SIMPLE MINDS
‘Street Fighting Years’
VIRGIN
Simple Minds have spent so much time on the road these past years, or so it seems, that it’s inevitable that ‘Street Fighting Years’ sounds like a rehearsal for their next world tour. Its grandiose compositions begin with gently undulating arrangements then puff out that chest in a proud display of wailing guitars and keyboards. Kerr’s voice occasionally gets a little lost in the richness of it all, but carefully placed ‘drops’ bring everything down to a whisper of cymbals and bass, where you can already hear the roars of approval from the crowd. ‘Rousing’ and ‘mature’ are the words that spring to mind in an album that could do with a little more of the vigour and energy of ‘Kick It In’ and a little less self indulgence, but nevertheless ‘Street Fighting Years’ is a thoughtful album that Minds fans will love. Those without CDs shouldn’t feel too upset about missing out on ‘When Spirits Rise’ (CD & cassette only), a brief dirge of pipes that merely acts as a full stop on the whole proceedings. ☆☆☆☆