Les Claypool

Founder of the band Primus. Known for his unique and quirky bass style. Combines elements of funk, punk, and progressive rock in his playing.

Primus' most popular album is Sailing the Seas of Cheese (1991) and became a defining record for their career, solidifying their cult following. It showcased Les Claypool’s signature slap-bass style, quirky storytelling, and the band’s unique fusion of funk, metal, and alternative rock.

Their music, often labeled as “weird” or “genre-defying,” has cultivated a devoted cult following. To me, they have a sound reminiscent of Captain Beefheart.

Les Claypool’s bass-heavy, almost percussive playing style has a bit of that jagged, unpredictable energy that Beefheart’s Magic Band had, especially in albums like Trout Mask Replica. Claypool has even cited Beefheart as an influence,

Listen to full album Sailing the Seas of Cheese uninterrupted use ☰ to select track

The members of Primus on Sailing the Seas of Cheese (1991) were:

• Les Claypool – bass, lead vocals

• Larry "Ler" LaLonde – guitar

• Tim "Herb" Alexander – drums

Forms and Feelings is the second album by Love Sculpture, released in 1970, and showcases a significant shift in the band's sound toward a more progressive rock style. The album blends elements of classical music, jazz, and rock, featuring complex arrangements and intricate instrumentation. The band at this time consisted of Dave Edmunds (guitar, vocals), John Williams (bass), and Bob 'Congo' Jones (drums). The album includes tracks like "Forms" and "Feelings," which highlight their experimental approach, with longer, more elaborate compositions. Though it did not achieve major commercial success, Forms and Feelings has become a notable example of late-60s/early-70s progressive rock, further cementing Edmunds' reputation as a talented musician, even though the band's time together was short-lived.

Listen to the full album without interruptions use ☰ to select track

Sly and the Family Stone was a groundbreaking funk, soul, and rock band from the late 1960s and 1970s, led by visionary frontman Sly Stone. They were pioneers of psychedelic funk and one of the first major bands to feature a racially and gender-integrated lineup, producing hits like Dance to the Music, Everyday People, and Thank You. Their innovative blend of infectious grooves, socially conscious lyrics, and genre-blurring sound influenced countless artists, though internal struggles and Sly Stone’s personal issues eventually led to the band's decline.