From the band's website (this sounds pretty good, but I haven't much cared for their recent releases. I also know there was a tour last year which reunited a classic lineup, but it doesn't seem that lineup recorded this?):


Hot on the heels of their 30th Anniversary Celebration Tour that saw them playing to over a quarter of a million people during their sold out 2008 European/UK arena tour, and their performance at Nelson Mandela's 90th Birthday concert in London's Hyde Park, Simple Minds are about to enter the most prolific period within their extensive career with the highly anticipated brand new album 'Graffiti Soul' due for international release on May 25th by Universal Music Records label.

Their 15th studio album, 'Graffiti Soul' was initially written on location in Rome, Sicily, Antwerp and Glasgow. Simple Minds then returned for the first time in almost three decades to the famous Rockfield Studios where the Scottish group originally recorded their earlier seminal albums 'Real To Real Cacophony', 'Empires And Dance' and sowed the seeds of 'New Gold Dream'.

Produced by Jez Coad and Simple Minds, the new album was mixed in Los Angeles by the legendary Bob Clearmountain, who previously mixed Simple Minds multi platinum 'Once Upon a Time album', and who's mixing credentials include Bruce Springsteen's 'Born In The USA', David Bowie's 'Let's Dance', and 'Roxy Music's 'Avalon'.

"Graffiti Soul is a bold and energetic collection of songs, and we could not be happier with the result," says lead singer, Jim Kerr. "Stylistically, this is a truly vibrant rock'n'roll album that's bursting at the seams with quite possibly the most ballsy pop songs we have written in years."

Although the heart and soul of 'Graffiti Soul' is contemporary in sound, the feel of classic Minds is evident, although the spirit of some of Simple Minds' original contemporaries such as Joy Division, Magazine and the Stranglers, are not far away.

Continues Kerr, "It's taken us a while, but over the last couple of years Charlie Burchill and I have put together a great team of individuals to work with, and that, as well as a revitalised and energetic new commitment has triggered an effect that has dramatically overhauled Simple Minds. 'Graffiti Soul' is testament to that."

In addition to the launch of the new album, Simple Minds are in the process of confirming an extensive 'Graffiti Soul' world tour that will encompass a lot of songs from the new album, plus the band's best loved classics including 'Alive and Kicking', 'Sanctify Yourself', 'Waterfront', 'Promised You A Miracle' and 'Don't You (Forget About Me)'.

"It was a great pleasure making the new album," concludes Kerr. Sometimes you hit a period where everything just fits together perfectly and turns out exactly as you hoped it would. 'Graffiti Soul' reflects that very sentiment, and much more."

---

Note: the album will be released domestically on October 6th. — Linda



Product Description
Featuring original members Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchill (plus Mel Gaynor on drums and Eddie Duffy on bass), Graffiti Soul is Simple Minds' 15th studio album--the latest in a career spanning three decades. Following 2008's reissued The Best of Simple Minds, Graffiti Soul is the first album of new material since 2005. It has the roots of a traditional Simple Minds album, yet comes across contemporary and fresh. 2009.

1. Moscow Underground
2. Rockets
3. Stars
4. Light Travels
5. Kiss And Fly
6. Graffiti Soul
7. Blood Type O
8. This Is It
9. Shadows & Light
10. Rocking In The Free World

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0027VDGI8/?tag=imwan-20

ICErs

Having heard the album for a couple of weeks now, I'd say that although not as good as "Black & White", which was a real return to form, in my opinion, it's still a really really unashamedly good album. If anything, it's just too darn short!

But anyone who likes their mid 80's stuff like "alive & kicking" or "don't you forget about me" will instantly recognize "rockets" & "stars will lead the way" as similar ilk, while older fans of the classic "New Gold Dream" era Minds' will hear similar Eno & CAN inspired hues running through "light travels" & the title track.

I'd recommend it! Cheers!

You've perked up my interest for sure. Can you tell me what the lineup is aside from Jim and Charlie?

I don't think has secured a US release yet.

Nice & lean on this one! The boys in question plus Mel on drums & Duffy. The fact there's no nod towards the past & no reuniting with Derek Forbes & Mick Macneil probably works in favour of the record, strangely..

It's a very slickly produced & textured record for all that though. The phrase "unashamedly Simple Minds" comes to mind.. Bob Clearmountain on production duties probably tells its own story there!

What I'd also say is that it's the best set of lyrics Jim has done since "streetfighting years", despite being a complete nut for anything they've ever released, & forever losing myself in the 'empires & dance' - 'new gold dream' era Minds & those LP's jumbled beauty, his writing since 'real life' has been fairly substandard, in my opinion..

This album continues on from 'Black & White' & has a real level of warmth & dare I say it, HUMOUR to it from start to finish, living in Italy seems to have done Kerr a world of good.. I read an interview where they said they thought it was "the dogs b**ll*cks", & actually revealed back-stories for each single, including a cracker for the amazing title track...

I'm glad to say, as a huge fan of a band that have never given up & always kept their chins up, that perseverance & hard work might have paid off too! It's been their highest charting album in the UK in 14 years.

Again - Highly recommended! Cheers!

It has now. See the first post for updated details.

Did not realize a special edition came out of this album with a very interesting second disc of cover tunes. Must be UK only. Looks like Neil Young, Magazine, Siouxie & Banshees, The Call, Elvis Costello/Nick Lowe, Massive Attack, Thin Lizzy and Beach Boys are represented.
Not sure about "Get a Grip". Looks very cool. I've heard good things about Graffiti Soul, so I'll try to get this edition soon unless anyone tells me the covers are bad. They are great choices though.

Disc 2:
Song Title Time
1. Rockin' In The Free World 4:16
2. Song From Under The Floorboards 4:31
3. Christine 3:09
4. Get A Grip 3:49
5. Let The Day Begin 3:00
6. Peace Love And Understanding 3:32
7. Teardrop 5:31
8. Whiskey In The Jar 3:57
9. Sloop John B 4:33

I finally bought this about 3 weeks ago, and now there's one with a bonus disc?!?!

Semisonic did a terrific song titled "Get a Grip" about...erm...getting a grip on oneself. Maybe this cover is that one?

If it's any consolation Jimbo, the 2CD set has been available since May 2009...

Here's an annotated tracklist for the bonus disc:

1. Rockin' in the Free World [Neil Young]
2. A Song From Under the Floorboards [Magazine]
3. Christine [Siouxsie & the Banshees]
4. (Get A) Grip (On Yourself) [The Stranglers]
5. Let The Day Begin [The Call]
6. (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding [Nick Lowe]
7. Teardrop [Massive Attack]
8. Whiskey in the Jar [Thin Lizzy]
9. Sloop John B [The Beach Boys]