Ok, because of incredibly weird choices by our web platform, the actual title of this album is Primus & the Chocolate Factory with the Fungi Ensemble, by Primus. Primus has always been known for eclectic choices in music, such as the usage of xylophones and a song about a mean ass bull called Bodacious, but they pull it off due to them being absolute musical Titans. Les Claypool alone has enough talent to start his own industry. The man was supposedly passed over by Metallica for being TOO GOOD. And he is so very good. This album is even further testament to his particularly beautiful madness, as its a reimagining of that wonderfully dark and fun movie, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory!
From the intro, Welcome Wonkites, you know you’re in for a ride on a Semi Wondrous Boat Ride, and this song is a gorgeous sonic ease into it. It’s only a stepping stone to the heights of this record, however, as it progresses through the entire song list within the original movie, showcasing highlights such as the Oompah Loompah songs, Golden Ticket, and, the perennial favorite, Pure Imagination. The latter, by far, is my favorite of the tried and true songs on this album, but for those who want a good hit to the feelings, nothing on this album beats Farewell Wonkites. The song has a fundamental grasp on the emotional impact of the movie, being as almost everyone saw this at least once as a child, and it was wondrous. It really sums up how the movie just sticks with you, like a friend from childhood. It’s an epic release, and not because it’s showy or NEW!!!!, but be chase it’s a sincere take on a classic. It’s a great showing of a magically twisted mind who can allow us a brief window into his mind.
The entire album is just a fantasy land of the imagination from Mr. Claypool and Co, as they seek to lead us right back into the magic world caught between those factory walls; led by a man who is no less dedicated to his madness than Mr. Wonka himself. From bass thrums and fret acrobatics, to slide whistles, xylophone, orchestral pieces, and even the backwoods swiney, it’s just like an everlasting gobstopper for the ear. And one you can even take with you!
The album is rounded off by quite excellent cover art, showing the great thought process for albums that Primus and Claypool always have. It’s similar to a sugar cookie spelling out Primus and the Chocolate Factory, and with The Fungi Wnsemble, which is Lea Claypool’s most recent project and equally as strange as anything else he touches. And no lies, I want to eat that album cover, even if I have to be rolled away to whatever fate awaits me!
Find this sweet treat anywhere music is sold, and be on the look out for those Golden Tickets!
