Simple Minds has inked a record deal with new label W14/Universal and plans to have a new album out in 2008. The band's official website also says to expect a tour next year.

This is great news for long-suffering fans of the Glasgow, Scotland, band who can't seem to get enough of Jim Kerr and his supporting cast. Simple Minds hasn't toured the U.S. since 2002, but recently completed a short tour of Australia and New Zealand.

If you're never seen them live, you're missing out. I caught their 1986 tour at Tampa's now demolished Curtis Hixon Hall after their "Once Upon a Time" album and it's easily one of the top 3 shows I've seen live. I only knew two songs beforehand, but went out and bought their entire catalog afterward.

The band celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, though it has been 22 years since their only No. 1 single in the U.S. -- "Don't You (Forget About Me)." As many hard-core fans know, the song wasn't even written by the band, but instead by soundtrack composer and Billy Idol producer Keith Forsey. (In fact, Billy Idol and Bryan Ferry both turned down the song before it landed in the lap of Simple Minds.)

But is that truly their greatest tune? Not even close.

TOP 5 SIMPLE MINDS TUNES OF THE 80s:

5. Don't You (Forget About Me): "It's my feeling we'll win in the end."

4. Someone, Somewhere in Summertime: "Somewhere there is some place, that one million eyes can't see."

3. Waterfront: "Come in, come out of the rain."

2. All the Things She Said: "Take me in your arms and I'll fade away."

1. Alive and Kicking: "You lift me up, don't you ever stop, I'm here with you."