The reflexes of those old enough to remember when "The Reflex" and "Rio" went rocketing up the Hot 100 in the 1980s may not be what they used to, but certain reactions to the first full spin of Astronaut can't help kicking... more » in anyway. First among equals is exhilaration: Few can sit through pop this inventive--titillating, even, on the thumping disco dazzler "Bedroom Toys," which features Chic's Nile Rodgers--without owning up to a genuine thrill. And though the original fab five, as they're being heralded on this first disc in more than 20 years, leans a little heavier on Andy Taylor's guitar work than in the past, the band stays loyal to its original electropop sound, skillfully shuttling the faithful back in time but kicking in enough keyboard wizardry to avoid leaving them feeling old. Once the inevitable buzz dissipates (give it a while--the sunniness of opening anthem and first single "[Reach up for] T! he Sunrise" sticks around, as does the moodiness of "Still Breathing"), puzzlement takes its place. Simon Le Bon sounds not a day older than when he recorded "Girls on Film," something for which he owes fellow 80s-band singers who flopped on the comeback trail an explanation. More puzzling still, though, is why Duran Duran waited so long to return: Had they reunited sooner, legions of dedicated, sophisticated popsters might have been spared the indignity that was the boy-band craze. --Tammy La Gorce Talking with Duran Duran
Amazon.com contributor Beth Massa spoke with lead singer Simon LeBon and keyboardist Nick Rhodes separately to discuss the band's original line-up reunion, the passion they felt recording Astronaut, and their appreciation for their female fan base. Listen to the interview with Simon LeBon Listen to the interview with Nick Rhodes« less
The reflexes of those old enough to remember when "The Reflex" and "Rio" went rocketing up the Hot 100 in the 1980s may not be what they used to, but certain reactions to the first full spin of Astronaut can't help kicking in anyway. First among equals is exhilaration: Few can sit through pop this inventive--titillating, even, on the thumping disco dazzler "Bedroom Toys," which features Chic's Nile Rodgers--without owning up to a genuine thrill. And though the original fab five, as they're being heralded on this first disc in more than 20 years, leans a little heavier on Andy Taylor's guitar work than in the past, the band stays loyal to its original electropop sound, skillfully shuttling the faithful back in time but kicking in enough keyboard wizardry to avoid leaving them feeling old. Once the inevitable buzz dissipates (give it a while--the sunniness of opening anthem and first single "[Reach up for] T! he Sunrise" sticks around, as does the moodiness of "Still Breathing"), puzzlement takes its place. Simon Le Bon sounds not a day older than when he recorded "Girls on Film," something for which he owes fellow 80s-band singers who flopped on the comeback trail an explanation. More puzzling still, though, is why Duran Duran waited so long to return: Had they reunited sooner, legions of dedicated, sophisticated popsters might have been spared the indignity that was the boy-band craze. --Tammy La Gorce Talking with Duran Duran
Amazon.com contributor Beth Massa spoke with lead singer Simon LeBon and keyboardist Nick Rhodes separately to discuss the band's original line-up reunion, the passion they felt recording Astronaut, and their appreciation for their female fan base. Listen to the interview with Simon LeBon Listen to the interview with Nick Rhodes
"Astronaut marks the first studio release from the original line up of the popular group Duran Duran. Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor, Andy Taylor, and Roger Taylor are all back together. "Astronaut" is one of those rare CD's that will please old fans and new ones alike. Although it still sounds like the Duran we all know and love and some songs have an eighties feel, this is quite a modern CD. The first thing I noticed upon first listen is the driving bass line and strong beats of some of the songs. "Sunrise" sounds awesome on a good sound system. The title track "Astronaut" is also a great song as is the song, "What Happens Tommorrow." So many of these songs have been heard in bits and pieces here and there and it's great to hear them all mastered and sounding the way they were meant to be heard. Other cool songs include, "Nice," "Taste The Summer," and "Bedroom Toys." The whole CD rocks, as a Duranie, I can't really compare this CD to any other one, but in my humble opinion it had the strong beats that some of the songs on "Notorious" did and a bit of the experimental flavah of Meddazzaland, but "Astronaut" stands alone in the Duran discography and may prove to be their best CD ever.
Now onto the DVD. It is so worth it to purchase the DVD with the CD. The DVD includes the "Sunrise" video, and live performances from the Wembly performance. Songs performed live include "Sunrise," "Hungry Like The Wolf," "What Happens Tommorrow," "New Religion" and "Wild Boys." The quality of the DVD is so awesome. The running time is 45 minutes, it made me wsh they would have released the entire concert on the DVD. Duran still rocks and the songs sound great live. The DVD also includes behind the scenes footage of the boys. A wonderful purchase, like an early Christmas present."
Back from the dead
J. Brady | PAWLEYS ISLAND, SC United States | 10/14/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Better than you'd think. If you are a fan ( and if you've gotten this far , you are ) this album is quite good. DD rock harder , keep a hard groove tighter and stick in your brain more than they have in more years than I care to count. Gorgeous vocal melodies, hook-filled bass lines, synth effects and subtle but effective guitar power chords ( welcome back Andy Taylor !! ) all add up to the comeback of the year. Most all the songs on this disc I want to hear more than once ( a rarity in this age of throwaway pop music.) I couldn't find this Special Edition at my local chain store so I ordered this from Amazon and got it the day after it was released. The bonus DVD is great and only leaves me wanting more. The notes in the cd case - which is gorgeous - state that it is from the "upcoming live dvd" that is surely better than Arena,which was crap. The live band is stripped to the original five piece and has never sounded better. Quite the comeback."
THE GREATNESS IS BACK!!
Jennifer | Bronx, NY USA | 10/14/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I absolutely love this CD! There really isn't one song I don't like! Though I think my favorite is "Nice". The great thing about Duran Duran is they're unique - especially with Simon's own brand of lyrics. He's so creative. They're all very creative in their own area of expertise. Finally the kids of today will hear what a great band sounds like!
Not having all the original members of the band all these years really changed the flavor of Duran Duran - and I had not really listened since some of the original members left. When Andy and Roger left, you could see the value of the contributions when their contributions were absent. Because Simon, Nick and John did most of the talking during interviews you thought perhaps they were the creative force. But when Roger and Andy left - you found out that wasn't true - it was all 5 members. This new album is like a breath of fresh air! I've been waiting about 15 years for this! I'm confident this album will not only please old fans but generate new ones.
I've been listening to this album all day for the past two days at work (yes 8 hours - over and over) and I love it even more with each listen!"
Oh My God! What's this? New Duran Duran!!!
Myra | Chicago | 10/13/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Wow! What a treat! As excited as I was about the original fab five reuniting, I have to admit I was skeptical about the new CD. I saw them live in Chicago last year, and it was amazing, but I wasn't crazy about the new songs. Now here comes 'Astronaut'. Could they recapture the magic? Would their music be relevant? The answer is yes and yes! Die-hard Duranies know that the boys have always been under-appreciated as musicians. People think of Duran Duran and they think of "Hungry Like the Wolf", but I think of dark, sonic soundscapes of early songs like "Waiting for the Nightboat" or the frenetic post punk of "Careless Memories" and "My Own Way". But I digress... I feel vindicated as a fan. 'Astronaut" is thoroughly modern, and yet vintage Duran Duran at the same time. This is not only a great Duran Duran CD, it's a flat out great CD! "Sunrise" is a simple, yet catchy anthem that just grows on you with every listen. "Bedroom Toys" is a slinky little song that showcases John Taylor's funky baselines and Simon LeBon's naughty side. I thought I was listening to a Sade groove for a minute there! "Nice" and "Taste the Summer" are typical Duran dicso/new wave dance numbers guaranteed to get you on your feet. Every song is strong. There's no filler. Let's be honest, Duran Duran wasn't the same after the three (unrelated) Taylors left the band. Fortunately, Nick Rhodes' keyboard wizardry, John Taylor's funky base, Andy Taylor's scratchy guitar licks, Roger Taylor's driving drum beats, and Simon's sex appeal are all here in tip top form. I suppose it's understandable why many critics have dismissed Duran Duran with lyrics like "I stole the Renoir and the TV set..." and now "I been around the world and seen a lot of things that'd make your chicken curl". I can't decide if these lyrics are ridiculous or brilliant, but it's fun either way. It was cool to like Duran Duran, then it wasn't cool to like them, and now it's cool again- whatever that means. The band is undoubtedly influential. Franz Ferdinand's catchy "Take Me Out" sounds just like something Duran Duran would have recorded 22 years ago. In the grand scheme of pop music, is Duran Duran as relevant as the Rolling Stones or Bruce Springsteen or Radiohead? Probably not, but that's not the point. History will be kind to Duran Duran. They have left an indelible mark. Maybe it's just nice to listen to music that reminds us of a less complicated time. Duran Duran's music has always been about one thing: pleasure- and 'Astronaut' is pure pleasure. When they tour again, I'll actually be looking forward to them playing new songs! To the boys from Birmingham, welcome back!"
Another Essential Duran Duran album, their Finest Hour
RW Griffith | Linear North | 10/13/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Even the worst albums of Duran Duran have had great songs. Astronaut however is definitely at the top of their best albums in their catalogue. Duran Duran is at least for me part dark, part light, and part whimsical. There's a mix of all kinds of great music on Astronaut. Sunrise is a very upbeat rock/pop song, you can't help but love it. Want you more! is a very fun, fast, neat song that reminds me of the old Duran Duran, got those excellent synth chords from Nick Rhodes, loaded with more bass than a river during spawning season. What Happens Tomorrow is an incredible achievement, very upbeat, a truly inspired song to encourage us to carry on bravely despite the horrible world events we've had to see over the past 3 years. Astronaut has plenty of Andy Taylor's brilliant guitar work, it's just pure Duran Duran here and that should be good enough for anyone. Bedroom Toys is actually not as dirty as you might think, it's a more hip-hop type number that might remind you of the Notorious days. Nice is.... Well nice! Great guitar chords and as always Simon Lebons very unusual poetic lyrics are enjoyable to say the least. Finest Hour is yet another great, upbeat song on the album. The highlight however for me is the very powerful guitar driven Still Breathing. This is definitely dark Duran Duran here, but I gotta say it's probably the best song on the album. There's nothing wrong with a bands songs being upbeat. Most reviewers, at least the so-called professional ones wouldn't know real music if it crawled up their asses and died there. Get Astronaut!"