JJ Jackson, one of the original MTV VJs (RIP, Triple J) used to refer to Duran Duran as Double Duran, so that's what I'll call them here.Double Durans's first album went virtually unnoticed in the US, until after "Rio" hit it big, and the label reissued the album with the single "Is There Something I Should Know" on it. I was lucky enough to be in a record store in 1981 when they were playing the first record (before Rio came out), and I really liked what I heard. "Planet Earth" was playing, and the bass line really got my foot tapping. I picked up the LP and the imagery was pretty new wave, obviously British, colorful and minimal, so I bought it. The first Double Duran record is not about hit singles, "Girls On Film" aside. The material is highly conceptual, and in retrospect, it seems like Double D were trying to make a Japan (i.e. David Sylvian, Mick Karn) record that was slightly more accessible. "Planet Earth" remains one of DD's best moments, and this live video from 1981 shows that the band actually played live really well in the early days, even if Simon Le Bon sings a little sharp...."Planet Earth", from Duran Duran's 1981 debut LP - an early MTV fave, and an essential 80's track!
mutterimieli says
This was my life as a teenager, I lived and breathed D2, I even had a D2 penpal in Alaska. Seven and the Ragged Tiger was my very first CD and I was totally in love with Simon LeBon. I loved their earlier work because it made no sense, Simno even admitted it. I even went as far as buying their 12" imports, which I'm pretty sure got tossed in the big purge by my siblings. Saw them in the 80's and again in 2000 ago and they still sounded great live. My obsession with Simon is gone but I still totally love the band,
ebuzzmiller says
Seven & The Ragged had some great songs on it - love "New Moon On Monday" - but after that, the Duran train left the rails for me. Like you, I bought a bunch of 12 inches too, they always had great b-sides - fun stuff!
mktackabery says
I was a total Duran Duran fan. If I remember correctly, John Taylor mentioned Japan specifically in an interview I read with him in 1983. I had the original stateside 12" vinyl of Planet and the sound of it totally took my head off. Everyone in my high school was listening to AC/DC's Back in Black and Van Halen. So this pretty much guaranteed me geek status at school.
Duran Duran connected me to my best friend in the universe, who was playing this song on her boombox in her room when I was moving in to the room across from her. Been best friends ever since. Went to see D2 last summer and had a damned blast. They got so damned tacky. But they had something to offer at the start. "The Chauffeur" is still a great song.
Also D2 is always going to be close to my heart because of this song, which became the theme song for the NC State Wolfpack basketball team after they took the NCAA tournament title in 1983.
p.s. ebuzz, I knew you were going to pick Planet Earth for your Duran song. love ya for that.
Brett Schieber says
I agree and thanks for sharing. John Taylor mentions Japan as a major influence. I believe he is the best bass player that has ever lived. Period.
JJ Jackson, one of the original MTV VJs (RIP, Triple J) used to refer to Duran Duran as Double Duran, so that's what I'll call them here.
Double Durans's first album went virtually unnoticed in the US, until after "Rio" hit it big, and the label reissued the album with the single "Is There Something I Should Know" on it. I was lucky enough to be in a record store in 1981 when they were playing the first record (before Rio came out), and I really liked what I heard. "Planet Earth" was playing, and the bass line really got my foot tapping. I picked up the LP and the imagery was pretty new wave, obviously British, colorful and minimal, so I bought it. The first Double Duran record is not about hit singles, "Girls On Film" aside. The material is highly conceptual, and in retrospect, it seems like Double D were trying to make a Japan (i.e. David Sylvian, Mick Karn) record that was slightly more accessible. "Planet Earth" remains one of DD's best moments, and this live video from 1981 shows that the band actually played live really well in the early days, even if Simon Le Bon sings a little sharp...."Planet Earth", from Duran Duran's 1981 debut LP - an early MTV fave, and an essential 80's track!
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