Record Label: Interscope
Genre: Alt-Metal
Band Link:
Buy on Amazon.com link

It’s about time Primus got a retrospective! But they’ve released so much good music over so long a period that a 16-track set feels inadequate. How could anyone choose only three songs each from Frizzle Fry, Seas of Cheese, or Pork Soda? If anyone wants to hear the best of Primus, they should buy those three CDs!

Of course, time is limited on a CD, and to Primus/Interscope’s credit, they were very selective from their last three or four studio albums; in a rare show of restraint, there are only four tracks represented since Punchbowl (the last Primus album I liked – they got stale after that).

If you’ve never gotten into Primus, this is a good place to start. This best-of features their best-known ditties, like Jerry Was A Race Car Driver, Tommy the Cat, My Name Is Mud, and Wynona’s Big Brown Beaver, as well as songs that are impossible to dislike, such as John the Fisherman, Too Many Puppies, DMV, and others. The music is remastered, and I love the packaging of the CD. Best of all, you can pick it up on amazon for only $10.

Admittedly, Primus is a taste to acquire, and that’s what I love about them. In an age of hair metal and, later, grunge, they played intricate, creative, groove-laden, rhythm-led funky prog-metal, sometimes structured as ditties and jigs, and fronted by what sounded like a desert rat from the deep south with a sinus infection.

I’m glad Primus never got the respect they deserved – that would’ve meant they compromised to the lowest common denominator. Primus are unique, genius, silly, and defied the laws of tradition.

Bottom Line: Unsure about Primus? Get this.
Notable Tracks: They’re all good, but Mr. Krinkle and DMV reminded me how good Pork Soda is.
Overall Rating: