Former Primus bassist and mastermind Les Claypool is on record praising artists whose work makes “even the most creative of us all raise an eyebrow and murmur, ‘How the hell did they think of that?’”  No surprise, then, that he is embarking on “The Oddity Faire: A Mutated Mini-Fest” tour staring March 4th — an extravaganza of challenging and eclectic artists, all varying by region to reflect Claypool’s off-kilter sensibilities.  Supporting artists include Yard Dogs, Mutaytor, Saul Williams, Secret Chief 3, Devotchka, and O’Death.  Each show will feature up to three of these supporting acts.  Tickets for the tour are currently on sale through LiveNation, and Claypool promises reasonable ticket prices.

The tour is in support of Claypool’s newest album, Of Fungi and Foe, in stores March 17th from Prawn Song Records.  The songs on the album are an extension of his work over the past two years for the video game Mushroom Men and the film Pig Hunt, all supplemented with “a few added tidbits and a bit of gypsy sauce.” Claypool readily acknowledges that some folks consider his work “musical retardation,” but for those of you looking for the right amount of that, you’ve got a couple options to experiment coming your way.