New Gold Dream (81–82–83–84)

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New Gold Dream (81–82–83–84)
Studio album by
Simple Minds
Released17 September 1982[1]
RecordedFebruary–August 1982[2][3]
Studio
Genre
Length46:02
LabelVirgin UK A&M USA
ProducerPeter Walsh
Simple Minds chronology
Celebration
(1982) 		New Gold Dream (81–82–83–84)
(1982) 		Sparkle in the Rain
(1984)
Simple Minds studio albums chronology
Sons and Fascination/Sister Feelings Call
(1981) 		New Gold Dream (81–82–83–84)
(1982) 		Sparkle in the Rain
(1984)
Singles from New Gold Dream (81–82–83–84)
  1. "Promised You a Miracle"
    Released: 2 April 1982[10]
  2. "Glittering Prize"
    Released: 16 August 1982
  3. "Someone Somewhere in Summertime"
    Released: 5 November 1982

New Gold Dream (81–82–83–84) is the fifth studio album by Scottish band Simple Minds. The album was released in September 1982 by record label Virgin, and was a turning point for the band as they gained critical and commercial success in the UK and Europe. It is considered one of the defining albums of the new pop movement of the early 1980s.[11][12]

Background and recording[edit]

New Gold Dream originated in Simple Minds' unexpected popular and commercial success during an Australian tour with Icehouse following the release of Sons and Fascination. The band was prompted by this experience to write "Promised You a Miracle" upon their return to Europe.[13]

In a 2012 interview, singer Jim Kerr recalled the production of the album as a wonderful time during the late spring and early summer of 1982 in which "everything we tried worked," adding: "There were no arguments. We were in love with what we were doing, playing it, listening to it. You don't get many periods in your life when it all goes your way."[13]

The album was recorded over a five-month period at Rockfield Studio, The Townhouse and Oxford Manor, with preproduction at The Old Mill in Fife. During a short tour rehearsal in January 1982, the band wrote what would become the songs "King Is White and in the Crowd", "Hunter and the Hunted" and "Promised You a Miracle," a song that proved pivotal to the musical direction of the album. It was unveiled in a Kid Jensen session for Radio 1 and released as a single in April 1982.[14]

Producer Peter Walsh was hired on the recommendation of guitarist Charlie Burchill, who had been impressed by Walsh's work on the remix of the band's previous single "Sweat in Bullet." During the recording sessions, Walsh became dissatisfied with Mike Ogletree's drumming, so he recruited session drummer Mel Gaynor for the album. Following Ogletree's departure, Gaynor became a full-time member of the band.[14]

Jazz keyboardist Herbie Hancock guested on the album and plays a synthesizer solo on the song "Hunter and the Hunted."[14]

Release[edit]

Released in September 1982, the album entered the UK Albums Chart at no.6 and reached its peak position at no.3 the following week. It would spend a total of 53 weeks on the UK charts.[15] [16] In the U.S., A&M issued some limited-edition translucent gold with maroon-coloured marble vinyl pressings of the album.[17]

The record generated a handful of singles which all reached the top 40 in the UK: "Promised You a Miracle" (released in April 1982) became the band's first top 20 hit, reaching no.13 on the UK Singles Chart during an 11 week chart run. "Glittering Prize" (August 1982) was almost equally successful, peaking at no.16 and "Someone Somewhere in Summertime" (November 1982) reached no.36.[15] The title track saw a limited release in Italy when the band visited in March 1983.[citation needed]

Virgin Records reissued the album as a remastered edition in 2002 (cardboard vinyl replica edition) and early 2003 (jewel case). On the 2002/2003 edition, the gaps between the tracks on the album are slightly shorter. Virgin also reissued the album on SACD in 2003.

2005 DVD-Audio version[edit]

In 2005, Virgin released a DVD-Audio version that was remixed by Ronald Prent. All of the tracks except "Colours Fly and Catherine Wheel" and "Promised You a Miracle" (for which the multitrack tapes were lost) were remixed in 5.1 surround sound, and a downmixed 2.0 stereo version was created for DVD-Audio setups without surround sound.

The DVD-Audio version contains the bonus track "In Every Heaven," which had previously been lost as it was not labelled properly on the master tape. An instrumental version of the song titled "Soundtrack for Every Heaven" had been the B-side of the "Someone, Somewhere (In Summertime)" 12-inch single and was also included in the Methods of Dance Volume 2 compilation on Virgin. An alternative version of "In Every Heaven" from the same sessions appears in the X5 box set.

2016 box set[edit]

In 2016, Virgin Records issued a six-disc deluxe box set including the original album, single versions, alternative takes and demos, B-sides, 1982 radio sessions and a DVD with the 2005 5.1 mix of the album and performances on Top of the Pops. Virgin also reissued the album as a digital download, a two-CD set, a single CD and a vinyl LP.[14]

Reception[edit]

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[18]
Encyclopedia of Popular Music[19]
The Great Rock Discography8/10[20]
Mojo[21]
Q[22]
Record Collector[23]
Rolling Stone[24]
Smash Hits8/10[25]
Uncut[26]
The Village VoiceC+[27]

The album received several positive reviews. In NME, Paul Morley wrote: "My loyalty towards Simple Minds is known to be considerable, yet even I am jarred by the constant beauty of this music. New Gold Dream robs me of my breath." Record Mirror's Mark Cooper wrote: "They have stunned and impressed me but they have rarely moved me. Suddenly, in New Gold Dream, they’ve conquered their fear of feeling and come out shining.”[14]

Journalist David Stubbs places New Gold Dream (81–82–83–84) alongside ABC's The Lexicon of Love and the Associates' Sulk in a group of albums that he describes as the "zenith" of pop music.[13] In a 2016 review in Record Collector, journalist Tom Byford wrote: "New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84) stands shining and singular in the Simple Minds canon... Now it not only takes its place among the greatest future-pop albums of the 80s (Dare, The Lexicon Of Love), it sits comfortably among the greatest pop albums of all time."[23]

The album was included in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.[7]

When creating their 1984 album The Unforgettable Fire, the Irish rock band U2 saw New Gold Dream as an influence.[28]

In 1998, Jim Kerr said: "Every band or artist with a history has an album that's their holy grail. I suppose New Gold Dream was ours. It was a special time because we were really beginning to break through with that record, both commercially and critically. The people that liked that record connected with it in a special way. There was a depth to it: it created its own mythology. It stood out. It was our most successful record to date and, critically, the Paul Morleys of this world were writing very nice things about it."[29]

Track listing[edit]

All tracks are written by Simple Minds (Charlie Burchill, Derek Forbes, Jim Kerr, Michael MacNeil), except where noted

Side A
No.TitleLength
1."Someone Somewhere in Summertime"4:36
2."Colours Fly and Catherine Wheel"3:49
3."Promised You a Miracle"4:28
4."Big Sleep"5:00
5."Somebody Up There Likes You (Instrumental)"5:02
Side B
No.TitleLength
6."New Gold Dream (81–82–83–84)"5:39
7."Glittering Prize"4:33
8."Hunter and the Hunted"5:55
9."King is White and in the Crowd"7:00
2005 DVDA bonus track
No.TitleLength
10."In Every Heaven"4:50
Deluxe Edition Disc 1: The Original Album
No.TitleLength
1."Someone Somewhere in Summertime"4:36
2."Colours Fly and Catherine Wheel"3:49
3."Promised You a Miracle"4:28
4."Big Sleep"5:00
5."Somebody Up There Likes You"5:02
6."New Gold Dream (81–82–83–84)"5:39
7."Glittering Prize"4:33
8."Hunter and the Hunted"5:55
9."King is White and in the Crowd"7:00
Deluxe Edition Disc 2: Extended Versions
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Promised You a Miracle" (Extended) 4:51
2."Seeing Out the Angel" (Instrumental Remix)Brian McGee, Charlie Burchill, Derek Forbes, Jim Kerr, Michael MacNeil6:32
3."Promised You a Miracle" (US Remix) 6:00
4."Promised You a Miracle" (US Dub) 5:28
5."Promised You a Miracle" (US Special Extended Remix) 6:11
6."Glittering Prize" (Club Mix) 4:57
7."Glittering Prize" (Extended Theme) 4:57
8."Someone Somewhere in Summertime" (Extended) 6:06
9."New Gold Dream (81–82–83–84)" (German 12" Mix) 6:53
10."King is White and in the Crowd" (Instrumental) 8:46
11."New Gold Dream (81–82–83–84)" (German 12" Remix with Drums) 6:56
12."In Every Heaven" 4:24
Deluxe Edition Disc 3: Edits And B-Sides
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Promised You a Miracle" (Edit) 3:59
2."Theme for Great Cities"Brian McGee, Charlie Burchill, Derek Forbes, Jim Kerr, Michael MacNeil5:42
3."Glittering Prize" (Edit) 3:58
4."Glittering Prize" (Theme) 4:06
5."Someone Somewhere in Summertime" (Edit) 3:55
6."Soundtrack for Every Heaven" 4:56
7."New Gold Dream (81–82–83–84)" (7" Mix) 4:46
Deluxe Edition Disc 4: Radio Sessions
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Promised You a Miracle" (David Jensen Session: 11 February 1982) 4:27
2."In Trance as Mission" (David Jensen Session: 11 February 1982)Brian McGee, Charlie Burchill, Derek Forbes, Jim Kerr, Michael MacNeil4:30
3."King Is White and in the Crowd" (David Jensen Session: 11 February 1982) 5:18
4."Promised You a Miracle" (John Peel Session: 15 February 1982) 4:38
5."Love Song" (John Peel Session: 15 February 1982)Brian McGee, Charlie Burchill, Derek Forbes, Jim Kerr, Michael MacNeil5:48
6."Sons and Fascination" (John Peel Session: 15 February 1982)Brian McGee, Charlie Burchill, Derek Forbes, Jim Kerr, Michael MacNeil6:42
7."King is White and in the Crowd" (John Peel Session: 15 February 1982) 6:05
8."Someone Somewhere in Summertime" (David Jensen Session: 13 August 1982) 5:09
9."Glittering Prize" (David Jensen Session: 13 August 1982) 4:19
10."Hunter and the Hunted" (David Jensen Session: 13 August 1982) 5:55
Deluxe Edition Disc 5: Alternative Mixes, Roughs and Demos
No.TitleLength
1."Someone Somewhere in Summertime" (Full Duration)5:43
2."Colours Fly and Catherine Wheel" (Full Duration Instrumental)4:37
3."Promised You a Miracle" (Remix For Album: Long)4:50
4."Big Sleep" (Instrumental)5:09
5."In Every Heaven" (Full Duration)5:37
6."Somebody Up There Likes You" (Full Duration Instrumental)5:11
7."New Gold Dream (81–82–83–84)" (Full Duration)7:01
8."Hunter and the Hunted" (Alternative Take)5:14
9."King is White and in the Crowd" (Monitor Mix)7:13
10."In Every Heaven" (Early Version)4:35
Deluxe Edition Disc 6 (DVD): New Gold Dream (5.1 Mix & Videos)
No.TitleLength
1."Someone Somewhere in Summertime" (5.1 Mix)5:22
2."Colours Fly and Catherine Wheel" (5.1 Mix)3:49
3."Promised You a Miracle" (5.1 Mix)4:28
4."Big Sleep" (5.1 Mix)5:27
5."Somebody Up There Likes You" (5.1 Mix)5:45
6."New Gold Dream (81–82–83–84)" (5.1 Mix)6:08
7."Glittering Prize" (5.1 Mix)4:40
8."Hunter and the Hunted" (5.1 Mix)6:09
9."King is White and in the Crowd" (5.1 Mix)7:31
10."In Every Heaven" (5.1 Mix)4:46
11."Promised You a Miracle" (Promo Video)4:03
12."Glittering Prize" (Promo Video)4:03
13."Promised You a Miracle" (Top Of The Pops Performance 17 April 1982)3:33
14."Glittering Prize" (Top Of The Pops Performance 2 September 1982)3:39
Note
  • The Deluxe Edition consists of disc 1 (The Original Album) and disc 2 (Extended Versions).
  • The Super Deluxe Edition contains all six discs.

Personnel[edit]

Adapted from the album's liner notes.[30]

Simple Minds

Additional musicians

Technical

  • Peter Walsh – producer, engineer, arrangements
  • Keith 'Richard' Nixon – tape operator
  • George Chambers – tape operator
  • Francis Xavier Gallagher – tape operator
  • Malcolm Garrett, Assorted iMaGes – album sleeve
  • Jamie Morgan – photography

Charts[edit]

Certifications[edit]

Region Certification Certified units/sales
Belgium (BEA)[47] Gold 25,000*
Canada (Music Canada)[48] Gold 50,000^
France (SNEP)[49] Gold 100,000*
Netherlands (NVPI)[50] Platinum 100,000^
New Zealand (RMNZ)[51] Platinum 15,000^
Sweden (GLF)[52] Gold 50,000^
United Kingdom (BPI)[1] Platinum 300,000^
Yugoslavia — 10,060[53]

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b "British album certifications – Simple Minds – New Gold Dream". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 26 May 2019.
  2. ^ "Dream giver redux | songs | demos | simple minds: New gold dream (81,82,83,84) rough mixes".
  3. ^ "Dream giver redux | tours | sons and fascination tour 1982".
  4. ^ "New Gold Dream (81,82,83,84): Information". Dream Giver Redux. Retrieved 23 April 2021.
  5. ^ Reynolds, Simon (2005). "New Gold Dreams 81-82-83-84: New Pop's Peak, the Second British Invasion of America, and the Rise of MTV". Rip It Up and Start Again: Postpunk 1978–1984. London: Faber and Faber. ISBN 978-0-14-303672-2.
  6. ^ Kellman, Andy. "Sparkle in the Rain – Simple Minds". AllMusic. Retrieved 15 September 2018.
  7. ^ a b Heller-Nicholas, Alexandra (2016). "Simple Minds - New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84) [sic]". In Dimery, Robert (ed.). 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die. London: Cassell Illustrated. p. 491.
  8. ^ Kellman, Andy. "Real to Real Cacophony – Simple Minds". AllMusic. Retrieved 15 February 2013.
  9. ^ "The best synth-pop albums of the 1980s". Far Out magazins. Retrieved 10 November 2023.
  10. ^ "Discography: Singles". Dream Giver Redux. Retrieved 23 April 2021.
  11. ^ Price, Simon (6 December 2009). "Simple Minds, LG Arena, Birmingham". The Independent.
  12. ^ Jack, Malcolm. "Simple Minds: Dont You Forget About Me". Electronic Sound.
  13. ^ a b c Stubbs, David (21 February 2012). "A Glittering Prize – Jim Kerr Of Simple Minds Interviewed". The Quietus. Retrieved 4 June 2017.
  14. ^ a b c d e New Gold Dream Box Set Simple Minds.com
  15. ^ a b "Simple Minds". Official Charts Company.
  16. ^ "Simple Minds". Biography. Music Scotland. Retrieved 19 August 2007.
  17. ^ "Simple Minds – New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84)". Discogs. 1982.
  18. ^ Wilson, MacKenzie. "New Gold Dream (81–82–83–84) – Simple Minds". AllMusic. Retrieved 24 October 2011.
  19. ^ Larkin, Colin (2011). The Encyclopedia of Popular Music (5th concise ed.). Omnibus Press. ISBN 978-0-85712-595-8.
  20. ^ Strong, Martin C. (2006). The Essential Rock Discography (1st ed.). Edinburgh: Canongate Books. p. 970. ISBN 1-84195-985-5.
  21. ^ Eccleston, Danny (September 2016). "Precious mettle". Mojo (274): 105.
  22. ^ "Simple Minds: New Gold Dream (81–82–83–84)". Q (211): 117. February 2004.
  23. ^ a b Byford, Tom (September 2016). "Simple Minds – New Gold Dream (81–82–83–84)". Record Collector (457). Retrieved 6 January 2017.
  24. ^ Fricke, David (14 April 1983). "Simple Minds: New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84)". Rolling Stone. No. 393. ISSN 0035-791X. Archived from the original on 17 November 2007.
  25. ^ Hepworth, David (30 September – 13 October 1982). "Albums". Smash Hits: 25.
  26. ^ "Simple Minds: New Gold Dream (81–82–83–84)". Uncut (66): 139. November 2002.
  27. ^ Christgau, Robert (26 July 1983). "Christgau's Consumer Guide". The Village Voice. Retrieved 8 January 2013.
  28. ^ "Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois Remember the Making of U2's Unforgettable Fire – Pitchfork". Pitchfork. 23 October 2009.
  29. ^ Q March 1998
  30. ^ "Studio albums: New Gold Dream (81–82–83–84)". Simple Minds official website. September 1982. Retrieved 23 April 2021.
  31. ^ Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992. St Ives, NSW: Australian Chart Book Ltd. ISBN 0-646-11917-6. Note: Used for Australian Singles and Albums charting from 1974 until Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) created their own charts in mid-1988. In 1992, Kent back calculated chart positions for 1970–1974.
  32. ^ "Dutchcharts.nl – Simple Minds – New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84)" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved 19 December 2020.
  33. ^ "Charts.nz – Simple Minds – New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84)". Hung Medien. Retrieved 19 December 2020.
  34. ^ "Norwegiancharts.com – Simple Minds – New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84)". Hung Medien. Retrieved 19 December 2020.
  35. ^ "Swedishcharts.com – Simple Minds – New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84)". Hung Medien. Retrieved 19 December 2020.
  36. ^ "Simple Minds | Artist | Official Charts". UK Albums Chart. Retrieved 19 December 2020.
  37. ^ "Simple Minds Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved 19 December 2020.
  38. ^ "Ultratop.be – Simple Minds – New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84) – Remastered 2016" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved 6 August 2016.
  39. ^ "Ultratop.be – Simple Minds – New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84) – Remastered 2016" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved 6 August 2016.
  40. ^ "Dutchcharts.nl – Simple Minds – New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84) – Remastered 2016" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved 6 August 2016.
  41. ^ "Offiziellecharts.de – Simple Minds – New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84)" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved 5 August 2016.
  42. ^ "NZ Heatseekers Albums Chart". Recorded Music NZ. 15 August 2016. Retrieved 12 August 2016.
  43. ^ "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 7 August 2016.
  44. ^ "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 6 August 2016.
  45. ^ "Top Selling Albums of 1982 — The Official New Zealand Music Chart". Recorded Music New Zealand. Retrieved 1 February 2022.
  46. ^ "Top Selling Albums of 1983 — The Official New Zealand Music Chart". Recorded Music New Zealand. Retrieved 2 February 2022.
  47. ^ "Belgian gold disc award, presented to Simple Minds for sales of 25,000 copies of the album New Gold Dream". 20 July 2023.
  48. ^ "Canadian album certifications – Simple Minds – New Gold Dream". Music Canada. Retrieved 26 May 2019.
  49. ^ "Les Certifications depuis 1973: Albums". Infodisc.fr. Retrieved 26 May 2019. (select "Simple Minds" from drop-down list)
  50. ^ "Dutch album certifications – Simple Minds – New Gold Dream" (in Dutch). Nederlandse Vereniging van Producenten en Importeurs van beeld- en geluidsdragers. Retrieved 26 May 2019. Enter New Gold Dream in the "Artiest of titel" box. Select 1988 in the drop-down menu saying "Alle jaargangen".
  51. ^ "New Zealand album certifications – Simple Minds – New Gold Dream". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved 20 June 2019.
  52. ^ "Guld- och Platinacertifikat − År 1987−1998" (PDF) (in Swedish). IFPI Sweden. Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 May 2011. Retrieved 26 May 2019.
  53. ^ Hudelist, Darko (1 October 1984). "Rang-lista licencnih izdanja". Yugopapir. Archived from the original on 31 October 2019. Retrieved 7 August 2023.

Further reading[edit]

External links[edit]

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