this juz seen on CNN's website, good news for fans of
olde!
[/quote]NEW YORK (AP) -- Duran
Duran, who regrouped last year for a successful tour, are reuniting
again -- this time, for a new album on a new record label.
Lead singer Simon LeBon told The Associated Press that the band has
almost finished working on the untitled disc, which will be
released in the fall on Epic Records. It will mark the first time
the original band members -- LeBon, John Taylor, Nick Rhodes, Roger
Taylor and Andy Taylor -- have recorded an album together since
1983's "Seven & the Ragged Tiger."
Working together again has been seamless, LeBon said. "It's very
similar to how it worked 20 years ago. Everybody's a little bit
more open to how they feel about stuff."
The British pop quintet was among the biggest rock acts in the
world in the early '80s, with hits including "Girls On Film,"
"Rio," "Hungry Like the Wolf" and "The Reflex."
But they started going their own ways with side projects in 1985.
Guitarist Andy Taylor and bassist John Taylor formed The Power
Station with Robert Palmer; their hits included "Some Like It Hot"
and "Get It On." LeBon, keyboardist Rhodes and drummer Roger Taylor
recorded an album under the name Arcadia.
By the late '80s, Roger Taylor and Andy Taylor had left Duran Duran
entirely.
The men reunited and starting recording new music in 2001, but only
recently got a record deal.
They're working with producers Rich Harrison, who has worked with
superstars including Usher, Alicia Keys and Beyonce, as well as Don
Gilmore, who's produced tracks for multiplatinum acts like Good
Charlotte and Linkin Park.
LeBon says the band is not trying to copy the Europop sound that
sold them millions of records.
"I don't think it would work if we tried to repeat that," he
said.
Yet at the same time, he said it was important for Duran Duran to
keep enough of their own musical heritage so that their old fans
could relate to their new music.
"We wouldn't want to lose them by trying too hard by trying to
connect with a new audience," he said.
Whether or not the album clicks with listeners remains to be seen.
But judging from the sold-out performances Duran Duran gave at
venues last year -- where shrieking fans sang along with every word
-- LeBon says he has "no doubt that we will get the attention when
we release our stuff because I know there's a huge, huge demand for
(new music)."
And LeBon says the group is closer than ever -- even though they
still have their disagreements.
"We're like any people who get very close. Sometimes you argue with
each other. But the fact is we inspire each other musically," he
said. "Nobody else does it for me. It's just very
special."[/quote]
