Customer Reviews

New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84)

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Like many from my generation the first any American teenager had heard from this band was from a now classic 80s movie known as "The Breakfast Club." The song was, of course, "Don't you(forget about me)." Those seeking more from Simple Minds were subsequently enthralled with their huge hit album "Once Upon a Time." But for many fans that was the beginning of the end. Then, one sparkling day, a fit of nostalgia overwhelmed me and I decided to look further into this band's past catalog. I owned "Once Upon a Time" on cassette only(don't laugh, it was the dawn of the compast disc) and I thought, "This is a very good album. I wonder if any of their other albums are any good?" I decided to check out a competing site that has critical reviews, as well as ratings. "New Gold Dream" was given a stellar review and a matching rating of 4.5 stars. Well, the rating is altogether incorrect. It should be higher! This is a fantastic example of all that was good about early 80s New Wave. I have listened to this album repeatedly since I got it in the mail, and seriously can find no flaws. The songs are intricate and well-arranged with pristine production value. No single instrument overwhelms any other, each seeking absolute harmony within the structure of every song. There is another plus that I love here, which is a matter of taste, to be sure. It is that Jim Kerr's vocals on this album are not nearly as bombastic and Bono-like(U2) on this album as on "Once Upon a Time." Instead, he sings with a more intimate tone directly into the listener's ear rather than his occassional catering to the stadium crowd. I obviously prefer his vocalizations here. All in all, this album is a magnificent transition from "Once Upon a Time" and into a whole new and inviting realm of superb songcraft and memorable musicianship. Take a chance and purchase this excellent CD. If you love early 80s New Wave then this CD must be in your collection. The replay value is very high, with many moments you will want to revisit time and again. (Note: This CD comes in a cardboard slip-case with no printed lyrics.) Thank you for reading my review.

I can't rave enough about this record - and have been for 20 years! It is definitely in my top five of the eighties, and my top ten of all time. It's one of those records where everything (melodies, lyrics, texture) just seems to fall into place and work brilliantly. Before this record, Simple Minds were making music with an emphasis on avant-garde textures over melody. The music on New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84) saw a departure from that form, and instead boasts beautiful melodies and haunting vocals complemented by an ethereal production. Kudos to producer Peter Walsh for making the synth-pop flavored music on this album sound beautifully organic and timeless. After 20 years, I have yet to tire of the alluring soundscapes, evocative tunes and spiritual lyrics contained on this masterpiece. The only other record that moves me as much spiritually is Van Morrison's Astral Weeks. Quite simply, New Gold Dream is an overlooked classic.

I've been listening to Simple Minds since the release of their "Glittering Price" album in 1992, the American (cheapo) collection. Although poorly developed, I fell in love with SM by listening to that 1992 album (not to mention that in at least 5-6 years that was the only thing you could find in record stores from Simple Minds around here in Philly!). While there was nothing wrong with the songs (other than most of them [if not all] were significantly trimmed), it was absolutely imcomplete and disorganized. For example, the American album was missing the song from which the name of the album was originally from, Glittering Price (BIG DUH!).

This doesn't have much to do with the New Gold Dream album, since only one song from "New Gold Dream" was in that album, "Someone Somewhere In Summertime", strangely definitely not the best song from the album. With the release of the greatest hits "The Best Of" 2 CD Collection everyone probably thought the problem was going to be fixed. Unfortunately to make the collection complete the "Best Of" should have had 4 CDs instead of two (impossible, I know). But AT LEAST one of these should have been included: "New Gold Dream", "Big Sleep", "Hunter And The Hunted" &/or "Colours Fly And Catherine Wheel".

OK enough blabbering, having said that I really encourage ANYONE who has purchased any Simple Minds album (or even if all you've heard is "Don't You Forget About Me") to give New Gold Dream 81 82 83 84 a try. You'll be delighted. I really love Jim Kerr's strong voice in this album. I give it two thumbs up, but when it comes to this one I wish I had more hands, I'd give it more. Simple Minds music has so much style, no crappy new group from these days will ever match it. I regret that there are still lots of people who have never heard them at all.

Now that I own all of SM albums, I believe that "New Gold Dream 81 82 83 84" and "Sparkle In The Rain" were Simple Minds bests albums.

Yes, believe it. Most of the members of Simple Minds were in their early twenties when they laid this masterpiece down on tape. I cannot find a flaw on this record. I was in a band(playing bass) and listening to this makes me realize how myred in mediocraty we were. I love this band....sadly they changed into something they probably never planned to, Don't You Forget About Me catapulted them to a quicker spotlight and Once Upon A Time was the obligatory album to follow. Make no mistake....this is a brilliant group. They lost an incredible bass player as well as a deep keyboard player but they are still capable of greatness. This record may(and rightly so) be considered their peak, this record is my favorite record of all time, I used my first earned paycheck to buy this album and it is one of my fondest memories. The remastered version is like having it new again......good god this is an excellent recording.

It's very hard to tell you how special this now more than 20-years-old album/CD is without you giving it a listen. Certainly, the 30-second samples you can click on (arrgh! but you don't get the best song, the title track) will give you a small sense of what myself and the other reviews here are emphasizing: that this is a seminal work, music that flows and ebbs and gets inside of you.

In 1983-84, I was only 19-20 and "New Gold Dream" had a profound influence on me. But even if you're new to Simple Minds or this album, and whether you're 15 or 35, the music here is extremely captivating and melodic and, I would argue, spiritually uplifting. The latter point is key: the lyrics underline lead singer and lyricist Jim Kerr's religious background (Catholicism) and his searching for deeper meaning (as well as commercial success for the band).

With that in mind, "Someone, Somewhere in Summertime" and "New Gold Dream" are for me the two best tracks here as they pulsate with joyful yearning and desire. "Glittering Prize" and "Colours Fly" are at the next level down, slightly more "earthy" in sentiment and tone.

This is the best Simple Minds did, in my opinion. Their musical past and future came together and sealed their fate as one of the 80s pioneering pop-rock bands. Interesting, for their next album ("Sparkle in the Rain") they chose producer Steve Lillywhite (who had just done the great "War" album for U2), which dramatically altered their sound. Meanwhile, the producer of "New Gold Dream" album, Peter Walsh (now an industry executive), also produced the China Crisis album "Working with Fire and Steel" in the same time period. If you like "New Gold Dream" take a listen to "Working with Fire" as well: *very* interesting comparison. See my review on that as well!

This was my first Simple Minds album back in 1982. A number of the tracks were actually top ten hits in Australia when they first came out. I recently listened to this recording after many years and it still blows me away the same way it did 22 years ago. A lot of people say that music was better in the 80's and this record is a shining example of that. The musical talents on display are amazing - especially the bass and keyboards. The album has an ethereal quality to it - not like the Cocteau Twins - but one with a more rock sensibility (which would be further explored in their next brilliant release, Sparkle in the Rain).

I think one of the things that people have missed in their reviews of this album is the spiritual aspect of the record. I can think of no other album that so wonderfully combines solid musicianship with a spritual/religious theme throughout (look at the lyrics, song titles and album cover) without being overbearing. The songs here are not the usual ones about breakups and makeups - the songs touch on much bigger and broader themes that are best captured by these lines from Glittering Prize:

'Shine on, Shine the Light on me
In all of my life
So that much more I see
Like a Glittering Prize
I saw you up on a clear day
First taking hearts
Then our last breath away'

As A 15 year old when I first heard this album it struck me as different and possesing a unique beauty. When I listen to this now in 2005 I am even more struck it.

Sadly with this album and Sparkle in the Rain, Simple Minds reached their peak and by the time 'Don't You Forget About Me' was released they had left their most brilliant and inspiring music behind them.

Certainly the music of today and even what is considered progressive and alternative today can't even come close to this. Simply beautiful!

Three things need to be addressed when listening to this remastered edition of "New Gold Dream". The first is the remastering, because, if you are like me, a die-hard Simple Minds fan, you will probably be re-buying this like I did. I have to agree with the other reviewer who felt the remastering was questionable. Compared to say, John Mellencamp's remasters from this year, this album seems to be lacking what I expected. It's a good remastering job, but I think it could have been better.

Second, the music. Well, I don't think I need to say too much here. If you like Simple Minds, then you already own this and know it's one of their best albums. It's arguable whether it is THE PEAK of their career however. I disagree that they fell apart after "Don't You Forget About Me". I thought "Once Upon A Time" and "Street Fighting Years" were great too, though very different musically (particularly "Street Fighting Years").

There's not one track on "New Gold Dream" that shouldn't be there, not one wasted note, or one wasted word. A solid album from beginning to end, which in today's music market is sorely missing. However, and this brings me to my third topic, Simple Minds are on the eve of releasing "Black & White 050505" in two weeks. The rumors are that it rivals "New Gold Dream", and I doubt that very much. It remains to be seen whether their new cd will rival anything in their back catalogue let alone get any radio play (which is criminal when you think of how little Simple Minds are played in the USA).

So, if you are new to Simple Minds, I suggest "New Gold Dream" first, followed by "Sparkle In The Rain" and so on, in chronological order, with their first four albums coming right after you get "Real Life". Here's to another 25 years of Simple Minds music.

I am a self professed and rightfully accused music-snob and, though admittedly the 80's were my favorite decade in music, I don't dish out ratings of excellence very freely. Despite having been mesmerized by this album upon it's original release, I believe the passage of time allows me a good measure of objectivity in reviewing this recording.

Bottom line: It maintains itself as one of my all-time-favorite recordings.

The aptitude of the musicianship is undeniable. The driving baselines, fluid keyboards and hypnotic vocals create atmospheres unlike any other artists of this genre. Highlights include: "Someone, Somewhere in Summertime", "Promised You a Miracle" and "New Gold Dream". Nonetheless, some of the lesser recognized tracks are overlooked, despite being wonderful pieces of ambient bliss. Don't expect your typical 80's pop, this is much more. What Simple Minds did, particularly on this album (I have them all), is marked by the unique ability to transport the listener to dreamy beautiful places glittered with gold. If this sounds too lofty, you haven't listened or you're not ready to share the dream.

When I first saw this item I was thoroughly excited because the original CD release is flat in sound. But when I started listening to this UK remaster I thought to myself 'where is the warm, rich, full-bodied sound the this album was famous for'. Here you get a glaring tinny sound. I find it so distracting - and physically uncomfortable on the ears that after 3 or 4 tracks I have to take it off. I decided to listen to my vinyl copy and yes, I wasn't imagining things. On the vinyl the sound is beautiful, lush and dynamic.
Someone really messed up on this CD. Even the original CD is more listenable.

I'm one of the few people who seem to like "Street Fighting Years" and "Real Life." So, after seeing these glowing reviews about how much better "New Gold Dream" was, I decided to find out for myself. Wow, this is a top 10 CD in my collection, now (and yes, it is better than their later releases).