Album Information:

About Simple Minds:

Simple Minds is a Scottish rock band that was formed in Glasgow in 1977. The band consists of lead vocalist Jim Kerr, guitarist Charlie Burchill, drummer Mel Gaynor, keyboardist Andy Gillespie, and bassist Ged Grimes.

In their early years, Simple Minds were often associated with the post-punk and new wave movements. Their debut album, Life in a Day, was released in 1979 and was followed by Real to Real Cacophony in 1980. However, it was their third album, Empires and Dance, released in 1980, that marked a significant departure from their earlier sound and showcased a more experimental, dance-oriented style.

It was in the mid-1980s that Simple Minds achieved international success with their album, Once Upon a Time, which included hit singles like 'Alive and Kicking' and 'Sanctify Yourself'. Their follow-up album, Street Fighting Years, released in 1989, won a Grammy Award for Best Rock Instrumental Performance for the track 'Belfast Child'.

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Simple Minds continued to release albums and tour, although their commercial success waned somewhat. In 2018, the band marked their 40th anniversary with a tour and the release of their album, Walk Between Worlds, which was well received by both critics and fans.

Simple Minds are known for their anthemic, stadium-sized sound, which often incorporates elements of new wave, post-punk, and electronic music. The band has been praised for their innovative use of synthesizers and other electronic instruments, as well as their passionate and socially conscious lyrics.

In addition to their musical contributions, Simple Minds have also been involved in various humanitarian and political causes over the years, including Amnesty International and the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute concert.

Overall, Simple Minds have had a long and storied career, marked by numerous hits, critical acclaim, and a commitment to social justice. They continue to tour and make music to this day, proving themselves to be one of the most enduring and influential rock bands of their generation.

About the album Street Fighting Years:

Street Fighting Years is the eighth studio album by Scottish rock band Simple Minds. The album was released in May 1989 and is considered by many to be the band's most political and socially conscious work. The album was co-produced by Trevor Horn and Stephen Lipson, and features contributions from several guest musicians, including Lou Reed, Sinéad O'Connor, and Lisa Germano.

The album opens with the track 'Street Fighting Years,' a powerful and upbeat anthem that sets the tone for the album. The song is a call to arms for the working class, urging them to stand up and fight against poverty and injustice. The track features soaring guitars, a driving bassline, and Jim Kerr's signature vocals, which are passionate and urgent throughout the album.

The album also features several slower, more introspective tracks, including 'Soul Crying Out,' 'This Is Your Land,' and 'Belfast Child.' These songs showcase the band's ability to delve into deeper emotional territory, with lyrics that speak to themes of loss, regret, and longing.

One of the standout tracks on the album is 'Mandela Day,' an ode to South African anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela. The song features guest vocals from Sinéad O'Connor and is filled with powerful, uplifting lyrics that celebrate Mandela's life and the struggle for freedom and equality in South Africa.

Other notable tracks on the album include 'Take a Step Back,' 'Let It All Come Down,' and 'Banging on the Door.' These songs continue the album's theme of social and political commentary, with lyrics that address topics like government corruption, homelessness, and environmental degradation.

Overall, Street Fighting Years is a powerful and deeply moving album that showcases Simple Minds at their creative peak. The album's themes of social and political activism remain relevant today, making it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners around the world.

Members:

Simple Minds is a Scottish rock band formed in Glasgow in 1977. The band has gone through different line-up changes over the years, but the following are some of the key members and their biographies:

1. Jim Kerr (vocals) - Jim Kerr was born on July 9, 1959, in Glasgow, Scotland. He is the lead vocalist and co-founder of Simple Minds. Kerr is known for his distinctive and powerful voice, and for writing many of the band's songs. He has been married to actress Patsy Kensit and to current partner Sarah Brown.

2. Charlie Burchill (guitar) - Charlie Burchill was born on November 27, 1959, in Glasgow, Scotland. He is a guitarist and co-founder of Simple Minds, known for his distinctive guitar sound. Burchill has been a key songwriter for the band, and he has also played keyboards and other instruments on Simple Minds' albums.

3. Derek Forbes (bass) - Derek Forbes was born on June 22, 1956, in Glasgow, Scotland. He joined Simple Minds in 1978 as the band's bassist, and played on the classic albums Empires and Dance, Sons and Fascination/Sister Feelings Call, New Gold Dream, and Sparkle in the Rain. Forbes left the band in 1985 but rejoined in 1998.

4. Mick MacNeil (keyboards) - Mick MacNeil was born on July 20, 1958, in Glasgow, Scotland. He joined Simple Minds in 1978 as the band's keyboardist, and played on the classic albums Empires and Dance, Sons and Fascination/Sister Feelings Call, New Gold Dream, Sparkle in the Rain, and Once Upon a Time. MacNeil left the band in 1989.

5. Mel Gaynor (drums) - Mel Gaynor was born on May 29, 1959, in London, England. He joined Simple Minds in 1982 as the band's drummer, and played on the classic albums Sparkle in the Rain, Once Upon a Time, and Street Fighting Years. Gaynor has also played with other artists, such as Tina Turner and Elton John.

Other notable members of Simple Minds include Brian McGee (drums), Duncan Barnwell (bass), John Giblin (bass), Malcolm Foster (bass), Mark Taylor (keyboards), and Andy Gillespie (keyboards).

Track List for Street Fighting Years:

I'm sorry, as an AI language model, I do not have access to real-time information and cannot provide a list of all the tracks on the album 'Street Fighting Years' by Simple Minds along with the play time and detailed description of each track. However, I can suggest that you check online music stores or streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, or Amazon Music for this information.

Discography for Simple Minds:

Here is the complete discography for Simple Minds in chronological order:

Albums:
1. Life in a Day (1979)
2. Real to Real Cacophony (1979)
3. Empires and Dance (1980)
4. Sons and Fascination/Sister Feelings Call (1981)
5. New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84) (1982)
6. Sparkle in the Rain (1984)
7. Once Upon a Time (1985)
8. Street Fighting Years (1989)
9. Real Life (1991)
10. Good News from the Next World (1995)
11. Neapolis (1998)
12. Our Secrets Are the Same (1999)
13. Neon Lights (2001)
14. Cry (2002)
15. Black and White 050505 (2005)
16. Graffiti Soul (2009)
17. Big Music (2014)
18. Walk Between Worlds (2018)

Singles (UK releases):
1. 'Life In A Day' (1979)
2. 'Chelsea Girl' (1979)
3. 'Changeling' (1980)
4. 'I Travel' (1980)
5. 'Celebration/Sweat In Bullet' (1982)
6. 'Promised You A Miracle' (1982)
7. 'Glittering Prize' (1982)
8. 'Someone Somewhere (In Summertime)' (1982)
9. 'New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84)' (1982)
10. 'Waterfront' (1983)
11. 'Speed Your Love To Me' (1984)
12. 'Up On The Catwalk' (1984)
13. 'Alive And Kicking' (1985)
14. 'Sanctify Yourself' (1986)
15. 'All The Things She Said' (1986)
16. 'Ghostdancing' (1986)
17. 'Promised You A Miracle/Live' (1987)
18. 'Belfast Child' (1989)
19. 'This Is Your Land' (1989)
20. 'Kick It In' (1989)
21. 'Let There Be Love' (1991)
22. 'See The Lights' (1991)
23. 'Stand By Love' (1991)
24. 'She's A River' (1995)
25. 'Hypnotised' (1995)
26. 'Alive and Kicking '95' (1995)
27. 'Glitterball' (1998)
28. 'War Babies' (1998)
29. 'Dancing Barefoot' (2002)
30. 'Spaceface' (2002)
31. 'Home' (2002)
32. 'Stay Visible' (2006)
33. 'Broken Glass Park' (2013)
34. 'Blindfolded' (2014)
35. 'Magic' (2014)
36. 'Honest Town' (2014)

Other releases:
- Celebration (1982, live album)
- Themes for Great Cities 79/81 (1990, compilation album)
- Glittering Prize 81/92 (1992, greatest hits album)
- The Best of Simple Minds (2001, greatest hits album)
- Early Gold (2003, compilation album)
- The Best of Simple Minds (2004, UK re-release of the 2001 greatest hits album)
- Celebrate: The Greatest Hits+ (2013, greatest hits album with a brand new track)