AMG Review of Miscellaneous Debris

Stephen Thomas Erlewine
All Music Guide

What makes this 5-song EP of covers Primus's best release is the material. For once, Les Claypool's crew plays actual songs instead of sketching out a few ideas as an excuse for jamming. As a result, Miscellaneous Debris isn't as weird and alienating as previous albums, and often their reinterpretations -- from the clever ribbing of XTC's "Making Plans for Nigel" and Pink Floyd's "Have A Cigar" to the relatively respectful readings of The Meters, the Residents and Peter Gabriel's "Intruder" -- show flashes of brilliance, largely due to the loose yet focused musicianship.