Work on this follow-up to Cry started in 2002 and was heavily influenced by the band's live work from that period. At the time of the album release, Jim Kerr stated about the new album: "Having delivered Black and White 050505, an album that we believe is classic Simple Minds, albeit with a whole new energy. We can honestly say that we are delighted with the results and look forward with a totally revitalised outlook to this next phase of our on going creativity."
Recording
The sessions for Black And White 050505 yielded an album and a half of material. The tracks "Light Travels" and "Fortune Teller" were left off the album because Jim Kerr did not want to compromise the album's structure or overall feel. Demoed for Black And White 050505, "Light Travels" was later rerecorded and released on Graffiti Soul. After initially appearing as an idea of a melody during the recording sessions for Good News from the Next World and recorded for Black And White 050505 as "Fortune Teller", the song was then considered for Graffiti Soul but, again, not released until it was finally rerecorded as "Magic" for Walk Between Worlds. The recording sessions for the album ended on 5 May 2005, hence the number in the album's title.
At least, another track was demoed for Black & White 050505: "Angel Under My Skin" written by Mark Kerr and Erikah Karst during the Cry period. The song was later worked on for Graffiti Soul before it was finally recorded and released on Walk Between Worlds.
Live performances
All the songs have been played live:
"Stay Visible" during the 2005 "Intimate", 2006 "Black And White", 2009 "30 Years Live European" & 2009 "Graffiti Soul" tours
"Home" during the 2005 "Intimate", 2006 "Black And White", 2008 "Celebrate 30 Years Live", 2009 "30 Years Live European" & 2009 "Graffiti Soul", 2010 "Festival Show", 2010 "Final Shows" tours
"Stranger" during the 2005 "Intimate" & 2006 "Black And White" tours
"Different World " during the 2005 "Intimate", 2006 "Black And White" & 2009 "30 Years Live European" tours
"Underneath The Ice" only during the 2006 "Black And White" tour
"The Jeweller Part 2" during the 2005 "Intimate" & 2006 "Black And White" tours
"A Life Shot in Black & White" only during the 2006 "Black And White" tour
"Kiss The Ground" only one time during the 2006 "Black And White" tour
"Dolphins" during the 2006 "Black And White" & 2009 "30 Years Live European" tours
Personnel
Jim Kerr — vocals
Charlie Burchill — guitars/keyboards
Mel Gaynor — drums/percussion
Eddie Duffy — bass guitars/percussion
Andy Gillespie — keyboards
Additional musicians
Jez Coad — additional guitars and keyboards
Daniele Tignino and John Biancale — backing vocals on "Stranger"
Sean Kelly — guest vocals on "Too Much Television"
