Les Claypool's Duo De Twang: 'Red State Girl,' Live On Soundcheck

For more than 25 years, Primus has developed a devoted fanbase thanks to its distinct weirdo sensibility, hilarious lyrics, and high-octane instrumental prowess. At the center is frontman Les Claypool, Primus' dexterous, slap-happy bassist and spiritual leader, who has followed every absurdist musical whim and avant prog rock experiment from underground success to pop stardom.

But his latest project with Bryan Kehoe may be one of his oddest diversions yet -- at least based on Les Claypool standards: Duo de Twang plays acoustic music in the style of stripped-down, old-timey campfire songs and country tunes. What started as a one-off performance for San Francisco's Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival turned into a full record, Four Foot Shack. The album includes a originals, a couple reworked Primus classics ("Wynonna's Big Brown Beaver" and "Jerry Was A Race Car Driver") -- and a few covers like Bee Gees' "Stayin' Alive" and Alice In Chains' "Man In The Box." For a musician frequently shaking things up, Claypool's Duo de Twang is another fun twist.

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[MrFullCake]

Give the camera dude a medal.
For one time in my life i can actually see what i want.
The godamn hands and fretboard x')

[bartek]

Les Claypool is the man!  Got to see him and Primus as my first concert when I was 15 in 95 and will never forget it!!

[MedicFromTF_REAL]

I like how he sounds like he's edging all the time lol

[rondaszkiewicz]

Claypool is brilliant. I don't always like what he's doing, but its pure genius.

[CaptainSaltyDawg]

Les and his crew have always dictated coolness. It just takes the rest of humanity awhile to catch up. Les claypool for president of everything cool in the universe.... Can I get at least one fuck ya?

[Prestonator]

I don't know how I ended up here, what I just watched, or listened to, but that was cool!

[ImThatGuy]

This is the greatest thing I've ever heard!

[FacViL]

IM PRE SIO NAN TE. 
Viva Les Claypool por siempre

[gniohfr]

Check, over the Falls.
Primus classic
Never aired on the radio

[spencermccombs]

I can imagine these characters because I live in a hillbilly hell

[jaykennedy]

Claypool never ceases to amaze me with these ambitious projects because he never disappoints! I'll give Jason a big FUCK YA! by the way.

[CSL_]

I spoke to Les on South Street in Philadelphia…he was eating a slice of pizza 🍕 across the street from the TLA Theater 🎭 Of Living Arts…. “Living arts” The theatre of Life should have been the title if that’s the case aye… may say sun ray sunshine on a beautiful forgotten day he gone

[bobbeane]

I saw Primus in early 90s when I lived in Seattle! Awesome mini concert! I can’t believe Metallica wouldn’t give him a job!

[BonesKitchens]

I want the transcript for the gold at 2:15.

[derrickdavis]

Saw him play mr krinkle by slap pic in a cello not a stand up

[bryanyoung]

Does anyone know where the Bass tab might be for this song? Thanks

[AaronKaiMCDNLD]

Wow for the first time, the bass is way more audible than the guitar lmao.

[lorenzogershani]

Like I always say: 'Les is more'

[johnclauss]

So blue state girl coming out any time soon

[philipconboy]

Fun fact for my first gig ever I played this song infront of 100 people