Primus, Over the Electric Grapevine: Insight into Primus and the World of Les Claypool

by Primus, Greg Prato

An oral history of the legendary band Primus, with a star-studded cast of interviewees (Tom Waits, Phish front man Trey Anastasio, etc.)"It's a wild ride that's vividly captured in Greg Prato's excellent oral history . . ."—Bass Player Magazine

Usually when the "alternative rock revolution" of the early 1990s is discussed, Nirvana's Nevermind is credited as the recording that led the charge. Yet there were several earlier albums that helped pave the way, including the Pixies's Doolittle, the Red Hot Chili Peppers's Mother's Milk, Jane's Addiction's Nothing's Shocking, and especially Primus's 1991 album Sailing the Seas of Cheese.

This fascinating and beautifully curated oral history tells the tale of this truly one-of-a-kind band. Compiled from nearly fifty all-new interviews—including Primus members past and present and many more fellow musicians—conducted by journalist/author Greg Prato. This book is sure to appeal to longtime fans of the band, as well as admirers of the musicians interviewed for the book.

Interviewees Tim Alexander, Trey Anastasio (Phish), Matthew Bellamy (Muse), Les Claypool, Stewart Copeland (The Police), Chuck D (Public Enemy), Kirk Hammett (Metallica), Larry LaLonde, Geddy Lee (Rush), Mickey Melchiondo (Ween), Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine), Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Matt Stone (South Park), Tom Waits, and many more.

386 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 16, 2014

Reviews

[Daley Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Primus sucks and this book sucks too.

[Andrew G · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read several “compilation of interview” style books with varying levels of enjoyment. Most of the time they are just a chance for a diehard fan to relive the career of a favorite band. However, they generally feel a little bit cobbled together where members will repeat stories and the timeline will jump around from quote to quote.

While this is a compilation of interviews, the author actually interviews everyone in this book allowing it to flow much more logically. People are riffing on other people’s quotes. It only gets a little messy in the last couple of chapters where he seems to just throw in a bunch of quotes about the band and the members of the band. That’s 5-10 pages and some might find it interesting, but I found it pretty redundant.

I have very few complaints with this book. It’s getting a little outdated at this point. There’s been about 12 years of Primus history that isn’t included so it could use a few more chapters. If you’re anywhere between a casual and obsessive primus fan, this will be a worthwhile read. I would absolutely read more books from Greg.

[Edward · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much less a book than it is a series of interview transcripts that have been cut up and the segments put together chronologically. But the title doesn't promise anything more than that, so I guess I shouldn't be disappointed. The stories that the interviewees tell are great and I did enjoy hearing about the inspirations behind some of the songs, as well as some of the band member relationship dynamics. The last chapter or more was a little heavy on the Les Claypool worship (by that time in the book, readers have already heard their share) which was unnecessary because this book, especially in this transcript format, will only appeal to fans who already know Les is a unique and rare talent. Editing could have been a little tighter, too.

[John Arnette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic. Les Claypool and a wide, talented, eclectic circle of fellow musicians give insight to their art and the timeless story of the creative process.