Gabby La La

Produced by Primus frontman Les Claypool for his Prawn Song label, this stunning CD debut by eccentric 25-year-old multi-instrumentalist Gabby La La could be subtitled "Something Wacky This Way Comes." But that's only part of the story. A minimalist effort, Be Careful What You Wish For ...is a bright, shiny studio concoction of La La's and Claypool's kaleidoscopic imaginations. Front and center: La La's curiously elfin vocals, singsong melodies, and whimsical lyrics: "You could be a little golden flea/ Not just a lucky charm/ But the life of the party." Then there are the instrumental idiosyncrasies: La La plays sprightly ukulele, sitar, accordion, toy piano, theremin, and Afropop guitar; Claypool provides a thumping bottom end on bass, drums, and percussion. Granted, the tunes may sound a bit peculiar at first, but closer attention reveals gems of pop merriment, variously catchy or groovy, with spare, elegant arrangements and an overall feeling akin to a children's game, like Pin the Tail on the Donkey, which despite its veneer of strange discombobulation is basically wholesome fun.

Related Content

• Primus' Les Claypool Will Serve You Wine Out of a Railroad Caboose
  January 31, 2012
• Everybody into the 'Pool
  December 14, 2011
• You Ain't Got No Alibi
  January 4, 2012
• This Week, the Everlasting Les Claypool Rings in 20 Years of Weird New Year's Eve Shows
  December 30, 2010
• New Year's Eve: 10 Bands Playing Live in S.F. Worth Spending Your Evening With
  December 29, 2011

More About

• Les Claypool

Like this Story?

Sign up for the Music Newsletter: Keep your thumb on the local music scene with music features, additional online music listings and show picks. We'll also send special ticket offers and music promotions available only to our Music Newsletter subscribers.

Privacy Policy Cancel Continue