On the verses, he crafts an entire separate melodic world and scheme on the chorus, he adds underlying heft to Le Bon’s main melodic path. A big part of that reason? Rhodes’ synth work, which is deceptively simple. 1 single is also one of its poppiest, upbeat tunes. Still, the presence of guest vocalist Grace Jones, as well as some abstract synth work as the song progressed, gives “Election Day” a welcome arty feel. The hit “Election Day” also wasn’t a far cry from recent Duran Duran work – dig the keyboard stabs! – although its soulful swoon and easygoing lounge vibe sounded very of-its-time. Arcadia featured Le Bon, Rhodes and drummer Roger Taylor, and hewed close to their main band’s manicured synthpop. It’s an early example of Duran Duran’s interlocking musical chemistry, something that would keep the band relevant for decades to come.ĭuran Duran was so huge in the ’80s, even its offshoots were massively popular. Rhodes’ droning, drifting keyboards not only amplify this disaffection – they serve as an unsettling foundation for John Taylor’s burbling bass lines and Simon Le Bon’s slightly confused, slightly panicked vocals. It was difficult to choose just 15, so honorable mentions go to “New Religion,” “Rio,” All You Need Is Now‘s title track and Arcadia’s “The Flame.”ĭuran Duran dabbled in alienation and loneliness on this album track from its 1981 self-titled debut. To celebrate the synth maestro’s birthday, we compiled Rhodes’ best songs. Rhodes’ parts especially ensure the record takes a more futuristic approach than 2011’s All You Need Is Now. The possibilities were endless.” That same sense of adventure informs Duran Duran’s latest album, Paper Gods. “Each one had a sound all its own, and that really enabled people to make extraordinary records with synthesizers. “What was so incredibly exciting and inspirational in the early ’80s when I was making the first Duran Duran records, was that the synthesizers coming out at that time by Roland and Korg and Moog were completely unique,” Rhodes told Keyboard in 2011. That certainly shows in Duran Duran’s music – a heady mix of glam, new wave, synthpop, post-punk and art rock – and extensive, diverse catalog. He’s also enormously respected by keyboard enthusiasts, mainly because his technique, approach and knowledge continues to evolve with the times. The keyboardist (who turns 54 on June 8) is a serious student of synthesizers and technology, as well as an ardent music fan and historian. Anyone who still considers Duran Duran some sort of fluffy ’80s boy band needs only to read an interview – any interview – with Nick Rhodes.
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