Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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24 of 27 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Forget "80's band" - Roll Out The Red Carpet for the Durans.., 9 Nov 2007
As any long term Duran Duran fan will know, releasing a high quality album of songs which manage to both push the envelope as well as give people what they expect is standard procedure for these guys.
In recent times, albums such as Pop Trash and Medazzaland came and went without bothering the charts too much and most media appearances inevitably started with "80s band...."
The reformation of the original 5 rekindled interest and 2004's Astronaut album was a welcome, if mostly unspectacular, return.
Red Carpet Massacre throws off the shackles and sees Duran Duran do what they do best, experiment whilst producing tremendously catchy, highly polished pop music. The loss of one Taylor (lead guitarist Andy) may have altered the dynamic of the original group, but the album still rocks in all the right places.
The much publicised collaborations with Timbaland, sidekick Nate Mills and a certain Mr J. Timberlake could be seen as a desperate attempt to jump on the bandwagon. The reality sees the combination of contemporary grooves with Duran's long standing ability to put together a top tune making for a unique cocktail that hits the spot every time.
First single "Falling Down" sees a return to "Ordinary World" type form with poignant lyrics from Simon Le Bon and the obligatory catchy chorus.
On the subject of Mr Le Bon, the odd dodgy lyric and assistance from high production values cannot disguise the fact that he is on top form here.
Contenders for further single releases such as Nite Runner and Skin Divers are effective groove driven dance numbers, but the real gems are to be found, as in most Duran albums, in the strong quality tracks that remain. The track Red Carpet Massacre itself is a stand-out with other highlights including She's Too Much and Zoom In. Nick Rhodes' synthesizers tend to be very prominent in the mix and the tracks are all the better for it.
All in all, long standing Durannies will be very satisfied with this release, and there is plenty here to encourage a whole new generation of fans. The glory days of Rio and Save A Prayer may be long gone, but Duran have proven they can still come up with the goods. Wonder how many of today's top bands we will be saying that about in 25 years time...
Finally, for all their studio prowess, Duran Duran are one of the best live bands around. Go just to hear the classics by all means, but buying this album and then experiencing it live should be quite something. Don't trip on the carpet on your way in...
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
boy are they making music now, 21 Dec 2007
from 81 they've made great music, but lately it was nearly there, but some of the stuff , well it just missed the mark and no matter how much of a fan, i was left numb. But oh my god. They've found themselves totally here, with people around them who can also get the best out of them. Amazing production, John`s bass is brillant, Nick is kicking the doors down with new synth , Le Bon's lyrics are back, the drumming is tight and knows how to lead a song and the guitar, well sorry Andy, this is Duran Duran guitar as good as on any Album. A BIG THANK YOU FOR MAKING AN ALBUM THATS PUT THE GOOSE BUMPS BACK ON ME: LOVE IT ALL
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9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Superb, 20 Nov 2007
The people who criticise this album don't seem to get what Duran Duran are all about.
Go back and listen to the first album and the associated B-Sides and you'll find music not so far removed from "Red Carpet".
It IS a shame Andy has gone but to be honest, I was disappointed with his guitar playing on Astronaut. All but the instrumental lick on Sunrise seemed a bit old hat.
We don't want a rock band, we want the New Romantic band that first burst onto the scene in 1981. This album is not far off that. I don't want Rio or Tiger, redone for the naughties, I want them to recapture that sizzling first album and I don't mind that they have left the Japan-esqe production in the past.
This is a consistent album that is fun and enjoyable. Let's not leave it so long until there is a follow up lads.
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