Search - Duran Duran :: Essential

Fans Rejoice (If You Can Find It)

Tim Brough | Springfield, PA United States | 05/18/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Back in the late 80's, EMI/Capitol embarked on a limited series of "Essential" packages of artists, highlighting B-sides, rare and unreleased material. While must were just junk, some (like a Pet Shop Boys and Blondie set) were treasure troves of out of print and never before seen on CD collections.Duran Duran were in the treasure chest. As one of the first "New Wave/New Romantic" groups to recognize that the future of rock and roll was hidden somewhere on the dance floor, they consistently released amazing 12 inch singles during a time when many bands just taped extended interludes into pre-exisiting tracks. But DD went even farther, frequently reentering the studio to re-record entire arrangements and release them under the banner of "Night Versions." There was even a great four song EP called "Carnival" that was used to hype the new "Rio" album. (Long since deleted.)To that end, if you're either a Durannie from the 80's or an ancient habitue of nightclubs from that era, this collection will have you twitching with delight. Superb versions of "Planet Earth," "The Reflex" and "New Religion" are all here. The mix from the X-rated video version of "Girls On Film" is here. A fun look at Duran History courtesy of Nick Rhodes is also included. While not for a casual fan ("Greatest" will feed your appetite), "Essential Duran Duran" gives you a chance to hear some clubland oldies without the scratches and pops of the old 12 inchers."

Duran Duran's NIght Versions

Amy Lynn | Pennsylvania United States | 04/09/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a rare and out of print copy of the remixes of duran duran songs that i picked up in 1998-99. I am a duran duran fan and i saw it in the music store , there were only 2 copys left and i picked it up because it looked unique. Well it definetly is a good find- it contains remixes of union of the snake, hungry like the wolf, rio, planet earth and many more. It also comes with a 2nd enhanced disk of the song new moon on monday (extended mix). The packaging is cool , it has a picture of the band on the front and inside a booklet with a story about duran duran and how they began and also contains pictures of the band. Very good find. I prefer thier regular songs better than the remixes but still worth the money and rare. Recomended."