So Red The Rose

In 1985 Duran Duran were at their world-conquering peak but like many bands it also marked the splintering of the band, literally, into different camps. From their inception the band had always described themselves as Art and Roll or a fusion of funk, punk and Eno. At no time could this have ever been more evident. While John & Andy Taylor let rip in the US with the Power Station, Simon, Nick and Roger delved into artier territory with Arcadia. The result was not a huge commercial success, mainly only on the radar of die-hard Durannies - but 20 years later the album still sounds fresh and worthy of another look. With Simon as vocalist Arcadia is definitely the more identifiable as a Duran offshoot but there is a feeling that it gave a chance to stretch themselves creatively. Some saw this as an indulgence but many of us thought this a welcome return to something not seen since Duran's earlier work (if you like their eponymous debut album give this a try). There are 'poppier' efforts on Side 1 (as this was released on vinyl), the most obvious ones being the single 'Election Day' with Grace Jones making a very sexy sounding appearance and 'The Promise', including some effective vocals by Sting and I think guitar by Dave Gilmour of Pink Floyd. 'Goodbye is Forever' and 'Keep Me In the Dark' are like slowed down versions of Duran songs, Le Bon's vocals can be a little on the whiney side but on repeated listens it becomes clear that this adds positively to the overall effect of the songs, in fact Simon is on good form throughout the album both vocally and lyrically - I cite 'The Flame' in particular which has a thumping bassline and some deep sexy vocals from him and again from Grace Jones. I remember when I was 14 I thought this was the sexiest thing I'd ever heard. The Side B is altogether a different proposition: definitely taking a more obscure bent, with some little instrumental inserts and a more melancholy, other-worldly vibe, particularly on tracks like 'Lady Ice' and the beautiful 'Missing'. A personal favourite of mine is 'El Diablo' which has lovely panpipes and a story about selling your soul to the Devil. It is just such a nice tune and has some great lines like 'I can't stand another howling day inside this empty skin'.
If anyone else had made this album it would be considered a classic but as it is, I have regularly revisited this old favourite and still find it compulsively listenable. They just don't make 'em like this anymore.

If you like classic-era Duran Duran, but have never listened to Arcadia then you are in for a treat. So Red The Rose explores the artistic side of the band, making it perfect for fans of Duran Duran album tracks such as The Seventh Stranger, The Chauffeur and Winter Marches On. The album itself is essential listening, while the alternative versions offer an opportunity to explore different aspects of each song.

Disc 1 contains So Red The Rose, remastered from 1985 plus the 7" remixes of the five singles and more. We may never really know what Election Day is about. I don't mind making my own interpretations when you've got a groove this hypnotic. Nick Rhodes provides the synth sounds, while also indulging in his fetish for adding atmospheric noises. Simon promises: 'I pull my shirt off and pray!' What sort of religion requires such an action? Count me in as a convert!

Keep Me In The Dark is an overlooked gem, with Simon singing in a lower register than usual. He sounds more in control and playful. Goodbye Is Forever is moody, with lashings of 80s synth magic. Its jerky rhythm keeps the listener on their toes. I love the Gothic horror aesthetics of The Flame. Maybe the devil does have all the best tunes, Simon certainly sounds possessed. In a good way. This is my favourite song on So Red The Rose. If you listen to Missing superficially you might think it suitable as a soundtrack to a relaxing bath, with the essence of your choice. On closer inspection, it reveals itself to be one of Simon's ghost stories. Fans should check out the poem On a Dead Child by Richard Middleton, which inspired Simon's lyrics.

The rendition of Rose Arcana on So Red The Rose is only a fragment, we'll get to hear the full version on Disc 2. The Promise doesn't warrant its 7.30 minutes running time. Having said that the song does handle a social conscience subtly, with Sting providing backing vocals. This album is indulgent at times, but rarely at the cost of the listener. El Diablo is entrancing, particular the ocarina solo, played by Simon, which fans will recall from The Chauffeur. Lady Ice is Arcadia's darkest moment, though it wanders too far into dirge-like territory for my liking.

It's great to have Playing For Keeps on CD, rather than the vinyl soundtrack album. It starts like Duran Duran's cover of Bowie's Fame and has an edge of hysteria vocal from Simon during the chorus. The 7" version fills my needs, but you also have Soundtrack, Extended Vocal and Extended Instrumental mixes to choose from. One song that benefits greatly from an extended playing time is Election Day. I always thought the 7" version was like listening to an abridged version of a book, you get the essential facts but miss out a lot of important scenery on the way. The Flame also feels truncated in 7" mix form. She's Moody and Grey, She's Mean and Restless is an instrumental version of Election Day. This song is so rich and layered, one doesn't feel short changed not to hear Simon singing along.

Disc 2 starts with Election Day (Consensus Mix), which is over eight minutes long. It will meet all your needs. Arcadia weren't around long enough for there to be many unreleased rarities. The nearest we get to this is Rose Arcana (Extended), which sounds like instrumental Japan. Goodbye Is Forever (12" Extended Mix) is worth checking out for some new synth harmonies, which you won't have heard elsewhere. Election Day (Early Rough Mix) offers an insight into the band's creative process. The only fly in the ointment is Flame Game (Yo Homeboy Mix) which is as irritating and repetitive as its name might suggest. This is the only remix which actually diminishes my enjoyment of the original.

The DVD features the videos for Election Day, The Promise, Goodbye Is Forever, The Flame and Missing. Simon and Nick are always good value for money when it comes to behind the scene footage. Simon and Nick are interviewed, talking about artist and film maker Jean Cocteau and how the band got their name. The videos themselves are as extravagant, ridiculous and entertaining as Duran Duran videos pre-1985. Once viewed it's impossible to hear Election Day or The Flame without seeing images from the videos played out in your mind.

Overall, this is a good package, which I would recommend to fans of Duran's early - and darker - days.

This has always been one of my favourite albums. Amazing to think it's 25 years old, as it still sounds fresh and hasn't dated at all.

I've been waiting for this to come out in expanded form for many years. I wrote to the record company asking them to consider doing something like this for the 20th anniversary but never had a response.

It's great to get 'She's Moody...' and the single remixes on CD at long last, not to mention 'Say The Word', of which I had only previously heard the 12" mix on a bootleg.

As for the remix disc, I had already heard most of them. I'm not a big fan of extended remixes but, as another reviewer commented, the singles benefit from more atmospheric treatment on the longer versions. I was most keen to hear the Early Rough Mix of 'Election Day', as this was a first time. I can't see this disc coming out of the box very often though.

Having previously owned the VHS and not having seen it for years, it was nice to see the film again. The videos were always inventive. (I had forgotten about the Docklands images - the makers of Ashes to Ashes could have done with these for the first episode of series 1).

But I digress.

The sound quality is ok to my ears (but I might just dig out my Japanese CD of the original album to compare). The packaging is ok. I'm not buying all the Duran remasters, so it doesn't matter to me personally if it doesn't follow the same format. The jewel case is sturdy (but a digi-pak might have been better for my eco credentials).

It's still not a complete collection by any means though. Biggest disappointment for me is that the single mix of 'El Diablo' was omitted (I would rather have had this than the sountrack or dub version of STW).

I think it's a shame that this wasn't released in multiple formats, rather than only the 3 disc set. I would welcome the opportunity to buy a single disc of the album and the bonus single tracks, instead of having to pull the whole thing just to listen to disc 1.

Overall though I've given it 4 stars. Better late than never!