- Source: Primitive Cool
Primitive Cool is the second solo album by English singer Mick Jagger, released in 1987. As the follow-up to Jagger's 1985 album She's the Boss, Primitive Cool was another attempt by Jagger to become a solo star.
Background
Following the release of the Rolling Stones album Dirty Work in 1986, relations between Jagger and Keith Richards soured after Jagger decided to not tour to promote the album in favour of starting his second solo project. Richards was vocal about his discontent in the media—which Jagger replied to, also publicly; "Kow Tow" and "Shoot Off Your Mouth" were reportedly written in response to disparaging remarks made about Jagger by Keith Richards. Undeterred, Jagger promptly began work on Primitive Cool, recording in the Netherlands and Barbados.
Joining up with David A. Stewart and Keith Diamond in the producer's chair, Jagger used Jeff Beck as the regular guitarist for the sessions, seeking to have more uniformity in the recordings.
Reception
Released in September 1987 with "Let's Work" as the lead single, the commercial reaction to Primitive Cool was not as welcoming as the reception for She's the Boss, with the album merely reaching No. 26 in the UK and No. 41 in the United States with "Let's Work" and follow-ups singles "Throwaway" and "Say You Will" were minor hits, not at all rivalling "Just Another Night" in commercial success. As a result, although Jagger toured Primitive Cool, it was only in Japan, Australia & New Zealand, not feeling confident enough to attempt American or British shows.
Reissue
Although originally released by Columbia Records, Primitive Cool was acquired and reissued by Atlantic Records in 1993, following the release of Jagger's third album, Wandering Spirit, which was issued by Atlantic.
Track listing
Personnel
Mick Jagger – vocals, guitars, autoharp, harmonica, percussion
Phil Ashley – keyboards
Richard Cottle – keyboards
Jeff Beck – lead guitar
G. E. Smith – guitars
Doug Wimbish – bass
Simon Phillips – drums
Additional musicians
Denzil Miller – keyboards
Greg Phillinganes – keyboards
Patrick Seymour – keyboards
Keith Diamond – programming
Olle Romo – programming
Jim Barber – rhythm guitar
Vernon Reid – rhythm guitar
Jimmy Rip – rhythm guitar
David A. Stewart – rhythm guitar
Dean Garcia – bass
Omar Hakim – drums
Ernst Hanes – gamelan
David Sanborn – saxophone
Jon Faddis – trumpet
Paddy Moloney – whistle, Uilleann pipes
Seán Keane – fiddle
Jocelyn Brown – backing vocals
Craig Derry – backing vocals
Cindy Mizelle – backing vocals
Brenda White King – backing vocals
Harrison College Choir, Barbados – backing vocals
= Production
=Mick Jagger – producer
David A. Stewart – producer (1, 2, 4, 6)
Keith Diamond – producer (3, 5, 7, 8, 10)
Jon Bavin – engineer
Manu Guiot – engineer
Bob Rosa – engineer
Ed Stasium – engineer, mixing (1, 3-10)
Michael Barbiero – mixing (2)
Steve Thompson – mixing (2)
Albert Bucholz – assistant engineer
Michiel Hoogenboezem – assistant engineer
Glen Johansen – assistant engineer
Scott Mabuchi – assistant engineer
Moira Marquis – assistant engineer
Danny Mormando – assistant engineer
Paul Hamingson – mix assistant (1, 3-10)
Rhonda Schoen – digital editing
Greg Calbi – mastering at Sterling Sound (New York, NY)
Tony King – album coordinator
Roger Davies – creative consultant
Christopher Austopchuk – package design
Francesco Clemente – package concept, illustration
Charts
Certifications and sales
Singles
References
External links
Miami Herald article
Mick Jagger at Todomusica.org (in Spanish)