Dez Record Guides: Duran Duran

My friend JMW recently suggested that my next Record Guide should focus on a "less obvious" band. OK. While not exactly obscure, Duran Duran has had a hard road as far as critical acceptance and is a bit of a left turn after giving you The Stones, Who, Byrds, etc. Unfairly seen as just a pop band for teenyboppers in the early 80’s (in part due to their marketing, revolutionary MTV videos, and Tiger Beat looks), they were actually quite innovative and an important step forward from the work of Roxy Music, Gary Numan and his Tubeway Army and from some of David Bowie’s mid-70’s music. I think that critics have at long last come around, as you do hear acknowledgment now of their rather huge influence. Their secret weapon, and what separates them from much of the pop music today that they so influenced, is that they were also excellent musicians and pop/rock songwriters. Bassist John Taylor and underrated guitarist Andy Taylor, especially, should be listened to. Singer Simon le Bon, drummer Roger Taylor and keyboardist Nick Rhodes round out the classic line-up of the group. (Credit should also be given to guitarist Warren Cuccurullo for stepping in and helping them survive their more lean years, much as Trevor Rabin did for Yes in the 80’s). None of the Taylors are related.

Duran Duran (1981) *****
True that their debut is the ultimate New Romantic record of the 80’s, but the reason it still sounds great as opposed to sounding like an artifact is that underneath the make-up, pin-up looks and hairspray there are fantastic songs, rock solid musicianship and a darker, moodier second side that goes deeper than just the hits.

Rio (1982) *****
From its glamorous Nagel-designed cover to the brilliant synth pop jumping out of the record grooves, Rio is the 80’s in all of its decadence, neon nightlife and sheen and, most crucially, the melancholy of the morning after. One of the most essential records of the decade.

Live at Hammersmith 82! (live) (2009/1982) ****
With only two records worth of material to choose from at this point, this release is a bit redundant, but the show is energetic and they do take their songs to some new places, especially the deeper album cuts from the debut that had not already been played to death on radio (“Night Boat,” “Friends of Mine,” “Careless Memories”). Guitarist Andy Taylor gets to add a bit of welcome muscle in the live setting.

Seven and the Ragged Tiger (1983) ***
Released at the peak of Duranmania, the classic sound is still present, but there is a noticeable dip in songwriting here.

Arena (live)(1984) **
Poorly recorded and uninspired live outing (compare it to the Hammersmith set). Didn’t stop it from selling a ton of product, but that is all that it is, product.

Night Versions (remix compilation) (1998/1981-1985) ***
Duran was notable for taking great care with their extended remixes (used at the time for dance clubs). Most groups would hand their original tracks over to a producer who would add some more beats and extend it a few minutes. Duran actually went back into the studio and re-recorded the songs with additional music composed for the songs with dance clubs in mind…so these “re-mixes” are really new versions of the songs and stand on their own merits.


ABOVE: Bassist John Taylor made the cover of many a teen mag in the early 80's. What is often overlooked, however, is that he is a great, great bass player. Listen closely to the bass line of "Rio."

The Splinter Groups: In 1985, the members of Duran were tired of each other and of the frenzy around the band at the time. Wanting to explore other musical avenues, they agreed to temporarily split and work on some side projects. The original line-up never reformed after this “break” (at least until the 2004 reunion). Le Bon, Rhodes and Roger Taylor formed Arcadia and released one record, So Red the Rose (1985) ****, a collection that further explored their moody synth roots to wonderful effect. John and Andy Taylor, on the other hand, wanted to rock out a bit more, and formed Power Station with drummer Tony Thompson and singer Robert Palmer. Power Station had substantial commercial success in its own right during its first run, releasing Power Station (1985) *** (and later Living in Fear (1996) **).

Notorious (1986) ****
Down to three members (Andy Taylor was kicked out, Roger Taylor quit) and largely viewed as yesterday’s fad by the mid-80’s, they smartly regrouped and retooled their sound into a sexy, more adult mix of Roxy Music, Chic and David Bowie’s plastic soul. This did not do well commercially, but it should have.

Live at the Beacon Theater (live) (2010/1987) ***
Good show, and interesting setlist, including tunes originally recorded in their two side projects, Arcadia and Power Station.

Big Thing (1988) ***
Duran was definitely out of fashion during the peak years of hair metal, but they were still making good music. BT was the logical continuation of Notorious, albeit not quite as strong. Wrongfully panned on release, it has had a quiet rehabilitation over the years amongst both critics and fans.

Decade (compilation) (1989) ****
Solid hits collection from one of the ultimate singles bands, but there is a better one.

Liberty (1990) **
Trying to rebound from the unjustly panned Big Thing, they throw a bunch of crap at the wall to see what sticks. Not much does. “Serious” should have been a big hit, and “My Antarctica” creates a great mood, but the rest of this is forgettable.

Strange Behaviour (remix compilation) (1999/1981-1993) ***
See commentary for Night Versions. This is some of those plus later remixes through 1992.


ABOVE: Simon le Bon wants you to sing along

Duran Duran (aka ‘The Wedding Album’) (1993) ***
A welcome and surprising commercial comeback on the strength of two of their best songs, “Ordinary World” and “Come Undone.” “Too Much Information” is also pretty strong, but the rest is just OK. Still, it was nice to see Duran Duran back on the charts.

Thank You (1995) *
Hmm. How should we capitalize on the biggest hit record we’ve had since our early 80’s heyday? How about release a record of baffling covers. Yeah, let’s cover some Public Enemy. No thanks. Only a moody version of Lou Reed’s “Perfect Day” really works.

Medazzaland (1997) ***
John Taylor split after the debacle of Thank You, leaving them for the first time Taylorless. This is not as bad as its general reputation, and not as good as revisionist Duranies claim it is, as it has become a cult favorite amongst the devoted. Warren Cuccurullo is really given the reigns here and he delivers some interesting stuff.

Greatest (compilation) (1998) *****
Duran Duran were one of the most prolific and brilliant purveyors of pop music perfection with their singles. For a single disc overview, you can’t do better than this. If I were allowed only five CDs to best represent the 80’s, I would pick this as one. (That would be a fun game).

Pop Trash (2000) *
Truth in advertising.

Astronaut (2004) ***
After the nadir of Pop Trash (where they were reduced to touring state fairs and small clubs to support it), they needed to do something to get back to the arenas. A few phone calls later, the original line-up was back together. For the first time since 1984, all three Taylors were present and accounted for. They knocked out an album, and hit the road for a well-received and sold out tour. You can feel the energy as they deliver a good set of new tunes.

Live From London (live) (2005) ***
Nice live memento from what turned out to be a short reunion of the Fab Five.

Red Carpet Massacre (2007) **
After one record and a glorious reunion tour, malcontent Andy Taylor bolts/is kicked out again, and the remaining four enlist the talents of Timbaland and Justin Timberlake to help produce. What results doesn’t really sound like a Duran Duran album, more like an album influenced by Duran Duran.

All You Need Is Now (2010) ***
Now this sounds like a Duran Duran album. Dispensing with the outside help, they revisit the classic sound and shoot for Rio and make a record as good as Seven and the Ragged Tiger.

A Diamond in the Mind: Live 2011 (live) (2012) Not Rated

Bottom Line: Duran Duran represents the 1980’s so completely, and that is part of their problem. It is hard for many people hear them beyond their early 80’s heyday, which is a shame. Excellent musicianship, serious pop music writing and innovation carry through their entire discography. Their influence on today’s pop world, for better or for worse, is undeniable. That is why I continue to argue that Duran Duran remains one of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s biggest snubs. They fit all of the criteria, but they don’t fit Jann Wenner’s worldview. If you want a good intro, go buy two records: Rio and the compilation Greatest. Then move on to the debut. Still interested? Check out Notorious.