XTRMNTR

XTRMNTR is the sixth studio album by the Scottish alternative rock band Primal Scream, released in 2000 to critical acclaim, with many considering it one of the best albums of the year, alongside other notable releases by Radiohead, Coldplay, and U2. The album features a mix of rock music, electronic music, and psychedelia, with collaborations from notable artists such as Kevin Shields of My Bloody Valentine and Bernard Sumner of New Order and Joy Division. The album's sound is often compared to other influential albums of the time, such as The Chemical Brothers' Surrender and Moby's Play. The album received praise from critics, including NME, The Guardian, and Rolling Stone, with many highlighting the band's experimentation and innovation.

Background

The album was recorded in various studios, including Real World Studios and Olympic Studios, with production handled by the band themselves, as well as Kevin Shields and Tim Holmes. The recording process was marked by experimentation and improvisation, with the band drawing inspiration from a wide range of sources, including Krautrock, post-punk, and electronic music. The album features guest appearances from notable musicians, such as Bernard Sumner of New Order and Joy Division, Bobby Gillespie's wife, Kate Radley, and Andrew Innes of Primal Scream. The album's creation was influenced by the band's experiences touring with The Stone Roses and Happy Mondays, as well as their interest in the Madchester scene and the rave culture of the time, which was also explored by other artists such as The Prodigy and The Chemical Brothers.

Release and Reception

XTRMNTR was released on January 31, 2000, to widespread critical acclaim, with many praising the album's innovative production and experimentation. The album received positive reviews from critics, including NME, The Guardian, and Rolling Stone, with many considering it one of the best albums of the year, alongside other notable releases by Radiohead, Coldplay, and U2. The album was also a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in the UK Albums Chart and earning the band a Mercury Prize nomination, alongside other notable albums by Badly Drawn Boy and Coldplay. The album's success was also fueled by the band's energetic live performances, which included tours with Oasis and Blur, as well as appearances at festivals such as Glastonbury Festival and T in the Park.

Tracklisting

The album features 11 tracks, including the singles Accelerator and Kill All Hippies, which received heavy rotation on BBC Radio 1 and MTV. The tracklisting is as follows: 1. Accelerator 2. Exterminator 3. Swastika Eyes 4. Pills 5. Blood Money 6. Kill All Hippies 7. Born Slippy 8. Keep Your Hands Off My Baby 9. MBV Arkestra (If They Move Kill 'Em) 10. Insect Royalty 11. Shoot Speed/Kill Light. The album's tracklisting showcases the band's eclecticism and experimentation, with influences ranging from The Stooges to Kraftwerk and Can (band), as well as the post-punk sound of Joy Division and The Cure.

Musical Style

The album's musical style is characterized by its experimentation and eclecticism, with influences ranging from rock music to electronic music and psychedelia. The album features a mix of guitars, synthesizers, and drum machines, with collaborations from notable musicians such as Kevin Shields and Bernard Sumner. The album's sound is often compared to other influential albums of the time, such as The Chemical Brothers' Surrender and Moby's Play, as well as the Krautrock sound of Can (band) and Neu!. The album's musical style was also influenced by the band's interest in the rave culture of the time, which was also explored by other artists such as The Prodigy and Underworld.

Lyrical Themes

The album's lyrical themes are characterized by their darkness and intensity, with references to politics, social commentary, and personal relationships. The album features lyrics that are often surreal and abstract, with references to William S. Burroughs and J.G. Ballard, as well as the Situationist International and the French Revolution. The album's lyrical themes are often compared to other influential albums of the time, such as Radiohead's OK Computer and The Streets' Original Pirate Material, as well as the post-punk sound of Joy Division and The Cure. The album's lyrics were also influenced by the band's interest in the counterculture movement of the 1960s, which was also explored by other artists such as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Category:2000 albums