Hands down, Scotland’s Simple Minds are in the upper echelon of bands to emerge from the UK New Wave scene during the 1980s. Forming in 1977, Simple Minds would go onto massive success with their 1985 album Once Upon a Time which featured such hits including “Alive and Kicking,” “Sanctify Yourself,” and “All the Things She Said.” A massive time for the band, of course, their biggest mainstream success came earlier that same year with the non-album, The Breakfast Club soundtrack hit “Don’t You (Forget About Me).” Perhaps what more mainstream listeners recognize them for, in truth, their transcendence to more commercial exposure arrived 3 years earlier with the release of New Gold Dream (81–82–83–84) in September of 1982. Their first record to hit UK charts, historically, it is a defining moment in the new direction Pop music would take in the early ‘80s.
An album which featured such singles as “Promised You a Miracle,” New Gold Dream is an outstanding collection full of atmosphere, guitars, and subtlety. In fact, it was even said to have influenced U2’s direction for the 1984 album The Unforgettable Fire. All of this grand history is considered, believe it or not, but New Gold Dream turned 40 years old last year! A long time ago, in truth, the album still sounds amazing; making it a testament to Simple Minds’ carefully created work. Now celebrating it and this special anniversary, in 2023, they release New Gold Dream – Live From Paisley Abbey.
So, what exactly is New Gold Dream – Live From Paisley Abbey? That is a very easy question to answer… it is present day Simple Minds gathering for a one-off live performance of the original album in Scotland’s 12th Century Paisley Abbey. A historic location in Scotland’s history, Paisley Abbey (a parish church of the Church of Scotland on the east bank of the White Cart Water) is awe-inspiring in its architecture, but also the heavenly acoustic it offers. That considered, Simple Minds – Jim Kerr (vocals), Charlie Burchill (guitars, keyboards), Gordy Goudie (acoustic guitar), Ged Grimes (bass), Cherisse Osei (drums), and Sarah Brown (vocals) – unity to in late 2022 to record a live album for the ages.
Released on October 27, 2023 through BMG Rights, New Gold Dream – Live From Paisley Abbey consists of all 9 tracks from the original album and it is available to stream, but also for purchase as CD or a limited edition red transparent marble vinyl LP housed in a gatefold sleeve. At times almost feeling like the original studio album, because of the utter perfection, what makes this live album stand out is its delightfully rich texture, but also enormously epic sounding. Furthermore, Sarah Brown vocals bouncing off the church’s elevated ceilings adds a new dynamic to each of these tracks.
In all honesty many live records leave something to be desired, but the location, performance, and approach Simple Minds takes for New Gold Dream – Live From Paisley Abbey make it a must listen. In truth, you may want to listen to it back to back with the original New Gold Dream album… just to study the differences. And with that, it is highly recommended to pick up the CD or vinyl edition to truly absorb everything this release has to offer. Now we can only hope that a Blu-ray and/or DVD will be released of the video capturing this live set. Until then, Cryptic Rock is inspired, giving New Gold Dream – Live From Paisley Abbey 5 out of 5 stars.
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