Simple Minds
Live - In the City of Light

THE REVIEW

The release and sales of the single "Don't You (Forget About Me)" had given the band more fame in a few months than it had achieved in nearly ten years of activity. The international recognition obtained, thanks to the musical freshness of those two new wave offspring manifestos, which were (and remain!) "New Gold Dream (81,82,83,84)" and "Sparkle in the Rain", had indeed opened the doors of fame for the Scottish group. But without the appetizing and energetic "Alive and Kicking" and "Sanctify Yourself" driving the captivating pomp of "Once Upon a Time", the story of Jim Kerr & company might have been different.

The tour supporting their seventh album, starting at the Mid Hudson Civic in Poughkeepsie (New York), surpassed 140 dates, giving the Simple Minds the opportunity to travel extensively across the U.S.A., Europe but also Japan and Australia, ending the concert tour on November 9, 1986, at the Western Springs in Auckland, New Zealand. Crowds were guaranteed by music even more destined for the masses, which, without losing quality, earned the Scottish ensemble the deservedly achieved stardom.

In May 1987, it was easy to spot the band's first daring live album on the shelves, compiled from the exuberant performances of the latest worldwide tour. It is easy to see the great comfort the band crafts on stage, making live performances a true celebration of that unique relationship created between the audience and musicians. The initial whips of "Ghostdancing" throw you without much ceremony into the mass involvement that doesn't leave you indifferent, and radiant tracks like "Big Sleep" or "Book of Brilliant Things" keep it consistently high. The re-enactment of genuine gems like "Promised You a Miracle" and "Someone, Somewhere in Summertime" (exceptionally taken from the concert at Sydney's Entertainment) does everything to stay etched in the collective imagination. A great medley that sees the revival of "Love Song" (from "Sons and Fascination" of 1981) and "Dance to the Music" along with the protest song "Sun City" give life to one of the most fiery moments of the show. Among the highlights "Don't You (Forget About Me)" and "Alive and Kicking" that warm and enchant the Zenith of Paris (the majority of the tracks are taken from the dates of August 12 and 13, 1986), leaving the closing of the act to that enveloping golden dream, where the lushness of MacNeil (keyboards) and the embellishments of Burchill (guitar) fused with Kerr's dark declarations create an anthem of undisputed potential.

A double album that traces the career of the group, favoring the more recent tracks without forgetting the moments of first splendor to which long-time fans are always more attached. Just over eighty minutes that let the music pour out through the speakers, which to many may seem pre-packaged, but in which any attentive ear will perceive the remarkable quality and the fatal impact that together elevate the fate of a decade undeservedly remembered almost always for mascara and sequins.