Primary (song)
"Primary" is a song by English rock band The Cure, released as the sole single from their third studio album, Faith, on 27 March 1981. It reached number 43 in the UK Singles Chart.
Background
The song is unusual in that both Simon Gallup and Robert Smith play bass, with the effects pedals on Smith's giving the leads a unique sound. There are no guitars or keyboards played in the song.Release
"Primary" was the first song by The Cure to be remixed as a separate extended mix for release on 12" single. 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 and the 12" mix is that the extended mix lengthens the instrumental introductions to the song's verses.Critical reception
Upon the single release David Hepworth of Smash Hits expressed his admiration for Robert Smith and wondered "how long The Cure can continue to prop their songs against the same chord progression, with its clambering bass and deadpan drums."Track listing
7"- "Primary"
- "Descent"
- "Primary "
- "Descent"
Musicians
- Robert Smith – vocals, bass
- Simon Gallup – bass
- Lol Tolhurst – drums