Simple Minds: Acoustic in Concert

Coinciding with the release of their 2016 Acoustic CD, the Scottish band Simple Minds deliver a 16-song set at London's Hackney Empire for a BBC Radio 2 concert. Popular during the late ‘70s/early ‘80s, the New Wave synth-pop group features two remaining original members—lead vocalist Jim Kerr and guitarist Charlie Burchill—who are here backed by percussionist Cherisse Osei, bassist Ged Grimes, guitarist Gordy Goudie, and vocalists Sarah Brown and Catherine Davies. The mellifluous Kerr is the only older member who looks his age, sporting close-cropped gray hair, which—ageism charges, notwithstanding—makes him stand out as an oldster performing young music; in fact, the once heavily propulsive driving sound feels much more sedated here without the synthesizers. Drawing primarily from a trio of hit ‘80s LPs—New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84), Sparkle in the Rain, and Once Upon a Time—the band first really engages the audience with the fifth track “Waterfront” (a more stately song to begin with), eventually followed by the favorites “Speed Your Love to Me,” “Promised You a Miracle,” “Alive and Kicking,” and the mega-hit “Don't You (Forget About Me).” But the set's highlight is the closing number: guest guitarist/vocalist Steve Harley singing “Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)”—which is not even a Simple Minds song. Presented in DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1 and stereo, extras include a bonus audio CD. A strong optional purchase. (R. Pitman)