There certainly aren’t many artists daring enough to re-record their songs in an acoustic format. But that’s not true of Simple Minds, whom, late in 2016, released an album of much-loved classics in a stunning reintroduction. Oh yeah, here were those who recorded live sets unplugged. But not many of them actually going into a studio to do it. With Acoustic, Kerr and Burchill has easily produced a new and enduring classic with reimagined classic Simple Minds tunes. Songs like “Promised You A Miracle” (recorded with KT Tunstall), “See The Lights”, “Someone, Somewhere In Summertime”, “Alive and Kicking”, “Waterfront”, and of course, “Don’t You (Forget About Me)”, are delightful to listen to and carry a high caliber of replay value. I know. Today, some nine months after release, it’s a regular in rotation.
Eagle Rock Music released a BBC Music live set from Simple Minds’ show in London at the Hackney Empire. The show was a response to the popularity of the Acoustic album, and was warmly attended by fans. The set, Acoustic In Concert, is a combo CD/DVD and a BD set that can be viewed and, with the DVD set, equally enjoyed on the run. What’s as surprising about the Acoustic In Concert set is how vibrant the show was. Kerr and Burchill may be older now, but their age has no impact on their ability to parade their famous songs in great glory. It’s evident that they’re proud of those songs.
Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchill have employed Cherisse Osei as their drummer and percussionist. Her performance is lively adding to the currency value of the show itself. The band is rounded out by current member, Ged Grimes, and vocalist Sarah Brown. Simple Minds are as valid a band long after their sales peak as can be enjoyed. Their previous album, Big Music, was released in 2014, and was filled with excellence. I’ll say this, it was easy to remain a Simple Minds fan long after the retreat of Once Upon A Time from 1985.
Not only have I enjoyed listening to Acoustic for these many months, I have enjoyed watching this amazing band on In Concert. There’s little doubt that I will regularly revisit the DVD just like I do with a few other great concert DVDs. I won’t compare it to others because each band brings their own presence to the stage. But suffice it to say, listening to the mates perform classics like “Sanctify Yourself”, “Promised You A Miracle”, “New Gold Dreams”, and “Chelsea Girl”, is a heart-warming experience. There’s even a good cover of Patti Smith’s “Dancing Barefoot” within. The DVD’s video quality is quite amazing. I could only imagine the beauty of a BD.
If the band decided to do an Acoustic, Volume II, I’d be first in line for it. As for their Acoustic show, I’d definitely attend. Acoustic In Concert is an able convincing media for that resolution.
Acoustic In Concert – Simple Minds
01 New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84)
02 See The Lights
03 Glittering Prize
04 Stand By Love
05 Waterfront
06 Andy Warhol
07 Chelsea Girl
08 Someone Somewhere (In Summertime)
09 Dancing Barefoot
10 Speed Your Love To Me
11 Promised You A Miracle
12 Don t You (Forget About Me)
13 Sanctify Yourself
14 Long Black Train
15 Alive And Kicking
16 Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me)