Simple Minds Album: “Glittering Prize 81/92”

This US compilation is somehow a grave disappointment because a lot of songs of the European edition were omitted. It's a nice overview for people who are keen on the Simple Minds' radio-friendly era with songs like "See the lights". As a complete chronicle, this album fails. There's not a single song from SM's first seven(!) albums like "Life in a day", "Sons & fascination", or "Sister feelings call", all released between 1979 and 1982. I really recommend you to check out some of these albums because they offer sharp-edged, experimental synth-rock and sound more interesting than the SM's later work. However, "Don't you.." (a song originally appearing on the soundtrack of 1985's "The Breakfast Club") makes its first appearance on a SM album. This will be enough cause for many people to buy this compilation. Despite some shortcomings, "Glittering prize" offers evidence that Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchill were good songwriters with a perfectly developed sense of the dramatic, and the band's success in the '80s was well-deserved.

They did it again! The american version of this great album has fewer tracks (like the Eurythmics Greatest Hits CD). Why this is common practice is unclear, but unless you live in Europe or want to pay import prizes, don't look for the title (!) track "Glittering Prize", "American", "Speed Your Love to Me", Mandela Day" or the quintessential classics "Lovesong" and "Ghostdancing". Too bad we live in the States, I guess

Far from comprehensive, this collection is ok for the casual listener, but lacks the strength to pull off showcasing the band.

Offhand, the edited versions of "Alive and Kicking" and "Sanctify Yourself" really are somewhat disappointing; they just do not compare to the album versions.

There are some catchy tunes here that aren't widely known, "See the Lights" just is impossible not to like, as is "Belfast Child". Everbody knows "Don't You (Forget about Me)".

Crucial omissions from "Sparkle in the Rain" and "New Gold Dream" pretty much relegate this album to simply ok.

Even the newer greatest hits collection falls short; Simple Minds can't be summed up in 1 or 2 CDs.

Like the previous reviewer stated, the American version is indeed a ripoff. If you're a first-time listener to Simple Minds (and don't mind 4 songs missing from the European version), then get it. Otherwise, do get the European version (if you live in Canada or close to Canada, you'll get that version). That's the reason why the American version gets only 3 stars from me! The music in general is really great although I wish they didn't edit some of the tracks. If you're willing to move beyond "Glittering Prize", check out "Sparkle In The Rain", their best one EVER! Or if you want to experience them live, check out "Live In The City Of Light". Now, THAT is a classic in itself!

Two of my favorites, though not the biggest hits, are missing: "Oh Jungleland" and "New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84)". Still a good overview of the band's work and it's nice to have "Don't You Forget About Me".