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Primal Scream
When announcing their curation of this year’s Meltdown, Massive Attack said they wanted the festival “to have a strong political and visual element to it to reflect our influences and obsessions. Our aim is to mix it up a bit by instigating collaborations that make sense and probably some that don't". They clearly hadn’t planned to turn up at the Royal Festival Hall tonight, then, for an entirely predictable, deeply conservative evening of bloated rock ‘n’ roll. Given that every time Bobby Gillespie decides he's channelling the fiery spirit of the Devil’s own music via a flaming pitchfork stuck up his decidedly pert derriere he has the habit of making appalling records (Give Out But Don't Give Up, Riot City Blues), putting him onstage with idols the MC5 was always going to be a dangerous idea.
Perhaps when they booked an evening with Primal Scream and Michigan's (second) greatest heritage rock act, Massive Attack envisioned a visit to a radical salon, earnest discussion of extreme politics, quailing amplifiers, intense sloganeering, things like that. Instead, this is a wearying evening of rockist machismo and cliché.
In Primal Scream’s early opening set, 'Kowalski', 'Swastika Eyes' and 'Shoot Speed, Kill Light' still sound immense compared to the rest, heavily loaded with tracks from (dodgy) new album Beautiful Future. Yet this comes with a caveat, as that unholy trio sound curiously neutered – possibly in honour of the guitar-centric occasion, Primal Scream have ruthlessly stripped the brilliant, sinister electronics from these songs. It’s hugely frustrating, for when they push themselves into more exotic directions, Primal Scream are undeniably one of the most visceral bands this country has produced in the past two decades. Instead, that they continue to get be lauded every time they start fannying around wishing they were Mick & Keef’s flowery scarves is a travesty.
After the mid-life crisis drug sieves are done it's time for the pensioners as MC5 (or MC3 and the replacements for the dead ones) take the stage to plod through a set of nostalgia rock at its most artless, all pout and 36"w trousers. They once espoused extreme radical politics (decidedly of its time, MC5’s misogynistic tendencies are well documented), but are now reduced to machine-gunning the crowd with guitars that deliver wearily inevitable, tedious solos. Alright, so MC5 and their legend might have helped blast open a door for a supposedly brave new future of punk rock, but would you really want to go and hear Thomas Edison in his dotage, mumbling away for hours in an explanation of his new-fangled lightbulb?
There's just no power, no soul to any of this. Even when Primal Scream return to the stage to ‘collaborate’ with MC3 it doesn't get any better, the sound merely becoming more stodgy as the ‘Scream axemen do their best to keep up with their heroes. It's a marked contrast to when Grinderman shared a stage with Suicide last year, a chaotic and intense event where the musicians onstage sparked against each other in subtle mutual respect. This, by contrast, is a cheap rock ‘n’ roll gentleman’s club, chafing mutual masturbation and the rubbing of egos that, given years on the naughty salt, were already hardly entirely shy and retiring to begin with. Aside from a few interesting new takes on the gurn from Mani, tonight offers nothing fresh and, at worse, makes two bands once capable of so much more appear tired, stale, and irrelevant.
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Not that I was there
but i can imagine. I've seen both sides of Primal Scream live. When they're good, they're very good. But when they're bad...
Also MC5 are hugely overrated aren't they?
Nearly bought tickets for this, looks like a lucky escape.
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It is
fair to say Primal Scream's new record is up there for Turkey of the Year.
Reckon they should have called it a day after XTMNTR; what a fine legacy they'd have left then.
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I'm trying to think..
of a structured response to this review. You know, the kind where we discuss our differing opinions in musical taste. However, basically it comes down to the fact that cunts like you should never have gone to this gig in the first place, with your ridiculous pre-judgements.
This kind of review has no place on DIS.
Just fuck right off, twat.
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Not that i was there pt.2
Don't you get the feeling Luke Turner's introduction to the MC5 was seeing t-shirts with their name on 'em in Top Shop 5 years ago? I just think it's a bit odd as he doesn't even mention any song titles.
Just a thought. Clueless tosser.
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Twat
Twat. No power?! This arsehole was probably stood at the bar listening to the Smiths on his ipod and sipping a latte. Creating any kind of atmosphere in a venue as sterile as the RFH is a feat in itself. I can assure you this was acheived. Sure, it's not cutting edge and the MC5 are pensioners but they could sure kick some of these wet drips up the arse we have to put up with at the moment. Luke Turner-you are a Travis fan.
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Prick!
That Turner cunt ain't got a clue, has he? He obviously got the ticket as a freebie, or else why would he be reviewing two bands he has either no interest in, or no knowledge about? Cunts like that make me sick. Why was he there? So he could post some half-arsed "review" on some pokey website & try 'n look cool. He's a knob. I'd have had his ticket & loved every moment of it.
And why's he bringing politics into it? It was a fuckin' Rock 'N Roll show, you knob! Two great bands on one bill! Fantastic.
Oh, but Kramer, Thompson & Davies are in their 60's, and Tyner & Smith are dead? Fuckin' crime that, eh? They're enjoying themselves, unlike overtly cynical, old before their time twats like Turner.
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Yeesh
everyone's a little harsh here aren't they?
You realise that:
a) pretty much all music reviewers get a free ticket, that is how the industry works,
b) saying he "has no interest in the bands" is clearly rubbish otherwise he wouldn't say "It’s hugely frustrating, for when they push themselves into more exotic directions, Primal Scream are undeniably one of the most visceral bands this country has produced in the past two decades"&
c: posting an bitchy expletive strewn comment on an article on a website you call 'pokey' by an author you say is 'try(ing) to look cool' is fairly ironic yes?This is a fairly balanced review IMO, he says he likes the bands but finds it blody irritating when Primal Scream cut the electronics from their songs which he feels robs them of their interest and element of 'danger' and instead just fanny amount soloing aimlessly away pretending to be the Stones.
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indeed
its a good review and i can imagine a pretty accurate one from hearing the last few primal albums.
although its a shame if mc5 are also currently playing as lacklustrely as he describes.
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Clown!
a) pretty much all music reviewers get a free ticket, that is how the industry works, And that's a good thing? Giving clueless fuckers carte blanche to spout off opinions about bands they haven't a clue about?
b) saying he "has no interest in the bands" is clearly rubbish otherwise he wouldn't say "It’s hugely frustrating, for when they push themselves into more exotic directions, Primal Scream are undeniably one of the most visceral bands this country has produced in the past two decades" He's wheeling out cliches without having done his homework. Ok, Riot City Blues was cack, but to imply they haven't done anything of any worth since XTRMNTR is bollocks. That's the obvious party line of every worthless hack since then. When Vanishing Point came out, he would have been saying they should have jacked it in after Screamadelica&
c: posting an bitchy expletive strewn comment on an article on a website you call 'pokey' by an author you say is 'try(ing) to look cool' is fairly ironic yes? No! No irony in there whatsoever. Who are you? Alanis fuckin' Morissette? Look up the word 'irony' in the dictionary. Contradictory, maybe.My problem with this Turner fucker is how his problem with MC5 seems to be how 2 members couldn't make it & that the remaining 3 are in their 60's. It's called age,. Turner, you prick. Happens to us all. Are they not allowed to get on a stage and play songs for their fans, which you're obviously not one, and themselves?
Why do you, Turner, sat there with your arms folded feel that you're somehow a better person and have more worth on this planet that Wayne Kramer? Did you write Looking At You? That's an MC5 song, by the way.
You're a prick, man. And a shit writer. A career at NME awaits. Best of luck.
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well
we do allow users to post their own reviews, give it a shot and drop me a line, we're always looking for fresh blood http://drownedinsound.com/event/view/36917?type=user
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have a
valium or something man. you're coming across as a bit of a dick.
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Just to defend meself
And using this awesome a, b, c method :-)
a) Yes, of course music hacks get free tickets/cd's etc. Otherwise they'd have to pay for every review they did. And sites like this would go bankrupt very quickly. And also if they had to pay its odds on they'd only pay to go see bands they liked, so every review would be positive and the whole notion of being a 'critic' would be largely irrelevant.
b) Yup, you're right, I've used the word 'ironic' wrongly.
c) Moaning that critics are not as worthy as musicians is an odd one. If this was the case and we are all not as worthy as them then surely we shouldn't be allowed to review them at all? Why do you read the reviews then?
It's a shame (yes, I realise this sounds massively condescending) that you've had to dress up what are the odd legitimate point (albeit one's I disagree with) with repeated abuse towards the writer ('prick' 3 times, 'cunt' twice, the odd 'fucker' etc etc). No-one's gonna take you seriosuyl if you launch in all blue in the face screaming.
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I love(d) Primal Scream
Depending on what the new album is like the (d) may be lost from that statement. They've been a big part of my life since 1991 but even I can see they're on the slide and have been since after the Evil Heat tours. Their shows have become a tad predictable and RCB was embarrassing as are most of Bobs lyrics these days. I'm holding out hope that the new album isn't 'turkey of the year' as two naff albums on the trot is kind of worrying. Their XTRMNTR period was on fire and possibly a peak for them.
Whilst Turners review is a bit childish with regards the 'age' of MC5 (or MC3, oh how witty) he does hit the nail on the head with this comment It’s hugely frustrating, for when they push themselves into more exotic directions, "Primal Scream are undeniably one of the most visceral bands this country has produced in the past two decades", He obviously does have some respect for them but not when they're acting out the lazy rnr fantasy they're prone to do.
I wasn't at the show (but wished I was)so have no idea if his last paragraph is either true or a pile of bitter poop.
It's only one reviewers opinion for Gods sake. If you had a great time at the gig then you know it was good so live with it.
There, all said with not a cunt, prick or fucker in sight. Oh no, hang on.....
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A calmer response...
Ok. Slightly calmer response now from me, after some fairly well written responses from others. Sean, I love this web-site, I love the freedom of speech and debates that it creates. However, by allowing reviews from anyone, you start to water down the quality of the site. I’ve never read a review from Mike or Sean that made me angry, they’re always well written and present the case for, and against.
This review by Luke Turner does not do this. As others have pointed out he suggests he prefers Primal Scream with more of an electric sound. Fair enough, however, Shoot Speed, Swastika Eyes and Miss Lucifer were played at the festival hall with exactly the same amount of ‘sinister electronics’ that they’re always played live with, and sounded as great as they did during the XTRMNTR era (ok minus Kevin Shields, but you always had to concentrate hard to hear him anyway). This reviewer is not a fan, fair enough, neither is this one:
http://music.guardian.co.uk/pop/livereviews/story/0,,2287325,00.html
But at least they actually watch the show and report on the atmosphere. Swiping at MC5 for their age is unforgiveable, especially when comparing it to Grinderman/Suicide (noted as the reviewer’s favourite acts). The Guardian review suggests the encore was more of a pleasure for the bands than the audience and over indulgence. I can accept that, as a massive fan of both bands it was the greatest gig I’ve ever been to.
Just for the record, Jason Pierce played guitar during this encore, Andy Weatherall was mixing it up, John Sinclair gave a speech like he hasn’t done since the 70’s, some Jazz legend saxed it up and the Don Letts played some awesome reggae at the end. Just thought it might be nice for something that actually happened to be reported. As this gig ended 99% of the audience were stood hands held high, the atmosphere walking out of the venue was electric. I have honestly never seen anything that good. You blame for getting a bit upset when I read a review of that quality??
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MC5
I can completely believe the comments about Primal Scream, they seem like a blank canvas that any current obsession on their/Gillespie's part can be painted on.
But I really think the person who wrote this review has no real concept of what the MC5 are about/were about. It shows in the completely hazy dismissal of them based very little on the gig in question.
The MC5 are far from 'over rated' as someone said. The fact that their very American rock n roll music is so normal to us now is thanks, in part, to their own efforts. There is a really exciting and primal period of rock & roll (Little Richard, Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis...) in America that only really succeeded in permeating the mainstream by removing all the elements that actually made it what it was: sex, drugs and violence.
The tales about Buddy Holly fucking everything in sight and having a 12 inch cock or Elvis getting "more ass than a toilet seat" or Jerry Lee Lewis marrying a 13 yr old, are all under-the-counter. Even now.The MC5 were about that absolute primal moment in rock n roll that grabs all of the above. That they sound like a supercharged Chuck Berry just makes it all the more perfect. Expecting them to sound like some modern hyper rock band or some out-there experimental band is missing the point. They were the most extreme, to-the-point, exciting rock band of their time. Full stop.
I've seen the DK3 version a few times and been soundly blown away each time. They approach the songs with a dignity that I almost prefer to the reformed Stooges' fake stage invasions and engineered craziness. They celebrate their age and are better for it. The world needs more of that I reckon.
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^^this^^
heartily agree with that MC5 love fest! But the comment about Primal Scream being a blank canvass......is that a bad thing??? Sometimes a great thing when the outcome is Screamadelica/Vanishing Point/XTRMNTR, surely. Never underestimate the creative force that is Andrew Innes though! Just coz Bob is the face of the band doesn't mean it's all his work.
Rev - once again, feeling the passion brother!-
Hmmm
I never think of the Scream as a proper band. If anyone had access to a pile of cash and could get anyone to work on their records, the results would probably be as good.
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^^my mate agrees
Says they're a producers band. Screamadelica being Weatherall not Scream. I tell him to shut up and give him a chinese burn ;) They just know the right people to get on board at the right time. Pretty savvy I'd say.
NOTE TO LUKE TURNER - was you at the right gig? Royal Festival Hall wasn't it? Why were you at the Albert Hall? (see top of review)
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i'm confused by this review....
i've come in a bit late here, but i have just read Luke Turner's review and am a bit miffed.....
i went on tues night and had a great time, both bands were very good indeed (though PS's first set did drop a bit when they played their new stuff, but that's natural as it was the first time most people there would have heard it...)
yet when i read the review, i started to wonder whether i was there at all?
So, the show was 'an entirely predictable, deeply conservative evening of bloated rock ‘n’ roll' was it?
It's your opinion Luke, but I think you are wrong and I think you need to think about what how you structure and ultimately write your reviews.In fact, I tell you what - why don't YOU start a band, get out there and change people's lives like MC5 certainly did and Primal Scream have done in a way as well.
Or perhaps not, as you aren't able to do it really, are you?
Instead, you write snidey remarks about bands you don't really know anything about.......
Never thought I'd see a review with the words MC5 and conservative in the same paragraph.
Well done Mr Turner, you have lost any respectable journalistic credibility you may have previously had........-
these comments
make my life worth living.
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For what it's worth...
I went to the gig without really being a fan of either band and thought that Primal Scream were...pretty good...terrible bass-dropping mix, but managed to get some sort of atmosphere in the deadzone that is RFH. And MC5 - well, I was blown away by the power of the sound. Pretty primitive stuff...but done with honesty and bang on the money even after all these years. And my dad wouldn't even be able to stand up for that long so good luck to 'em.
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it was ace
I was there... apart from the long queues at the bar, it was amazing. A scream set (being stood about 4 rows from the incredibly beautiful bobby) then a MC5 set, then a set with all of 'em, together, really enjoying themselves. It was fantastic.
You lot just aren't used to enjoying yourselves. You should go stroke your beards at the back of a bad local folk gig. Leave us to have fun without having to endure your moany little faces. :)
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Good to hear your with us
Mike Diver!!!
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pleasant change
I was not at said gig.
I have no interest in either of these bands.
I have no real interest in rock&roll.
I came upon this review by chance.That said, however, I thought this was an excellent review and a refreshing change from the order-of-brown-nose type of reviews one usually see in the music press. I've played that MC5 live album but twice in the ten years I've owned it. It's really quite awful the esteem with which it is held. As for that other group, well...
I sometimes feel with all these torturous, posturing, political bands that the most revolutionary thing they could do would be to perhaps play their instruments competently. Perhaps even play an engaging melody or two. Or just sound ragged and good. Any one of these things would certainly be one against the system of mediocrity and bullshit.
Good on you Luke
xEifion
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