The "Brown Album" was initially rather disappointing for me. For one thing I found the songs to be a little too drawn-out, resulting in a sense of monotony, but also I really disliked the production. Unlike past Primus albums where the instruments have sounded very clear and punctuated, the "Brown Album" sounds like it was recorded underwater. This is especially the case with the drums, which have a very thuddy sound, especially the snare drum which sounds like someone thumping a mattress. But gradually I have found this murky production to give the album a special feel, and certainly the most unique of all the Primus albums. I have also come round to many of the songs I initially deemed uninspiring, and therefore this album has become one of those classic 'growers' that take months, sometimes years to really click.
Now, reviewing this album years down the line, I can honestly say there really isn't a poor song here, and may well be the band's most consistent release. For reviews sake, I shall pick out a few of my highlights, starting with the groovy "Golden Boy". Initially this was my favourite song on the album, and one of the few I would return to, mostly due to its fantastic lead bass riff, which has Claypool's groovy and complex styling all over it. "Shake Hands With Beef" is a powerful and lurching song with a great confrontational vibe, boosted by menacing lyrics concerning growing up and violence (thematically similar to "Fisti Cuffs"). This is a song that really complements the low-end, fuzzy guitar production, and the muddy drum production I mentioned earlier. "Bob's Party Time Lounge" is another favourite, combining Claypool's soft, almost 'childlike' vocal effect with a fun, energetic and typically groovy chorus motif. The song also contains Claypool's bent for off-centre, slightly disturbing lyrics about drug abuse, violence and sex, all executed with tongue firmly in cheek. My last album pick, and personal fave is the brooding "Restin Bones", similar in style and feel to "Shake Hands With Beef" with a slow tempo, fuzzy guitars and somewhat laid-back vocal delivery, lyrically telling an 'edgy' narrative story.
The "Brown Album" is not as technically proficient as previous releases, such as the classic "Sailing The Seas Of Cheese" and "Frizzle Fry" albums. Nor is it as disturbingly off-centre as the weird and wonderful "Pork Soda". Yet, I believe this is their most consistent album from front to back, and has a unique production and vibe, making it a necessary purchase for fans of other albums, and an interesting focal point for new fans.
