Simple Minds, Neon Lights, 2001 on Eagle

This was the twelfth studio album from Glasgow’s Simple Minds, and is a cover album with the subtitle “originals as played by Simple Minds.” It was designed to generate new awareness (refreshed awareness?) of the band leading up to their album Cry in 2002. (It was released digitally and on CD and cassette in 2001, but not until 2019 on vinyl).

These are songs by bands near and dear to their hearts and strong influences. Not surprisingly that includes Bowie, Echo & the Bunnymen, Velvet Underground, Human League, Roxy Music, and Joy Division – but also Pete Shelley, Patty Smith, the Doors, and Neil Young.

My copy—via Lemezkuckó in Budapest—is the 2019 vinyl issue by Demon Records / Mindmood on clear vinyl.