My Music Monday: Duran Duran

August 10th marks Duran Duran Appreciation Day, a day created several years ago by a Michigan disc jockey because it coincided with his birthday. It is a day that Duranies all over the world have grown to celebrate the 35 years of music this beloved British band has given us. Since today is Duran Duran Appreciation Day and in anticipation of their newest studio album, Paper Gods, releasing next month, I felt it only appropriate to make today's My Music Monday about one of my all time favorite bands.

I have spoken about my love affair with DD a few times on this blog. It all started back in 1984 when I was about 4 or 5 years old and my older sister had the Cinemax/MTV film "As the Lights Go Down" on VHS and we would watch it non-stop. That was when I first laid eyes on the boyishly handsome bass player, John Taylor. I was immediately in love and that crush continues today. There have been many other music loves in my life since then, but DD will always be my first music affair and it still holds strong to this day. Below are a few videos of some of my favorite songs by the band. It really was hard to not just give you their entire catalog, haha. Happy DD Appreciation Day to all my fellow Duranies! Enjoy!

First on the list, is my all time favorite DD song. I actually found the version from that film that started it all. The first time I saw DD was in 2004 with all of the original members back together. I had the flu, but I was not missing this night. I wasn't sure if I'd get to hear my favorite song, but then Simon pulled out that flute and it ended up being one of the best versions I'd ever heard. They have been playing it during their recent shows so I am really hoping when it comes time to tour for Paper Gods, they will leave it in the set list. The original video for this song was definitely a little risque, similar to the "Girls on Film" video. To this day, this song gives me goosebumps. Pure perfection.

Next up is "The Seventh Stranger" from probably my favorite DD album, Seven and the Ragged Tiger. This song just buries itself into my soul to this day.  When I read John Taylor's autobiography, I loved how he described Simon's ability to just write a song in no time. I chose "New Religion" from my second favorite album, Rio, because it combines all of the elements that make DD so good at what they do. That bass line, those lyrics, Nick's synths and keyboards. It all comes together to create such magic. If you've never seen the VH1 special about this album, I suggest watching it. This album was cutting edge for its time. Nick is pure genius with what he did with the sounds and how they recorded this album. My favorite part of this track, aside from those bass lines, is Simon's vocals layering over each other.  In 2011, Duran Duran released one of their best albums in a long time entitled All You Need is Now. It was the first time the band teamed up with producer Mark Ronson and he took that band to an all new level but reconnected them with their old sound at the same time. I was fortunate to catch DD early on this tour and saw them at a small venue here in Houston. After that, Simon experienced many issues regarding his voice and we weren't sure if they'd finish the tour let alone if he'd ever recover. Fortunately, he and his voice made a full recovery. My absolute favorite track from that album is "The Man who Stole a Leopard". Everything about it is classic DD. Pure beauty. I found this live version as well, but I couldn't embed it. 

Duran Duran & Some Other Things

Gah, has it really been 2 1/2 months since my last post? I really didn't mean to disappear, but life got in the way and I had some things to take care of. Plus my computer has recently died on me so that's been fun.

 

Anyways, I have wanted to post about this exciting news for a while now and share it with you in case you haven't heard! My favorite boys from Birmingham, England are back and sounding as fresh and fantastic as they ever have. Teaming up with producer Mark Ronson for the second time in a row, along with some help from long time friend Nile Rodgers of Chic, Duran Duran are set to release their 14th studio album, Paper Gods, this September via Warner Bros. Records. The album features guests such as Janelle Monae, former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist John Frusciante, and a surprising appearance by Lindsay Lohan, which should be interesting to hear.

Paper Gods is willbe released in four formats including a deluxe edition with bonus tracks and a deluxe LP box set so there will be a little something for all Duranies to add to their collections. The first single, "Pressure Off", was released a few weeks ago and has that familiar Mark Ronson "Uptown Funk"/"Girls on Film" vibe going for it. The track also features guests previously mentioned guests Nile Rodgers and Janelle Monae. This song is sure to get added into your workout mix. How can you not want to get moving once you hear it? I loved what Ronson did with All You Need is Now so I really can't wait to hear what he does for this album with these lovely lads. Although Duran Duran is on a small tour now, there has been no dates mentioned of a larger scale tour once the album is released so here's to hoping for a stop in Houston.
 

Some other things...I'll be posting about a few things, some of which are non-music related in a sort, in the coming weeks. I will be going to New Orleans in a few weeks and plan to share tidbits of that trip as well as some upcoming movies that I am looking forward to. For the first time in a long time, I don't have any upcoming concerts planned for a while. I am hoping to catch my friend Jonah Smith's new band The Azalea Project next week when they stop here. Beach House is making a stop in Houston in October as is Garbage so there will be plenty to share from those shows and I will be back next week with more "My Music Monday" posts. Hope everyone is having a fabulous summer so far! Stay cool my friends!

Tiger, Tiger: An '80s Classic Turns 30

It was on this day in 1983, that those heartthrobs from Duran Duran released their third studio album entitled Seven and the Ragged Tiger.  It has been said that the "seven" refers to the five members, John, Simon, Nick, Roger and Andy, along with their two managers at the time and that the "ragged tiger" is a metaphor for the success that people are always chasing after.  Despite many delays and arguments between the band, producers and management, Seven and the Ragged Tiger quickly became one of their best albums, although critics did not receive it with loving arms upon the first few listens.

Soon after the release of the album, Duran Duran embarked on a major world tour which would later be featured in the movie Sing Blue Silver, directed by Russell Mulcahy, as well as the Arena live album and video.  Singles from the album included "The Reflex," "New Moon on Monday" and "Union of the Snake" which of course meant more videos for those MTV favorites. 

It was during this time that I discovered and fell in love with Duran Duran so clearly this album means something special to me.  So, for nostalgia's sake, kick back and relax and enjoy the sounds of this delightful album.  Happy Anniversary to Seven and the Ragged Tiger!