Duran Duran: Last Chance on the Stairway

Last Chance on the Stairway from Rio
1982, Produced by Colin Thurston

Rio was best known for its title cut, Save a Prayer and Hungry Like the Wolf. Six of the album’s nine songs were released as singles. This album was as much of a hit because of its videos as its songs. MTV played the shit out of the singles, especially Rio.

Last Chance on the Stairway Makes the record for me though. The play of the drums and bass is killer, still showing that disco influence. They always reminded me of Blondie. The big hook for me though is the Marimba solo. Marimbas are such a mournful instrument, they give me the same emotional feeling as a flugelhorn, a bit sad, yet hopeful. Last Chance may be my favorite Duran song, it’s a toss-up with one other on this list.

New Religion is also recommended, great lyrics when you really think about them. Plus I used to play this one in a former band.

Links:
Last Chance on the Stairway on iTunes
New Religion on iTunes