The more I listen to it, the more I think it might just be. If not, then a very close second to Street Hassle. So…what is it about Simple Minds covering Lou Reed songs that makes them so wonderful?
Jim’s worship of Lou? Does it give an extra sense of “duty”? Does he just…care more? Wants to do an even BETTER job on a Reed composition than any other? Well…it’s not just down to Jim that makes these covers such gems. It’s the music of them too. Charlie and Mick making a gorgeous piece for Street Hassle and then Gordy doing his bit for All Tomorrow’s Parties.
It’s what I love most about ATP. There’s a beautiful melancholy to it…melodious melancholy. And I just ADORE Jim’s voice on it. There’s just such a tenderness in his voice. And a tone to his voice that harks back more to Sons And Fascination/New Gold Dream period Jim. The nuances and tone – just really beautiful.
Neon Lights gets shat upon so much by the fans. Most refer to it as “Neon Shites”. I was guilty of it too. I dismissed it rather quickly when I became a mega fan. But I decided to give it more of my time when it was reissued as part of the Rejuvenation box set. And I am glad I did. Granted, it still isn’t perfect – but it certainly isn’t the out and out turkey most fans seem to feel it is. The biggest gem of them all, for me, being this beautiful version of All Tomorrow’s Parties.
To me it gets more and more beautiful with each listen…
