These days, I always get a bit apprehensive when dinosaur band out of nowhere comes out with a new album. Countless disappointment and I was about to give Duran Duran’s “Red Carpet Massacre” a miss. But still, I sampled the album and right from the first track, I was gripped by the new modern sound. Yes, I recognise the remarkably sexy voice of Simon Le Bon. Yes, I also recognise the unique melody. But the overall sound of the new album? That is from a different world of Duran Duran.
I can see why some Duran Duran hardcore fans raise their fists in anger. To make it clear to you all, I am not a true fan of Duran Duran. The only one album I love – and not many true fans do – is their second self-titled album a.k.a. “The Wedding Album” (1993). Remember “Ordinary World” and “Come Undone”? Back then, they made a breakthrough from their 80’s image and have that contemporary kind of sound. Today, Duran Duran does just that with the help of Timbaland and Justin Timberlake. Hardcore fans are displeased with that association. But to be fair, this duo only has a hand in 3 out of 12 songs. The influence is there. But to say that “Red Carpet Massacre” betrays the Duran Duran’s original sound by the Timbaland and Timberlake duo is grossly misleading.
Right from the strong opening track of “The Valley” (where is the chorus by the way?! … yet it is so cool!) to the 5th track of the rather slow and memorable ballad of “Box Full O’ Honey”, and my favorite instrument track “Tricked Out” to the ending tracks of “She’s Too Much” and “Last Man Standing”, Duran Duran’s new album never fails to charm with such a diversity, memorable tunes, and depth. I found myself keep repeating certain tracks, keep repeating the entire album. I have a hard time to decide if I like “The Wedding Album” better or this one.
Granted that it is disappointing to the true fans that the guitarist Andy Taylor has once again left the band. Coincidentally, he was not in “The Wedding Album” either so that doesn’t matter to me much. “Red Carpet Massacre” is filled with electric and synthetic sound. I personally don’t miss the guitar sound at all simply because of the setting of the modern pop music background. To me, the sparsely layered guitar sound is just nice.
You may find their new video “Falling Down” in YouTube. I have no idea why the video is so long. Must be the trend of MTV nowadays to make music video like a mini film. Fast forward 2 minutes and 40 seconds if you wish.
4 replies on “Duran Duran’s Red Carpet Massacre – An 80’s Band With A Modern Sound”
You know what? I love this album despite what many fans have said.
Duran Duran had incorporated many styles including an urban sound in such albums as ‘Notorious’. So this should not be a departure anyhow. I wonder why many are decrying them for doing it.
‘Falling Down’, the lead single is beautiful. Oh, I like the wedding album too.
CSC – Oh mine, you could be my brother!
Yep, I am not really bothered by what many fans have said. I simply think they have done a great job in keeping themselves relevant. Unlike Def Leppard’s “X”. That, was an embarrassment in trying to be updated.
Haha dude, yes, absolutely, fan opinion is often rabid and can be utterly devoid of reason. Thus, it may just be better to discount it.
I bought the album early. To my annoyance, there was a limited edition issue later not that it really matters. Heh. From how I see it, most limited editions are usually money-spinning scams unless there are extra tracks or videos. Otherwise, I don’t need postcards, keychains or some silly thing that a marketing company has concocted. I’m not a collector at the end of the day.
‘X’? Def Leppard made a comeback?
CSC – One time Korn released a limited edition (with DVD) just a couple of days later and being the dramatic me, I was of course furious. Fortunately, HMV refunded my previous purchase and I topped up for the limited edition.
I am usually a sucker for limited edition albums. But ya, if it is just postcards and keychains (though I must say the letter knife from The Killer is pretty useful), I don’t mind giving it a pass.
Actually, “X” was released in 2002 and is a collaboration with some teen pop producer (think Def Leppard + Teen Pop). I felt so betrayed. And they have a new album due to release this month titled “Songs From The Sparkle Lounge”. It has to be very impressive for me to part my hard earned money on that.