Graffiti Soul is undoubtedly one of the most exciting records of Simple Minds celebrated 30-year career. Widely acknowledged as one of hte most charismatic front men in music and all set to wow the crowds at this summer's Isle of Wight Festival, Jim Kerr says, "We wanted to make a full-blooded record of ballsy pop songs."

Flagship single Rockets, released 18 May, is a shining example of the distinctive sound of Simple Minds - unforgettable guitar riffs, soaring vocals harmonies and hooky handclaps. Witness, too, the Spartan grandeur of Light Travels or the expansive power of Kiss And Fly, a song that proves why Kerr's rich baritone has made him, not only one of the best frontmen, but one of the biggest names in popular music.

A deluxe edition of Graffiti Soul comes with a second disc of covers. During recording sessions, Charlie and Jim jammed some of their favourite classic tracks and so this bonus disc was born and tribute was paide to the artists that have inspired them including Neil Young, Magazine, Massive Attack, Thin Lizzy and The Stranglers.

Graffiti Soul was produced by the band and Jez Coad and was mixed by Bob Clearmountain in Santa Monica, California. The songs were written in Rome, Sicily, Antwerp and Glasgow and the core line-up of Jim Kerr (vocals), Charlie Burchill (guitar, keyboards), Mel Gaynor (drums) and Eddie Duffy (bass) recorded the material at the famous Rockfield Studios in Wales, where Queen recorded Bohemian Rhapsody and The Stone Roses made their debut album.

Simple Minds have a hard earned reputation as one of the world's most sensational live acts. Following the success of their sold-out 30th Anniversary concerts in 2008, the band have a busy summer of live dates lined up, including their special appearance at the Isle of Wight Festival and a Scottish homecoming gig at Edinburgh Castle on 18 July, where thye will perform the entirety of thier multi-million selling 1982 landmark album New Gold Dream (81,82,83,84).

Graffiti Soul is further proof that Simple Minds are one of the few bands with both the musicianship and the staying power to survive the ever-changing music scene and still be selling out stadiums.

Jim Kerr says: "We lvoe the fact that we're still out there. Thats' what we're doing and we've never felt so energised. We're delighted with this record. If you really love music, you'll come back to it with a passion irrespective of life's twists and turns. That's why I hope people get to hear Graffiti Soul - I think it's got legs."

Graffiti Soul is released through The Universal Music Record Label on 25 May and is preceded by single Rockets on 18 May.

Tracklisting:

Graffiti Soul (1 x CD)
1. Moscow Underground
2. Rockets
3. Stars Will Lead The Way
4. Light Travels
5. Kiss And Fly
6. Graffiti Soul
7. Blood Type O
8. This Is It
9. Shadows And Light
10. Rockin' In The Free World

Graffiti Soul Deluxe CD (2 x CD)
1. Moscow Underground
2. Rockets
3. Stars Will Lead The Way
4. Light Travels
5. Kiss And Fly
6. Graffiti Soul
7. Blood Type O
8. This Is It
9. Shadows And Light

Bonus Disc - Rocking In The Free Word
1. Rockin' In The Free World by Neil Young
2. A Song From Under The Floorboards by Magazine
3. Christine by Siouxsie And The Banshees
4. (Get A) Grip (On Yourself) by The Stranglers
5. Let The Day Begin by The Call
6. Peace, Love And Understanding by Nick Lowe
7. Teardrop by Massive Attack
8. Whiskey In The Jar by Thin Lizzie
9. Sloop John B by The Beach Boys

Note to Editors:

Outdoors Concerts and Summer Festival Appearances in 2009:
June 2009:
Thursday 11th: Germany, Gelsnkirchen - Amphitheater
Friday 12th: Bonn - Kunst und Asstellungshalle
Sunday 14th: Isle of Wight Festival
Tuesday 16th: Berlin - Zitadelle Spandau
Wednesday 17th: Hamburg - Stadtpark Freilichtbuhne
Thursday 19th: Beilefield - Ravensberger Park
Friday 20th: Munich - Tollwood Sommerfestival
Thursday 25th: Cork - Live at The Marquee

July 2009:
Tuesday 7th: Terville, France, LE 112 Sunday 12th: Zurich - Live at Sunset
Friday 17th: Norwich Blickling Hall
Saturday 18th: Edinburgh Castle
Tuesday 21st: Liverpool - Summer Pops Festival

August 2009:
Saturday 15th: Holland, Pinkpop Classic Festival

Graffiti Soul Tour:
Monday 30th November: Newcastle Arena
Wendesday 2nd December: Birmingham NEC
Thursday 3rd December: Manchester MEN
Saturday 5th December: Sheffield Arena
Sunday 6th December: Cardiff CIA
Monday 7th December: Wembley Arena
Wednesday 9th December: Dublin, O2
Thursday 10th December: Belfast, Odyssey
Friday 11th December: Glasgow SECC