Simple Minds x 5 EMI****

Forget the blustering Simple Minds of Don't You Forget About Meand Belfast Child,and listen instead to the Glasgow band's first five, pre-commercial breakthrough albums – from 1979's Life in a Dayto 1982's New Gold Dream(81-82-83-84). Such prolificacy would be deemed unwise now, but back in the late 1970s the flurry of creativity from Jim Kerr and friends knew very few limits. And so we have a treasure trove of (by this stage) virtually forgotten albums that brim with Krautrock rhythms, sparkling dynamic and grace, and influence – Theme for Great Cities, from Sister Feelings Call,originally a bonus album with 1981's Sons and Fascination, would go on to become one of the most- sampled melodies in house music. simpleminds.com

Download tracks: I Travel, The American, Sweat in Bullet, Theme for Great Cities