40. Screamadelica - Primal Scream 1991
If you haven't heard this record, firstly, you will have definitely seen the iconic artwork of its front cover and, secondly, where the hell have you been hiding? This album is seen by many as
the defining album of the 1990's. It was one of those very rare releases that brings together many different types of music fans from all kinds of backgrounds. The Scottish band started out life as an Indie-Rock band, but on 'Screamadelica', they brought in Dance DJ and producer, Andrew Weatherall to be an additional member, along with input from Electronica outfit, The Orb. This turned out to be a masterstroke as Weatherall completely re-invented the band. He took their original song ideas, and fleshed them out using influences from their own brand of Indie-Rock, House, Gospel and Dub, creating a collection of songs that is a complete journey through different musical worlds and encompassing various moods. The bands clear Rolling Stones influence, that was to be fully realised on the following album, 'Give Out But Don't Give Up', is heard on opening track, 'Movin' On Up', and is a bright, optimistic opener that is full of groove. The album then takes a turn into darker territory, with the very Happy Mondays-esque, 'Slip Inside This House', that is full of House influence. It is actually a cover song, originally by the Psychadelic 60's Rock band, The 13th Floor Elevators, but is obviously changed up quite considerably. 'Don't Fight it, Feel it', is an Italian House style track, that features the sublime vocals of Denise Johnson, whose vocals were really in demand from various artists around this time. This wouldn't be her last appearance with Primal Scream. 'Higher Than the Sun' is a real dreamy, drug-fueled track that sounds like if The Doors were to come back in an Electronic guise. The Saxophone sample used on this track is euphoric sounding and makes this number, an album highlight. The albums center piece is the 10 minute long epic, 'Come Together' that is a new-age Gospel song featuring gorgeous church-organ-like synth chords. The sample of an uplifting Jesse Jackson speech that opens proceedings sits perfectly on top of the mix. The female choir refrain that appears as the song progresses and helps take the song to its peak, will lodge itself in your head for days after listening, be warned. Artists have been trying to replicate the grandeur and uplifting vibe of this song, ever since its release 22 years years ago, and none have even come close! 'Screamadelica's' biggest hit, 'Loaded', follows and it is clear to see how it became an anthem for the Indie-Dance-House generation. The spoken word sample that starts the track, from Peter Fonda's character in the 1966 movie, The Wild Angels', acted as a mission statement for 90's teenagers and twenty-somethings. "We wanna be free, we wanna be free to do what we want to do, and we wanna get loaded, and we want to have a good time." Simple, yet fitting. Musically, 'Loaded' is irresistibly funky and dance-able, with a jazzy piano riff that combined with funk influenced bass and guitar lines, all providing a solid foundation for the horn sample that floats over the top. Front man, Bobby Gillespie shines through on the bluesy and really, rather pretty, 'Damaged', that acts as the inevitable hang over to the party, provided by the first seven tracks. What happened in the years following the records release and success was interesting, if somewhat predictable. Rock bands began to look outside their guitars and drum kits, embracing samples and hiring Dance music DJ's to enhance, embellish and produce their music. Of course, record label, in their droves, threw money at this, trying to create the next 'Screamadelica', but it was never to be. What Primal Scream and Andrew Weatherall did was so in the moment and inspired that it was a one-off, never to be repeated. Thus, for the band's next album, they stripped it all back to bare bones again and became a Rock and Roll band, just as they were before. Trying to capture lightning in a bottle for a second time was, rather admirably, something the band weren't interested in trying to do. This is another reason that 'Screamadelica' is so special, it was never diluted by the creators, trying to record a part 2. They left that challenge to others, who never even came close.