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"I think it's time to stop saying 'This is a dance record' and 'This is a rock record'. It's like saying all black music is soul." - Bobby Gillespie
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Look at the album cover. You've seen it before - everyone has, it's probably one of the most famous album covers ever. It kind of looks like a face, but isn't which makes it the perfect sleeve for Screamadelica. It's kind of rock but it isn't, it's kind of dance but it isn't, it's kind of....I never know what to say when people ask me - "what are Primal Scream like?" That's the problem, they aren't like anyone. One of the most original bands I have ever heard (without sounding too weird to enjoy). They blend so many different styles there's something for everyone. Prior to Screamadelica, The Scream were more stonesy/classic rock sounding so this was a brave change of direction for the Scottish rockers. Screamadelica broke all the boundaries and made way for a wide array of bands in the 90's. A classic album.
1. Movin' On Up
Could easily pass for being a Rolling Stones song, everything about it matches up - vocals, backing vocals, riff, solo. If this was a Stones song though it would be up there with the best of them and that's really saying something. Great track with an upbeat, "feel good" feel about it. A 90's classic
5/5
2. Slip Inside This House
Introduces you to the use of dance beats that are laced throughout Screamadelica. Really psychadelic sounding percussion sets the basis for Mani's pounding bass line. The key to the song is the pre-verse and chorus which immediatley stick in your head. Quite a laid back track which would work well as an instrumental although Gillespie's vocals make it another stand out track on the album
5/5
3. Don't Fight it, Feel it
Unlike the last two tracks, this isn't going to appeal to everyone. Much more dance based with a woman vocalist taking the reins makes it very different. There's a very early 90's feel to this song with it's counter melody "bird noise" which can also be heard on the Prodigy's first album also released around that time. Nothing really grabs your attention which makes it a weaker track than most of the others.
3/5
4. Higher Than the Sun
Takes a few listens before you get into it. Again very psychadelic with some cool breakdowns. The blend of lots of influences intertwined eg. dance, jazz, rock make this another very different track. I can't think of another band who have ever made music like this. The first part of two cool tracks. EDIT: This has gradually became my favourite track on the album.
5/5
5. Inner Flight
This is a drug song - nothing else can be said to describe it. Makes you feel like your slipping into a dream. Sounds a lot like Leftfield with it's distant drum beat and psychadelic melody. Refreshing.
4/5
6. Come Together
Defintley the weirdest track on the album. No vocals or lyrics, just a sample of a preacher played over and over upon gospel organ chords and dance beat. "Warping space sounds" give the song a feeling of being in space. Starts off slowly and builds up to a climax of many different sounds and textures going at once. The preach of "we just know music is music" symbolises the whole Primal Scream experience with their endless array of influences. The track gradually breaks down again with woman vocalists chant of "together as one" which gradually leads the song out.
4/5
7. Loaded
"Exactly what is it that you want to do?" One of the most popular tracks off the album and praised by stoners everywhere. "Loaded" is probably my favourite track on the album with it's laid back groove and sweeping melodies. If your going to download one song from the album, this is it.
5/5
8. Damaged
The only acoustic song on Screamadelica. More like a conventional song than most of the other tracks with it's simple structure and singing throughout. It's hard to make out what Gillespie is singing about but what can be heard sounds like a love song. Adds even more variety to the album.
4/5
9. I'm Comin' Down
Again, very different from everything else. A blend of jazz and oriental style percussion are used to make this another chillout track. Perfect for falling asleep to or relaxing.
4/5
10. Higher Than the Sun (a dub symphony in two parts)
I don't know what to say about this track. There's so much going on yet it still remains laid back as if nothing's really happening. Split into two parts hence - "a dub symphony in two parts", the change between the two isn't really subtle at all. Everything just seems to stop and make way for an upbeat bassline that appears out of nowhere. Still a great track though.
4/5
11. Shine Like Stars
Probably the weakest track. Just personal opinion but something doesn't seem right about it. There's not much of a feel to it which is what makes the rest of the album so appealing. On the otherhand, it does make a good ending to the album as the fade away as the end seems to fit perfectly. Jargon aside, it's a not very good song but good for rounding off the album.
3/5
Screamadelica is one of the most original album i've ever heard. Enjoyable from start to finish and continues to get better and better with every listen. Defintley worth checking out if your looking for something different.
For fans of - The Stone Roses, The Prodigy, Leftfield, Rolling Stones(maybe), Fatboy Slim, The Verve.
Download
Movin On Up
Loaded
Slip Inside This House
Originality: 5
Longitivity: 4.5
Musicality: 4.5
Enjoyment: 5
Overall Score: 4.75/5
:cool:
