chart-topping single. In the fall, the band released their seventh and most successful album, Once Upon a Time. The euphoric and joyful lead single " Alive and Kicking " reached # 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. The inspiring exhortation " Sanctify Yourself " rode atop a heavy soul groove, equally inspired by gospel and Sly and the Family Stone. The anthemic " All the Things She Said " found guitarist Charlie Burchill working his shimmering sonic magic while the song reflected singer Jim Kerr ' s thoughts about shadowy deeds in world politics. The aforementioned " Ghost Dancing " demonstrated the technique that proved so influential upon U2 ' s the Edge and songs like " Where the Streets Have No Name." Profits from the single benefited Amnesty International. Title track " Once Upon a Time " hinged upon a bristling Mick MacNeil keyboard figure. The nostalgic " Oh Jungleland," moody " I Wish You Were Here," and stirring " Come a Long Way " were single-worthy as well, making Once Upon a Time its own greatest hits collection for the time. Many new fans were disappointed that the hit movie single was not included on the album. Still, those listeners were likely unaware of how unusual it was for Simple Minds to have recorded a song by an outside composer, and of the band ' s justifiable pride in its own work. In recognition of the banner year and its milestones, the combination has finally happened. However, it has been
done in a way that seems intended to prove the band ' s point. " Don ' t You( Forget About Me)" is included at the end of side one. It ' s honestly detrimental to both the single and the album. In this admitted fan ' s opinion, the work would have been better served by adding the single as a coda to the album at the end of side two, or better still, by including a reproduction of the 7 " single as a bonus item within the LP sleeve. At 20 minutes per side, the original Once Upon a Time was the ideal length for a quality vinyl LP pressing, and the songs were perfectly sequenced for the listening experience. Instead of making a welcome nostalgic throwback, the undeniably catchy " Don ' t You( Forget About Me)" feels like an interruption in both its placement and its sonic treatment. Fans without an LP copy for their turntables can certainly enjoy the chance to have a fresh vinyl pressing. It just could have been done a bit more respectfully for a brilliant album and a world-dominating single. This presentation is jarring enough to make this writer reconsider his previously stated wish that " Strawberry Fields Forever " and " Penny Lane " had been included on ** Sgt. Pepper ' s Lonely Hearts Club Band. A deluxe package is available that provides for B-sides, rarities, and the 1986 Paris concert recording, Paris Live in the City of Light, which yielded another UK hit single, " Promised You a Miracle( live)." Also included are a book of interviews with Burchill and Kerr, and track-by-track liner notes.
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JANUARY STUDIO REPORT
At THE MUSIC BUILDING Medanos( Chicago Vibes, Venezuelan Roots Rock) just released their first EP, Is The Dream Still Alive. The EP was produced by Vladimir Ron, with mixing and mastering by Brett Romnes. Stream it now on Spotify and Apple Music. Kice Akkawi, CEO of Treblemonsters( a sonic branding agency) and touring EDM DJ / Producer, is announcing that Treble Academy, his new 8-week music industry course, starts in January, and sign-ups are open now at www. Treble. Academy. The Major Studio is offering a studio special: $ 10 off any recording session when you bring the promo flyer to their session. DM them at @ themajorstudiochi for all info. Franklin Jonas and the Byzantines tracked
Medanos at The Music Building
recently at GRAVITY STUDIOS. New single and Alt Country song, " Break the Levee ", shows Jonas ' growth as a songwriter / vocalist.
Fierce Atmospheres was in Varberg, Sweden, working on their new album The Story So Far with King Diamond guitarist / producer Andy LaRocque at his own SONIC TRAIN STUDIOS. Guitarist Eric J. Gosselin, Bassist Lance King, and vocalistAl Rybka tracked. The album will also feature King Diamond drummer Matt Thompson and is slated for release by Summer.
Hey Studiophiler: To get your studio or band listed in " Studiophile," just email your studio / recording info to service @ illinoisentertainer. com, subject line: Studiophile. The deadline is January 15 for February issue.
30 illinoisentertainer. com january 2026