Duran Duran - Astronaut (With Bonus DVD)
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Free Music Notes for Astronaut (With Bonus DVD)
Free Music Review: Along Came the Astronaut!
Hit: 5 Stars
The long awaited reunited album has finally arrived. If you expect the music to be like DD in 80's, then prepare to be disappointed because their sound is much more like the Wedding Album. Funky and groovy sounds in the earlier 90's are clearly reflected in this album, which are strengthened in some ways thanks to Andy's distinctive DD guitar sounds and Roger's powerful drum section. I might call this album as the adult version of DD music, which has gotten mature over a long period of their existence.
In terms of their musical maturity, Andy's guitar sound reminds me of his great performance in the "Arena" Live Album. Roger still plays as the beat keeper with his consistent playing. Simon's great voice (not changed a bit!), Nick's smart keyboarding, and John's excellent bassline have never gotten better. Much weight is given to Andy who used to be overshadowed by Nick's dominant keyboard sounds. This gives a better musical sound than before.
Songs are easy to listen and enjoy. (Reach up for the) Sunrise was correctly chosen as the best cut of the album because of its DD's distinctive musical style. Want You More, Astronaut, Bedroom Toys provide nice grooves. Recommended songs for easy listening include What Happens Tomorrow, Finest Hour, and (my favorite) One of Those Days. The rest of the songs give additional tastes to DD carefully-crafted music.
After skipping their last two albums--Meddazaland and Pop Trash-- because of their musical going-nowhere, I should say that DD's Astronaut album is definitely a must, not only for the sake of nostalgia for DD fans, but also for providing alternative music for new generation of listeners in the myriad of contemporary pop, R&B, and rap music. It's worth buying and listening. Thanks for the music, long live Duran Duran!
Free Music Review: Come On Make Me Smile! A Great CD and DVD
Hit: 5 Stars
Astronaut marks the first studio release from the original line up of the popular group Duran Duran. Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor, Andy Taylor, and Roger Taylor are all back together. "Astronaut" is one of those rare CD's that will please old fans and new ones alike. Although it still sounds like the Duran we all know and love and some songs have an eighties feel, this is quite a modern CD. The first thing I noticed upon first listen is the driving bass line and strong beats of some of the songs. "Sunrise" sounds awesome on a good sound system. The title track "Astronaut" is also a great song as is the song, "What Happens Tommorrow." So many of these songs have been heard in bits and pieces here and there and it's great to hear them all mastered and sounding the way they were meant to be heard. Other cool songs include, "Nice," "Taste The Summer," and "Bedroom Toys." The whole CD rocks, as a Duranie, I can't really compare this CD to any other one, but in my humble opinion it had the strong beats that some of the songs on "Notorious" did and a bit of the experimental flavah of Meddazzaland, but "Astronaut" stands alone in the Duran discography and may prove to be their best CD ever.
Now onto the DVD. It is so worth it to purchase the DVD with the CD. The DVD includes the "Sunrise" video, and live performances from the Wembly performance. Songs performed live include "Sunrise," "Hungry Like The Wolf," "What Happens Tommorrow," "New Religion" and "Wild Boys." The quality of the DVD is so awesome. The running time is 45 minutes, it made me wsh they would have released the entire concert on the DVD. Duran still rocks and the songs sound great live. The DVD also includes behind the scenes footage of the boys. A wonderful purchase, like an early Christmas present.
Free Music Review: A return to all things good
Hit: 5 Stars
As an avid fan of the band since its inception in '79, (yes, I'm that old), its fantastic to see them all back together again. I recall they day they split, the trials and tribulations of the solo projects and the valiant efforts put forth by the remaining DD members. This new album signals the beginning of a new era for the group, one in which I hope lasts another 20 years.
The Band Breakdown:
* Simon's voice is as perky as it ever has been, and his lyrics are showing maturity...all of which is a good thing.
* JT's bass sounds as flowing and rhythmical as ever.
* Andy's ability to play his six-strings really comes through on this album like it's never before. Kudos to Andy...an underrated guitar slinger if there ever was one.
* Nick is the ever-present ambient sound that the band has always relied on. His ability to blend electronica and sampled audio is amazing and won't leave a fan disappointed.
* Lastly, Roger, the beat-boy of the band. He hasn't lost his touch from all those years on the farm. He can still bang a drum with fever pitch while giving off an aire of reticence about being cool.
I'm not a music critic, so I can't breakdown each track and tell you what is and isn't working for the guys, but I can say that for a 38 year old guy like me to still get excited about a new album from DD, it must mean they have something worth listening too. Many other 80's groups have tried with mixed success to 'reunionize' themselves. DD has done it. I can hear the distinctive sounds of the Fab Five in this CD, but it leads me to the future of what they can produce for themsleves, and takes their fans on a new journey towards what may be.
Buy this CD. Listen intently. You will not be disappointed.
Free Music Review: Ladies and Gentlemen......This is Duran Duran.
Hit: 5 Stars
Wow. I don't even know how to begin. I'm blown away. Granted, I've been a fan since 1983 and one might consider me a bit bias, but Astronaut kicks a*!@! Welcome back to John, Andy & Roger. The original fab five back together again and showing the world how it's done! The CD starts out with Sunrise, a wonderful, danceable, tune and every song that follows does not disappoint. I find I don't skip ahead to the next track. You will want to hear all of the songs. Simon's voice sounds especially good, perhaps the best ever, John's bass lines NEVER disappoint and who could not enjoy Nick's playing. He really shines on this album. Andy & Roger - what can I say. We'll never again accept substitutes. Andy is just as rockin' as ever and no one can play the drums like Roger! You can definately hear each of the band's contribution on this album and it all gels together perfectly.
As for the bonus DVD (if you bought the limited edition with bonus DVD) - watching the footage from their Wembley shows, along with the backstage material, made this 33 year old wife & mom just melt! I was so d@#!* excited and glued to my tv, just like when I was a teenager! If you've never seen a Duran show live, this is an excellent teaser. I say teaser because it'll leave you wanting more. I've seen my share of Duran shows beginning in 1984 and they have only gotten better with time. And no one can beat the magic that the five original members have. It's just hard to explain. I last saw them in November 2003 and cannot wait to see them again, especially after watching the DVD!
This CD (and DVD) will of course please all Duran fans,and I truly believe it has the right "stuff" to gain many new fans. Buy it. You won't regret it.
Free Music Review: Old magic gives way to new magic...
Hit: 5 Stars
Well, my friends, let me tell you. I've been a die-hard Duranimal for over 20 years, and I've seen all the changes the band went through.
Opening up with the charging "Reach Up For the Sunrise", DD sets the tone for this album. Driving hooks, compelling musicianship and Simon's superb vocals all form a sweet, creamy mix.
There are indeed quite a few radio-friendly hits on this disc. The aforementioned "Reach Up for the Sunrise", "Want You More!", "What Happens Tomorrow", "Nice" and "Taste the Summer" are all suitable for CHR. (contemporary hit radio). The only thing that's a bit hard to make out on "Nice" is the chorus vocal, as it's doubled up with a vocorder, and Simon gets a bit buried in the mix.
Some surprises exist on the CD as well. The post-911 world is explored on "Point of No Return"; with the group's most political statement. Too, Nick's proud and lonely synth riff anchors the bittersweet "Finest Hour", which is one of the more thoughtful DD songs that I've ever heard.
Firmly tongue-in-Chic are the boys on the good-time anthem of "Bedroom Toys". It's a shame we'll never hear this on the radio...it's a superb tune.
I've saved the best for last...the haunting "Still Breathing". Andy's guitar traipses down and down and down, while Simon's vox anchors the song while the rhythm section spins around the pivot. Musical imagery, baby!
Any musician would most likely not like to be compared to his/her/their older work, as that was a snapshot in time that they've evolved from.
Sure, this isn't "Rio". And it's not "Liberty", either. It's Duran Duran, and THAT's what makes it special.
Enjoy...as I have.