Simple Minds X5: The Supplement [pt. 4]

Today we will continue drawing a roadmap for the Monastically inclined to compile a supplement of all of the contemporaneous bonus tracks left off of the new Simple Minds X5 boxed set. Since this marks the first time that Simple Minds have ventured down the “remaster with bonus tracks” road, you can forgive me for thinking that at some point in the future, this will be replicated, perhaps in 2xCD DLX RM format featuring all of the material outlined in the last several posts. Perhaps with some previously unreleased material, if they really know how to work that action.

Seeing Out The Angel [instrumental remix]

Virgin | UK | 12" | 1982 | VS 488-12

Their breakthrough single, “Promised You A Miracle,” was unusual in that two songs from their previous album, “Sons + Fascination” featured as B-sides for the lead single from their next album, “New Gold Dream [81, 82, 83, 84].” “Themes For Great Cities” was the 7″ B-side and this remix by Ian Caple of “Seeing Out The Angel” appeared only on the 12″ single. Given that the “extended version” of the A-side was a whole 23 seconds longer on its fade, this cut was by all means the reason to spring for the single on 12″ format, apart from the better fidelity. Caple’s remix isn’t radical; it was 1982, but it does add a new dimension to the song for the discerning fan.

Virgin | UK | 5xCD | 1990 | SMTCD 1

For eight years, the 12″ above was the only way to get this remix of the atmospheric “Seeing Out The Angel,” but in 1990, Virgin released the elaborate [and expensive] “Themes” series of boxed CD singles based on all of Simple Minds’ 12″ single releases on the Virgin label. These puppies were elaborate fold-out affairs holding five CD singles with picture labels, but I’d be lying if I didn’t reveal that there were mastering and sourcing flaws that marred the package. Fortunately, when it came to “Seeing Out The Angel [instrumental remix], the mastering engineer sourced the right tape, so you can get the track here in CD form.

Virgin | UK | CD | 1990 | THEME 5

Of course, after buying all four of the hefty “Themes” boxes [net cost = nearly $200] what did Virgin do but release each of the component singles as individual discs in slimline jewel boxes? Adding salt to the wounds, the mastering flaws in the boxes were said to be addressed in the individual discs. I can’t say for certain, because having spent nearly $200 on the “Themes” I didn’t exactly rush right out to buy them again! Nevertheless, these exist in the world, if you want to obtain the remix in full CD quality.

Kind of boring, isn't it?

Finally, there exists a very inexpensive option for the collector to obtain this track; the full “Themes” sets are available at far less than $200 on iTunes currently, and one may purchase the individual download of the track for the lowest price of all. But you’ll be empty-handed. And you must commit to a lifetime of backing that file up until you pass from this mortal coil. And the file license [you are not its owner] may not be legally transferred to any other individual. The choice is yours.

Promised You A Miracle [US extended remix]

The Miracle [dub version]

A+M Records | US | 12" | 1982 | SP-12057

To perhaps karmically compensate for the tepid UK 12″ of “Miracle,” the band’s new US label, A+M records invested time and money in making an infinitely more adventurous extended remix of “Promised You A Miracle” all wrapped up in a unique cover that complements the design that their UK releases had at the time. The A-side mix by Steve Thompson is a corker, that accentuates the rhythm and percussive elements of the track and re-organizes the arrangement for lots of new and stimulating frissons.

Thompson also mixed the B-side dub version which isn’t bad, as these things go, though at the end of the day it’s still a “dub version” in name only. Truth in labeling laws would compel me to call this an instrumental remix instead as there’s only a smattering of dub space involved here. This dub mix appears only on this US 12″ record, but the A-side remix is more ubiquitous.

Virgin | UK | 12" | 1985 | VS860/12

Several years later, Virgin trotted out the vastly superior US remix as a sop to those who might balk at buying the third single pulled from their best selling “Once Upon A Time” album. If anything, it eased the pain of hearing the interminable live version of the already-played-out “Don’t You [Forget About Me]” which is mercifully faded out over nine minutes into the singalong that Jim Kerr instigates in this recording. But perhaps not. Of course, this also means that the Themes volume 3 package, has this track replicated digitally in CD form, as well as the individual version of this single on CD format. And of course, in our old friend, the iTunes store.