Primal Scream: Manic Past - Beautiful Future

The band took a trip to the former studio of Eurovision legends Abba to record some of the tracks on the album. Duffy describes the settings and how all the equipment was still set up in the same fashion as it was for the Swedish Popstars. “I played the Dancing Queen piano and they’ve still got the same vibes. Even the headphones and the microphones – all the equipment hadn’t changed since the 70s.”

One thing that has changed since then is the fact that the Eurovision Song Contest is a far from dignified competition. Political voting has been the subject of much of the controversy over recent years but the UK looked set for a possible return to form when Morrissey announced he would enter. Of course he let us down but Duffy has admitted he would love to shock everyone with an unexpected entry. “I wouldn’t put it past us. I know people have wanted to do it. It would be a challenge wouldn’t it (laughs).”

As the conversation intertwines between witty anecdotes and how great the Euro 2008 tournament has been I find the moment to ask about the situation with former guitarist Robert Young. Duffy puffs out a gust of air as he takes a moment to think of his friend. “He’s had a lot of problems – personal problems – and hasn’t been with us for a couple of years now, but you know he’s an old friend. If he sorts himself out and gets over that the door is open for him.”

A few faces who have made it through the door of the recording studio are Queens Of The Stoneage frontman Josh Homme, CSS’s Lovefoxxx and folk singer Linda Thompson – who all make appearances on the new album. Primal Scream have always welcomed guest appearances. Robert Plant, Glen Matlock and Kate Moss have all performed with the band and Duffy admits he has his eye on one more collaboration. “David Bowie would be good. Get him to play a bit of saxophone or something. Someone you wouldn’t expect. Someone to juxtapose on it.”

There’s nothing much more of a juxtaposition then bassist Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield to… well just about anyone else. Duffy explains: “Mani – he’s kind of a one off. He kind of bounces off various things. I think we all compliment each other really well. We’ve had our moments on the road but we all seem to bounce off each other in the right angled bounce.

Duffy takes a final moment to reflect on an illustrious career that looks unlikely of pausing anytime soon. He contemplates some of the personal achievements and accolades his years have brought before picking his fondest. “The fact we’re still around, apart from the odd blip, we’re still alive and we’re still kicking. I think it’s all trying out new stuff, you know we’re not just repeating ourselves. I think that’s something to be proud of.” An admirable past looks likely to bring a beautiful future.