Review: Primal Scream ****

BOBBY Gillespie must be every anti-drug campaigner’s worst nightmare. After nearly three decades with the band he formed in 1982, Primal Scream’s lead singer has consumed enough narcotics to rival Keith Richards.

But while he may claim to have given up his hedonistic ways, he stil looks the mirror image of his 1990s heyday despite nearing his 50th birthday.

Many would say that it is a miracle that Gillespie and his cohorts remain standing after the years of decadence they indulged in.

But thank God they are. If not, then there would not be the chance to catch the band playing their 1991 masterpiece, Screamadelica.

The opening chords of Movin’ On Up still send shivers down the spine, its Rolling Stones-inspired riff combining with lyrics so uplifting that they capture the late 1980s dance scene perfectly.

It is breathtaking to think that a band was able to cram so many classic songs on to an album that runs to a little over 65 minutes.

There are priceless run-throughs of the best known tracks, such as Loaded and Higher Than The Sun. Yet the rest of the songs, from Don’t Fight It, Feel It to Shine Like Stars, bring an equally enthusiastic reaction.

The band are clearly relishing the chance to relive a little piece of musical history.

But it proves that Screamadelica and the band responsible remain just as relevant in the 21st century as they did two decades ago.