Search - Simple Minds :: Sparkle in the Rain

A Band About to Break Through and Did They Ever

Immaculate Friend | N. California | 10/20/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Never being one's to sit still and go with what worked for them so well(New Gold Dream), Simple Minds literally crashed into the US alternative scene with one of the most unique sounding records I've ever heard. Honestly, is there a single record that anything like this one? I know they've been compared to U2 on more than one occasion but noone had a bass player quite like Derek Forbes, a guitar player quite like Charlie Burchill, a keyboard player quite like Michael McNeil, a drummer quite like Mel Gaynor or a singer/songwriter with the majesty of vocals and lyrics of Jim Kerr.



I remember the end of a Rolling Stone review saying that "Sunday school never sounded quite like this." What a good description. The first thing I thought of when hearing "Up on the Catwalk" was organs in a large cathedral high in the Scottish countryside. Steve Lillywhite brings every sound out front and helps make these powerful songs so much more.

This album is solid from start to finish. Each one memorable in its own way and each one adds to the overall impact of teh album. My favorite tracks here are "Speed Your Love to Me", "Up on the Catwalk", "East at Easter", "C Moon Cry Like a Baby" and "Shake Off the Ghosts". When I saw the band on this tour this incredible instrumental would fade in over the pa while the shadows of the band members appeared behind some light drapings. What an incredible entrance.



Any fan of alternative music should make it a point to add this one to their heavy rotation stack. Awe inspiring from start to finish and an unforgettable listening experience."

The First Masterpiece From Scotland's Righteous Rockers

The Footpath Cowboy | Kingston, NY United States | 07/31/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"SPARKLE IN THE RAIN was the first true masterpiece from Simple Minds, who, along with U2, The Police, REM, INXS, The Cars, The Clash, The Call, Midnight Oil, Joe Jackson, Elvis Costello, The Fixx, a few other 80s new wave acts, certain 80s hard rockers, and all the great 60s and 70s bands, can rightfully be called "classic rock" today. The songs "Up On The Catwalk", "Speed Your Love To Me", and "Waterfront" are bona fide anthems in the vein of U2, although Simple Minds have their own unique sound which is finally being appreciated today, especially since this band currently advocates sanctions against Indonesia in reataliation for that country's recent trumped-up drug-smuggling conviction of a young Australian tourist. This album and ONCE UPON A TIME are the first Simple Minds albums to purchase."

Their Best Album

Music Man | NY,NY | 11/09/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album kicks! It's got a very original sound to it. It shows how great they were as a band and their musical abilities. If I had to use one word to describe it, it would be "Powerful"."