Simple Minds THEME FOR GREAT CITIES

[elunicotomas]

un flash

[settingson4]

is this derek forbes on bass?

[mouroxavlo]

fantastic for catwalk

[Happysundaze]

Timeless classic, can't think of a Simple Minds tune I like more than this. Brilliant energy, great dance tune and just as good to chill out to.

[FFGecko]

Я только сейчас узнал об этом треке. Отличая вещь!

Фанател тут от Raven Maize - Real Life, и случайно узнал исходные источники.

Не зря день прожит сегодня! Супер!

[sexyshazzam12]

two words....genius and tune!

[buckleheid]

9 ppl ahve no fukn taste in music at all

[preving]

@buckleheid Agreed...9 people are stupid

[sorryibrokethetrees]

this is bullcr*p!!

[SkateDice69]

@sorryibrokethetrees go get aids off ure fat mother.

[sorryibrokethetrees]

@SkateDice69 Oh jesus, it's the same rythm for 6 minutes...and nothing special for a rythm...

[preving]

@sorryibrokethetrees that's why they call it TRANCE music. Also remember that this came out in 1981.....

[tigerarmyrule]

@preving that it came out in '81 is irrelevant. music is good or it isn't. Mozart is hundreds of years old, as is Beethoven. This track is superb whether 1981 or 2001. Music was just as creative, arguably more so, back then as now. That it is repetitive is equally irrelevant. As you say it is supposed to be. it is great.

[preving]

@tigerarmyrule That is my favorite song from Simple Minds and they are my favorite group. I've talked to Mick McNeil, the keyboardist and he agrees with me that Simple Minds were amazing between 1977-1982. I'm 40 years old and I went through the 80's generation so I know what music should sound like. It was waaay more creative back then as opposed to now...

[tigerarmyrule]

@preving My fave as well. I'm long enough in the tooth myself preving and it always brings a smile to my face when I read kids write about a song being "good for the '80s" as if we weren't able to tie our shoelaces back then. EG rock still hasn't and cannot improve on The Who and Led Zep 40 years ago. Most if notall music now is a copy of something between 1965 and 1982.

[tigerarmyrule]

Driving up the straight roads into Chicago with the huge skyline growing bigger, the canyons of skyscrapers....the last great american city reaching for the sky. This superb track always reminds me of that.

[plopplop1983]

scrtch guitar and rubber be=ass line utter magic

[davesteijger]

meilleur chanson

[davesteijger]

phantastique!!

[halfamp]

Fantastic tune, takes me back to my late teens in the early eighties, brill!

[TheAnimalviking]

Epic Masterpiece!! 15 years old with this album/song in the casetteplayer reading the Hobbit, Dinamik duo.

[djrobswift]

Simple Minds' "Them For Great Cities" is a beautiful, timeless piece of sonic art. Being a "turntablist" what inspires me most about a song is the pace of the drums. Kudos to Brian McGee, his drumming was in the pocket. Charles Burchill on guitars is phenomenal. His playing cuts through so sharp. Basses, Derek Forbes & Keyboard player, Michael MacNeil lay the icing. Playing "Themes..." once just isn't enough for me. On that note "play it again Sam..."

Thank you Simple Minds!

[MaximoMoretti]

9 people are living in da forest

[guruartist]

Best music ensemble ever!

[DaviMax]

Best song ever!!

[Cocorikot]

The bass and the keyboard kick asses

[Beelzebubbbbles]

Man, this is such a solid tune that it's hard to say which of the musicians contributes most. Charlie's guitar is perfect, Derek Forbes underpins the whole with some wicked bass, McGee's drumming is solid, and then there's the keyboards creating the ambience. It was my favourite instrumental 30 years ago, and it is still. Lucky enough to hear them play it live in '82...

[GingerCatfish]

I heard this a while back and was like wow then found out who done it and was like ffs wow, seriously live tunes like this

[MrSovietEngland]

Somebody make a "Theme for great cities for 58 minutes" please :)

[glengooner74]

Great tune !!! Used to listen to this Driving back from Helter Skelter Raves In Milton Keynes !!! Great Times !! Wish i could do it all over Again !!!

[DuranFan09]

Amazing.

[geert995]

real keyboards amazing song and lets not forget top drums by mel top show

[grayham37]

@geert995 No its Brian Mcgee who left the band after this album.

[grayham37]

@geert995 No its Brian Mcgee who left the band after this album.

[colinodonnell1]

It's not mel on drums

[bertinthesky]

One of the greatest electronic songs of the 80's, levels equal with a Forest (the Cure), Blue Monday (New Order) and Fade to grey (Visage)

[maxinblax777]

BEST EVER instrumental from ANY band period!!

[lismclis51]

One of the best tunes ever, without lyrics. An incredible band. I loved dancing too this song. What a brilliant beat the drums make. I'd freak out on the dancefloor too this tune. Bopping all over, crazy yet wonderful times. Thanks for the post.

[lismclis51]

One of the best tunes ever, without lyrics. An incredible band. I loved dancing too this song. What a brilliant beat the drums make. I'd freak out in the dancefloor too this tune. Bopping all over, crazy yet wonderful times. Thanks for the post.

[The61769]

fantastic X's 100

[richievegas01]

Ace. End of.

[ian9178]

you just cant beat class

[Rowini]

Thanks for posing this total RULE.

[greggynite]

great

[MrAmadaeus]

Glasgow to Edinburgh, M8 at night. Whatever speed you choose.

[wiganrlfc]

M62 over the Pennines on a dark night with all the towns passing by at 100mph this is the song u need

[TheCelandine]

@wiganrlfc Surely, that would be "Theme From Grotty Cities" then?

[wiganrlfc]

@TheCelandine I did find it ironic when driving through Leeds

[maxlereporter]

Magnifique!!! si elle sortait maintenant elle dépasserait les 50millions de vues

[spek972]

Impresionante...Que recuerdos...

[georgejacktheripper]

early simple minds and early u2 = simply fucking amazing music <3<3

[autodafeh242]

danced my soks off on this track in Holland.....we were all fan of SMinds,,,Jimmy Kerr....lekker ding as we say in holland...grommmmmmmmmm

[Timeredefined]

I remember reading a rare Kraftwerk interview in an electronic music maker mag circa 1981. They actually mentioned OMD and Simple Minds as bands that they admire that have 'taken the baton' so to speak. This track is SO MAD ('Mad' as in good :-)

[StiGisSim0]

I was listening to this song in the middle of the night.. while blasting down the Stelvio and the Flüelapass.. in my Alfa Romeo

I only have to remember this.. and start to shiver...

[72christobal]

This song cuts through so many genres and been sampled numerous of times. Its actually a classic breakdance tune as well, and those guys are really picky about their dance music!!!

[alchemysmb]

SUCH A WELL INFORMED PIECE OF MUSIC FOR ITS TIME  ANYONE THAT DOESNT LIKE THIS QUITE SIMPLY DOSENT UNDERSTAND IT

sh !

[nevets4ever]

I know how a lot of folks are loving the later Simple Minds - that's ok. But give me the edgier classics from late 1970s and earlier 1980s - like this one or New Gold Dream or I Travel or Summertime or Belfast Child or even the fabulous post-punk Chelsea Girl. We love you Jim and Simple Minds.

[CoconutJoel]

BLOODY BRILLIANT!!!

[TalkToTheBody]

I love this piece, makes a great opening for the Verona gig. .....if you have never seen it then go buy it! One of the best gigs ever recorded on video and superb editing too

[albertomurtinheira]

yes masterpiece, this song don't need lyrics cos they flow from our mind

[megaforcemedia]

How come Will Smith hasn't rapped over this?

[GMAN73ful]

Amazing!

[franckmilo62]

ouarf !  je Super-kiffe cette zique

fan de simple minds forever.

[southport97]

Still sounds before it's time.

[NOLLANDCHAY]

yep...back in the day you could love the b-sides too: i remember playing this almost as much as 'promised you a miracle', happy happy times!

[Marcobelix]

Best thing about this song?

When you're nearing the end and starting to feel sad because the song is almost over, you can just drag the progress bar back and listen to it all over again.

[nikinuman]

@Marcobelix sensational perspective! x



[nikinuman]

@Marcobelix sensational perspective!

[iomoo]

this song was on the chanel runway; that's good enough for me.

[elveggoloco]

WOW, why am I only discovering this 30 years later? I *LOVE* it!

[superleeds73]

Absolute Masterpiece, respect from Leeds (Life long Fan)

[lavsmate]

@superleeds73 i hear ya

[davyjones800]

Heard this on Top Gear on Sunday... magnificent soundtrack

[exceedthestated]

I do miss those heady Shoom days in London SE1.

This version followed up with Corporation of One's 'Real Life'... 10 minutes of absolute bliss.

[vajyna]

@exceedthestated I agree. That band [Corporation of One.] mix this song with Queen's vocals is eerily beautiful back in 89. And then Raven Maize brought back to life in 2001.

[schlachthauz]

Love wears no crown.

[Bexx1973]

Epic! No more words!

[kayakboyuk]

Sounds a lot like 'Let the Children Speak' on Real Life.

[richiebhoy1888]

@kayakboyuk same tune...usually opened with this tune on the Real Life tour if my memory serves me correct.

[ronaldvanderkleij]

Dancing in Azorra westeinde Den Haag It is gone. Never find a place where they play it.So we have to do it at home and you tube makes it even better.Thanks for this finest moment

[Reulor]

Theynot only had a fantastic singer and were one of the best livebands, their instrumentals are awesome. Masterpiece! Try this while driving at night....

[Loobs666]

@Reulor Spot on! Driving at night + this track = a Marriage made in mash-head Heaven!

[Joke9972]

I feel like blond raisins...

[mikee66]

Guys lets not forget the movie The Business with Danny Dyre, this is the best song of the whole film but yet is not listed on the soundtrack? shocking!!

[lavsmate]

@mikee66 yet "dont you" was a little odd that this is a corking tune

[GuruSponge]

I bought this on 10 inch vinyl in 80/81. The American on side A. Theme for Great Cities on side B along with Sweatin Bullets -- if I remember right. Used to walk around Glasgow with Theme for Great Cities in my head. I like to think this song was inspired by Glasgow.

[massakre01]

amazing music.. makes me wanna play a racing video game

[joshypo16]

this song was on a chanel fashion show

[qarapalida]

pre trance

[ShiveCanber]

I did wonder where Raven Maize with their 2001 dance hit 'Real Life' got their samples from. Now it was Simple Minds 'Theme for Great Cities' and Queen 'Bohemian Rhapsody'.

[zebramol]

 ::::::::: MASTERPIECE :::::::

[james97802]

@zebramol wot a haunting song love it .... mick mcneal wos the engine of simple minds shame he left

[dunning1977]

@james97802 Yes he did and got fed up with touring and fame... just wanted to spend time with his family. Forbes too was a legend, but I read somewhere that he got rather arrogant in the early days, thinking he was too big for SM so left. I know he came back later, but still what a bass player. McNeill and Forbes were both amazing for SM, but nod disputing Charlie Burchill on guitar - a phenomenal guitarist and under-rated - just like Lyndsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac who is also underrated

[dwiseman1]

Stunning track, god how i loved and loved to, this band! 

[diamondmg]

Chanel used this for their fall/winter runway 2010:)

[taffyspark]

@diamondmg They've always used this as an intro since year dot!!!!! Taffyspark.

[CombatRocks]

The Minds were a great band up until Sparkle in the Rain - then they became a stadium band which ruined them. They started writing all that 'pomp rock' crap for the American audience, leaving behind their roots and originality. After Forbes left they lost it - I am so pleased to see Forbes and McGee back on the road as XSM. I'll be seeing them in December in Glasgow - 31 years after I last saw them, in Glasgow!!

[monkeydo41]

@CombatRocks Hi any more info on forbes and mcgee playing together would be great i`m a fan of the early stuff so would love to see them live. Ta

[monkeydo41]

@CombatRocks Hi any more info on forbes and mcgee playing together would be great i`m a fan of the early stuff so would love to see them live. Ta .

[CombatRocks]

@monkeydo41 The gig was pulled - I think the band split up! Shame. I was really looking forward to seeing them again. Don't know what's happening now.

[willh1970]

fantastic song...

[hayabusa376]

raven maize -real life !!!!!!

[leebedy71]

BY FAR THE BEST INSTRUMENTAL EVER!!!!!!!!!!!

[evilalteregomusic]

played this track more than the A Side back in the day!! (:>

[Joke9972]

Read all underneath comments.

[panamaniak]

Derek Forbes

[a1videovault]

Love this song.

My eldest has just left home and gone to uni and I have been clearing out his room. This is now my music room and have just brought down my hi fi system From The attic I bought when I was 18 and set it up in the room. It still works after all these years and this is the first track I played from my record collection.

I dont think the wife will see a lot of me in the near future.

I feel like a teenager again. Long live the early Simple Minds!

[galloway6204]

Battlefield Vietnam: Apatche ownage + This song = Awsome!

[galloway6204]

Battlefield Vietnam: Apatche ownage + This song = Awsome!

[farswept]

gwad, i hate this album art. check the Malcolm Garrett design in that post by fery2, everybody -->

[fexfreppl]

we cruised with a mini cooper through hamburg city, listening to early simple minds & soft cell ,yeah , big time!

[jsara70]

magnific



[D1g1dood]

Awesome, awesome, awesome. One of my all time faves.

[WINYARD87]

What does that symbol mean?

[sbsteven56]

@WINYARD87 heart operation perhaps

[TruthCommissioner]

@sbsteven56 - not quite! it is an irish claddagh ring symbol - token of love/friendship

[sbsteven56]

@TruthCommissioner were they irish ?

[TruthCommissioner]

@sbsteven56 - no SM is a Scottish band - but the claddagh symbol is of celtic origin (celtic applying to both irish and scots type persons)-hope that helps!

[sbsteven56]

@WINYARD87 in the royal hospital

[cleric443]

@WINYARD87 love is king

[WINYARD87]

@cleric443 Do you know that? Or just your interpretation? Perhaps it is just a meaningless graphic. It would make a cool tattoo... but not if it meant or represented something negative

[cleric443]

@WINYARD87 It's just my interpretation. It would make an awesome tattoo indeed! cheers!

[TruthCommissioner]

@WINYARD87 - it is an irish claddagh ring symbol - a token of friendship/love

[Joonto100]

no other instrumental song has taken me by like this

[Artaud1957]

The vinyl versions of Sons and Fascination and Sister Feelings Call were originally issued together. One came as an "extra free album", according to the label on the shrink wrap. They are Simple Minds' greatest work, IMHO. Better even than the amazing Reel to Reel Cacophony.

[gostdeamon]

Being 52 this brings back memories i feel young again rock on the 80s

[crisalides2010]

inspiration

[3v3angel]

Love it!

[wuckle]

Very like Early 'Midge Ure' Ultravox here. Is it a Glasgow thing?

[MrWaeseL]

So this is where Raiven Maize got that sample

[daveghaxton]

Hail the genius that is Derek Forbes

[davyjones800]

I can't go a week without listening to this

[brnmhn]

Similar to early 70's Pink Floyd

[Mazynurse]

This is such a great song of the simple minds. It makes the hair on my neck stand up. Very eerie sound. Great stuff. Thanks for posting

[davyjones800]

0:17 - great bassline

[iomoo]

this song is so good, chanel used it for one of their finest runways 2010/11.

[Steril707]

Heard this the first time in 1992, and was completely blown away. Bought "Sisters Feelings call" the next day, and it has been one of my favourite Albums ever since.

So ahead of its time.

[lawblaw]

the boys did a mean instrumental totally trance.

[thecouturedivagirl]

u heard this in chanel winter 2010 i jsut fell in love with it!

[klipschorn123]

cool music..used to be played in Italian discotheques in the 80ies just like Kraftwerk ...nice spl and proper sound:)..Rimini..Riccione..Alt­ro Mondo Studios..

[thecouturedivagirl]

8 dislikes? please haters just can't stand the power of this type of music. suck it son!

[0629197552]

@thecouturedivagirl

heheh maby they accidently missed the "up" button.

The song sound very modern at that time i think it was from around 85 or 84 and it still great till this day.

[waricensi]

The Best¡ Max from Mexique

[txfantastic]

great song so far in time

[BostonFastJack]

Oh yeah...thanks for posting this.

Dreams of pre and post college.

Liked to stup to this, or roomies and I would all put this on (three rooms - three turntables) in unison and lock all doors to piss house mates off, go get beer and come back to listen to the album till the ciops came.

Good times.

Great too F too...if I had not mentioned it.

[BostonFastJack]

@BostonFastJack

to clairify: "till the cops came"

Campus cops sucked.

[carlalmond69]

ace

[Cocoonify92]

i can feel this under my skin!

this sound is so "back to the future" lol

[Gasman380]

Between 79 - 85 no band could touch the minds. This track captures everything that was great about them. Forbes bass and macneils synth make the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. Pity it was never the same after Sparkle in the Rain but we should be eternally grateful that they gave us gems like this.

[robertoshorto]

@AnaloguePostcard I thought exactly the same thing. I love both songs, but the feel of the song with its bass, drums, choiry synths and scratchy guitars is clearly an inspiration for WIEAYB

[davyjones800]

What a track

[vaggelisparaskevas]

awful sound . that keyboard seems tohave fever .

[davyjones800]

@vaggelisparaskevas -  your ears seem to have fever

[bertinthesky]

Impressing intro suitable for many occasions Sounds still fresh, not outdated, tough it's allready 30 years old.

[vaggelisparaskevas]

he once said to his wife chrissie hyde not to listen to this record .

[minstralwinds]

I used this song at a house party one time in 85. At precislely 12AM fog started filtering through the room and this song just blaring. Thank God for great neighbors, some even joined....LOL..........This IS their best!

[alfioled]

La vita sognata dgli angeli....

[TheSodiumhaze]

OMG! I just love this!! The best!

[GattoIsidoro]

very good

[killandy572]

my favourite intro KILLANDY572

[Drutim]

check out the Nitwacket machinima using this track.....mind-blowing !!!!

[Finnleysen]

When I first heard that song, I thought "Oh, a little bit extra-ordinary" but today I believe, that it is a wonderful tune. Made by the "Minds" :)

[acetoned76]

Man I love this--been listening to these guys forever. 'Don't You Forget About Me" was both a blessing and a curse...most underrated band in history. This tune is Godlike....peace to all the Simple Minds fans tonight.

[SafetyPinPiercedPunk]

A master piece of simplicity in motion. mico x1

[arteta3]

i fuckin luved this live in verona best band live ever

[arteta3]

i fuckin luved this live in verona best band live ever

[brunetka]

Wow this is a great  f....g music!

[muscleskevster]

You can get lost in this one with head phones and a darkened room, really.

[Zagat50]

@muscleskevster damn right, sport

Saw Simple Minds live in aberdeen and they used this as the intro before bringing Jim Kerr on when they turned it into Sanctify Yourself, it was AMAZING!