"Tired and spent, but I'm not through..."The Primrods are about the closest thing Calgary has to a legendary band. Supposedly, the story goes like this: In the post-grunge wake of the mid 90's, major labels we picking up all manner of crazy indie rock band. Some went on to become household names (re: Sonic Youth) while others got screwed over (re: The Primrods). See, major labels pick up young bands left and right, with promises or fame and riches, but more often then not, the band ends up the loser, while the label makes off like a bandit - see Steve Albini's article on that for proof. So this very thing happened to The Primrods but in the midst of it all, The Primrods managed to make one incredible record. For whatever reason - either the record was too out there (which it isn't), or disinterest (which would be inexplicable), or major labels are completely out to lunch (more likely) - the record never got released, and soon after recording, The Primrods were dropped. I guess from the disappointment of making a record that they had no rights to release themselves (since Geffen footed the entire bill), the record remains officially unreleased and locked in the Geffen vaults and the band soon broke up.
Thankfully the thing got booted, and your main man Kevin gots a copy! A good many of the songs are re-recordings from previous releases - such as "Plans for Palmyra" from their split with Tristan Psionic and "Six Flags" from their eurodance 97 7" and also "Barbet Lad" and "Francis Gary Powers Offers You the Thrill of a Lifetime" previously from their full length Kneecappin'. Other than "Gary Powers..." (which is probably the album's only weak moment) all the re-recordings are actual improvements - a very rare thing in re-recordings. New jams like "Working Title" are absolutely awesome. It's got bizarre guitar solos, clever/odd lyrics, songs that rarely stray from a single chord and, on top of it all, it's all really listenable, It's not only a shame, but truly perplexing how such an appealing record like this doesn't have a huge audience.
I think I will go on record saying that this is the best record ever recorded by a Calgary band. Respect!
~KS
I was thinking about dance mixes, and for that reason I said that one 7" was entitled "eurodance 97" when it's actually called "eurovision 97". oops.
ReplyDeleteThey got dropped because Geffen got bought out by some other label and almost all the Geffen bands got dropped, with the exception of Hole I think.
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DeleteThis is correct - as told to me by the members.
Are there criminal penalties in Canada for violating copyright regulations? If not, it doesn't seem to me there is much anyone could do to you for releasing this. After all Geffen is *losing* money by not releasing this. I could succeed in getting an injunction, but what a crazy argument you'd have to come up with to argue that this is deserves monetary compensation! Although nothing would surprise me when it comes to idiotic copyright law.
ReplyDeleteHello from the CCPS. We *heart* this record so much, it hurts. No, wait, that's not *heart*ing, that's something else.
ReplyDeleteOne of the greatest things to ever come out of this city.
You are officially my favorite person on the internet. I downloaded this once on a friend's computer and it crashed afterwards...and I've been looking for it ever since.
ReplyDeleteI may love you in an unhealthy way.
But it's deep, genuine love. Take it. Love it.
Thanks!!
RCMP reporting in. We're okay with this.
ReplyDeleteWe also approve of your choice in board games. Try the Cities and Knights expansion, its amazing!
ReplyDeleteI have "Kneecappin'!" & "Shit Side Story" on CD...love these guys, btw I'm female :)
ReplyDeleteI remember reading a little print blurb in the 90's that they did not have many female fans...
Did you ask band members how they feel about you posting this? It's their music.
ReplyDeleteIf band members do want this removed they can email us gonnagetsued@gmail.com or comment here. We will happily oblige. Our intention is not to cause any sort of ill will, we just want people to hear music we love.
ReplyDeletep3 here ...viva la revolution............
ReplyDeleteDon't worry what the band members would think,in this case anyway, the Primrods invented copyright infringement.just promise that next time your at David Geffans house you sharpen a turd and stab him with it. One love.
ReplyDeleteviva hate rock
may 2011 ,calgary , ..........p1,p2,p3,p5.............one time only
ReplyDeletevenue change #1-legion 116 - 7th Avenue SE, Calgary may 14th 2011
ReplyDeletethanks for this. I have a copy bought from Melodiya way back but that was probably supposed to be secret.
ReplyDeleteCurrently have my 5 month old up on EBay so I can make this mid may show.
Primroid here:
ReplyDeleteToo bad you don't have the master with an unreleased song in two different mixes... just sayin...
Wow I'm just listening to this album for the first time. I remember the band getting signed but when nothing ever came out I forgot about the band. Thanks for the chance to finally hear this record. Don't really understand why they (whoever owns Geffen these days) won't just put it out it's pretty good.
ReplyDeleteyou are awesome! found half this record on napster years ago and now it's complete..thank you very much!
ReplyDeleteWow, you're welcome, all.
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard this, or downloaded it but hey the Primrods were amazing. I love that Kneecappin' ablum, which I'm pretty sure I bought at Melodiya back in the day. My friend John used to work there and I would find tonnes of great records in their bins. Good times. Heard about the reunion show, hope that the Geffen album gets released and that the various "P" members become rich and famous.
ReplyDeleteGreatest album that never was.
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