Part 15 in an occasional series of rediscovered musical gems.




Primal Scream. The Jesus and Mary Chain. The Stone Roses. My Bloody Valentine. David Holmes. New Order. The Chemical Brothers. They're all represented on 2000's Xtrmntr, in some way. And luckily there are just enough cooks to prepare one of the finest broths in recent history. The album is a masterpiece from one of the most hit and miss bands in the world. When Primal Scream are on form, they're amongst the best. Screamadelica changed British music forever. Vanishing Point is arguably even better (I would certainly argue for it.) But they've also produced some terrible dirges in pursuit of some rock n roll grail. And let Kate Moss sing. But all is forgiven. They have, after all, taken a hell of a lot of drugs...

'Keep Your Dreams' stands out for me as a moment of reflection on an otherwise speedfreak paced album. It's the kind of delicate and woozy song that Bobby Gillespie's fragile voice handles perfectly. David Holmes' production is at once childlike innocence and intoxicated euphoria. The lyrics are of the understated "Hey kids, don't sell your soul" variety, but it works perfectly. Sounds pretty good if you've been up all night. Not that I have. Mum.

The first album track to appear as hidden gem, but almost certainly not the last. A perfect tribute to a band who've produced some wonderful albums. Is that the time?