recorded the band’s first album

In January 1989, Claypool and LaLonde were joined by Tim “Herb” Alexander , drummer from the Arizona -based group Major Lingo . A month later, this lineup recorded the band’s first album: Suck on This , a live recording culled from two of their Berkeley Square concerts. The initial pressing of 1,000 records was funded by a loan from Claypool’s father, and after repaying him, the band used the profits from selling these to fund further pressings, later signing a deal with Rough Trade Records for nationwide distribution. The band also sent copies of the album to college radio stations across the United States, many of which gave it significant airplay, and it quickly gained traction.