A Primal Scream Primer

Introduction

I am currently reading "Creation Stories" by Alan McGee and have just finished the chapter called "Loaded" where the band Primal Scream really lifted off.

That inspired this story:

I put "Screamadelica" on the player this morning and was slightly surprised to find I had ten of their albums in my collection (that doesn't include my vinyl).

One of the things that I have always liked about Primal Scream is that their sound is not fixed to any particular genre, while "Screamadelica" was the Baggy psychedelic Madchester sound fuelled by the drug Ecstacy their sound can be aggressive metal, country, folk, ballads, and dirty rock and roll.

"Screamadelica" opens with a gospel song so we will start this playlist here, although the final song on this playlist will also be from the same album.

"Movin' On Up" from "Screamadelica"

This is a pure joyful gospel, full of hope and enhanced by a wonderful choir. Listen to this song and I challenge you not to have your spirits raised by this. The album takes you to many places but this is a wonderful introduction to the band though it is just one of the many styles they embrace.

"Kowalski" from "Vanishing Point"

"Vanishing Point" was a favourite film of mine and my sadly missed friend Chris about a fatal high-speed race across America on speed. Kowalski was the driver and Primal Scream created this vicious but excellent slice of monstrous rock sampling Can's "Hallelujah".

"Big Jet Plane" from "Give Out But Don't Give Up (Expanded Edition)"

Can you believe that these three songs are all by the same band? Can you see what I mean by musical chameleons> I love this song, and when I first heard it I didn't realise it was Primal Scream. I think I have

"Rocks" from "Give Out But Don't Give Up (Expanded Edition)"

This is just pure Rolling Stones ("Exile on Mains Street" style) , do I need to say anything more?

"Country Girl" from "Riot City Blues (Expanded Edition)"

This is heavyish country rock with a touch of gospel, and just listen to it and you will love it as much as I do.

"Trippin' On Your Love" from "Chaosmosis"

This opens the album and is just pure Prima Scream / Not Primal Scream chameleonisation and the rest of the album doesn't let up.

"Autobahn 66" from "Evil Heat"

Venturing into Krautrock territory with a slice of motorik and a nod to Kraftwerk, the vocals on this remind me of something that I have either forgotten or can't grasp, but it is still a brilliant piece.

"I'm Losing More Than I'll Ever Have"

This absolutely gorgeous breakup ballad was transformed by Andy Weatherall to give us the final song in this playlist. This still gives me goosebumps.

Primal Scream - "Loaded"

This is the playlist closer and probably my favourite Primal Scream song.

Primal Scream’s career changed when they asked the late DJ and producer Andy Weatherall to remix their song I’m Losing More Than I’ll Ever Have at the beginning of 1990.

Weatherall transformed the song from a country ballad into a dancefloor anthem, courtesy of a chilled out shuffle and a memorable quote at the beginning.

The song starts with rap by Peter Fonda from "The Wild Angels"

Just what is it that you want to do?

We wanna be free, we wanna be free to do what we wanna do

My introduction to Primal Scream, a band who can transform themselves into anything they want. Still creating new music today and proof that new music is still alive and well.

A definite favourite of mine. Seven minutes of stoned brilliance I could listen to forever.