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Few
bands have persevered like Primal Scream. From leather-clad
indie icons to electro punk rockers, they have frequently appealed
to and surprised their followers in equal measure since their
chaotic beginnings in the mid '80's. In an era of manufactured
pop, Primal Scream remain relevant and controversial and, unlike
many of their peers, have the confidence and ability to switch
easily between musical styles whilst retaining a togetherness
that's seen them through the highs and lows of an amazing two
decade career.
They began life in Glasgow playing sweet '60's style pop and
vulgar Stones inspired glam. Yet they appalled many of their
fans by indulging in the nascent acid house movement of the
late 80's. Their resulting third album, 'Screamadelica', is
now looked upon as a landmark era-defining record that's been
dubbed "The E generation's Sergeant Pepper." The success
of singles like 'Loaded', 'Movin' On Up' and 'Rocks' ensured
their place in the pantheon of street bands that invaded the
charts in the early '90's, while the accompanying live performances
were a fascinating and cleansing mix of music, drugs and good
times.
But, as with their previous incarnations, Primal Scream were
not prepared to stand still. By the turn of the millennium the
band launched into a style imaginatively referred to as 'disco
punk' and performed some of the greatest shows of their career,
cementing their reputation with both fans and critics as stylish
and composed innovators.
Throughout, the band's figurehead Bobby Gillespie has maintained
a regular presence in the music press. His ability to switch
between opinions on subjects as diverse as music, world politics,
racism and drugs has provided a welcome contrast from many of
today's contrived stars and this lucidity has made him one of
music journalism's best friends and most fascinating characters.
‘Out of the Void’ is the story of one of the most influential
and often misunderstood British bands of the last 20 years.
Author Brendan Yates looks back at their many incarnations,
including Gillespie's journey through celebrated post-punk brats
The Jesus And Mary Chain, his bands' relationship with numerous
producers and their importance to the legacy of the now legendary
Creation Records label.
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