Purple Onion - On first listen to this, I needed a second listen. After hearing Les Claypool's new solo album, the rhythmic beats, catchy lyrics and lovely riffs are like a drug, making you want it again and again. This time around, his solo attempt scouts more musical talent and continues to display Les' musical prowess as he tackles vocals, bass, guitar, drums and percussion at one time or another on it. The effort shows too, as he strikes a huge chord with old fans and new fans, positivel or negatively it doesn't matter.
The first track - "Purple Onion" is an introduction into Les' creepy side, with a slow, steady beat and slightly frightening lyrics. Good stuff in my opinion.
Tracks 2 and 11 - These tracks are the two parts of a newscaster by the name o' David Makalster. When hearing this you cannot help but relate this to current events, as in the first part David tells everyone to gleefully yet somehow forebodingly "lay back" and "relax." I say forebodingly relating to the second part, as it opens with a slide of the stand-up bass Les uses in this song and the statement "the shit has just hit the fan." Both parts are like a good movie and it's sequel. Awesome stuff!
Track the Third - "Buzzards of Green Hill", just the name insinuates a hillbilly, redneck feel but a jaw harp and the guitar work of Warren Hayes (Gov't Mule) adds to the equation. Every aspect of this song shows Les' more Georgia rompin' side, good job you roadkill enthusiast!
Un track de cuatro - "Long in the Tooth", Les touches on a sensitive subject of all denture wearing, silverheads in the world on this track (psssst! the subject is age, chowda' head). The lyrics are just as entertaining as the solid instrument work on this one. Wooo! Being old is cool if you listen to this song.
Number Track 5 (it's a puzzle for you to solve) - "Whamola", this song is named after the instrument Les uses on this track (it's a whamola if you are mildly retarded). Essentially, it's a one-string bass hit with a drumstick, but man does this baby purrrrr! This song borders on a techno-feel with the crazy, fast pace and the lyric blurbs. Whamola=Goodola.
The Sixth Track! - "Ding Dang", this song is a personal favorite, live and on this album. The killer bassline and silly chorus make an unbeatable combo. Nuff' said.
Seventh Track - This track takes Les back in a nostalgic trip to "Barrington Hall". Those who haven't been there apparently missed out on drugs and.......more drugs. But, if you are one of those unfortunate people, listen to his song, it's quite good.
Special 8 - This delicious triple-bass murder makes you hunger and go back for more at "D's Diner". Where Les has Lonnie Marshall and Norwood Fisher manning the other two basses. This is an enjoyable song, but it's not one of my favorites, I wouldn't go back for seconds....Nice try, but very tasteless...
Nine to the Track - The "Lights in the Sky" shine brightly on this album, low-key song that makes your skin crawl with the lyrical and instrumental content. Beam me up, Scotty!
Ten-na-na-na-na-na-na-na Track Man! - "Up on the Roof" has an uppity bassline and blasting chorus that makes you stand to your feet and sing along like it's the spoken word. Hits past the ballpark and into the parking lot where it smashes into a car windshield and kills a guy not enjoying this song.
Track Eleven - See Track 2, you forgetful internet-goer.
Twelvy Twelvy Track Track - This is the pinnacle of this album. This space trip tosses you into the stars and fills your head with every aspect, from the bass & guitar fight, to the violin, to the astro-rockout. If you need one reason to buy this album "Cosmic Highway" is that reason.
Conclusion - I snatched an advance copy of this album off of the world wide web, but still went out and bought it the week of it's release because I felt I owed it to Les for making another masterpiece.
All nay-sayers suck fat donkey testicle, don't listen to them, go buy this album now. If you've already purchased it, go listen to it again.
Rating: 5 of the best stars in the sky, you go Les.
