Hopped up love letter to Rock-n-Roll...
Storylover | Philadelphia, PA USA | 02/28/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a record that is only going to be enjoyed by people who like a good time. I fell for the hype that this record was some kind of bizarre career suicide by Duran Duran, and avoided listening to it for a long time. Why would I want to hear Duran Duran cover Grandmaster Flash? Well, let me tell you, I was an idiot for listening to the critics. Clearly, the band loves these songs. They are performed with vigor and enthusiasm. Simon states in interviews that he was uncomfortable with some of the tracks chosen, but let me tell you you would never know to listen to him. He belts out tune after tune that you would never think to associate with him (Lay Lady Lay, anyone?) with conviction and heart. Sonically, the production is exquisite. The arrangements are always interesting (White Lines), sometimes revelatory (Perfect Day), and occasionally a little odd (Watching the Detectives).
The CD is begging for a party. It is full of the kind of chic that we have come to expect from Duran Duran, but more than almost any other record they have here, they absolutely rock out. Warren Cucurrillo's guitars are incredible. John Taylor's bass thumps and sizzles around the songs, and as always Nick provides some pretty fantastically atmospheric keyboard arrangements.
This album is a triumph, and I don't use that word advisedly at all. If you are in the mood for a great time, and you aren't scared to hear Simon LeBon rip up Sly and the Family Stone's playbook and go completely ape on I Wanna Take You Higher...well, this is exactly for you. Thank you, Duran Duran, and I'd love to hear you take on another batch of covers. Sometimes, the critical press misses the boat entirely. This is definitely one of those times."
Take Me Higher!
99D2Kid | Morton, PA | 07/14/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What is "Thank You"? It's not your typical Duran Duran album, it's a collection of covers from other artists, but there is one original work from the band themselves ("Drive By"). Simon's voice is absolutely flawless on these tracks, it's probably some of his best-sounding vocals ever (whatever they did recording this album, they should do it again!). The sound is so unique and different,too, the guitar work on this album is some of the best! Now, I'll give you my take on the album:
White Lines-One of the best from this album. This song is filled with energy and some of the best guitar playing! Features rapping by Melle Mel and Grandmaster Flash (who lends his master turntable moves at the end of the song!).
I Wanna Take You Higher-Funky upbeat track, catchy lyrics. Good cover of the original song from Sly Stone.
Perfect Day-Simply dreamy and just beautiful. Now I can see why Lou Reed himself called it one of the best covers of his song!
Watching The Detectives-Cover of Elvis Costello's song. Received an extreme makeover of high-tech music! This one is one of my favorites.
Lay Lady Lay- Cover of Bob Dylan's song. Soft and sweet, a little improvement over the original. Took me a few times to get into it, but now I enjoy it.
911 Is A Joke- This is interesting. Funky rockish song with, wait, is that, what? Rapping? Nice... That's Simon rapping,too. I didn't see that one coming! Another personal favorite.
Success-Good song. Glam rock makeover from the original.
Crystal Ship- Classic! Wonderful cover of The Door's original! Haunting but sweet melody with just beautiful vocals from Simon. This is my favorite off the entire album.
Ball Of Confusion- Wow. I didn't think they could pull off a cover of a Public Enemy song. It's techo-beat rock and its packed with lots of energy. It's quite a listen...
Thank You- Better than expected. This song delievers! Powerful music and vocals, it lives up to the original from Led Zepplin!
Drive By- An original work from the band. It's eerie, mysterious, but probably one of the most beautiful songs on the album. It's spoken, and even Simon's voice is truly haunting. Most of this song is instrumental, and is a one of kind.
I Wanna Take You Higher Again- Again! As good as the first one! If you liked part one, part two is not to disappoint!
Don't let the negative reviews deter you from listening to this album, it's actually quite good. "Thank You" is something totally different and fun! Give it a listen!
**I recommend the import edition. Get all the tracks at once!**
The "Mad Mind" has spoken."