Product description SIMPLE MINDS Cry (2002 German strictly limited edition 12-track CD including exclusive CD-Rom video for Cry numbered picture slipcase pack EAGLT196) .co.uk That the opening bars to Cry finds Jim Kerr opining "It's difficult to love you when you do the things you do time and time again" almost implies that the hideously unfashionable Simple Minds are once again anticipating getting stabbed in the buttocks by poison pens and have decided to save their critics the bother by writing the reviews for them. Well, if that's the case, they've done themselves a little bit of an injustice. The good news--and from this world, not the next--is that Jim Kerr has not reneged on his commitment to making an indecently modest pop record, one where any delusional notions of stadium rock empires are held in check and where melody is a stronger currency than reverb and hot air. Although the cleaner-than-a-kitchen-showroom production is out of step with the contemporary, scuffed-up sounds of "now"--Simple Minds remain hamstrung by their own outmoded brand of professionalism--Cry has more than enough decent tunes to entice persons beyond the well-creased folds of their fan base. Indeed, sparklers such as the Vince Clarke-penned instrumental "The Floating World" (a satisfying instance of Eurosynth deja-vu), the insouciant strum of "Lazy Lately", the slight but rotation-friendly "Spaceface" and the typically traditional fare of "One Step Closer" all cajole the listener into thinking the unthinkable, that 2001's Best of Simple Minds compilation may have arrived a tad too hastily. Happily, Cry is more of a cause for joy than tears.--Kevin Maidment
D**C
Five Stars
product arrived as described. would use this seller again
A**A
Far from a far cry.,
Cry is a truly underrated album. It was also the last album I collected to complete my simple minds collection, and I am certainly glad I didn't decide to overlook it. Within is a subliminal relaxation of a chilled out entoire:- which is perhaps a diametrically opposite direction to the one taken with the straight-up/hard rock sound on the, "Good news from the next world" album. There are also a couple of funky and experimental sound effects within these inclusions too, which for the most part is most complimentary.I must say, apart from the linear opener, I was thoroughly intoxicated with these songs from start-to-finish. So a highly refreshing and unpredictable experience is the order of the day with this one; I can't say any particular song stood out to me from the get-go, but I did find myself comfortable with a track-by-track playthrough. "Disconnected" is perhaps the most unusual type of song from the band. A common theme throughout the album is hooks and pop sensibility a-plenty. Far from a straight down the line approach; It is most definately worth a listen for the lazy days.
A**R
Masterful return to form
.First off, lets get one thing straight. This is a magnificent record. I can’t remember the last time I was so moved by a record after just one listen. This is the best thing Simple Minds have done in simply AGES. It sums up all that they could have been over the past 10 years. If they’d released Cry as a follow up to Street Fighting Years in 1991, the world would have been theirs for the taking. Every song is radio friendly, uplifting, sing-a-long-a-Jim-Kerr. No fillers, no waffle. No crass sentimentalism or overt politics (Simple Minds were always at their best when you didn’t know what they were singing about anyway – In Trance As Mission, anyone?). It just oozes restraint; it doesn’t look like Simple Minds are trying too hard anymore, which is just the way it should be. Think of the huge melodic choruses of Sons and Fascination crossed with the glossy production of Once Upon A Time with the haunting undertones of New Gold Dream and you’ll be somewhere close.Ignore the predictable commercial and critical indifference to this latest release. (You can hear the collective shrugging of shoulders around the world as another Simple Minds record lands among us.) And we’ll also try and ignore the fact that Jim Kerr shares credits on Cry with what looks like virtually every other songwriter in Europe. But then again, he’s not stupid. He knows he was never the best (don’t mention Don’t You). It’s just a shame that none of these songs will ever be heard outside of the confines of the small cluster of fans that have kept the faith through all these years. Reinforcing them as just another 80’s band. That’s okay though. Being a cult band with a small, loyal following always suited Simple Minds much better than the stadium-rockers that made their name.Cry is by no means groundbreaking. But then Simple Minds were never out to change the rules; they always wore their influences on their sleeves. And, yes, we can make out some U2-isms in there now and then... And the latest records by Stereophonics/ Travis/ Starsailor are also filled with these traits. Big uplifting songs with big uplifting choruses are back in style again.It’s spring, the sun is out, Simple Minds are making the music they always should have been making and, just for a moment, all is okay in the world.
P**S
Mature offering from one of the all-time great bands
This album marked a departure for me, being the first SM album that I have bought when released. What awaited my aural senses was an album of typical length, some 48 minutes, of stylish music from Mssrs Kerr & Birchill. Although no single track lept out and grabbed my atention, all 12 tracks are beautifully crated affairs. If I had to pick one track, the title track and opener hit the mark. "New Sunshine Morning" is typical SM, if there is such a thing, catchy tune and melodic/moody vocals. This is a band that has done it all, from "New Romantic-ish" begingings, through a rockier phase with "Sparlke...", almost coming full circle as the years progress, this is yet another release that has that undefinable SM quality about it that I have been unable to put my finger on for the last two decades.
C**.
Fantastic album by Simple Minds.
One word. Masterpiece. Their best selling album ever. Buy it everyone.
C**Y
Band at Ease.....moving and satisfying
Cry is a great album. They have changed direction somewhat using Planet Funk for the odd techno late 70's feel for reminiscing but on the whole they are sounding like they are haveing fun.The album grows on you, particularly Cry, Lazy lately and Cry reprise. Hey I am more satisfied with this than it's predecessor and welcome the new edge to it. Recommended to their followers not for making comparisons on past epic contributions and hopefully will capture a newer generation as well. It grows on you!
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