THE PRIMITIVES
Echoes and Rhymes
Elefant Vinyl/CD
Nearly 25 years after their landmark debut – one of the ’80s’ definitive power pop albums, Coventry’s finest return with a “concept covers album” of obscure ’60s’ female artists (mostly B-sides, no less), from Shocking Blue and She Trinity to Sandy Posey, Sue (“Lolita”) Lyon, and Olivia Newton-John (courtesy Jackie DeShannon)! Tracey’s voice is as precious as ever and the lads successfully swing from sweaty soul (‘Move It On Over’) to booty-shakin’ pop (‘Panic’), girl group giggles (‘Turn Off The Moon’), and Spectoresque bubblegum (‘Till You Say You’ll Be Mine’).
Lead single ‘The Witch’ is a fuzz-infected stomper, and there’s also some Motown (‘I Surrender’), ye-ye (‘Amoureux D’une Affiche’), and cuddly schoolgirl pop (‘Single Girl’). Overall, it’s an incredible stroll through ’60s international pop (Britain, US, Australia, Canada, Holland, Germany) and a welcome return to the spotlight. Now how about that Tuesday Weld B-side…! Jeff Penczak