Primary (song)
Encyclopedia
"Primary" is the first single from The Cure
's third studio album Faith
, released in 1981 on Fiction Records
. It was the first song by The Cure to be remixed as a separate extended mix for release on 12" single (and not co-released on other formats, in the way the 12" version of A Forest
was also the album version appearing on Seventeen Seconds
, for example). In fact, the original 12" extended mix is, to this day, still only available on the original 12" single, which has never been reproduced on any other album, making it quite a rare item. The main difference between the 7" mix (also the album mix), and 12" mix is that the extended mix lengthens the instrumental introductions to the song's verses.
tour under the name "Cold Colours" with completely different lyrics (aside from the chorus) and a slightly different bassline; interestingly, the song would often be introduced as dedicated to Ian Curtis
. Towards the end of the year, the song was renamed "Primary". A studio demo of this early version, dating from September 1980, is featured on the Deluxe Edition of Faith (but is titled Primary). The 12" single version contains a song which was the first 12" extended mix released by The Cure.
The song appears to be about the disadvantages of growing older. At the end of the song, Robert Smith imagines children being put to sleep ceremoniously, "still dream[ing]". The song is still played live to this day, although is more infrequently played than others.
12" single
The Cure
The Cure are an English rock band formed in Crawley, West Sussex in 1976. The band has experienced several line-up changes, with frontman, vocalist, guitarist and principal songwriter Robert Smith being the only constant member...
's third studio album Faith
Faith (The Cure album)
Faith is the third album by British band The Cure, released in April 1981.- Overview :Faith is generally a brooding, atmospheric, and sombre album, although it has a flash of anger in the form of the song "Doubt", and some edge in the driving single "Primary"...
, released in 1981 on Fiction Records
Fiction Records
Fiction Records is a UK label founded by Chris Parry in 1978 that is best known for being the home of The Cure for over 20 years. Formerly independent, the label is now owned by Polydor, a subsidiary of Universal Music Group.-History:...
. It was the first song by The Cure to be remixed as a separate extended mix for release on 12" single (and not co-released on other formats, in the way the 12" version of A Forest
A Forest
"A Forest" is a single by the English rock band The Cure, released on March 28, 1980 as the only single from their second album Seventeen Seconds. It was their first chart single in the UK, reaching #31; the song was also a hit in the Netherlands, reaching #26. It was also their first single to be...
was also the album version appearing on Seventeen Seconds
Seventeen Seconds
Seventeen Seconds is the second studio album by The Cure, released in April 1980 by Fiction Records. It is the only Cure album to feature keyboardist Matthieu Hartley, and was featured in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die. The album reached number 20 on the British album charts...
, for example). In fact, the original 12" extended mix is, to this day, still only available on the original 12" single, which has never been reproduced on any other album, making it quite a rare item. The main difference between the 7" mix (also the album mix), and 12" mix is that the extended mix lengthens the instrumental introductions to the song's verses.
History
"Primary" was first played during the Seventeen SecondsSeventeen Seconds
Seventeen Seconds is the second studio album by The Cure, released in April 1980 by Fiction Records. It is the only Cure album to feature keyboardist Matthieu Hartley, and was featured in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die. The album reached number 20 on the British album charts...
tour under the name "Cold Colours" with completely different lyrics (aside from the chorus) and a slightly different bassline; interestingly, the song would often be introduced as dedicated to Ian Curtis
Ian Curtis
Ian Kevin Curtis was an English singer and lyricist, famous for leading the post-punk band Joy Division. Joy Division released their debut album, Unknown Pleasures, in 1979 and recorded their follow-up, Closer, in 1980...
. Towards the end of the year, the song was renamed "Primary". A studio demo of this early version, dating from September 1980, is featured on the Deluxe Edition of Faith (but is titled Primary). The 12" single version contains a song which was the first 12" extended mix released by The Cure.
The song appears to be about the disadvantages of growing older. At the end of the song, Robert Smith imagines children being put to sleep ceremoniously, "still dream[ing]". The song is still played live to this day, although is more infrequently played than others.
Track listing
7" single- "Primary"
- "Descent"
12" single
- "Primary [Extended]"
- "Descent"
Personnel
- Simon GallupSimon GallupSimon Jonathon Gallup is an English musician and bassist of the post-punk band The Cure.-Early years:...
- bassBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick.... - Robert SmithRobert Smith (musician)Robert James Smith is an English musician. He is the lead singer, guitar player and principal songwriter of the rock band The Cure, and its only constant member since its founding in 1976...
- vocalsSingingSinging is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, and augments regular speech by the use of both tonality and rhythm. One who sings is called a singer or vocalist. Singers perform music known as songs that can be sung either with or without accompaniment by musical instruments...
, bass - Lol Tolhurst - drumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....