After stratospheric commercial success in the 1980's, Duran Duran had been on a downswing before releasing this seventh studio - and second self-titled - album. They would hit the top 5 once again with what became known as “The Wedding Album” due to the album artwork showing wedding pictures from the band members' parents. This album was a comeback and reinvention of the group for the 90's. It has a wide variety of sounds and tempos, but maintains the distinctive harmonies for which Duran Duran was known. Join us a Rob takes us through this excellent album.
Too Much Information
This rocking track starts the album, and gives a sense of the information overload that was just beginning in 1993. While there was a sense of the old Duran Duran at times, The Wedding Album really serves as a reinvention of the group.
Love Voodoo
This is a more club/dance-oriented track in a minor key. Duran Duran became superstars on the strength of MTV as "new romantics."
Shelter
This has a James Bond feel, and is a good song to hear with headphones. It continues the dance feel with interesting percussion crashes and vocal effects. **
Ordinary World
This is the first single released from the album, and it hit number 1. Much slower than the dance oriented tracks, this shows some of the diversity of the album. The single was released several months in advance of the album.
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Theme from “The Late Show with David Letterman”
March 1993 marks the start of David Letterman on CBS after being passed over for host of The Tonight Show on NBC in favor of Jay Leno.
STAFF PICKS:
“Blood and Thunder” by Ultra Vivid Scene
Wayne showcases a hidden gem with a southern rock feel. Kirk Ralske was the driving force behind this alternative rock band.
“Pride and Joy” by Coverdale Page
Bruce's pick highlights a rock/blues track by the supergroup formed by Whitesnake's David Coverdale and Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page.
“Romeo” by Dolly Parton and Friends
Brian crosses over to the country genre with a supergroup including Mary Chapin Carpenter, Pam Tillis, Tanya Tucker, Kathy Mattea, and Billy Ray Cyrus.
“Two Princes” by The Spin Doctors
This song hit number 7 on the US tracks, and the highest international charting song for the group. The syncopated percussion was typical of 90's alternative rock. Believe it or not, the Spin Doctors performed a special version of this on Sesame Street.
COMEDY TRACK:
“Come to Butthead”
We finish off this session with a comedy song based on MTV's "Beavis and Butthead" cartoon created by Mike Judge. “SCHUTTUP BEEVITH!”
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