Good Morning!
Today we’re listening to “Don’t know Where to Start” by The Primitives
I was in eighth grade when I first heard The Primitives and their minor indie pop hit “Crash.”
Junior high is a stratified world. But this was a song that everyone from shy music nerds that couldn't figure out how to comb their hair (definitely not me) to the coolest kids in the class seemed to agree on. Or at least tolerate.
I suppose I could insert some pithy words about how music brings people together, crosses oceans, or whatever here. In my case, that wouldn't be true. Songs like this offered only a brief reprieve, not a lasting legacy.
It would also be the last time I’d hear the band for 30+ years.
Flash forward to today: If you’d assumed (like me) The Primitives had long ago split up, you’d have been (half) right. They did split, but since reuniting in 2009, they’ve released a handful of records and EPs.
Their recent Don’t Know Where to Start EP is the latest part of the band’s second act— and while the world has definitely changed since “Crash” was on the radio, their style thankfully has not.
The title track single blends Tracy Tracy’s unique vocals with a sound that feels like something Phil Spector might’ve cooked up. It’s all hooks and retro melodies. “Crash” is like a time capsule that takes you back to 1988. “Don’t Know Where to Start” will take you even further, back to the era of 1960s girl groups.
Like their earlier work, the end result is incredibly catchy and something you’re bound to find yourself singing along to later in the day.
It’s the sort of song most of us can agree on, if only for a moment.
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But 17 seconds in that distinctive jangly Paul Court guitar slides in to liven up the proceedings. From there it’s all ‘get those shoes onto the dance floor’ hustle. Tracy Tracy is in fine form vocally and the organ runs are like a special guest star on this track.
Click here to read more about the single and the band’s discography.
Listen:
“Don’t Know Where to Start” by The Primitives| Don’t Know Where to Start EP, 2023
Click the record to listen on Bandcamp.
As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this track!
Thanks for being here,
Kevin—
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Lordy, lordy, lordy, I had forgotten ALL about "Crash." Well done. I love that tune!
Oh, wow, this is like running into a childhood best friend in the airport after twenty-two years of silence.