release date: Sep. 12, 1981
format: cd (2003 remaster)
[album rate: 3,5 / 5] [3,68]
producer: Steve Hillage
label: Virgin Records - nationality: Scotland, UK
Track highlights: 2. "Sweat in Bullet" (4 / 5) - 3. "70 Cities as Love Brings the Fall" - 4. "Boys From Brazil" - 5. "Love Song" - 7. "Sons and Fascination" - 8. "Seeing out the Angel" - 10. "The American" - 15. "Sound in 70 Cities"
4th studio album by Simple Minds, or in reality: the fourth and fifth, although, the recordings stem from the same sessions and the two albums were released separately but also together. Generally, it's considered a double release 'cause the first issues were released as a double album where Sons and Fascination was the main issue and Sister Feelings Call was included as a bonus lp, which is why the 2003 remaster is released as one cd containing both albums on one disc. The album is the band's first after signing with major label, Virgin Records. Tracks #1-8 are similar to the original single lp versions of Sons and Fascination and tracks #9-15 make up the original single issue of Sister Feelings Call. Mind you, earlier cd issues of the combo leaves some tracks out due to limitations in running time.
Musically, the band has made a noticeable progression toward more melodic compositions, although, they still hang on to a highly original synthpop with new wave / post-punk influences, which also places the band close to Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, but the album may also be seen as their stepping stone towards mainstream pop / rock - which would be more accentuated on the successive album.
The album is the last with the original line-up with Jim Kerr on vocals, Charlie Burchill on guitars, Derek Forbes on bass, Mick MacNeil on keyboards, and Brian McGee on drums. Drummer McGee left the band just after finishing the recordings and was subsequently replaced by Kenny Hyslop, who also feature on two of the videos recorded after the album release.
The album was met by critical acclaim and went as high as to #11 on the UK albums chart list.
Imho, this is one of the best albums by Simple Minds, although, it really is the first half of the combo release that shines, and viewed as original sound and an artistic progression of a band, the album may be the most important release by Simple Minds.
