Duran Duran: Friends of Mine

Friends of Mine from Duran Duran
1981, Produced by Colin Thurston

Ah, the eponymous debut release. It was a work of art. Duran is known as a New Romantic band, but this is the only real New Romantic record they released. The New Romantic scene was really in London and Duran was in Birmingham, which is funny that they are widely considered the most successful of the New Romantics. They always struck me as a bit different from their London counterparts, but still all fluffy piratey shirts and artsy just the same. (Plus I think Nick Rhodes really had a man crush on David Sylvian).

The debut album and it’s many accompanied b-sides really showed the disco and punk influences that were predominant at the time. Girls on Film and Planet Earth were big on this record, but Friends of Mine is one of my personal favorites. They just played it last spring when I saw them in Chicago. Friends of Mine really shows more of John’s punk and Andy’s rock influence.

Friends of Mine just has that little guitar hook that stays in my head. The drums are so simple, but they have that syncopated high-hat that sounds so good. A sign of a good producer.

I also really recommend Late Bar, though it wasn’t really on the record, it was a b-side to Planet Earth, but it’s good. If you think maybe Duran Duran was influenced by Roxy Music, this should confirm your suspicions.

Links:
Friends of Mine on iTunes
Late Bar on iTunes