Nobody expected the Primitives to make a comeback, but this Coventry, UK band just released a new album this year called Spin-O-Rama. It seems that many bands from those golden years of the late 80s and 90s are enjoying a second or even third run, with old and new fans queuing up to buy their albums and selling out their concerts. In other words, it’s a great time to be a music fan! But I digress. Let’s talk about Galore, a long unavailable release that was supposed to be the band’s swan song. It is newly reissued and remastered on Cherry Red Records and features B-sides, live recordings, and other rare tracks from 91/92.
Let’s get this out of the way first. Yes, singer Tracy Tracy sounds a lot like Deborah Harry of Blondie. But that is it. The music is strikingly different, leaning more toward the sunshine pop of the late 60s married with warm and fuzzy sonics. It is bouncy and fun and quite memorable. This is not down in the doldrums fare, rather it is like your perfect beach read, containing all the components for a good time.
“You Are the Way” opens Disc 1 in proper fashion, setting the tone for a fun day in the sun. With its pretty vocals and catchy riffs, it sticks in your head. And follow-up, “Lead Me Astray” is great jangle pop, followed by the ear candy of “Give This World To You”. Or how about the slower dream pop of “Cold Enough to Kill”? “See Thru the Dark” has a cool retro vibe that suits the song well, and “The Little Black Egg” is a song I remember from long ago. “In My Dream” has a neat, galloping guitar riff that propels the song nicely.
Disc 2 is mostly live cuts, plus B-sides and remixes. “Stop Killing Me (Acoustic)” has a bit of an Everly Brothers riff, and the other remixes are worthwhile. Getting to the live stuff, I really dig the organ on “All The Way Down (Live)”! Really hot tune, and it shows what a great live band these guys were. “Way Behind Me (Live)” is also excellent, and sounds more like Blondie than anything else here. But hey, it’s OK to wear your influences on your sleeve. “Sick of It (Live)” is another fun tune with great organ riffs. It chugs along with almost a prog feel to it. “See Through the Dark (Live)” really takes off from the studio version. Disc 2 closes as Disc 1 opened, with “You Are the Way”. A great finish to this set for sure, one which will please all Primitives fans.
