I've bounced all over the Duran Duran spectrum, having already talked about their debut self titled album, follow up Rio, and last 80's album, Big Thing. I've even go so far as to review their 2021 released Future Past. What I've typically found in playing through these albums is that I like the hits, but that Duran Duran, overall, isn't what I would call a "favorite".
Because I've listened to so many of their releases (from the 80's) already, it doesn't make much sense for me to go all the way back to the bands beginning, and carve out their history. I've already done that in the aforementioned posts.
So, straight to it. Let's dive into 1983's Seven And The Ragged Tiger. It was a turning point for the band as a collective. Sessions were marred with a lack of productivity, which led to the first signs of turmoil between members. As a whole, the band wanted to change direction from their previous releases, and this led to Tiger to become a dance synth-pop record, littered with ambiguous lyrics. While it featured the hit singles The Reflex, Union Of The Snake, and New Moon On Monday, critics panned it upon its release. Despite this, Seven And The Ragged Tiger would perform spectacularly in sales, as well as on the charts.
What I will say is that had this been my entry Duran Duran album in 1983, it definitely would have intrigued me enough to ask, "What else has this band done?" I dare say I'd also have been excited for what they would follow up with. However, it's 2025 at this point, so all I can do is look at it as it stands here and now, which is just okay. I suppose it's easier to do that when you already have everything from before and after, and are relatively familiar with the best the band has to offer.
Seven And The Ragged Tiger doesn't make me a super fan of Duran Duran. It just makes me happy to have the album. There's good stuff on it, some of which is a staple of the era it's from. I would even go so far as to say that it's one you "need" in your collection if you collect 80's music.
Upon its release, the band would head out for a massive world tour, which would lead to the 1984 (somewhat) live album, Arena, and an appearance at Live Aid, by 1985. It was at this world event where Le Bon would be bestowed the honor of "The Bum Note Heard Round the World" when he inadvertently hit an off-key falsetto note in the chorus of "A View to a Kill". The singer would later recall it as the most embarrassing moment of his entire career.
The band intended on taking a break, and probably should have, as by 1986 they lost two core members from fatigue and tension. Roger Taylor left after their Live Aid performance, content to retire to the English country. Andy Taylor would leave from rising tensions, as well as creative differences during the recording sessions for what would become Notorious. Though all would reunite eventually for the 2004 album Astronaut, and world tour. There was also the brief stint in 1985 of Arcadia and The Power Station.
Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, and John Taylor would continue the legacy of Duran Duran with 1986's Notorious, and 1988's Big Thing. They'd pick up new guitarist (and former guitarist of Missing Persons), Warren Cuccurullo, who would stay with them for 1990's Liberty, 1993's Duran Duran (The Wedding Album), 1995's Thank You, 1997's Medazzaland, and 2000's Pop Trash. However, by this latter album, bassist John Taylor would briefly depart. Drummer Sterling Campbell, would also be credited for his contributions to 1988's Big Thing, and 1990's Liberty. However, he would quietly depart during the early stages of 1993's Wedding Album to join Soul Asylum.
Upon reuniting for the above noted Astronaut, Andy Taylor would once again depart, leaving the four remaining core members in place for subsequent albums, Red Carpet Massacre (2007), All You Need Is Now (2011), Paper Gods (2015), Future Past (2021), and Danse Macabre (2023). It would also be this latter album that Andy Taylor and Warren Cuccurullo would return to the group to contribute.
All in between this, the group would continue to tour extensively, selling out just as big of crowds as they did in their prime. To say that Duran Duran has survived and thrived in the last few decades would be an understatement.
Click "HERE" to go back to the home page. For more posts related to this one, please click the labels below.
Disclaimer: They Toy Box does not endorse or contribute to piracy. Retro Spins posts are intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. None of the music discussed here is available for sale, downloading or distribution.
 |
| THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS June 23, 1984 |
No comments:
Post a Comment