lSimple Minds have long been imprisoned in the maze of their own discography. After they resented the 80s during the decade they became famous (90s), we can hear them now glorifying it. Still, even when some of their newest albums get a positive review, critics forget about it the day after. The only reason why Simple Minds still exist are their concerts where they need to play just their earlier records because that is the only thing the audience wants to hear from them.
I really don't understand how they imagined making a big commercial comeback with the album that is supposed to be a back to basics album, and back to basics in Simple Mind's minds means returning to the teenage rooms of Jimi Kerr and Charlie Bucher, the only two members who are there from the very beginning.
Simple Minds Acoustic can also be proclaimed as an obvious excuse to record the old songs once again. Meaning, guys just wanted to make another Greatest Hits compilation. I must admit that their idea to make an acoustic best of sounds much more plausible then when some other bands decided to do so. Afterall, one of their trademarks is the acoustic quality of their original songs, so it comes as no surprise that they offer us even more stripped versions. The name of their previous album Big Music 2014 made total sense to me since their music truly is to big to be reduced to mp3 or youtube. The idea to transpose that sound into acoustic version is legit.
The album starts with American from 1981 Sisters Feelings Call. It is an instant reminder to their arty, transcendental phase before any massive popularity and commercial success. It is when they combined new age new wave and Celtic folk. KT Tunstall guests on Promised You A Miracle and gives the album fresh touch with her charismatic deep vocal. After meditative, trancy numbers come Sanctify Yourself and Chelsea Girl that raise the tempo before the biggest hit appear. Alive And Kicking and Don't You Forget About Me sound incredible, and closing track Long Black Train is perfectly fit cover of Richard Harley's classic.
In conclusion, Simple Mind's acoustic album is not spectacularly different from any of their past materials. On the positive, it stands as an evidence that there is substance behind their massive music. On the negative, songs in these versions sound like they need blood transfusion. Although Acoustics is not a bad introduction for those who never met Simple Minds before, I guess this is something their longterm fans will appreciate the most.
