Les Claypool July 20, 2006

LES CLAYPOOL
http://www.lesclaypool.com

Bassist, songwriter, and virtuoso Les Claypool will kick off one of the most sustained periods of activity in his career on May 30th with the release of ?Of Whales And Woe? May 30th (Prawn Song). Marked by Claypool?s wry worldview and the ferocious musical chops of the legendary bassist and his musical co-conspirators, the album is an aggressive tour de force that recalls his best work as one of the pioneers of alternative music.

The album?s 12 all-new songs match the irreverent aesthetic that has characterized Claypool?s storied career with a gritty, uncompromising drive. This is hard rock, from the menacing and sparse lead-off ?Back Off Turkey? to the dirge march of ?Lust Strings? and the propulsive ?Rumble Of The Diesel.? The song ?Robot Chicken,? the theme from Seth Greene?s hit new series for Cartoon Network, makes its album debut here. Other highlights include the first single ?One Better;??Phantom Patriot,? with references from Bohemian Grove to ?the elite right wing maze;? and the album?s closer, and instrumental titled simply ?Off-white Guilt.?

The album?s release is just one of this summer?s highlights for Claypool: Praise is already growing for his first ever feature film. Entitled ?Electric Apricot: Quest For Festeroo,? the mockumentary-style spoof skewers the jamband scene (featuring cameos from many of the biggest artists in that genre) and stars Claypool -- who also wrote and directed the picture -- as Lap ?Lapdog? Miklovich, drummer for the fictional jam band Electric Apricot.

Following a breakout (and award-winning, with the nod for ?Best Comedy? ) sneak preview at California?s Tiburon film festival this spring, the film will reach a wider audience this summer with festival engagements including a slots at the Malibu Film Festival and Portland (OR) Longbaugh festival in April. The film is slated for limited theatrical release, and national DVD release later in the year.

In July, ?South of the Pump House,? Les Claypool?s first novel, will be published by Akashic Books. The story, which began life as Les? first screenplay several years ago, revolves around a fishing trip.

Immediately following the album?s release, Claypool will embark on a national tour for the month of June and beyond.

Official Website: http://www.highergroundmusic.com/calendar/?show=661