Rough Edge: Les Claypool's Frog Brigade CD Reviews

FROG BRIGADE

Les Claypool and his band of frogs return for another live outing but this time with an interesting twist: "Live Frogs - Set 2" is the band performing Pink Floyd's classic album "Animals" live in its entirety. In other words, there are five songs on this CD: "Pigs on the Wing 1," "Dogs 1," "Pigs: Three Different Ones," "Sheep," and "Pigs on the Wing 2." The same five songs that appear on the Pink Floyd album. And we're talking note for note reproductions here, folks. These songs are performed with the respect and honor they deserve. Of course, that probably won't come as a surprise to those who heard and enjoyed "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" from the first Frog Brigade set of live tunes.

There is some difference, of course. Frog Brigade doesn't have the rich, over-the-top, full-orchestra sound that Pink Floyd manage (even on an album as relatively stripped down as "Animals"). But that's part of the charm here. Imagine a small, intimate performance of the "Animals" album, if you can. Interesting, no? And, though they tend to perform each song almost exactly as it was recorded for the Floyd record, a little of that Frog Brigade-style jazz tends to step in now and then. In addition, there is still no mistaking the fine artistry of the musicians herein. It may be Pink Floyd, but it's played with brilliance by the Frog Brigade.

Basically, however, if you liked the original Pink Floyd record, or anything previously recorded by Frog Brigade, you're gonna like the results here as well. I know I did.

For more information, please visit http://www.lesclaypool.com.

"Live Frogs - Set 1" (Prawn Song)

Reviewed by Snidermann

Les Claypool, bassist extraordinaire from the band Primus, has put together a group of musicians known as Frog Brigade and have released "Live Frogs - Set 1" on Les's own Prawn Song Records. Being a huge Primus fan, I jumped at the chance to review Les Claypools's latest project.

Frog Brigade takes improvisational music where Primus takes heavy metal: right to the edge. Listening to Frog Brigade is like experiencing explosive acid jazz that brings to mind Frank Zappa's Mothers Of Invention.

This live CD was recorded at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco on October 8 and 9, 2000.

I was simply amazed at the artistry and talent of the assembled musicians to keep this very complicated music together. This release may not be for all Rough Edge readers, but anyone who likes Primus, Les Claypool, and/or the late, great Frank Zappa, will love Les Claypool's Frog Brigade "Live Frogs - Set 1." Personally, I can't wait for the following sets.

Frog Brigade is: Les Claypool - bass; Jay Lane - drums; Jeff Chimenti - keyboard; Todd Huth - guitar; Eenor - guitar and Skerik - saxophone.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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