SurlyOne
11-03-01, 12:22 AM
Passive 80's fans may not realize that Scottish band Simple Minds recorded a wealth of material before their #1 American single "Don't You (Forget About Me)" from 1985. Sparkle In The Rain is their 6th album, released in early 1984. After experimenting with a variety of sounds (garage rock to art rock to synth pop), Simple Minds greeted the year of Big Brother with an all-out rock attack. "Up On The Catwalk" blasts out of the speakers with the twin attack of thunderous drums and rocking...piano! Jim Kerr's vocals are front and center within the first 10 seconds, but it's ultimately the brilliant guitar of Charlie Burchill that sets the listener up for what lies ahead.
"Speed Your Love To Me" is undeniably one of the best songs in the 'Minds repertoire...while many bands with egotistical leaders bury a rhythm section under the vocals, Simple Minds bring out each instrument with thundering clarity. First single "Waterfront" starts out with a heavy, throbbing bassline before a gutteral crash of guitar, drums and keyboards. It's one of the biggest 80's hits in Europe.
The band have always worn their musical influences on their collective sleeves, and on this album, they paid their first real tribute by covering the Lou Reed classic "Street Hassle." After an extended intro with keyboards and string samples, the song kicks in after a few minutes with earth-shattering drums and soaring guitars. One of the real gems of the album is the relentless "The Kick Inside Of Me." Recorded live in the studio in one take, an interview with the band circa 1984 revealed that everyone in the band was left with bleeding fingers at the end of the session by rocking out so hard on the song! As with many of their records, the album ends with the lilting instrumental "Shake Off The Ghosts." It's a great showcase for the solid musicianship of this sorely under-rated band.
"Speed Your Love To Me" is undeniably one of the best songs in the 'Minds repertoire...while many bands with egotistical leaders bury a rhythm section under the vocals, Simple Minds bring out each instrument with thundering clarity. First single "Waterfront" starts out with a heavy, throbbing bassline before a gutteral crash of guitar, drums and keyboards. It's one of the biggest 80's hits in Europe.
The band have always worn their musical influences on their collective sleeves, and on this album, they paid their first real tribute by covering the Lou Reed classic "Street Hassle." After an extended intro with keyboards and string samples, the song kicks in after a few minutes with earth-shattering drums and soaring guitars. One of the real gems of the album is the relentless "The Kick Inside Of Me." Recorded live in the studio in one take, an interview with the band circa 1984 revealed that everyone in the band was left with bleeding fingers at the end of the session by rocking out so hard on the song! As with many of their records, the album ends with the lilting instrumental "Shake Off The Ghosts." It's a great showcase for the solid musicianship of this sorely under-rated band.