When you have scaled the peaks that Simple Minds conquered in the 1980s, a temporary step back from the hurly-burly of touring the world is inevitable. But when your creative desire burns as fiercely as that of Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchill, it is also certain you will eventually reach out again towards the glittering prizes.
The new Simple Minds album, their 16th, is called 'Big Music.' Made with an array of collaborators old and new – including co-writer Iain Cook (of Glasgow band Chvrches) and producers Steve Osborne, Andy Wright and Steve Hillage (who worked on 1981's Sons And Fascination / Sister Feelings Call) – Big Music is an irresistible mix of artistry and accessibility.
Among the highlights are the propulsive Blindfolded, which harks back to the powerful electro-glide of 1980's I Travel, and the swirling Human, a potential single reminiscent of the booming sounds of 1984's Sparkle In The Rain. On 'Big Music,' Simple Minds do justice to another legacy – their own – producing an album that deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as Empires And Dance, New Gold Dream and Sparkle In The Rain. They might have been away from the catwalk, but Simple Minds are now fully back where they belong.
Title: Big Music
Format: Vinyl
Release Date: 05 Dec 2014
Artist: Simple Minds
Sku: 2287264
Catalogue No: SMBM05
Category: Rock
DISC 1
LP - SIDE A
Blindfolded
Midnight Walking
Honest Town
LP - SIDE B
Big Music
Human
Blood Diamonds
DISC 2
LP - SIDE C
Let The Day Begin
Concrete And Cherry Blossom
Imagination
LP - SIDE D
Kill Or Cure
Broken Glass Park
Spirited Away