Simple Minds - X5
To coincide with Simple Minds’ forthcoming, unique intimate 16-date 5 X 5 European tour, EMI will release a limited edition box set.
X5 features the bands first five albums - Life In A Day, Real To Real Cacophony, Empires and Dance, Sons and Fascination/Sister Feelings Call and New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84), which celebrates its 30th anniversary next year - plus very rare bonus material.
Simple Minds - named after a lyric from David Bowie’s ‘Jean Genie’ - were formed in Glasgow in 1977 from the ashes of short-lived punk band Johnny and The Self Abusers.
By 1979 the band had built an incredible live following and, after signing to Arista, released their debut album Life In A Day, which was produced by the legendary John Leckie (as would be their next two albums).
A predominately post-punk album - though with the band’s glam influences shining through, especially Roxy Music - it never the less hinted at Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchill’s future songwriting prowess, particularly in the brilliant life-affirming title track and the songs ‘Someone’ and ‘Chelsea Girl’.
Released a little over six months later, Real To Real Cacophony was a huge departure in sound, with a more unconventional approach to songwriting - with much of the album written in the studio - proving far more innovative than the band’s debut, with more space - bordering on dub in places - and experimentation, a darker atmosphere and unconventional time signatures.
It was to begin the band’s fascination with European culture.