Duran Duran - Astronaut (With Bonus DVD)
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Free Music Notes for Astronaut (With Bonus DVD)
Free Music Review: Great comeback album with a teaser concert DVD
Hit: 5 Stars
Well, it's finally here! Duran Duran's 11th studio album and first with all five original members since 1984's Seven And The Ragged Tiger.
The first single from Astronaut was "(Reach Up For The) Sunrise", a fantastic song and a much more worthy "comeback" effort than 1993's "Ordinary World", if for no other reason than it's greater similarity to the band's New Romantic roots. Don't get me wrong, I love "Ordinary World", but when I first heard it in 1993, I thought "Duran Duran's changed their sound". With "Sunrise", I thought "Duran Duran's back!"
Of course, the video for "Sunrise" is superb, with Nick Rhodes zooming around the city in a little plastic UFO, and the band playing as a blazing desert sun shines behind them.
Quick thoughts about the rest of the tracks:
#2 - "Want You More!" ... a blazing, synth-driven rocker that is probably just slightly too experimental to be released to radio. The perfect follow-up to "Sunrise" in terms of album continuity. This one will be a concert favorite I'm sure. This is synthpop done right (for synthpop done wrong, listen to Madonna's terrible "Ray Of Light").
#3 - "What Happens Tomorrow" ... this is the second single form Astronaut. Sounds the most like something from Duran's last album, Pop Trash (that's a compliment). Great video!
#4 - "Astronaut" ... What every Duran fan's always wanted: acoustic guitar! A good song, but not a great one. The chorus is catchy, though, in a sticks-in-your-brain kinda way.
#5 - "Bedroom Toys" ... The first 20 seconds or so sounds like a Shaggy song. I'm serious. This tune has been the most controversial so far among the band's fanbase. Simon LeBon's vocal mannersims go from pseudo-rap to Prince-esque within seconds. I, for one, think it is a tremendous track. As the first downtempo song on the disc, it fits perfectly.
#6 - "Nice" ... This is pure genius. Simon's got the Cher-inspired vocal warbler on, the beat is strong, and the hook is strong. At this point, I'm thinking "This is a great CD!".
#7 - "Taste The Summer" ... One of my favorite songs on the CD. It's the one I most find myself singing along with, besides "Sunrise".
#8 - "Finest Hour" ... Another great ballad. "Been under quiet attack...Gonna make this stand/the finest hour that we see" ... you're well on your way, boys.
#9 - "Chains" ... The second-most-discussed song on Astronaut. Every disc has one misstep, and this could be Duran Duran's. Overlong, self-indulgent, and squanders the momentum built up by the first minute or so. Good lyrics, though..."Ghosts are creeping in / gathering around me like starlings in the wind". The song becomes repetitive, however.
#10 - "One Of Those Days" ... Every disc also has one song that is basically filler. Ta-dah! At least "Chains" was a genuine effort at something, no matter how flawed.
#11 - "Point Of No Return" ... Most Duran Duran CDs have at leats one song that showcases Simon at the detriment of the other band members. Everyone else is shunted to the background while Simon's vocals are front and center. In this case, the result is a smoky, throaty track, with LeBon sounding as if he's got the microphone as close to his mouth as humanly possible. There's no denying the guy can sing!
#12 - "Still Breathing" ... What an intro! I could listen to that for hours. A great way to finish the CD. This song is a masterpiece. A paen to lament. "If only I'd known/but these things always seem/so much clearer at a distance...I'm never going back there again". Is he referring to the New Wave heydey of the 80s? Youth? Innocence? What "town" is he talking about? Just an unbelieveable song, with those eight synth notes repeating in the background. Love it!
This album will rank with Rio as the band's best. They're back!
Note: The DVD included is a teaser preview, featuring four live songs from the upcoming concert disc. Well worth the extra few bucks if you're consdering ordering the album alone.
Free Music Review: A BALANCE OF OLD AND NEW -- THE MUSE IS BACK!!!
Hit: 5 Stars
"Astronaut" is the the official followup to "A View to A Kill." Had it been released in 1985 or 1986, it would have been par for the course, but coming nearly twenty years after the fact it's clear to see that it's a masterpiece, not only fitting in well with today's pop music climate, but borrowing generously from the past. This album sounds both fresh and nostalgic at the same time. There is not a throwaway track on this set; it took three years to record, and these tracks were culled from a motherlode of 30 tracks, so it would stand to reason that the very best were chosen.
Duran Duran continued to evolve up until 2000's "Pop Trash," which had some true gems ("Someone Else Not Me," "Playing with Uranium," "The Sun Doesn't Shine Forever"). However, this album is simultaneously an evolution and a de-volution; there are strong shades of 1984 incorporated with forward-looking pop tunes.
So what happened? It's simple -- the Duran Duran music that we appreciated from 1980-85 was the result of the original five members being a part of the collaboration. In 1986 we were left with Simon, Nick and Andy, which took us into a more funky direction (much the same way the trio of Simon, Nick and Roger took us into a more Avante Garde direction with the Arcadia project); without the original five, the chemistry could never be perfect, though *shades* of the muse would still exist. Warren Cuccurullo joined in 1989 or so, and took them into uncharted territory, the most satisfactory of which was evident on 1993's "Wedding Album" which, with the hits "Ordinary World" and "Come Undone," was one of the band's finest. Over the years, with Warren's harder influence, Duran Duran continued to redefine themselves as well as their sound, with great songs such as 1997's "Electric Barbarella" and "Out of My Mind." But by 2000's "Pop Trash" they had gone beyond the point of no return, sounding more like a third-tier industrial pop band than the group that had given us the masterpice that was "Rio."
So here we are, four years later and with a new album with all five original members. What shall we make of it?
Honestly, it sounds like the 1985 album that never was. It's like capturing their "View to a Kill" followup from a parallel universe. The best songs are "Sunrise," (the most uplifting song since "Rio") "Want You More," (great dance track) "What Happens Tomorrow" (brooding but hopeful; starts out kind of like 'Til Tuesday's "Voices Carry," another 1985 classic), "Astronaut," (the accoustic guitar is both unexpected and welcomed) "Bedroom Toys," (80's Prince-type funk) "Nice," (lost "Rio" track?) "Chains," (the lost Arcadia track?) and "Still Breathing" (a downer close to the album, but hopeful, too -- it's strange listening to a "retro" track that sounds like it was recorded nearly 20 years ago, yet makes reference to 9/11).
With all five members reunited, the *full muse* is back in full force, each member offering his own nuance to the process, and the result is pure pleasure. I hope Duran Duran are back to stay. If this re-introduction album is any indication, their next album will be the masterpiece of their carreer.
If you've seen them on any of the recent talk shows, the first thing you'll notice is how much they've aged. Actually, it could be a lot worse; for the most part, they look pretty good (especially John, Roger and Nick). But on CD, they still sound exactly the same as they did 20 years ago. Listen to this CD while looking at pictures from "Arena" and you won't believe it wasn't recorded in 1984.
This is the best album of 2004, hands down. And by the way -- be sure to get the "deluxe" DVD pack -- great comeback concert performances, as well as the "Sunrise" video!
Free Music Review: They're back! and better than ever!
Hit: 5 Stars
Duran Duran's Astronaut is an amazing piece of musical creativity. For many years now everyone has been hearing news of the reunited Duran lineup. I'm happy to say that the wait was well worth it. Every song on this album is one that sets the toes a tapping while making you wish that you had Simon's voice to hit all those beautiful high notes that only he can hit.
(Reach Up For The) Sunrise is an incredible song that leaves you feeling breathless and awaiting the next track. What makes this song so great? It's the simple fact that it's a POSITIVE message. They're not telling you anything other than that life is worth living, go seek it out. That in itself is completely rare these days.
Want You More! is the song that if you weren't up and dancing to Sunrise, you are by the songs end here. It's poppy, it's sexy and it's got an incredible guitar solo that shows that these guys know their stuff.
What Happens Tomorrow was my favorite to come from the "preview" we got from the live shows and the live cd too! Though I feel it rocked harder in concert, this song is definite hit material. I was bummed they took a verse out but to here the guitar work without any lyrical overlay justifies it.
Astronaut the title track. My first thought when reading the titles and hearing the snippets from the Sony site I was like What the--? But this has become one of my favorite tracks. It just picks you up and keeps you moving and just in time to for.....
Bedroom Toys. Wow. This is the song I wanted on this album. It brought all the funk of Notorious back to present day WITH the addition of two extra Taylors. Excellent song, very naughty, but oh so good.
Nice isn't that. It's FANTASTIC. It talks about crushing on someone you don't have the nerve to talk to. Not only relatable lyrically, but such a catchy beat.
Taste the Summer is a song I had to explain to some friends. They didn't like the Do Bee Do's but to me it's a modern Bop Bop Ba Bop BaBop Ba. It's a song that describes everything to love in a lover but with innuendos.
Finest Hour is a nice power ballad. One of those feel good songs. Really the first time that this cd makes an attempt to slow down, not that that's a complaint just an observation.
Chains is just beautiful. "Put my hand into the flame, burn it but I feel no pain, Don't speak, Don't speak my name". Wow. This could be a great live song.
One of Those Days took the longest for me to catch on to.....I think one to two days? :P But if you listen to the lyrics this song says it all. "Seen better times than right now" really describes not only an individual feeling but a worldly feeling as well.
Point of No Return the song about 9/11, though I do feel Days is too a little bit. The cool thing about this song isn't that it's about 9/11 but it gives you the hope to change things around you so that we won't ever have to relive a day like that again.
Still Breathing is I think one of their best ever. The first time I heard this when I got their live cd from japan, I was instantly in love with this tune. So moody, so striking. "Heart, though it's hard and violent, my head is cool and quiet". This group just paints the words to their songs.
So, yes I liked this album a lot. Although I liked everything the band has done since 7/Tiger, I think this is by far the best. I also believe that that is in part to the group being whole again. The five gents are great individually, but as a whole they are a force to be reckoned with and this time it looks like they're here to stay. Thanks guys.
Free Music Review: Duran Duran's FINEST HOUR.........and it sounds so.. nice!
Hit: 5 Stars
The Music between us....
Through breaks and side projects and new line ups, I never stopped being a Duran Duran fan. Simply bacuase few bands sound like this one with hooky melodies that are deceptivily complex, and Simon's abstract intelligent lyrics and vocal styling. And now after a long time has passed the band has come back together!
And their CD sounds
..Music Review
"SUNRISE" opens the album to Nick Rhodes' bright keyboards and Roger Taylor's energic drums, the partnering of bass and guitar from John Taylor and Andy Taylor, and Simon Le Bon's voice that sounds better than ever, more adult, more controlled, he really has broadened his range adding new texture to the sound.
"WANT YOU MORE" this songs booms from the speaker in a maddening dance groove that could be massive in the clubs. This album will surprise you with its constant mixture of rock and techno....techno-rock!
"What Happens Tomorrow" is exactly what I meant by Simon's range where he sings in his normal octave then surprises you with this high Smokey Robinson croon! The Smokey Croon: noun. def. the ablilty to lift your voice into a high range resulting in sublime fan cooing. see also: Martin Fry of ABC.
This is such a great ballad yet so unusual from their other slow numbers....it has a nice chugging melody...the perfect single!
"ASTRONAUT" blends the funky techno-rock into a hooky song that could also make it as a single. This could be a fan fave at concerts!!
"BEDROOM TOYS" begins with some grindy organ keys, a bass guitar laden funk beat with some salacious lyrics about ...well you know. As a friend mentioned, it's nice to hear Simon's accent come through his vocal delivery!!
"NICE" techno-rock supreme with robotic voice underlaying the lead vocal track. Sing this song if you ever make it to Funkytown!
"TASTE THE SUMMER" is repleat with backing female vocals, a Duran mainstay of the past arena days. A breezy orange colored song where beach becomes peach. This is a great vacation song!
"Point of No Return" where Simon sings with a lower register than normal with phillosophical lyrics and an urgent musical backddrop...this quickly became my favorite track!
"Still Breathing" is slow, atmospheric, and moody. Simon sings with a bittersweet seriousness while a bass meanders, an acoustic guitar plays delicatly, and Nick's synth produces this ocassional distant eerie note which is similar to the sound preceeding "Lady Ice" from the Arcadia album. The song is different however, it begs to be listened to, a perfect song for nightdriving, especially if you are going home.
The remaing songs are superb too but I had to list my many faves. The DVD that comes with the special edition is a fantastic concert excerpt with interviews, behind the scenes, Simon's partial nudity, the band's faces at this partial nudity lol, wives and kids, and fans going wild to the new tunes at Wembly Arena, and the very cool music video for "SUNRISE"
Reach Out and buy this CD because it sounds so.......nice...!
Free Music Review: Oh My God! What's this? New Duran Duran!!!
Hit: 5 Stars
Wow! What a treat! As excited as I was about the original fab five reuniting, I have to admit I was skeptical about the new CD. I saw them live in Chicago last year, and it was amazing, but I wasn't crazy about the new songs. Now here comes 'Astronaut'. Could they recapture the magic? Would their music be relevant? The answer is yes and yes! Die-hard Duranies know that the boys have always been under-appreciated as musicians. People think of Duran Duran and they think of "Hungry Like the Wolf", but I think of dark, sonic soundscapes of early songs like "Waiting for the Nightboat" or the frenetic post punk of "Careless Memories" and "My Own Way". But I digress... I feel vindicated as a fan. 'Astronaut" is thoroughly modern, and yet vintage Duran Duran at the same time. This is not only a great Duran Duran CD, it's a flat out great CD! "Sunrise" is a simple, yet catchy anthem that just grows on you with every listen. "Bedroom Toys" is a slinky little song that showcases John Taylor's funky baselines and Simon LeBon's naughty side. I thought I was listening to a Sade groove for a minute there! "Nice" and "Taste the Summer" are typical Duran dicso/new wave dance numbers guaranteed to get you on your feet. Every song is strong. There's no filler. Let's be honest, Duran Duran wasn't the same after the three (unrelated) Taylors left the band. Fortunately, Nick Rhodes' keyboard wizardry, John Taylor's funky base, Andy Taylor's scratchy guitar licks, Roger Taylor's driving drum beats, and Simon's sex appeal are all here in tip top form. I suppose it's understandable why many critics have dismissed Duran Duran with lyrics like "I stole the Renoir and the TV set..." and now "I been around the world and seen a lot of things that'd make your chicken curl". I can't decide if these lyrics are ridiculous or brilliant, but it's fun either way. It was cool to like Duran Duran, then it wasn't cool to like them, and now it's cool again- whatever that means. The band is undoubtedly influential. Franz Ferdinand's catchy "Take Me Out" sounds just like something Duran Duran would have recorded 22 years ago. In the grand scheme of pop music, is Duran Duran as relevant as the Rolling Stones or Bruce Springsteen or Radiohead? Probably not, but that's not the point. History will be kind to Duran Duran. They have left an indelible mark. Maybe it's just nice to listen to music that reminds us of a less complicated time. Duran Duran's music has always been about one thing: pleasure- and 'Astronaut' is pure pleasure. When they tour again, I'll actually be looking forward to them playing new songs! To the boys from Birmingham, welcome back!