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Graham Clark
Music Features Writer
@Maxximum23Clark
3:10 PM 14th November 2014
arts

Album Review: Simple Minds - Big Music (Caroline Records)

 
It is easy to forget that back in the 1980's Simple Minds were as big as U2. Both bands have new albums out at the moment and whilst U2 went on to greater success Simple Minds seemed to fade out of the limelight that is until now.

The band toured the UK 18 months ago and has another UK tour next spring that visits our region. The new album Big Music is aptly titled, the group seemed to have had a renaissance in their song writing as this new album is a pleasant surprise and a return to their glory days. It is probably their best album in over 25 years.

The album is best heard loud as it really is a big sound that harks back to their stadium concert gigs in the late 80's. The album starts off with Blindfolded, a track that has a drum sound that Def Leppard would be proud to have with guitarist Charlie Burchill's trademark guitar providing the band's legendary sound. albeit with a bigger soundscape.

Honest Town is the first commercial track on the album with its haunting melody - the song is vintage Simple Minds whilst the title track Big Music sounds like the band are at their peak again. Talk about having rediscovered your muse.

With the recent success if the Electronic Dance Music scene with artists such as Calvin Harris the band sound contemporary again, This is an album for you to re-discover the band and for new fans to get into the band.

Bold, over the top in places, epic and hard not to like. It's great to have them back

4 out of 5