Album Mini-review: Claypool Lennon Delirium — Monolith of Phobos
File next to: A Saucerful of Secrets-era Pink Floyd, Primus, Plastic Ono Band
Les Claypool‘s detractors point to his tendency toward being too clever by half, for making self-consciously “weird” music with wacky sounds, a kind of less creative, poor man’s Frank Zappa. Sean Lennon has moved in some odd musical directions, but has avoided critical brickbats by focusing on song craft. This collaborative album – supported by a current tour – builds on the strongest characteristics of both artists’ work, creating an album that’s both weird (and bass-heavy) enough for Claypool fans and straight-ahead enough to satisfy those who expect (at the very least) rocking melody from the son of one of pop music’s most imposing figures. The NYC-born Lennon has never sounded so British as on this disc. “Cricket and the Genie: Movement I, The Delirium” offers up an infectious and rubbery groove, with a fine dusting of psychedelia.
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4000-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he is co-teaching a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: 40 Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.