saying this. DKqwerty (talk) 23:36, 12 October 2009 (UTC)

Speaking of Zappa, with regards to this article. I feel that the term "experimental rock/music" is one of the worst used musical genre mentions across Wikipedia. When it gets thrown into band articles like System of a Down I have to wonder what person had the erroneous opinion that SOAD is experimental and whether that person has ever listened to Zappa or The Residents. That being said does it have merit here? Is it worth digging through books finding support for Primus being 'experimental?' They are 'absurd' and they are 'comical' and they are 'unique.' But are they that way because they are 'experimental.' I am not going to waste time digging through ancient scrolls looking for a decent citation if it won't meet with a consensus to add it. GripTheHusk (talk) 23:56, 12 October 2009 (UTC) Striking sock Rockgenre (talk) 01:31, 2 December 2009 (UTC)

"Does Rolling Stone have anu credibilty when it comes to metal" Opinion. Whether or not you like Rolling Stone, we can't deny it's legit. Another Rolling Stone quote, "played several live gigs with Primus and toured with the prog-rock trio's bassist Les Claypool" source http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/7702911/buckethead_knows_chicken Rockgenre (talk) 23:58, 12 October 2009 (UTC)

There's that Rolling Stone mention again??? Do you not have a good bookstore where you live to get a real reference? GripTheHusk (talk) 00:10, 13 October 2009 (UTC) Striking sock Rockgenre (talk) 01:31, 2 December 2009 (UTC)

I find your opinion of Rolling Stone biased. Basically what your saying is, "Well, we can't use it in this article because it goes against what I believe, but you can use it in another article". Rockgenre (talk) 00:32, 13 October 2009 (UTC)

And Rolling Stone's website is used as a source on Def Leppard's page to prove they are metal, so I don't see why we can't use it to prove Primus, prog.Rockgenre (talk) 19:46, 13 October 2009 (UTC)

This isn't the Def Leppard article nor does that article dictate what must happen in other articles. It's not even a featured article so I'm not sure why you're touting it as precedent. DKqwerty (talk) 20:15, 13 October 2009 (UTC)

Also, in all of the sources you've posted only affirm the opinion of the person writing it. This in no way indicates how Rolling Stone feels about the subject as would something published by the magazine without single authorship rather than something published under the name of a single author. DKqwerty (talk) 20:22, 13 October 2009 (UTC)

Instead of trying to compare one article to another. Try reading WP:OSE. 142.167.160.111 (talk) 22:50, 13 October 2009 (UTC) Striking sock Rockgenre (talk) 01:32, 2 December 2009 (UTC)

That policy relates to the creation and deletion of entire articles, not discrepancies over content. And the spirit of the policy is addressed in one of my previous comments. DKqwerty (talk) 22:56, 13 October 2009 (UTC)

i've never heard anyone call primus prog and it's unsourced so i'm removing it — Preceding unsigned comment added by 27.32.220.148 (talk) 06:27, 9 June 2012 (UTC)

Brain in the main pic?

Listen, I think "Brain" Mantia is an important piece of Primus histroy, but as of today, he is not Primus' drummer. "Herb" started with Primus (when they went from their first live album, I know he wasn't original) and he was with them when they last toured. I believe a new picture showing Les, Ler, and Herb would be more accurate. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 173.169.95.115 (talk) 09:32, 12 November 2009 (UTC)

New album

Any chance the new album should be mentioned on the article? I suppose this works as a source and there are plenty of other pages dealing with their album plans so far: http://www.billboard.com/news/primus-readies-first-new-album-in-11-years-1004115709.story?tag=hpfeed#/news/primus-readies-first-new-album-in-11-years-1004115709.story?tag=hpfeed

Kobb (talk) 01:20, 26 September 2010 (UTC)

Primus Sucks

Why isn't this mentioned at all? — Preceding unsigned comment added by 216.211.242.197 (talk) 03:37, 26 October 2012 (UTC)

Good question. Probably lack of reliable sources, since the heyday of this phrase was pre-web, and folks generally don't save their alternative weeklies for two decades. But yeah, it was arguably a great and perverse marketing move to have their fans spreading the phrase all over, stoking curiosity in the then-cult band. Calbaer (talk) 06:07, 4 March 2013 (UTC)

Claypool's request for change of music genre

Les Claypool requested, while performing at The Fillmore in Charlotte NC, July 20, 2015, that the genre of "Funk Metal" be removed from the Primus Wikipedia entry. He also requested that it be changed to "Psychedelic Viking" music. I see no problem with this change, though it has been flagged as vandalism by another user. If I had a heavy metal band that was incorrectly labeled as folk music, I would request a change as well. I understand that "Les Claypool" does not dictate how Wikipedia works, but the change in genre seems perfectly reasonable. You wouldn't refer to D'Vinci's works as post modernistic. It seems perfectly reasonable to let an artist describe themselves and have it listed appropriately. — Preceding unsigned comment added by SouthernApostle (talk • contribs)

It's not at all up to the artist to determine their genre. If an artist is observed by reviewers to be playing funk metal, as Primus was for many years, then the reviewers trump the artist's wishes. Wikipedia greatly prefers WP:SECONDARY sources to primary sources, and Claypool is a primary source.

What we do instead is tell the reader that band has been described as funk metal but that Claypool doesn't agree with that assessment. We list the band as funk metal because we respect the large number of high quality secondary sources which say funk metal.

So Claypool's request will not make a difference in the genres listed at the top right "infobox" of this article. Nothing Claypool can do will change that. Binksternet (talk) 04:00, 23 July 2015 (UTC)

Based on the discussion I see above, SouthernApostle and I seem to agree. Based on this and the discussion here, I am restoring the version where it is included. BurritoSlayer (talk) 21:09, 17 August 2015 (UTC)

Allmusic's related bands

Not a reliable source of band influences. Allmusic randomly generates bands based on what they think are the genres. And, as a matter of fact, Allmusic tends to think that nu metal equals funk metal because they don't have a category for funk metal, so lots of nu metal bands are associated with Primus because they think Primus is in the same genre (because, to Allmusic, nu metal is just another name for funk metal). Also particularly check the questionability of claiming Insane Clown Posse was influenced by Primus. ICP is a hip-hop group who have no influence from Primus or any other funk-metal. Allmusic's writers miscategorized ICP as funk-metal because they didn't actually listen to their albums, are straight up hip-hop and no more rock-oriented than most other rap groups. Matter of fact, ICP's members have stated that their influences are Awesome Dre, Ice Cube, Esham and the Geto Boys, predominately, and a little bit of Michael Jackson, Pearl Jam and Gong on specific songs/albums. They've never claimed to have been influenced by Primus, ever. 68.185.2.34 (talk) 18:23, 17 May 2017 (UTC)

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Woodstock Mud Slinging

The full recording of the Woodstock '94 performance is viewable online, on youtube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-HUK8qR9QA as well as other places. While some mud may move through the frame, the band doesn't stop playing and Claypool does not give the mentioned "can of worms" quote.

71.178.51.244 (talk) 05:33, 7 March 2018 (UTC)

Old and New Images Should be Added

There seems to be a lack of variety of images that grasp the performances of Primus. There are only pictures from the tour when Green Naugahyde was released or the picture from 1988. Updates should be made to show the tours from Desaturating Seven or Primus and The Chocolate Factory or Sailing the Seas of Cheese to help show modern Primus and a major benchmark in the making of their music.

A good image to insert might be the one from this webpage article showing Primus during 2015. http://badfeelingmag.com/2018/01/29/primus-and-mastodon-announce-co-headlining-tour/ The image was taken by Vitor Munhaz on July 15, 2015 at Metropolis in Montreal.

There is also a live performance video from Rockpalast Festival in 1997 that might be a good source for the middle years. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ML1kZ_HoxE The submitter of the video should not be cited, but the television channel should be. It is a German Broadcast channel.

Teeravj (talk) 23:47, 16 November 2018 (UTC)

Nuclear Rabbit

In the Musical style, legacy and influences section, Nuclear Rabbit is not stated, why ? I think it´s the most close band to Primus you can find. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 213.63.134.26 (talk) 16:53, 28 December 2018 (UTC)

the "musical style" part & related stuff

I realize that the primary purpose of such sections in W'pedia articles is to be a sort of fancruft magnet, reducing the grit drifting through the finer components, but there really does need to be a few standards.

First, merely because someone, somewhere, on some blog with 17 followers once put Primus in a particular (perhaps wholly hallucinatory) pigeonhole DOES NOT put that claim on par with a categorization made by a longtime (and PAID) reviewer working for a magazine/site with a million or more active readers. If you have a choice between the two, then put up only the latter because pasting the former in just makes you look stupid.

Second, there is really NO NEED WHATEVER to put up more than two (okay, sometimes three) citations for a given statement; this ain't biochemistry. For every addition you make beyond that, readers halve their estimate of your IQ — so you might imagine how low that number has sunk when they see a string of THIRTEEN backing up the "funk metal" categorization. Anyone else should feel empowered to trim this before I choose two.

Also, when discussing nuances of performance technique (or instrument construction, or anything else that requires some technical knowhow), cite a CATEGORICALLY CREDIBLE source. It's unlikely that Rolling Stone or Entertainment Weekly would speak to such with ANY depth (much less authority) simply because that's not what their mass-audience readers want.

The typical fanboy really needs to actually READ THE ARTICLE rather than pop in only to paste up random trivia. Therein, Claypool himself comments derisively on the underlying motive of this section:

I guess people just have to categorise you.

which makes clear where he stands on the fanboyism.

Most such fancruft sections like to place a decade-old comment in the present tense, maybe hiding an obscure 1993 article (undated in the citation) by putting in a shiny-new Retrieved date. Clarify WHEN the statement was made, and maybe that it's no longer accurate/relevant, and phrase it in the past tense just to be thorough.

The "influenced"/"inspired" nonsense MUST be minimized. Claypool can likely rattle off a hundred or more acts/players that "influenced" him because I can certainly do that. But it also exemplifies the myopia of fanboyism: I can name particular albums, specific songs, and even solos and riffs that had an impact even though NOTHING ELSE from the musician(s) made much impression, and probably Claypool could say the same. (See, most fanboys not being musically inclined, they'd never have experienced such themselves, so they'd be existentially incapable.) And it's not better that EVERY act/player who ever mentions Primus could be cited here, much less that every stoned fanboy who ever says "hmm, that sounds a little like Primus, right?" will feel empowered to tack it up here. Rather than paste together a bunch of scraps culled from all over the media — which like it or not kinda DEFINES synthesis (and therefore is vulnerable to deletion, citations be damned) — instead present ONE OR TWO credible articles that present such a list.

Finally, PLEASE do not paste up EVERY band/musician that's been "associated with" the article's subject. Any act of ANY duration "works with" hundreds of bands and thousands of musicians, and likely meets ten times that many. Here, I've removed the infobox shoutout to Guns 'N Roses because GNR is NEVER mentioned in the article proper; like roaches, this probably means other entries are equally spurious.
Weeb Dingle (talk) 16:35, 10 August 2019 (UTC)

"Primus sucks" listed at Redirects for discussion

The redirect Primus sucks has been listed at redirects for discussion to determine whether its use and function meets the redirect guidelines. Readers of this page are welcome to comment on this redirect at Wikipedia:Redirects for discussion/Log/2023 March 29 § Primus sucks until a consensus is reached. Justarandomamerican (talk) Have a good day! 00:54, 29 March 2023 (UTC)

Suck on This should be included in discography

Even though it’s a live album it is their debut and central to their early appeal. I know it’s on the other page, but should be here too. Thomas Tvileren (talk) 16:51, 20 May 2024 (UTC)

It is not a studio album, therefore it should not be included. SpaceHelmetX1 (talk) 20:15, 24 May 2024 (UTC)