PRIMAL SCREAM (* 1/2) : “Give Out but Don’t Give Up;” <i> Sire/Warner Bros.</i>

England’s Primal Scream first hit it big with the 1992 single “Come Together,” a rave mutation of Stones-style rock with kitsch samples thrown in. On its second album, the quintet, which employs 18 additional members, dumps its modern-day edge and becomes the Rolling Stones

A Cadillac, a monkey on your back and a tomcat--quintessential subject matter for Stones-inspired rock--are among the images in “Jailbird,” which kicks off the 12-song album. The rest of it follows the Stones’ formula of blues-based acoustic ballads and sassy, strutting pop numbers, with an occasional country twang thrown in.

Lead singer Bobby Gillespie croons in soft, dissipated tones, while backup singers add that inspirational “Gimme Shelter” touch. Laid-back guitar riffs are cool and smooth, but are obvious Keith copies. Hammond organ, harmonica, tambourine and bongos give these catchy but vacuous grooves an extra ‘70s appeal.

Primal Scream should have stuck to its innovative blend of new and old. The band might have intended this derivative sound to be ironic, but it’s just mediocre rock ‘n’ roll with no soul or substance.

New albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor), two stars (fair), three stars (good) and four stars (excellent).