Primus

Back in the day (we’re talking late ’80s here), it was easy to write off Primus as just another self-indulgent thrash-funk novelty act, but no one could deny the band’s sheer musicianship. The band has been unusually silent for most of the past decade; a reunion tour in 2003 had its moments, but not enough to inspire new music. The unofficial hiatus ended last year when Claypool and guitarist Larry LaLonde roped in original drummer Jay Lane, who brings a bludgeoning force to the newly released Green Naugahyde, a near-relentless slugfest awash in turgid funk, creepy psych-boogie (“Jilly’s on Smack”) and Claypool’s Zappa-style wordplay.