Okay, I've only been a member just under a year - but Duran Duran seem to get mentioned an awful lot (both in a good and bad context). I've always been a pretty big fan...so calling all fellow Duranies...let's discuss Duran Duran!
I was recently listening to Notorious and reminding myself that it is (in my opinion) and overlooked album in their catalog. Their first wave of popularity had crested. Andy Taylor only played on a few tracks. Roger Taylor was already gone. I think the quality of the songs is a step above Seven and the Ragged Tiger. Nile Rodgers provides some solid production. John Taylor's bass playing really stands out. The overall sound is definitely a product of the times - but it's good. I still enjoy listening to it. Title track is really good. American Science, Skin Trade...it maybe starts to sag a bit towards the end...but all-in-all good and considering what was to come...maybe a farewell to the classic era.
Re: The Duran Duran Thread
Posted: 10 Aug 2018, 3:06pm
by Dr. Medulla
I only discovered it a couple years ago (someone here clued me in, likely Marky), but the alternate version of "Girls on Film" is pretty cool.
I only discovered it a couple years ago (someone here clued me in, likely Marky), but the alternate version of "Girls on Film" is pretty cool.
Definitely an interesting version. Recorded during their first visit to a major studio (along with the track Tel Aviv). I love Andy Taylor's aggressive playing on this version - very rough and angry. John Taylor's bass playing also comes across as being very much in your face.
Re: The Duran Duran Thread
Posted: 10 Aug 2018, 4:03pm
by BostonBeaneater
When I was 9 when Seven and the Ragged Tiger came out. My older, teenage at the time, sisters at the time when full teen idol on them. The den in our basement became something of a shrine to Duran Duran. Fast forward 7 years and that was my make-out room with girlfriends. We fumbled about in Duran Duran ruins.
Re: The Duran Duran Thread
Posted: 10 Aug 2018, 4:19pm
by 101Walterton
Prefer Spandau.
Re: The Duran Duran Thread
Posted: 10 Aug 2018, 4:21pm
by oliver
For me there's no real middle ground. I love some of it and am totally apathetic to whole chunks of their output too. Same with Dexys.
For me there's no real middle ground. I love some of it and am totally apathetic to whole chunks of their output too. Same with Dexys.
Dexys are different bands.
Re: The Duran Duran Thread
Posted: 10 Aug 2018, 4:37pm
by WestwayKid
They were one of the first bands that really hooked me and a big part of that was that they were on HEAVY rotation on MTV during my formative musical years. It helped that they wrote catchy songs, too - great pop hooks...but still musically tough.
In fact, the first concert I ever attended was Duran Duran with Erasure back in 1987.
I've just always stuck with them - though there was a period where it was a struggle. I still haven't listened to Pop Trash more than a couple of times and I think had they not reunited they would have split up...but they have (in my opinion) remained respectable and their last handful of records have been good.
It is the toilet-swirling-the-wrong-way of musical preferences.
I know this much is true.
Re: The Duran Duran Thread
Posted: 11 Aug 2018, 5:43am
by hairydot61
Duran over Spandau, although Spandau have done some classy stuff, I feel Duran have more of an edge, Spandau seemed to lose their New Romantic credentials very quickly, the Duran first couple of albums are really solid, I like their hard pop sound but I was really taken by the chillout track 'The Chauffeur', quality, and that lyric "it means so much to me, like a birthday or a pretty view" is just sublime, I'm from the South you see...
Tony Hadley does have a good voice though.
Re: The Duran Duran Thread
Posted: 11 Aug 2018, 9:56am
by Heston
Duran Duran were my transitional band between heavy rock and punk for a few months in 1983, I even saw them live that year in Leeds. I still think the first two albums are great pop, though I have a softer spot for the debut. It all went pear-shaped for me with the release of Seven and the Ragged Tiger, an overproduced mass that is short on ideas and quality. They left on a run of great singles though, Spandau wilt in comparison.
