Thursday, July 31, 2008
Duran Duran - The Spirit of the 80s!
Okay. I got some criticism for my poll (at the bottom of my blog). I was told it was 'fixed' because there were so many votes for Duran Duran. I was also told it was not representative because it mostly included Brits. I was also told it was unfair to not include The Police. The thing is, you know as well as I do - no matter who the choices were, no matter what country they came from or what genre they represented, Duran Duran, or D2, would have won.
There is no band more emblematic of the 1980s, and especially the MTV generation, than Duran Duran. The original lineup of Simon LeBon, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor, Andy Taylor and Roger Taylor captured the imaginations of pubescent girls (and many guys) in a way that no musical act had done since the music of the Beatles made its way overseas. It is exactly that furor, reminiscent of the 'Fab 4' that caused the media to call D2 the 'Fab 5'. And fab they were!
They were just gorgeous, with their New Romantic ruffles, exotic locations and heartbreaking good looks. Simon's wailing singing voice is something young people could connect with. Even though the lyrics were mostly nonsense, the painful edge in his voice hit home for us kids. And there was no beating the unique synthesizer work of Nick Rhodes, who must be credited with really bringing this style of music to the fore in a big way in the American consciousness.
And the thing is, their stuff was just too much fun to dance to. I know very hard edged masculine guys who still claim to 'love' the music of Duran Duran. Its curious, and its awesome that their influence can run so deep.
Were they the greatest or most influential musicians of all time? No. Is it mostly just meaningless pop stuff? Yes. But they DID have a HUGE influence on the imagery of pop music by becomming, perhaps, the band most identified with the burgeoning MTV enterprise. They chanced upon a perfect formula of sound, looks and exciting locales that MTV obviously felt was perfect for their airwaves. And they were SO RIGHT.
In the early 80's, Duran Duran had a tremendous influence on me and I will blog some day later about the peculiar psychological affect that obsession had on me. But for now, let's just acknowledge them as the deserving winner of my small, skewed, fixed and unfair poll!
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20 comments:
Yes, my walls were papered in Duran Duran posters when I was in my pre-teens. I was obsessed, especially with John Taylor. At least my husband has that sexy English accent!
outofthepinsky, oooh, lusky you on the accent ;-)
Not only were my walls plastered like yours, the cielings were too! And the funniest thing is, I still have all those posters rolled up in my closet - could not part with them.
In my post above I mean 'lucky' not 'lusky' ;-)
The poll is 100% correct! You can not think of the 80's and not think about Duran Duran! Even now I love them so much! I have all of the CD's (even the not so great Liberty and Pop Trash). I had all of the vinyl up to Notorious and Big Thing on tape but Hurricane Katrina ate them. They are definitely in my top three of all time favorite bands for so many reasons! The music, the videos, the overwhelming good looks, the fashion! They had a profound influence on me - I mean a cute guy in eyeliner makes me swoon today! I could go on forever!
Yes, Traci, I know, I know ;-)
I can't believe you would even commit the blasphemy of saying they are in the top 3 (instead of a clear #1). That's a big shocker!
I like all the exclamation points in your comment, I can picture you saying all of this with EMPHASIS!
The reason I say the top 3 instead of a clear #1 is because I tend to go in phases. I'll be in a Duran Duran phase for a while and then it's all about Depeche Mode or U2. That is the only reason. Mark and I did a music brackett (like they do for the NCAA basketball tournament) recently and Duran Duran prevailed as #1.
Traci, I know this is a stupid question, but what is a music brackett?
Kara, What a neat blog. and Thanks for visiting mine.. I'll be sure to be back to yours...
Dear 80s Mom,
Love the blog. I'm definitely a huge 80s fan and am ridiculed (lovingly) by my friends because of it.
"Come Undone" was one of my favourites by the group, though it's from the early 90s. Of course, their music from the 80s also kicks.
Thanks for the trip back in time. I'll visit again soon.
glad you came, mississippi songbird! I look forward to your future comments!
torontovet, you are not the only one with the dirty little secret of 80's love ;-)
Come back and talk to us again ;-)
Thank you so much for visiting my blog. I love new friends so much!
I didn't see your poll but I have to agree...DD are the embodiment of 80's to me, too! You go girl...I'm with ya!
Oh, and I accidentally put my fresh sheets/Downy in the wrong list...that was supposed to be in my liked/loved list, not my dislikes! What was I thinking?!?! lol (Oh, and they don't happen near as often here as they should, either, so don't feel bad. LOL)
originalgrits, I was thinking you must be a bit strange to like dirty sheets, but to each his own ;-) Glad you straightened that out!
That first night with newly cleaned sheets are one of my favorite things, for sure!
I was too young in the 80s but now in 2008 Duran Duran has become one of my favorite obsessions :D
nicole solo, they are still cool, even as old dudes ;-)
still as gorgeous as ever, especially John.
Hello! I like "Hungry Like the Wolf" (great vidoe also) and "The Reflex" most.
yeah, mike, can you find ANYONE from the 80s who does not love both the song and video for 'Hungry Like The Wolf'??
I'm having so much fun reading your blog!
I'm still hoping that John Taylor will get with it and propose to me so we can live happily ever after!
Don't tell anyone, but I'm actually in their fan club. I'm kind of embarrassed!
momjeans, the only reason I'm not in the fan club is I don't have time. Now, my youngest is starting school, TOMORROW actually..so I may become a member!
Traci, who posted here above, is a D2 fan who would probably put you to shame - so don't be embarrassed! THAT'S WHY WE ARE HERE, to be big 80s geeks together ;-)
They were the first "GOOD" boy band. Gorgeous and talented too.
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