Duran Duran Series : The Wedding Album

 

 

 

 

The Wedding Album, as Duran Duran's 7th studio album, is rather unique in my opinion as a fan.  Otherwise self-titled Duran Duran, The Wedding Album was released on February 11, 1993.  The release landed the album #4 in the UK Album Chart, Gold certified in the UK, and Platinum certified in the U.S.  In my research, however, the success of single songs stood out the most.

 

"Ordinary World" - #6 status on the UK Top 40...#3 status in the U.S.

 

"Come Undone" - #13 status on the UK Top 40...#7 status in the U.S.

 

"Too Much Information" - #35 status on the UK Top 40

 

The "Breath After Breath" single was only released in Brazil.

 

The "None of the Above" single was only released in Japan.

 

The "Femme Fatale" single was only released in France.

 

Note of interest - The lyrics to "To Whom It May Concern" were written by Nick Rhodes.

 

Note of intrigue - The album cover shows actual wedding photos from the parents of the band members.

 

So why would I find The Wedding Album to be unique?  I have several reasons.

 

1)  Duran Duran, as the first album in 1981, was a huge success with the "original lineup" (a reference by Nick Rhodes) - Simon Le Bon (vocals), Nick Rhodes (keyboards), Andy Taylor (guitar), John Taylor (bass), and Roger Taylor (drums).

 

2)  Duran Duran, as the 7th album in 1993, was a huge success with a lack in the original lineup.  The members involved in The Wedding Album were Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor, and Warren Cuccurullo (acoustic and electric guitars).  (The parents of these members are on the cover.)

 

3)  "Planet Earth" and "Girls on Film" are iconic classics by Duran Duran.  These songs are highlights on the first album, where the original members recorded.

 

4)  "Ordinary World" and "Come Undone" are iconic classics by Duran Duran.  These songs are highlights on the 7th album, where only three original members were involved.

 

I suppose frustration comes into play as a fan because there are so many albums and so many songs that I strongly love and that from time to time did not involve the key members defining Duran Duran.

 

Alas, for the purpose of this post, I am highlighting and promoting The Wedding Album.

 

 





Duran Duran Series : Rio Album

In 1981, Duran Duran released their first album, Duran Duran.  "Planet Earth" and "Girls on Film" are by far the most recognized and successful songs from the album.  "Planet Earth" and "Girls on Film" are, of course, classics as well.

However Rio, as Duran Duran's second studio album, defines legendary iconic status for the band and their profound future.

Rio was released worldwide on May 10, 1982.  Rio was re-released in the United States in November 1982.  As of 1982, the success story of Rio is as follows -

- Gold status on March 1, 1983

- Platinum status on April 26, 1983*
*Note of interest - Roger Taylor's birthday is April 26, 1960.  (Roger Taylor being the drummer.)

- #2 status on UK Album Chart in 1982

- #6 status on U.S. Billboard 200 on March 12, 1983

- 2000 - #98 status from "100 Greatest British Albums" (Q Magazine)

- 2003 - #65 status from "100 Greatest Albums of All Time" (NME)

- 2004 - #1 status from "Top 20 Most-Played Albums of 1982" (CMJ)

 

 

In 2008, Duran Duran released a documentary on the making of Rio.

 

Duran Duran - Classic Albums:  Rio  (DVD)

 

 



Set List - Beautiful Day

On May 10, 2010, I posted "Set List - It's a Beautiful Day" to describe the arrival of Spring in its visual beauty and upbeat music lingering through wide open windows letting in refreshing air.

On this day - May 5, 2015 - "Set List - Beautiful Day" is a reflection of my unconditional love for Set List and going back to my roots in blogging article style about music and musicians.

"Beautiful Day" is a defining song by U2.  Of course, there are so many songs that highlight the success of U2.  Alas, I have chosen to write about "Beautiful Day" for my permanent return to Set List and U2 as the perfect start.

"Beautiful Day" is a success on several levels -

- First song on the 2000 All That You Can't Leave Behind album

- 2001 Grammy Awards:

Song of the Year...Record of the Year...Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal

- Played in all concerts as of the 2001 Elevation Tour

On January 3, 2014, Rolling Stone posted Readers' Poll:  The 10 Greatest U2 Albums.  The most predominant selections were Joshua Tree and Achtung Baby.  October, War, and All That You Can't Leave Behind ranked high as well.

U2's official website - www.u2.com - is a phenomenal source to keep in touch, from news clips to U2 history to a web shop and much more.  U2's website is currently promoting the band's upcoming Innocence + Experience tour.  Tour dates (set to begin on May 14, 2015) and ticket availability are listed under "Tours."

In conclusion to this post, my Set List motto remains strong - Play it!

Set List - Rainy Day Classic

 

Jazz is relaxing on rainy spring or summer days.

 

However, perhaps one should not rule out singing on rainy spring or summer days. 

 

Gene Kelly made a rainy day seem so enjoyable - splash through puddles, dismiss the umbrella, embrace the downpour, and...

 

"I'm singin' in the rain."



 



Miles Davis on Rainy Days

Set List - Rainy Day Jazz

Spring has arrived in Chicago.  Leaves are budding.  Grass is growing.  Flowers are blooming.  Warmer weather breezes through wide open windows.  April sprinkles have turned to May showers.  A season of relief from the dread of winter.

Jazz is the perfect backdrop to rainy days.

Miles Davis on the trumpet is the ultimate form of relaxation as the pitter-patter of rain drops fall peacefully to the ground.

On May 4, 2010, I posted jazz as tranquil on rainy days.

On May 4, 2015,  jazz will always be tranquil on rainy days.

Set List Anniversary

In April 2010, I came across Blogger.  I knew and understood the concept of blogging, but never actually practiced.  I considered what Blogger had to offer in terms of design...I was unaware of Google AdSense at the time.  I found a beautifully simplistic template with great layout options.  I chose, at random, a URL and blog title - creativity had not occurred to me.  I created a long post journal.  And there you have it - my first blog.  I enjoyed my first blog and eventually the addition of Google AdSense.  However, my ultimate blog goal rested with a niche in music...

So I turned back to Blogger.  In May 2010, I had the chance to take creative license in design.  I knew I wanted a dark blue background.  The title design was intriguing.  I wanted to incorporate album covers as part of the look.  Set List was a creatively must title.  Duran Duran was my inspiration.  And there you have it - Set List with the forever motto "play it!".

On May 1, 2010, I published my first post to Set List - an obvious introduction to my love of music in multiple genres and where this blog would lead.  On May 3, 2010 - exactly five years ago today - I published a post all about Duran Duran.

In retrospect, my first blog was a form of practice.  I wrote for the sake of writing.  My first go with Google AdSense was briefly successful.  By the Fall of 2010, though, I was running out of steam and initial excitement.

Set List, on the other hand, was an ultimate goal achieved.  I may have slowed down after five years, but my passion and love for this blog remains strong and permanent.

And so I wish a Happy Anniversary to Set List.  Always remember to play it!