The following group needs no introduction. The Primitives crystalized the sound of the DIY 80s underground explosion with the monumental single "Crash" off their album Lovely and recently dropped the EP Don't Know Where to Start for HHBTM Records. Having reformed in 2009 after splitting up in 1992, Tracy Tracy and the crew carry forth their trademark sound of pastel fashioned audio textiles matched with bespoke two-cycle oiled leather. They encapsulate a larger, scrappy underground that unites artful dodgers, derelicts of discerning tastes and lead the way for decades of DIY arts in revolt that can be witnessed in the works of countless contemporaneous (and modern classical) creatives.

The title track shines a light on the group's pursuit of perfect guitar tones and arrangements that invert 60s styles with punked up energy and plenty of modern day power pop pomp. The "Till I'm Alive" speeds with with a spit shining sense of suave that feels like a 90s cult hit motorbiking it's way to the top of the charts. "Panic" is the epitome of The Primitives sound, a reminder of the tenets and power of the DIY ethos, sensibility, attitude, aura and energy. Completed with the delightful, fun filled frenzy of an acoustic rendering of "Don't Know Where to Start"; the UK legends cast a beam of exuberance and energy that is bold, bouncy, being both comprised from the fabrics of different times while remaining totally timeless.

The Primitives join us after the jump for an exclusive survey of French pop faves:

The Primitives present five favourite yé-yé punk rock tunes from the mid 60s

Dani, “La Machine”

A feisty paean to vacuous consumerism and to a world becoming subjugated by technology.

Some sampled translated lyrics:

I bought myself a machine

I can't be apart from it anymore

I take myself away from my machine

And I can't dream anymore

I bought myself a machine

A machine that produces nothing

A cent-stealing gadget

There's no doubt that I needed it

Jacques Dutronc, “Les gens sont fous, les temps sont flous”

Probably channeling Dylan and The Troggs and stuff but kind of sounds like The Fall a decade too early.

Laura Ulmer, "Amoureux d'une affiche"

A three chord stomping jangly shouter sung from the point of view of an ogled at female model on a billboard poster. The Primitives covered this one on the album Echoes And Rhymes.

Christine Pilzer, “Ah-Hem-Ho-Uh-Errr…”

I can imagine a cover of this by The Make Up.

Stone, “C'est Ma Vie”

Another magnifique straight-ahead shouter.

The Primitives’ Don’t Know Where To Start is available now via HHBTM Records.