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Critic's Review
Kelvin Hayes, All Music Guide
As an oboe/guitar player involved in electro popular music, it's no surprise that Iva Davies (aka Icehouse) took to Roxy Music, especially on "Street Cafe" and the mega-hit "Hey Little Girl," which duly landed in no less than 13 European Top Ten singles charts, and went all the way in Switzerland. An album of atmospheres, "Great Southern Land" evokes images of Australia's arid interior, while "Trojan Blue" conjures up medieval Italy or France. "Mysterious Thing" continues Primitive Man's mood, and produces what may be the best line in ambient white funk recorded! Running orders for the album fluctuate; Australian editions swapped "Love in Motion" for the more rocking "Break These Chains" (vice versa in the U.K.). Finishing up is an excellent reworking of "Goodnight Mr. Mathews," which had earlier appeared on the Steve Nye single-only version of "Love in Motion" (itself re-recorded less successfully). Primitive Man (aka Love in Motion in the U.K.) is still one of Icehouse's finest recordings. Those seeking out the CD are also blessed with the inclusion of "Over the Line," hitherto only available on Fresco and the singles box set, the original 12" of "Girl," and the German version of "Uniform."
