Too Many Puppies

"Too Many Puppies" is a song by the American rock band Primus, released as the second single from their debut studio album Frizzle Fry (1990). It was the first Primus song bassist and lead singer Les Claypool ever composed.[1] A reworked version featuring drummer Bryan "Brain" Mantia can be found on their Rhinoplasty EP (1998).

"Too Many Puppies"
Single by Primus
from the album Frizzle Fry
ReleasedJuly 26, 1990
GenreAlternative metal
Length3:56
LabelCaroline (1990)
Prawn Song (2002)
Songwriter(s)Les Claypool, Larry LaLonde, Tim Alexander
Producer(s)Primus and "Exxon" Matt Winegar
Primus singles chronology
"John the Fisherman"
(1990)		 "Too Many Puppies"
(1990)		 "Mr. Knowitall"
(1990)

Lyrics

The song is mostly about the band's reflection on war, and how many soldiers are too young to go off to war, parodying the idea of "the dogs of war" by claiming the dogs are merely puppies. The song was written six years prior to the first Persian Gulf War (despite being released in 1990) and was possibly about violence happening around the region during that time period, such as the Soviet–Afghan War or Iran–Iraq War.

Music video

A video was in production for "Too Many Puppies", but the project was canceled when Primus was signed to Interscope Records. The video had been a rarity until 2003, when it was released on Animals Should Not Try to Act Like People. The music video features a man who, after shaving his head, acts weird with army material (such as an army helmet, a pair of boots, and a rifle) and a woman in makeup (presumably his mother) and milk, all in accordance with the song's lyrics; interspersed are shots of the band playing live in front of a rowdy crowd.

Live

Occasionally, when playing the song live, Les Claypool plays the opening riff of Metallica's "Master of Puppets" as a bridge before the final verse.

Reception

AllMusic writer Ned Raggett thought it was one of the best songs on Frizzle Fry.[2]

AXS ranked "Too Many Puppies" the third best Primus song.[3]

Track listing

Tracklisting taken from the back cover of the single[4]

All lyrics are written by Les Claypool.

No.TitleLength
1."As the Toys Go Winding Down"4:52
2."Frizzle Fry"6:45
3."John the Fisherman"4:01
4."Spegetti Western"6:36
5."Harold of the Rocks"8:02
6."Mr. Know It All"4:25
7."Groundhogs Day"5:40
8."Tommy the Cat"5:55
9."Too Many Puppies"4:29

References
  1. https://consequenceofsound.net/2017/09/les-claypool-breaks-down-the-entire-primus-discography/full-post
  2. https://www.allmusic.com/album/frizzle-fry-mw0000674450
  3. https://www.axs.com/primus-s-10-best-songs-46130
  4. https://www.discogs.com/Primus-Too-Many-Puppies/release/1399321
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