Duran Duran

Thank You (Capitol)
by Jen Beatty

They made a significant contribution to the music of the ’80s, and helped to shape the music we hear today. Now Duran Duran are out to thank their forefathers and inspiring peers. They’ve just released their tenth album, Thank You (Capitol), which pays homage to the likes of Elvis Costello (“Watching the Detectives”), Public Enemy (“911 Is A Joke”), Sly and the Family Stone (“I Want to Take You Higher”), and the Temptations (“Ball of Confusion”).

This commercially risky CD was a work-in-progress since 1985, and was just awaiting the proper moment to rear its head on the public. Whether or not that moment has arrived remains to be seen. No matter. According to keyboardist Nick Rhodes, the band arranged Thank You full-knowing that it would piss off the musical purists.

By far, the best tunes on the album are hidden classics by Led Zeppelin and Lou Reed. Dare I even say they are better than the originals? “Thank You” and “Perfect Day,” while ballads in their own right, are taken to new heights with Simon LeBon’s carnal and emotive voice.

“Crystal Ship” by the Doors, Iggy Pop’s “Success,” and “White Lines” by Grand Master Flash and Mele Mel were originally tried out by Duran Duran on live audiences over the past two years. Although still sounding good from the studio, this listener wishes that these tunes had been left in the raw, as they were first heard.

In fact, my only complaint of this tribute effort is that it sounds a bit overworked.
Long-time fans will recognize the famed introduction and redevelopment of “The Chauffeur,” now entitled “Drive By.” Dramatic synthesizing and a harmonious mouth organ beautify this poetic piece. It is the only Duran Duran-penned song featured on Thank You.Whenever you want to thank someone, you do so out of appreciation and without regard to what others may think. With the release of Thank You, Duran Duran have done just that. A marketing risk, yes, but it is for themselves and those they’ve deemed musical heroes and heroines.