I'd put it right up there but a few others take that title for me......Big Country, Stone Roses, Oasis, The Doors, Jimi Hendrix, The Cars.....it's so hard to make a great record and these boys pulled one out first try and there's so much to be said for that.
My god..... to the shore is one of the best songs on the album and in fact is Nicks fav from the album. I love it and the reissue was a travesty just for the US market.
@@jeffjedifitz 80-82 that's for me the same frame of time, obviously Nick was going to pick up one track that was on record at the time, Chauffer was unrealised by 81' although it was one of the first songs Simon brought in
It's so nice to have someone take us through these albums with such an honest opinion. I feel like I've known you for 40 years because what you say here is what I've thought and what "Friends of Mine" said back in the day. I was with a group of friends who liked the T shirt bands that had interesting names but were unlistenable to me. Dead Kennedys, Circle Jerks to name a few. Part of the reason I was allowed to join was because I shaved my head because I was a competitive swimmer and my hair was a luminescent straw mass. I was very, very broke and had torn jeans and OP T shirts that were 5 for $15 at the beginning of the school year so I managed to fit in on a very shallow basis. We did all like The Clash and the Misfits so I had been allowed to be in the club. That was until I admitted that Planet Earth was an amazing track and I had picked up the 45...........I was banished. I had to turn in my shaved head, my torn jeans and was promptly shown the door. The next year Hungry Like the Wolf popped up and I picked up Rio on cassette not long after at Woolworth's in Hayward, Ca of all places. They were the best place to buy cassettes, found The Cure, Joy Division and Simple Minds there. This is also my 3rd fav record, I've grown to like To The Shore but agree with you 100%, it's a very hard song to sing and Simon just didn't have the chops at the time. ITSISK sounds a bit out of place anyway although it's one of my all time fave singles. Anyways, thanks so much for the videos, it's like spending the evening with a good friend who loves to talk music. In these strange times, that is a very nice thing to be able to do. As far as the giveaway goes, I hope it goes to someone who really, really likes the record but just cannot afford it. I've been very fortunate and have a job that allows me to take care of my family and treat myself from time to time so I hope it can go to someone who will really appreciate it because it's hard for them to have nice things. I've been there for a long, long time and it's no picnic. Very nice of you to do that, it's a great package. Take care of yourself.
Us brits duranies will keep to the shore on this album for all time you've got to remember this album was in the album charts in the UK for over 2 years👌
Just like you, I grew up with the 83 version of this album. I’m a year older than you. I discovered DD in late 1982 via MTV. I do own two copies on vinyl because my original copy got damaged. About 8 years ago I picked up the original version on CD. My favorite songs are “Friends of Mine” and “Is There Anyone out There.” I’m not picky as to which version I listen to because I like “Is There Something...” and “To the Shore” about the same. Rio and this album interchange between number one and number two on my ranking. It just depends on my mood. The reason I think I love this album so much is because you can hear each member. No one is drowning anyone else out. Knowing Nick and Andy’s “head butting” history kinda makes this album sentimental. I’m really enjoying this rediscover series. No ideas on how to win the album but I’d love to win it, lol.
This album was my second Duran Duran album (Rio first one) and I can't believe I don't have the original. Oh, I still love this album! Friends of Mine is one of my favorite D2 songs! The guitar solo on this song always makes me feel like crying. Beautiful!
Some days Rio is my fav album and some days it’s So Red the Rose… but a lot of days… the debut album is their best for me. I love it’s sci fi art punk raw energy.
Speaking of “To the Shore,” has the band or Simon ever addressed the word “sanhedralite” in the lyrics? There are several theories out there about it’s meaning, but I’ve never been able to verify any of them. Personally, I’m not sure he’s saying “sanhedralite.” I know a hedralite was an English cubed lantern used in the early 20th century. Considering it’s being compared to “diamond stars shine glitter bright,” I think it may have something to do with that. Anyways, I’m always curious what others think.
It may have been a Simon's intuition since he's always been a huge fan of the poetry, Keats, Shelley and Wilfred Owen, his favorite one. When Simon finally arrived to its 1st audition with the band had a notebook with him with several songs wrote by him: "Night Boat" and "On a dead child". Obviously IMHO and with all due respect 👌
Aww, I love 'To The Shore' SO MUCH, but I think a lot of that is the lyrics (though the whole mood of it is great to me). I used to say growing up that it was my fave song of theirs lyrically. But obviously, YMMV. My fave on the album (and my overall fave Duran song!) is 'Sound of Thunder'. And yes, I know it sounds a bit like a rip-off of Japan's 'Quiet Life', but it has such a great energy to it (probably because it's got such a Giorgio Moroder vibe to it)!
And ooh, that vinyl looks AWESOME! I have the first UK version on vinyl, the Harvest re-release on vinyl (with the extended 'Planet Earth' Night Version on it), and the 1983 re-release on vinyl (with 'ITSISK'), but would be happy to have this one too! If I don't win it, I'll have to try and find one for myself. (The second side reminds me a bit of their EP from the LP, 'Nite Romantics', which I have and have always loved).
And I do agree that Friends of Mine does have a Pink Floydian vibe. Actually Duran has a lot of Pink Floyd touch points; dreamy, dramatic, very English, escapist, melodic etc… was excited that they brought In Gilmour for Arcadia.
I'm a Duran Duran collector in Canada and I have to tell you: It's even more complicated than you think! Because the very first version of DD81 that was released in North America (both Canada and the US) was not the same as EITHER the UK version or the later re-release that you know best. It had the UK cover, but it starts with "Planet Earth" (a longer version than the one on later editions of the album) as the first track, and THEN "Girls On Film" - that's right, they reversed them, so you don't get the open with the shutter sounds. And on top of that, it already had no "To The Shore". So America rejected "To The Shore" even before filing the spaces with "Is There Something I Should Know". Weird, right? I have 4 distinct copies of this album in my collection, and my fave is the 83 Japanese reissue, which is like the US reissue but WITH "To The Shore". :) So it has all the songs from both of the standard editions combined.
Here in the UK we would obviously prefer the 81 version because that's what we had first, but it's understandable that if you only ever heard it with 'Is There Something I Should Know' then you couldn't imagine it any other way. I never knew they took 'To The Shore' off, I'm surprised they did that, I personally really like it. In my opinion it's one of the best debut albums ever and number 2 in my all time favourite albums,... number 1 going to Kate Bush 'The Kick Inside' 😁
Great review! Its definitely in my top 4 favorite DD albums Glad! Glad "To The Shore" was your FAVORITE SONG! Lol just kidding- yes I don't think its that bad , but I can understand based on continuity it was replaced with 'Is there something I should know " for U.S. release. Still a good song. Although the energy from B- sides Faster than light, Late Bar , Khanda, Fame are excellent! Much better songs !!! In the Deluxe Edition it has the original demo version of Tel Aviv , vocals and sax, much different! Check it out - other cool demos on it!
This album is so great. I have the North American release on Harvest, that has 8 tracks (which started with Platen Earth "Extended)" then GOF. as the second track. I also have the UK release w/ "To the Shore". I love "To the Shore". I actually have a drum track on one of my songs inspired by "To The Shore" and it was faaaaaaaaaab. I agree Brian, would loved to have seen AOT, as a single. I was just about 10 when the album was released.
Great observations here! Sound of Thunder and Friends of Mine are big favorites of mine on this great album. Like you, I grew up on the reissue and am not too enthused about To the Shore. Faster Than Light should have been included instead.
Fantastic video, Brian. Interesting to hear your thoughts on the b side of the album. Duran Duran never thought they would be a singles band (according to JT's autobiography). They never thought they would be the teen idols they became. I think the b side of Duran 81 exemplifies this thinking they had before everything took off big time in mid 1981. My absolute favourite track of Duran 81 is Tel Aviv. It was so orchestral and painted pictures in my 10-year old mind that persist to this day. It swirls and twists and daubs oranges and blues through my mind. Think Van Gogh! Interesting to hear your thoughts on To The Shore. Being UK based, the original album is all I ever knew. With To The Shore, I feel this is a 'complete' album, a 'complete' picture, if you like. I can't imagine any other track listing or track order.
I love the idea of music creating images in your mind. If there is ever an opportunity to listen to this album and Dolby Atmos, I would highly recommend it. I can imagine what it would do in your mind. It very well just may blow it. LOL
Classic Duran Duran album solid throughout. But I rarely go back to listen to it over others. Apart from Girls on Film and Planet Earth my other two favourites being Careless Memories and Sound of Thunder. B-Sides are great Late Bar and Khanada but really don’t like their cover of Fame. It’s a very atmospheric album and have to be in the mood for it. Rio on the other hand could listen too any time and any mood I’m in. ReDiscover video of Rio next Brian???
Probably it's more psychological as to the reasons you dislike To The Shore - with it not being part of your original listening experience. It's a great song with an interesting arrangement. It doesn't really have a chorus which makes it daring and different. It's dripping in atmosphere throughout and there is a lot of clever production going on beneath the surface. At the beginning you have the 'high in the atmosphere distant rumbling thunder' sound which is likely created on the Sequential Circuits Prophet 5. The cymbals have a really nice effect on this song too. They are very much produced to create the effect of waves splashing against the rocks and the shore line - take a listen - they have this effect all the way through the song (but 3:14 is a great example). The words are perhaps the most poetic that Simon ever wrote. The Roland guitar synth that Andy used on this first album blends in really nicely with the drifting phased chords played by Nick on the Crumar Performer. The reverse reverb on Roger's snare drum which gives that gigantic drawn up sound especially apparent from 2.20 where it changes slightly shimmering into a 1000 pieces adds greatly to the atmosphere of the middle 8. The random sequenced soft bell type sound comes through really nicely in this section too (as well as at the very end). It's each to their own but i really think you need to give it another listen. These are simply a few of the production gems i've mentioned - there are so many of them underneath the surface if you dig deep. One of the most creative songs on the album for sure.
I find DD’s debut, i didn’t know it then when I picked it up back in the early 80s, theirs definitely a strong Japan feel to it. David Sylvian and Mick Karn had a huge impression on early DD.
Better than Rio IMHO, much better than Seven, this album has just a problem: It's too short. They should have put into the tracklist "Late Bar", Kahnada" and "Like an Angel" (but this last one should have been developed more since the only version they did sounds really too essential). Fame would have been a pleasant plus, I like their version more than Bowie's one and it sounds as Bowie would have released in 1980 fir the 1st time and included in Scary Monsters. Actually the whole Duran Duran album has a strong Scary Monsters mood in many ways. I have both version but the re-released one in 1983 sounds more clean, better quality (But the cover suck in comparison with the original '81), maybe just a feeling. Obviously IMHO and with all due respect 👌
For me, Friends of Mine should have been the single released instead of or as well as Careless Memories. FoM has a killer chorus and from it's dark , murmuring synths build up and unleash Andy's angry guitar and a fantastic chorus. A hidden gem and missed opportunity.
Interesting - as I bought it in the the UK, To The Shore was just part of the album and just felt right on there - just part of it. I like it as a dark and moody Duran album track. ITSISK is totally out of place amongst those songs. To The Shore was consistent with their music of the time.
This is my experience too. Nick Rhodes himself was furious and even said it was some suit at Capitol that stuck ITSISK on there, a different sound being 2 years later it is completely of place. As to placing Late Bar or other b-sides in there, no because they were created after the album and the album as a sonic journey works as it was presented, it's how you are meant to hear the flow. Those B-sides as extra tracks on later versions work, but only separate to the album itself.
I think I never really understood "to the shore". "Faster than Light" instead is one hell of a song. P.S. I totally agree with you I also love John Taylor's early bass style!!!
@@jeffjedifitz I still think 'Faster Than Light' is such an underrated gem -- especially when they'd play it live back in the day (like the version on the Hammersmith 1981 concert is AMAZING!). I still think it's my fave song they ever played live!
When I got this album, I think I'm about the same age as you, I loved Friends of Mine & Night Boat... Just so moody. Kind of makes sense if you know that Time Bandits was also one of my favorite movies as a kid.
I like original issue of current lp. I like "To the shore". This track is very atmospheric and kinda chain between the tracks. I prefer more live version of "Carelless memories" from Arena because of dominating Taylor's overdriven guitar😉 Aso, l prefer more "Tel Aviv" more in demo version that is inspired heavily by Roxy Music 😉👍 I adore PF's "Dark side of the moon" and "Friends of mine" 's intro reminds to me "On the run" 😉
I would have been happy if 'Too the Shore' and "Is There Something I should Know' were both on the album. "Friends of Mine is in my to 25 fave Duran Duran songs, because you just can't have a top ten with Duran Duran.
Is there something is wrong time period written and Trevor fed after Rio... so shouldn’t be there doesn’t fit. Great song but included as a marketing ply for the US..... should have been left alone.
As much as I love the ITSISK song, it felt always out of place on that particular album, it's purely a greatest hits album track for me... By the way, I absolutely love To the Shore: dark and deep sounding landscape, not that instantly pop as the rest of the tracks, a song that requires repeated listening to fully get appreciated
The first album of Duran Duran is the foundation of where it all started and originated. IMO I prefer it more than Rio. I believe Rio is way overrated. The first album is just raw with a lot of funk and obscurity. This is ranked #1 in my personal opinion only because I play this slot more than Rio.
Wow, you did not even mention one word about Planet Earth. The live version of Khanada on UA-cam is freaking amazing , super great bass line!!! Friends of Mine as an opener on the Astronaut Tour in ‘05 was the best, courtesy of the one and only Mr AndyT!!!! I found this rediscover kinda weak. Sorry
Simon often sounds out of tune because there is an effect on his voice. Maybe a flanger or something. It creates a wobble that sounds different depending on the volume you play the record at. To my ears anyway.
The most incredible debut record from any band.
I'd put it right up there but a few others take that title for me......Big Country, Stone Roses, Oasis, The Doors, Jimi Hendrix, The Cars.....it's so hard to make a great record and these boys pulled one out first try and there's so much to be said for that.
Along with AlphaVille's Forever Young, Pseudo Echo's Autumnal Park :)
My god..... to the shore is one of the best songs on the album and in fact is Nicks fav from the album. I love it and the reissue was a travesty just for the US market.
Did Nick say why “to the shore” what’s his favorite song? A lot of times it has to do with his own contribution.
That's true to some extent, Nick had said his favorite track from that era is The Chauffer, which is one of Simon songs
Due but that’s off Rio and at the time of release of there first album he’s quoted as To The Shore being his fav.
@@jeffjedifitz 80-82 that's for me the same frame of time, obviously Nick was going to pick up one track that was on record at the time, Chauffer was unrealised by 81' although it was one of the first songs Simon brought in
Also wanted to add - Prince is my favorite and then Duran Duran!
So you have the Best channel around!
Like all you reviews on both artists!👍👏👏👏
It's so nice to have someone take us through these albums with such an honest opinion. I feel like I've known you for 40 years because what you say here is what I've thought and what "Friends of Mine" said back in the day. I was with a group of friends who liked the T shirt bands that had interesting names but were unlistenable to me. Dead Kennedys, Circle Jerks to name a few. Part of the reason I was allowed to join was because I shaved my head because I was a competitive swimmer and my hair was a luminescent straw mass. I was very, very broke and had torn jeans and OP T shirts that were 5 for $15 at the beginning of the school year so I managed to fit in on a very shallow basis.
We did all like The Clash and the Misfits so I had been allowed to be in the club. That was until I admitted that Planet Earth was an amazing track and I had picked up the 45...........I was banished. I had to turn in my shaved head, my torn jeans and was promptly shown the door. The next year Hungry Like the Wolf popped up and I picked up Rio on cassette not long after at Woolworth's in Hayward, Ca of all places. They were the best place to buy cassettes, found The Cure, Joy Division and Simple Minds there.
This is also my 3rd fav record, I've grown to like To The Shore but agree with you 100%, it's a very hard song to sing and Simon just didn't have the chops at the time. ITSISK sounds a bit out of place anyway although it's one of my all time fave singles.
Anyways, thanks so much for the videos, it's like spending the evening with a good friend who loves to talk music. In these strange times, that is a very nice thing to be able to do. As far as the giveaway goes, I hope it goes to someone who really, really likes the record but just cannot afford it. I've been very fortunate and have a job that allows me to take care of my family and treat myself from time to time so I hope it can go to someone who will really appreciate it because it's hard for them to have nice things. I've been there for a long, long time and it's no picnic. Very nice of you to do that, it's a great package. Take care of yourself.
The first two albums are perfection.
Friends of mine is ear-gasmic, the bass groove is tops
Us brits duranies will keep to the shore on this album for all time you've got to remember this album was in the album charts in the UK for over 2 years👌
Right. That’s why I wanted to clarify that I will be reviewing the original version because it is the true real first album by Duran Duran.
@@RedMugMusic Correct my friend👍
Listen 2 the intro of to the shore it could easily be an intro 2 the doors sound and le bon was a huge Morriston fan.
Just like you, I grew up with the 83 version of this album. I’m a year older than you. I discovered DD in late 1982 via MTV. I do own two copies on vinyl because my original copy got damaged. About 8 years ago I picked up the original version on CD. My favorite songs are “Friends of Mine” and “Is There Anyone out There.” I’m not picky as to which version I listen to because I like “Is There Something...” and “To the Shore” about the same. Rio and this album interchange between number one and number two on my ranking. It just depends on my mood. The reason I think I love this album so much is because you can hear each member. No one is drowning anyone else out. Knowing Nick and Andy’s “head butting” history kinda makes this album sentimental.
I’m really enjoying this rediscover series.
No ideas on how to win the album but I’d love to win it, lol.
This album was my second Duran Duran album (Rio first one) and I can't believe I don't have the original. Oh, I still love this album! Friends of Mine is one of my favorite D2 songs! The guitar solo on this song always makes me feel like crying. Beautiful!
Some days Rio is my fav album and some days it’s So Red the Rose… but a lot of days… the debut album is their best for me. I love it’s sci fi art punk raw energy.
Speaking of “To the Shore,” has the band or Simon ever addressed the word “sanhedralite” in the lyrics? There are several theories out there about it’s meaning, but I’ve never been able to verify any of them. Personally, I’m not sure he’s saying “sanhedralite.” I know a hedralite was an English cubed lantern used in the early 20th century. Considering it’s being compared to “diamond stars shine glitter bright,” I think it may have something to do with that. Anyways, I’m always curious what others think.
It may have been a Simon's intuition since he's always been a huge fan of the poetry, Keats, Shelley and Wilfred Owen, his favorite one. When Simon finally arrived to its 1st audition with the band had a notebook with him with several songs wrote by him: "Night Boat" and "On a dead child". Obviously IMHO and with all due respect 👌
WHAT A GREAT QUESTION,
According to Apple Music, he is saying sanhedralite.
Suspect he made it up. I certainly can't find the word anywhere else. Poetic licence to make stuff up. :)
Aww, I love 'To The Shore' SO MUCH, but I think a lot of that is the lyrics (though the whole mood of it is great to me). I used to say growing up that it was my fave song of theirs lyrically. But obviously, YMMV.
My fave on the album (and my overall fave Duran song!) is 'Sound of Thunder'. And yes, I know it sounds a bit like a rip-off of Japan's 'Quiet Life', but it has such a great energy to it (probably because it's got such a Giorgio Moroder vibe to it)!
And have you ever listened to the Tel Aviv Air Studios version? Completely different song but already showing their incredible musicianship.
And ooh, that vinyl looks AWESOME! I have the first UK version on vinyl, the Harvest re-release on vinyl (with the extended 'Planet Earth' Night Version on it), and the 1983 re-release on vinyl (with 'ITSISK'), but would be happy to have this one too! If I don't win it, I'll have to try and find one for myself. (The second side reminds me a bit of their EP from the LP, 'Nite Romantics', which I have and have always loved).
Good album and I love Careless Memories! It was a relative flop here in UK after Planet Earth and has always been a fairly underrated song.
And I do agree that Friends of Mine does have a Pink Floydian vibe. Actually Duran has a lot of Pink Floyd touch points; dreamy, dramatic, very English, escapist, melodic etc… was excited that they brought In Gilmour for Arcadia.
I'm a Duran Duran collector in Canada and I have to tell you: It's even more complicated than you think! Because the very first version of DD81 that was released in North America (both Canada and the US) was not the same as EITHER the UK version or the later re-release that you know best. It had the UK cover, but it starts with "Planet Earth" (a longer version than the one on later editions of the album) as the first track, and THEN "Girls On Film" - that's right, they reversed them, so you don't get the open with the shutter sounds. And on top of that, it already had no "To The Shore". So America rejected "To The Shore" even before filing the spaces with "Is There Something I Should Know". Weird, right?
I have 4 distinct copies of this album in my collection, and my fave is the 83 Japanese reissue, which is like the US reissue but WITH "To The Shore". :) So it has all the songs from both of the standard editions combined.
Here in the UK we would obviously prefer the 81 version because that's what we had first, but it's understandable that if you only ever heard it with 'Is There Something I Should Know' then you couldn't imagine it any other way. I never knew they took 'To The Shore' off, I'm surprised they did that, I personally really like it. In my opinion it's one of the best debut albums ever and number 2 in my all time favourite albums,... number 1 going to Kate Bush 'The Kick Inside' 😁
Drinking contest...
A shot of tequila everytime that you hear... "I don't like "To the shore"!"
We’d never make it to the end of the video 😂🤣
Great review! Its definitely in my top 4 favorite DD albums Glad!
Glad "To The Shore" was your FAVORITE SONG! Lol just kidding- yes I don't think its that bad , but I can understand based on continuity it was replaced with 'Is there something I should know " for U.S. release. Still a good song.
Although the energy from B- sides Faster than light, Late Bar , Khanda, Fame are excellent! Much better songs !!!
In the Deluxe Edition it has the original demo version of Tel Aviv , vocals and sax, much different!
Check it out - other cool demos on it!
This album is so great.
I have the North American release on Harvest, that has 8 tracks (which started with Platen Earth "Extended)" then GOF. as the second track.
I also have the UK release w/ "To the Shore".
I love "To the Shore". I actually have a drum track on one of my songs inspired by "To The Shore" and it was faaaaaaaaaab.
I agree Brian, would loved to have seen AOT, as a single.
I was just about 10 when the album was released.
Great observations here! Sound of Thunder and Friends of Mine are big favorites of mine on this great album. Like you, I grew up on the reissue and am not too enthused about To the Shore. Faster Than Light should have been included instead.
I love (and have) the version that starts with Planet Earth and leaves off To the Shore. Its on the Harvest Label.
Fantastic video, Brian.
Interesting to hear your thoughts on the b side of the album.
Duran Duran never thought they would be a singles band (according to JT's autobiography). They never thought they would be the teen idols they became. I think the b side of Duran 81 exemplifies this thinking they had before everything took off big time in mid 1981.
My absolute favourite track of Duran 81 is Tel Aviv. It was so orchestral and painted pictures in my 10-year old mind that persist to this day. It swirls and twists and daubs oranges and blues through my mind. Think Van Gogh!
Interesting to hear your thoughts on To The Shore. Being UK based, the original album is all I ever knew. With To The Shore, I feel this is a 'complete' album, a 'complete' picture, if you like. I can't imagine any other track listing or track order.
I love the idea of music creating images in your mind. If there is ever an opportunity to listen to this album and Dolby Atmos, I would highly recommend it. I can imagine what it would do in your mind. It very well just may blow it. LOL
@@RedMugMusic
Thank you so much for the recommendation, Brian.
😁😁😁
Classic Duran Duran album solid throughout.
But I rarely go back to listen to it over others.
Apart from Girls on Film and Planet Earth my other two favourites being Careless Memories and Sound of Thunder.
B-Sides are great Late Bar and Khanada but really don’t like their cover of Fame.
It’s a very atmospheric album and have to be in the mood for it.
Rio on the other hand could listen too any time and any mood I’m in.
ReDiscover video of Rio next Brian???
Probably it's more psychological as to the reasons you dislike To The Shore - with it not being part of your original listening experience. It's a great song with an interesting arrangement. It doesn't really have a chorus which makes it daring and different. It's dripping in atmosphere throughout and there is a lot of clever production going on beneath the surface. At the beginning you have the 'high in the atmosphere distant rumbling thunder' sound which is likely created on the Sequential Circuits Prophet 5. The cymbals have a really nice effect on this song too. They are very much produced to create the effect of waves splashing against the rocks and the shore line - take a listen - they have this effect all the way through the song (but 3:14 is a great example). The words are perhaps the most poetic that Simon ever wrote. The Roland guitar synth that Andy used on this first album blends in really nicely with the drifting phased chords played by Nick on the Crumar Performer. The reverse reverb on Roger's snare drum which gives that gigantic drawn up sound especially apparent from 2.20 where it changes slightly shimmering into a 1000 pieces adds greatly to the atmosphere of the middle 8. The random sequenced soft bell type sound comes through really nicely in this section too (as well as at the very end). It's each to their own but i really think you need to give it another listen. These are simply a few of the production gems i've mentioned - there are so many of them underneath the surface if you dig deep. One of the most creative songs on the album for sure.
I find DD’s debut, i didn’t know it then when I picked it up back in the early 80s, theirs definitely a strong Japan feel to it. David Sylvian and Mick Karn had a huge impression on early DD.
Better than Rio IMHO, much better than Seven, this album has just a problem: It's too short. They should have put into the tracklist "Late Bar", Kahnada" and "Like an Angel" (but this last one should have been developed more since the only version they did sounds really too essential). Fame would have been a pleasant plus, I like their version more than Bowie's one and it sounds as Bowie would have released in 1980 fir the 1st time and included in Scary Monsters. Actually the whole Duran Duran album has a strong Scary Monsters mood in many ways. I have both version but the re-released one in 1983 sounds more clean, better quality (But the cover suck in comparison with the original '81), maybe just a feeling. Obviously IMHO and with all due respect 👌
In 100% agreement, the best Duran Duran ever! Rio was great, Seven and the albums after, things started to go downhill!
I think friends of mine is a masterpiece through and through- one of my favorite duran songs :D
For me, Friends of Mine should have been the single released instead of or as well as Careless Memories. FoM has a killer chorus and from it's dark , murmuring synths build up and unleash Andy's angry guitar and a fantastic chorus. A hidden gem and missed opportunity.
Interesting - as I bought it in the the UK, To The Shore was just part of the album and just felt right on there - just part of it. I like it as a dark and moody Duran album track.
ITSISK is totally out of place amongst those songs. To The Shore was consistent with their music of the time.
Actually I agree
This is my experience too. Nick Rhodes himself was furious and even said it was some suit at Capitol that stuck ITSISK on there, a different sound being 2 years later it is completely of place.
As to placing Late Bar or other b-sides in there, no because they were created after the album and the album as a sonic journey works as it was presented, it's how you are meant to hear the flow.
Those B-sides as extra tracks on later versions work, but only separate to the album itself.
I think I never really understood "to the shore". "Faster than Light" instead is one hell of a song.
P.S.
I totally agree with you I also love John Taylor's early bass style!!!
My own first introduction to Duran was the Girls on Film 7” so Faster than Light was played to death.. cracking tune. 👍🏻
@@jeffjedifitz I still think 'Faster Than Light' is such an underrated gem -- especially when they'd play it live back in the day (like the version on the Hammersmith 1981 concert is AMAZING!). I still think it's my fave song they ever played live!
@@NicoleM_radiantbaby played it to death on release great song 💜
When I got this album, I think I'm about the same age as you, I loved Friends of Mine & Night Boat... Just so moody.
Kind of makes sense if you know that Time Bandits was also one of my favorite movies as a kid.
Tel Aviv had strings by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
Debut album is my favourite and my favourite track is Anyone Out There on it
I like original issue of current lp. I like "To the shore". This track is very atmospheric and kinda chain between the tracks. I prefer more live version of "Carelless memories" from Arena because of dominating Taylor's overdriven guitar😉
Aso, l prefer more "Tel Aviv" more in demo version that is inspired heavily by Roxy Music 😉👍
I adore PF's "Dark side of the moon" and "Friends of mine" 's intro reminds to me "On the run" 😉
I would have been happy if 'Too the Shore' and "Is There Something I should Know' were both on the album. "Friends of Mine is in my to 25 fave Duran Duran songs, because you just can't have a top ten with Duran Duran.
Is there something is wrong time period written and Trevor fed after Rio... so shouldn’t be there doesn’t fit. Great song but included as a marketing ply for the US..... should have been left alone.
As much as I love the ITSISK song, it felt always out of place on that particular album, it's purely a greatest hits album track for me...
By the way, I absolutely love To the Shore: dark and deep sounding landscape, not that instantly pop as the rest of the tracks, a song that requires repeated listening to fully get appreciated
The first album of Duran Duran is the foundation of where it all started and originated. IMO I prefer it more than Rio. I believe Rio is way overrated. The first album is just raw with a lot of funk and obscurity. This is ranked #1 in my personal opinion only because I play this slot more than Rio.
Japan.
Wow, you did not even mention one word about Planet Earth.
The live version of Khanada on UA-cam is freaking amazing , super great bass line!!!
Friends of Mine as an opener on the Astronaut Tour in ‘05 was the best, courtesy of the one and only Mr AndyT!!!!
I found this rediscover kinda weak. Sorry
I have my off days
I agree. The live version of Khanada is great! John's bass-playing is something special and Andy rock's!
PUT THE GIVEAWAY ALBUM IN A SEALED PLASTIC BOX, THROW IT IN THE SEA, AND SEE WHO CLAIMS IT WHEN IT GETS WASHED ASHORE.
😟
Simon often sounds out of tune because there is an effect on his voice. Maybe a flanger or something. It creates a wobble that sounds different depending on the volume you play the record at. To my ears anyway.