gimme a wristband

Gimme a Wristband has Moved!

2010-05-28T16:41:00.000-07:00

Please check out the new site at www.gimmeawristband.com

NEON Charity Gala - Moscow 5.24.10

2010-05-24T20:42:00.000-07:00

Duran Duran performed today at the NEON Charity Gala in aid of the IRIS Foundation at the Capital City. According to DuranDuran.com, "This high profile event celebrates art, fashion and design while raising funds to support those in need."

Muchas gracias to www.duranduran-dd.spruz.com and www.duranduran-dd.com.ar for sharing these photos. Please take a moment to check out these fabulous sites.

SAP Conference 5.18.10

2010-05-18T10:40:00.000-07:00

Duran Duran took the stage today at the SAP "Sapphire Now" conference in Frankfurt, Germany. Again, more pics as they become available...

The show was streamed live by a very kind audience member with an iPhone... amazing!

Watch almost the whole show here, thanks to Karan Mavai:
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/karanm#utm_campaign=search.twitter.com&utm_source=1219672&utm_medium=social
Save a Prayer
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/7022953

Wild Boyshttp://www.ustream.tv/recorded/7022851

Union of the Snake
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/7022146
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/7022097

Come Undone
http://www.twitvid.com/TW0FN

Hampton Court Palace 5.17.10

2010-05-17T15:18:00.000-07:00

Duran Duran is on stage right now at Hampton Court Palace in London, performing for the Rodman & Renshaw Global Investment Conference. More photos as they come in...

A firsthand report says they sounded "amazinggggggg!"

Tigress Ritual

2010-04-27T10:40:00.000-07:00

As reported a while back, John Taylor has made a guest appearance on the upcoming debut album from Swahili Blonde. The band is a project with ex-Red Hot Chili Peppers John Frusciante and ex-Weave! percussionist Nicole Turley. John appears on the song Tigress Ritual, which can now be heard along with others at the Swahili Blonde myspace page. Swahili Blonde will release the full-length CD, titled Man Meat this summer on the Manimal label and plans to tour in the Los Angeles area this spring.Manimal is also set to release the 28-song Bowie tribute album entitled Repetition - A Tribute to David Bowie, containing the Duran Duran cover of Boys Keep Swinging on September 6. Also included will be Swahili Blonde's cover of Red Money, on which I am told that John can be heard playing one of the the guitars, as well as performing the backing vocals at the end of the song.The album will be released as a two-disc set, available as a limited CD, limited double LP, and download with bonus tracks. Profits from the release will be going to War Child UK, an international charity for children affected by war. Pre-orders are being accepted here for this cool way to help a great cause.
In more John Taylor news (there certainly has been a lot) the latest photo in JT's '30 in 30' project reveals a new tattoo. The design is a stylized variation of the fourth chakra, or "heart chakra." The Sanskrit name for this chakra is "Anahata," meaning "unstruck" or "unhurt." Its name implies that deep beneath our personal stories of brokenness and the pain in our heart, wholeness, boundless love, and a wellspring of compassion reside.

Anahata chakra is said to be the center of the body's vital forces: the origin of the breath, the heart beat, its healing energy, and its inner wisdom and music. One triangle, facing upward symbolizes Shiva, the male principle. The other triangle, facing downward, symbolizes Shakti, the female principle. A balance is attained when these two forces are joined in harmony. The twelve petals, or points, along the outside represent lust, fraud, indecision, repentance, hope, anxiety, longing, impartiality, arrogance, incompetence, discrimination and defiance. According to contemporary Buddhist teacher Tarthang Tulku, the heart chakra is very important for the feeling of existential fulfillment. The fourth chakra is where the spiritual descends into the physical, the point of creation, free from constraint.

Today marks the halfway point in John Taylor's '30 in 30' photo blog. At the moment, I feel that the act of John taking these pictures speaks more than the photos themselves. What are your thoughts? Feel free to add a comment here or at the Gimme a Wristband Facebook page.

Hothead

2010-04-20T14:18:00.000-07:00

The mind of Man is framed even like the breath
And harmony of music. There is a dark
Invisible workmanship that reconciles
Discordant elements, and makes them move
In one society.
~ William Wordsworth, The Prelude, Book 1

John Taylor has a new process. In the 'blog' section of duranduran.com, one can find the currently in-progress 'JT's 30 in 30,' wherein John is taking a photo of himself every day for the next thirty days. More than just snapshots, these are tiny windows into his world. In the same way that the artist is more than how he appears on the street or in over-styled photo shoots, this series of photos affords us a glimpse into his private mind.Reading everyone's comments and discussing the project with other fans has been just as interesting to me as looking at the photos. Of course, there are limits to photography as a revelatory tool, and some fans are complaining about not having a blog with words. Personally, I'm excited by John's willingness to embrace image-making as a fresh technique to communicate with fans. I firmly believe that a picture is indeed worth a thousand words, and there are a thousand more returned from each viewer.

There are also those who have been eager to roll their eyes at each new photo, pointing to physical flaws and the effects of age upon his visage, just as there are those who are happy to simply squee over the cuteness. I am not ashamed to admit that I would probably frame this man's colonoscopy photo, but I think the overall project is worthy of contemplation. The un-retouched laugh lines, the unshaven whiskers, and the rather un-dainty contour of his nostrils all belie John's willingness to share himself with us as he truly is, without pretense or vanity. Just as a mother could not judge or discard a photo of her child, I find it impossible not to find beauty in what some would call imperfection. Though unorthodox, I think it would be unfortunate to dismiss this method of communication with the fan base, especially in light of John's recent comments about social media. This is unique and unexpected progress that I feel should be heartily commended.I've had great fun sharing the anticipation with other fans each day, waiting for the new picture to be posted and wondering together about what it all means. Perhaps John is drawing from his recent reading, regarding this project from a Jungian perspective. When considered separately, the two seem to contradict. The Jungian looks for links internally, while a photographer is looking for links externally. Put them together and possibilities do emerge, using the camera simultaneously as the mirror to the soul and the window to the world. After all, a mirror is the transparent made reflective.Examining these photos has taken me back to my art school days, filled with discussions about Lacan's concept of the "artist's gaze" and the question of what is subjective versus objective. I wonder, just who is doing the gazing here? With whom does the power and possession of the gaze lie? Are we looking at him while he looks at us looking at himself? The Lacanian implications of the series reach far, lending interpretation to the effect that perception supersedes actuality, that schism is actuality, that actuality is false, and that the interlocutor is the only real.
Self portraiture is a tender process for any artist, an attempt to capture a clear view of one's transitional essence. For both the photographer and the viewer, the portrait is inherently subjective and contingent, involving selection, interpretation and chance. Each of these photos is a beautiful but failed grasp at temporality, and that is why they are so interesting.

As is the nature of any ADDict, I want more. I want John to pass the camera along, putting it in the hands of Nick, Roger, and Simon to do their own series. I want them to then photograph each other, and I then want them to share their photos of us as we have of them. Take it even further, a reflection of a reflection of a reflection, resulting in an infinite blinding light of admiration for the moments that bring us all together.Many fans are still waiting for a press release, hard news about the new album, or firm answers to nebulous rumors. I don't think we'll see any of that for a while. For the moment, I am cherishing this unexpected and highly personal exchange with the man of many moods, and consider this as decorative yet meaningful element to the communication we all crave.

Interview with Durandy - 'Duran Duran As You've Never Seen Them Before'

2010-04-08T14:14:00.000-07:00

As fate would have it, I live just a couple of miles away from the Duran Duran Archive, the largest collection of Duran Duran posters and memorabilia in the world. The collection is owned and curated by one of my dearest friends, Andy Golub, otherwise known as "Durandy." His commitment to preserving Duran history is unparalelled, but what truly sets Andy apart is his unwavering desire to share his love of the band as well as his treasures with fans around the globe. Today, Andy has something incredibly special to share with us: precious, hidden jewels of of Duran history.

In his own words Andy says, "In building my collection over the years, my favorite experiences have often involved the common joys shared by other fans: absorbing every detail in photo sessions that filled lovingly constructed scrapbooks and adorned thousands of bedroom walls; recalling the first band pictures that ignited an interest, and appreciating images that became part of countless lives. Photography has always helped to strengthen the connection between Duran and their fans.

While it is nice to see the band in familiar pictures, it is something else to re-discover a beloved photo session through the outtakes that were never meant to be seen. I have waited a long time to share some of the most exciting artifacts in my collection – contact sheets from some of Duran’s most iconic photo sessions.

A selection of sheets from Michael Putland has been assembled in a slide show on my website. You will recognize Michael’s work, photographing the band in 1981. From a stroll through New York’s Central Park to studio sessions that appeared on some of the most collectible record sleeves, Michael captured Duran Duran as their career was just beginning to take shape. His images are among the photographs that prompted many people to become devoted fans in the first place."
Being fortunate enough to view these contact sheets up close, I can honestly say that looking at them was a deeply moving experience. Examining the unseen images, I felt like I was peering into a secret universe of candid emotion, with each successive frame speaking volumes about the interaction between band members during a highly-charged moment in their history. You can view a full, automated slide show of all of the contact sheets here. Also, please take the time to explore the full site at www.durandy.com, where you can see an excellent cross-section (albeit only about 20 percent) of the entire collection.

Andy has produced two gallery-style retrospective exhibitions in Seattle, loaned items from his collection to be showcased in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and had several posters featured in A&E's Biography Channel television feature about Duran Duran, as well as been profiled in the press and featured in the recently released Is There Something I Should Know - Fans on Film documentary.

The band themselves have been in awe of Andy's work for some time now. Nick Rhodes testifies, "Of all the collections of Duran Duran memorabilia I have ever encountered, I can safely say that Durandy's posters reign supreme. Like all great collectors, he is remarkably thorough, so through painstaking research and absolute dedication he has managed to acquire posters for concerts that I barely remember playing!" If you would like to hear John Taylor's thoughts on Durandy and his collection, click here to listen to an interview which recently aired on a Seattle radio station. As the Putland sheets are unveiled for the first time, I've taken this opportunity to ask Andy a few questions about his enduring commitment to documenting Duran Duran and also to provide further insight on what the archival process and collection mean to him personally.

What exactly is the Archive?

The Archive is where I house and curate my collection of Duran Duran memorabilia. Although posters may be my signature collectible, I have actually filled shelves with an array of artifacts in every shape, size and style. Paper ephemera includes over 10,000 pages of articles and hundreds of books from around the world. Many unique items can also be found, from hot sauce and a hospital mask to binoculars and a battery. The archive is also a place where great things happen. Inhibitions are released, smiles are contagious, and concerns of daily life are left outside. It’s a time capsule, an oasis, and a pleasant distraction. I love to think my archive is where Duran’s history comes alive.

How long have you been collecting Duran Duran memorabilia?

I’ve been collecting for over 15 years. I like thinking that, prior to my awakening, the Duran gene was sitting dormant inside, just waiting patiently to be switched on.

What are some of the more rare or hard to find items in the archive?

The rarest items often hail from Duran’s formative years. Posters from when the band supported Hazel O’Connor, contact sheets from the earliest photographers, and prints from Paul Edmond count among items I’m particularly fond of. However, later chapters in the band’s career offer just as much thrill, such as a 3-D poster from 1985, a seven-foot flag intended to promote Notorious in a department store window, or contact sheets from some of the most familiar photo sessions in 1987.

Sometimes the criteria for rarity can simply be found in items that were never intended to be saved, such as promotional posters for corporate gigs or newspaper features that only ran for one day. Each passing year seems to reaffirm my drive to find and preserve memorabilia that would ordinarily be destined for destruction.

Which pieces are the most valuable to you personally?

It may sound cliché, but my first thought is of photos from my encounters with the band, which are irreplaceable. That’s a sentiment I probably share with countless other fans. However, I cherish any memorabilia that reveals something special about Duran’s professional or personal identity.

Contact sheets are a great example, as they were generally never intended to be viewed by the public. Duran Duran’s collective personality really comes through in the sheets, which offer a rare glimpse at the band’s professional persona in front of the camera, as well as the creative direction behind it.

What are your hopes for the future of the Archive?

Of course, I hope to keep working on expanding the collection. I am a completist at heart, so there will always be a desire to fill gaps in the band’s history, track down elusive poster prey, and check off my growing list of wants.

However, I would also love to find new ways of sharing the collection and revitalizing my website with fresh things to see. With two local exhibitions under my belt, I’ve always harbored a fantasy of taking my collection on the road with a traveling show. When I first launched my website years ago, I put up a form that registers interest in a Duran exhibition. The list of people who have expressed interest reads like a map of the world, and that kind of support is what keeps my flame burning. Huge thanks to everyone who has written.

So far, the responses to formal proposals for Duran exhibits have been less than what I’m looking for; I have filed away two rejections from the Experience Music Project here in Seattle, one from the Seattle Art Museum, one from the Tate Museum (an ambitious attempt, I’ll admit), and several from museums which have hosted past exhibits similar to the one I’m proposing. Apparently, giving up is not in my repertoire.

What are some of the ways that people can enjoy the Archive and become a part of it?

I want to start my answer by extending a warm invitation to everyone. If you should find yourself traveling to my corner of the world (Bellevue, Washington), you are welcome to come on over for a tour of the archive. The wonderful friends who have made a special trip (and those who have insisted on repeated visits) have given me a terrific gift –the experience of seeing how my efforts make an impact on others. The value of the archive can really be measured on the faces of those who drop by for a visit.

I have also been very fortunate to have people offer up their own collections as a donation to the archive. Such generosity never ceases to take my breath away. I’m the first one to recognize that every fan’s collection, regardless of size or content, is invaluable – if for no other reason than having immense personal meaning. Acquiring someone else’s Duran treasures is something I never take lightly. Along with accepting any offered memorabilia, I also take on a vow to honor the history of the item being donated. An article or poster is never just a piece of paper to file away; every fan takes time and energy to acquire their collection piece by piece, with each item often attached to experiences and memories. That deserves respect and appreciation.

Has the Archive brought you closer to the Duran community?

I have been blessed with amazing support from the fan community. Friends I’ve known for years, fans I’ve met through my website and forum posts, and absolute strangers have all rocked my world with their kind words of encouragement.

I feel incredibly connected to my fellow fans, and M. Douglas’ Fans on Film documentary only made that bond seem even more powerful. Sharing a passion with so many people is truly special, feeling as if I belong to something bigger than myself. Within the sense of belonging is an acceptance and mutual respect that can be hard to find. I have felt especially connected when other fans point to specific posters in my collection and relate how their life was impacted by that show, or even by that chapter of the band’s career.

I particularly enjoy the occasional, small gatherings with close friends, viewing Duran videos, discussing the merits of the members, or simply catching up. Just reading about how other fans experience similar meet-ups gives me a warm, fuzzy sensation. This global fan community is an unspoken acknowledgment that Duran Duran have touched each of our lives somehow, and we all know what it feels like.

On a personal level, I never expected to see my archival efforts resonate with so many people. Knowing my collection is giving someone else a moment of joy is a remarkable thing. It fuels my determination to give this collection a life beyond archival storage and preservation. I love the experience of seeing Duran in a new light through previously unseen memorabilia – it can be intensely satisfying and goose bump-inducing. That’s the experience I want to give others.

What are some of your "holy grail items," things you have not yet been able to obtain?

Despite my best poster-hunting efforts, my 'Want List' keeps growing. It is good to know what I’m after, but the list can be painful to review. There are many posters out there that represent specific events or gigs, such as: Posters that were displayed behind the band during an October 4, 2004 appearance at the Saturn store in Berlin; or the poster for the next night’s concert at Berlin’s Columbiahalle.

When Duran played the Las Vegas House of Blues in 2001, there was a poster set up on an easel at the venue’s entrance. Another one that got away. It’s actually a bit funny whenever Duran do a press conference or public appearance – most fans might be glued to the band members, but I’m busy scanning for posters behind the band. Occupational hazard, I suppose. Let’s not forget the beautiful posters displayed on the wall at the famous Coca-Cola corporate press conference from Sing Blue Silver, where John gets up to declare his Pepsi preference.

There was also the mint-condition Subway promo poster for the band’s first UK tour in 1981. This painful loss taught me that what I really need is a staff of people, perusing eBay’s international listings on a daily basis. Sometimes it’s a matter of not knowing what lurks out there to be tracked down. For example, I’m always looking for any promo posters from John’s solo gigs, or from his shows with Terroristen. I’m just not sure how much promotion was ever done for his concerts. My instincts tell me I’ll never be able to acquire everything out there. Unfortunately, nobody bothered to tell my blind, dogged determination.

What compels you to do this, and what aspects of maintaining the archive bring you the most joy?

I’ve always felt that Duran’s career is one worth celebrating. I love seeing how the band has matured and evolved over the years, and the insights offered by the content in my archive bring a heightened understanding of Duran Duran’s legacy. I believe one can better appreciate where Duran Duran are today by knowing where they have been.

I am proud of what I have built and how my efforts have affected other people. As time passes and the band continues to make music, I feel the weight of the Archive’s relevance, and my responsibility to it.

While it’s exciting to acquire new rarities and watch my collection grow, the best part will always be sharing it all with other fans. Memorabilia was not created to be placed in a box and stored away in a facility… these treasures were made to be seen, experienced and enjoyed.

If you are interested in visiting or adding to the Archive, please contact Andy at contact@durandy.com.

Still Breathing

2010-03-31T18:11:00.000-07:00

There's been much ado this week about Roger's announcement during a Belfast television interview that he does not expect the new album to be out until next year. The internet has been abuzz with anger, disappointment, and speculation. Reactions have ranged from mild disappointment to fans actually claiming they are going to walk away in disgust. In an effort to put things into perspective, I went through the time lines to take a look at approximately how Duran Duran worked each major album from inception to release.

Duran Duran - April 1980 - June 1981

Rio - October 1981 - May 1982

Seven and the Ragged Tiger - August 1983 - November 1983

Notorious - Feb 1986 - November 1986

Big Thing - May 1988 - October 1988

The Wedding Album - January 1991 - February 1993

Medazzaland - October 1996 - October 1997

Pop Trash - June 1998 - June 2000

Astronaut - May 11 2001 - October 11 2004

Red Carpet Massacre - November 2006 - November 2007
(work supposedly began on Reportage in Jan 2006, so you could add this time in)

In my opinion, two years or so is not really that long to work on an album. Sure, I'm just as disappointed as the next person, especially since John said last year that they hoped to have a single out in 2009. With enthusiasm, though not always the case, often comes disappointment. I don't think that's any reason to not be enthusiastic... we all just need to keep things in perspective, which I'm sure is not an easy task for us or for them.

Recent comments show that the band is still very optimistic about the upcoming album and with their work with Mark Ronson. They are keeping busy with outside projects (Simon's work on Ronson's upcoming album, John's recent work with Danimals and the New Roads school project, Roger's DJ gigs, and who knows what that devious Mr. Rhodes has up his elegant sleeve). There are the corporate gigs to keep their stage presence and pocketbooks in shape. In fact, another one has been scheduled for SAP in Frankfurt on May 19.

We can only speculate as to what circumstances are causing the album to take longer than expected. Shopping for a new label? Busy summer schedules for all involved? Imagine the pressure, the logistics, the timing and the personalities that have to come together perfectly in order to make a beautiful, unique, relevant and marketable album. We may find out the reasons for the delay, and we may not. The band's recent struggles to communicate efficiently with their fans have taken a toll on our patience, to be sure, but making a Duran Duran album has got to be a Herculean effort in many ways that we will never truly understand.

It's normal to be a little disappointed, to want new music, to want to see the band in the flesh, to want them to succeed. These are all things that as fans, we want badly. Personally, I am going to keep the faith and do my best to be patient and supportive. They are together, and they are working. They are still breathing. Let's give them some room to do this, and all take a deep breath together.

Las Vegas 3.20.10

2010-03-22T13:37:00.000-07:00

On Saturday night, Duran Duran played a private show at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas as the grand finale of the Arbonne National Training Conference. Family obligations prevented me from attending, but a few lucky Duranies were able to make their way into the crowd of almost nine-thousand cosmetics saleswomen.
All of the reports I received were extremely positive. Simon's voice was strong, the band sounded energetic and tight, and they all really seemed to enjoy themselves. I've heard from more than one person that the show seemed a bit "chaste" without some of Simon's signature moves, but apparently one woman was still worked into enough of a frenzy to run onstage.
The band always seems to enjoy themselves in Vegas, and this time was no exception. They enjoyed Cirque du Soleil Love (again), hit up the Ghost Bar, and enjoyed a private cabana at the MGM's Wet Republic pool.
Click on the song titles below for YouTube clips from the show. Warm thanks to Lisa Onsurez for the photos and commentary.

Rio
Save a Prayer
Wild Boys
The Reflex (beginning)
The Reflex (end)
White Lines
Nite Runner
Ordinary World

Air Miles

2010-03-17T16:25:00.000-07:00

"A man is not an orange. You can't eat the fruit and throw the peel away."
– Arthur Miller, Death of a Salesman

John Taylor is stressing me out.

Last week, John answered a question from a fan named Peggy, which had been submitted to Ask Katy. Peggy wondered, “with all the advances in technology, if there are any songs from the early days that the guys were unhappy with the final result and would be interested in re-recording?”

John answered, “Hmm.. Good question Peggy. Do you? That is, are there any of the older recordings you would like to hear re-recorded, with Dom playing guitar I guess, instead of Andy? I think most of the early (pre-Notorious) recordings are pretty darn perfect if I say so myself. Come to think of it, I probably wouldn’t change anything on Notorious or Big Thing either. Everyone knows that Liberty is the least satisfactory of the elpees, but that has nothing to do with technology. Do you know, sometimes I really dislike technology? An excuse for a new coat of paint is all it is sometimes..Em, yes.. I think we’ve always been pretty on time technologically speaking. The early albums were very forward for their time. I cannot imagine them being any different. And please feel free to answer my question…”

My first reaction was amazement that John would even dare to utter such a thing… to re-record previous materials with another guitarist would be blasphemy. I’m pretty sure such an event would throw the earth off its axis, causing it to spin so fast that that we actually would, in fact, fly off.

I then realized that he was being sarcastic, probably taking offense to the question. It certainly wouldn’t be the first time. But Peggy wasn’t actually suggesting that things could be done better with another guitarist. I think she was really just inquiring about technology. However, I can see how John could make that leap. As scientists are still unable to create an Artificial Andy, any re-recording would have to be done with a session guitarist, and well, that simply would not do.

And yes, John has made it quite clear lately exactly just how much he hates technology, many times over in just the past few months. I think we’re beginning to understand.

Overall, this response really unsettled me. To me, it seemed a bit more than just the regular grumpiness. It was a continuation of his somber views put forth at the UCLA conference, but even more chilly. With this answer, John had gone from a crotchety old man pining for the album art of yesteryear to an angry young teen, wanting to hide in his room with his “elpees.”

Almost before I could reach for a sweater, the following was posted on duranduran.com:

A “Blog” from John
March 11th, 2010

BARCELONA

There is not one person staying in this hotel
who would rather not be somewhere else.
At home in bed with a warm wife perhaps,
or watching a son play soccer on a winter field,
or walking the dog along a leafy street &
(waving hello to the neighbours).
Helping daughter with last minute homework or
helping her pick out her wedding dress even or
Quality time with ageing Dad or Mom or both.

Not work though, not here, Anywhere but here.

Why do we have to come so far?
It turned out to be a rumour that the world had grown small,
And whoever said it had no frequent flyer miles.
We think nothing these days, of vast distances
and crossings, of two or three oceans for one nights work.
So here we all are, for one night or maybe two,
roaming the halls at midnight, like jagged Willy Lomans.

At least I got my breakfast in bed. That’s different.
Would not have gotten that at home (unless I was sick.)
which I never am, anymore (I’m over that.)
Endless supplies of coffee on tap,
Heuvos Fritos at a moments notice,
Hmmm.. I guess it’s not so uncomfortable!

The only real hurt is the restless gentle pull that
says ‘Don’t stay, get away,
get home & isolate, turn away.
Pull up the covers and don’t play with others, quick,
before you get found out..’

But that would not be living life,
and I must move forward and not be afraid
of the darkness that lives in my skull anymore.
Meet some people, make some friends,
imitate a human being, that’s how they all do it,
and what could be better than that?
At the All-Star Telecom Conference I could win,
a free cell-phone or a blackberry to call home with,
at least.

Not that it isn’t beautiful. I even have a sea view.
Was a time when that would have been more than enough,
(the mid-nineteenth century perhaps) but now, it just gets in the way..
Perception is everything, I have to keep my mind right,
and get it right with God- keep the channel clear, strong, wide, free-flowing.

I see this as the expression of a deeply depressed man. Duran Duran has been on the road almost non-stop for the past seven years, so “world-weary” would probably be an underestimation. Also, John has a milestone birthday coming up, which can cause the best of us to go into a bit of an Existential tailspin. Even so, this communiqué struck me as being heartbreakingly sad.

I can’t help but wonder what John’s motivation is for delivering this “blog” directly to his fans. Yes, it is couched in beautiful, song-like prose that one can romantically imagine being written late at night on hotel stationary… but I am surprised that such rawness was shared so immediately and broadly, via the dreaded technology. Several days had passed since it was penned, so clearly the desire to share it was well thought out. Is it a plea for help, a desire to be comforted or reassured? Is it a warning of terrible things to come? Perhaps, to quote Arthur Miller once more, “One had the right to write because other people needed news of the inner world, and if they went too long without such news they would go mad with the chaos of their lives.”

Whatever John’s motivation may be, this blog has deeply worried, especially in light of past transgressions. There is some kind of struggle going on in his beautiful mind, and it appears that our champion has named “technology" as his foe. He keeps poking at it with a stick… and now it’s making me moody.

This past weekend, as all of this was weighing heavily upon me, Ask Katy asked for questions to be submitted for a “roundtable” discussion with the band. My question is this:

“The topic of technology seems to be on the tip of everyone's tongue lately, from John's speech at UCLA, to Nick's keynote in Barcelona, even creeping into Ask Katy questions. Perhaps this is a result of technology itself being so pervasive... we can't all hide from the world, listening to elpees in our bedrooms, can we?

John mentioned the "immense power of restriction" that artists once held over their audience, before the days of YouTube and Twitter. Do you, as a band, feel that it is in your best interest to adhere to this sentimental notion, or do you see yourselves adapting to and harnessing technology as a way to promote interaction with fans both new and old? If the answer is the latter, what new technologies are you considering, besides content delivery on mobile phones, to promote what will surely be a groundbreaking new album? Also, since there is such a clear dichotomy within the band on this topic, do you think there is a way to blend the traditional with the modern, resulting in a truly innovative approach to fan interaction and music promotion?”

Whether this question merits an answer from the band remains to be seen, but I am obviously keen to hear what the group has to say. I have a few ideas of my own on the subject, but I will continue to wait patiently in hopes of hearing theirs.

In the meantime, I really hope John can feel better. For whatever it's worth, I will offer this advice: spend less time hating technology and more time using it to get what you want. Follow the instinct that tells you to move forward, to not be afraid. If perception is everything, then reality, including technology, is what you make it. Find a way to use it to shine light on those dark places in your skull.

Maybe... this process has already started.

Tel Aviv

2010-03-14T10:13:00.000-07:00

In May of 1980, Simon Le Bon arrived at the Rum Runner in Birmingham to audition for Duran Duran, wearing pink leopard print trousers and clutching a book full of lyrics. One of the songs in this book was called Tel Aviv, memories of the time Simon spent working on a kibbutz in Israel. Tel Aviv was the first song ever recorded by the band.

That song was not the instrumental Tel Aviv that we all know from the first album. This Tel Aviv is an entirely different song, including those lyrics, that we have never heard... until today.

Click here to listen to the original Tel Aviv

the afternoon
it's one maybe two
sipping away my last gold star
not so much to do
dream away the sunny day
'til its time to leave
I'll just watch you pass on by
when I'm on my own in Tel Aviv

with the blocks to one side
and the beach on the other
and the trees and the leaves
on my own in Tel Aviv
and the leaves and the trees
on my own in Tel Aviv

I see smoke is rolling
breaking off the shore
the sound of traffic fades
like someone closed the door
see I might stay here
watch the skins keeping cool
like Greene's man overseas
I read the rules

with the blocks to one side
and the beach on the other
and the trees and the leaves
on my own in Tel Aviv
and the palms and the trees
on my own in Tel Aviv

This version of Tel Aviv will be included on the upcoming EMI reissue of "Duran Duran," along with five other previously unreleased demos.

Do You Believe in Faith?

2010-03-04T10:25:00.000-08:00

EMI has officially announced the details for the Big Thing and Notorious issues. The track listing can be found here. I think it's great that EMI is putting these out, however, it would have been lovely to have a few demos included. There are interesting demos of pretty good quality from both of these albums. Also, there's only one unreleased track out of all of this (Eurohouse version of All She Wants Is). Perhaps the most troubling question of all is why they are not issuing the classic Three to Get Ready on DVD.

Ok, time to put away my crankypants. I love both albums and will be fully stoked to have the new CDs and digital downloads, hopefully with excellent artwork and packaging. And hey... the Big Thing Live shows in Italy (Milan 12.12.88 will be included) are a riot, with a strange aggressive energy and delightfully festive wardrobe choices.

Let's keep a focus on faith. Faith that the old songs are being treated with respect, and faith that the guys are hard at work on the new songs. Looking at these recent photos from the studio, I believe you can sense their determination.

I hope you enjoy some of my favorite demos from Big Thing. These are reportedly stolen... perhaps that has something to do with them not being included in the re-issue.

Do You Believe in Shame (alternate "faith" lyrics)

Pressure (piano chorus rough)

The Edge of America (acoustic)

All She Wants Is (alternate lyrics)

Perfect Day

2010-03-03T10:20:00.000-08:00

Simon spent some time with Nick Wood and Silvio Anastacio at Saigo Yama Park in Tokyo yesterday, filming a video of Save a Prayer. It makes me smile to know that our boys were fortunate enough to be in Japan while the cherry blossoms are in bloom.

Simon Le Bon and Nick Wood - Dream Boy video

Simon Le Bon and Nick Wood - Nobody Knows video

Muchas gracias to Den and Sil for the photos.

Friends of Mine

2010-03-02T10:47:00.000-08:00

I just heard that Simon will be performing on Mark Ronson's new album, which is due out in July. If it's even half as gorgeous as Simon's recent collaboration with Beautiful Small Machines, I think we're in for a treat. Watch this space.

UPDATE: I'm hearing that Simon worked with Wiley on the track for Mark. Check out Wiley on his myspace.

Speaking of collaborations... here's The Moody One hanging out at a pre-Oscar party the other night with Gavin Rossdale and Gwen Stefani. John recently mentioned that he would love to work with Gwen. I'll get my pom-poms out for that one.

CLSA Conference, Tokyo

2010-02-25T22:41:00.000-08:00

This evening, Duran Duran performed at the Grand Hyatt hotel in Tokyo as Asia-focused brokerage and investment firm CLSA wrapped up their 7th annual Japan Forum. The financial conference is known for having high-profile entertainers, and Duran Duran was brought back by popular demand after playing the conference in 2007.

At the moment, I am only able to report on the show through photographs. I'll add more details as they come in and everyone recovers from what looks to be an amazingly fun night.

Danimals - TED the Lab

2010-02-23T21:49:00.000-08:00

Keeping with the theme of Mark Ronson's side projects, commissions by non-musical brands, and never-ending worship for all things John Taylor, today we look at Danimals, the winner of the competition held by Toohey's Extra Dry to come up with a smashingly hip and catchy single for their next national advertising campaign.

Danimals began as a solo project for Sydney artist Jonti Danilewitzand and soon evolved into a five-piece ensemble, revolving around three drummers rotating around a single drum kit and separate synth and percussion stations. An experiment in the fusion of rock and electronic sounds, Danimals focus on rhythms and deconstructing traditional song structures to create some bouncy tripped out experimental music.

I've seen promotions like the Toohey's Extra Dry competition fall flat for numerous reasons, but was obviously intrigued upon hearing the winners would supposedly create something entirely new with John Taylor, Mark Ronson, Santigold, and members of the Kaiser Chiefs and Dap Kings. Contenders were announced early on, Ronson himself chose the winning band in December, and within a few weeks a pretty incredible web documentary of the Danimals journey into wonderland was up.

I implore you to check out TED the Lab if you have not already done so. It provides a sexy yet informative and well-produced look into Danimals impending dream date with the stars. The web site takes a while to load, but it's totally worth your time. Minus five points for not including any shots of John Taylor; plus three points for the scene with Mark Ronson eating a sandwich.

I'm not sure if any "official" release has come out, but tonight, Danimals put the finished track up on Twitter and Facebook. I think it's pretty creamy. It might just be the beer-foam mustache talking, but of course the bass line is killer and I'm kind of in love with those marimbas. It will be interesting to see how Toohey's wraps things up, but yeah... I think they got a winner.

Listen to Danimals "FOX"

Chauffeur

2010-02-21T20:59:00.000-08:00

As you all know, Mark Ronson is producing the next Duran Duran album. I think he is an excellent choice. Not only is Ronson one of the best producers and DJs in the business, he has a relentless work ethic and has been a devoted Duran fan for most of his life. I think he gets it, and perhaps just as importantly, the band gets him. Mark has promised to bring back "that classic Duran sound," which is good news for those who cringed with the band's last collaboration with Timbaland and Justin Timberlake. Personally, I love Red Carpet Massacre, but I do find a disconnect with that production on many levels.

Ronson also has mad skills when it comes to image and promotion, and I think our boys could take a few tips from him. I'll have more to come on that later. For now, let's have a look at one of Mark's latest projects, his somewhat mysterious collaboration with Sam Sparro and Theophilus London, called Chauffeur. You've got to at least love the name.

Chauffeur looks elegantly sexy, sounds disturbingly cool, and undoubtedly smells like money and expensive hair products. It's got a lubricated 80s vibe and is very synth-heavy, an element that Ronson attributes to working recently with Nick Rhodes. Just like Mark himself, Chauffeur is Gucci down to the socks. The group came together as the musical component to Ronson's line of shoes, which he designed for Gucci and is the first product actually endorsed and designed by Ronson. When you buy a pair of the shoes, you get a limited edition vinyl 12-inch of Chauffeur's "Soles of Fire." I do not wear boat shoes or own a record player. I do, however, have an iPhone, and another element to this promotion is a fun little Gucci/Ronson app that Nick Rhodes mentioned in a recent interview.

Thus far, two songs from Chauffeur have come out; the first to debut was the slippery and mentholated "Soles of Fire." Two days ago, Mark premiered the a cover of Sheila E.'s "Glamorous Life" on his Authentic Shit program on East Village Radio. "Glamorous Life" is yet another shining example of Ronson's unfailing ability to do retro with a modern twist. It makes me want to play drums while standing up, swilling champagne and wearing a full-length purple chinchilla coat.

Chauffeur - "Soles of Fire"

Chauffeur - "Glamorous Life "

Ronson is quite simply the king of combination, even down to his trans-Atlantic accent. He mixes exactly the right sounds, artists and aesthetics to create music that is at once exotic and familiar. I think he's got the recipe. Mark Ronson isn't going to make or break this next album... that's of course ultimately up to the band. But I do have faith that this charming alchemist has the ability to form a panacea that, supported with thoughtful and diligent marketing and promotion, will enable Duran Duran to shine once again like the golden gods they truly are.

Mobile World Conference in Barcelona

2010-02-16T12:47:00.000-08:00

On February 16, Duran Duran performed at the Mobile World Congress 2010 in Barcelona. The following day, Nick delivered a fascinating keynote outlining the band's views on mobile technology and beyond.

Set List:
A View to a Kill, Hungry Like the Wold, Notorious, Come Undone, Reflex, Ordinary World, Sunrise, Wild Boys and Rio.

Click here to watch Nick's chat with Ericsson about about being on the cutting edge of mobile technology

Nick's comments from the afterparty and keynote session:

Click here for video of the keynote

"I think there are many great applications for market research from both mobile and online, even down to such simple concepts as finding out which songs the audience would like to hear in a live show. We do look at data, but we combine that with our instinct to find the right combination."

"We are currently in discussions with several phone companies about what type of experience we can provide for our audience when we release the new album later this year. We are always looking for interesting and innovative opportunities and there's undoubtedly some exciting technology out there to both deliver music and engage our fans."

"We actually have a massive war-chest of unused content available that we are re-purposing for the mobile arena. We see this as a great opportunity for all artists as it develops month by month."

"On the next album we will be using mobile to an even greater extent, both for delivery and as a way to connect with our fans and further build community."

“We’ve always looked at technology from the beginning [of our career], whether it was TV, radio or the internet more recently,” he said. “Mobile phones, artists haven’t engaged that much yet. We’ve all had a flirtation with ring tones. We’ve done downloading of tracks and video clips. Possibly, some surveys and polling. But we’ve not got into the integrated 3G system and using the technology to its best yet. For the first time artists are now saying the mobile audience is so much bigger than the online audience. More people have phones than computers in the world.”

“I think the opportunities now are pretty extraordinary with mobile phones,” said Rhodes. “We have the content, but we’re also very interested to see how we can use things in ways that they haven’t been used yet. Sometimes people will look at a technology and ask what use it is. As an artist, we can see, perhaps, how it might be used at a live show where people could tag something and appear on another screen…”

“It’s a brave new world out there. You try things. It’s trial and error. You see what works. Everyone always wants to put something out, say it’s perfect and have it work. As with every new product, sometimes it hits the spot and sometimes, not always for the right reasons, it doesn’t. Don’t be afraid to try something new, get out there and see what people think. They let you know soon enough.”

“A lot of people have seen the opportunity and think you have to churn things around more. For people on a creative roll who want to put stuff out and if the audience wants that, it’s giving you a myriad of different options. What I like is the idea that everything is instant. We used to have to put a record out, stick posters up and hope someone walked past them at a certain time. Now you can push a button and it’s all over the phone networks. People can have it and decide very quickly. It works well for artists because we are communicators.”

“On tour it takes 18 months to get around the world. It’s a lot of fun, but exhausting too. It’s hugely appealing that we can proliferate our music out there quickly [using digital media], including to places like India and China where we’ve never played.”

Demolition: New Moon on Monday

2010-02-09T14:34:00.000-08:00

Continuing our examination of the Seven and the Ragged Tiger demos, let's have a listen to two versions of New Moon On Monday, which is certainly one of the cornerstones of the album. Released in 1984, the tenth single by Duran Duran is sultry, mystical, grandiose, obtuse and kinda dorky... all at the same time.

The first version presented here includes vocals, some mumbled and some amusingly emphatic. Most of the lyrics are complete, although Simon had apparently not yet begun to "shake up the picture with the lizard mixture."

UPDATE: It turns out that these 7ATRT demos have, according to the Duran Wiki, been "denounced as fakes by the band." I've really enjoyed the discussion around this... can anyone point me to some exact quotes from the band about these demos? I find the fact that someone would go to such lengths to fake this stuff to be almost as fascinating as the real thing.

Listen to New Moon on Monday Demo - Version 1

This second version is sans-vocals, but the music sounds more self assured and playful. John's bass line slithers up and down your spine as it should, and you can almost hear Nick smiling as the layers come together.

Listen to New Moon on Monday Demo - Version 2

It's impossible to listen to New Moon On Monday without thinking of the iconic video. Four different versions are in existence. There is a seventeen minute "movie version" with an extended introduction, an extended version with a French prologue that was debuted on MTV, a shorter version without the prologue, and yet another version produced for the Dancing on the Valentine video collection. The latter is set to the extended mix, with slick shots of the band members against the backdrop of a full moon and a silhouette of a woman with big 80s hair being alternately sort of fondled and tortured.

However, my favorite version is the brilliant parody video "Making Fun of Duran Duran 2!" The part about Andy's stupid kite gets me every time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=018GSZImaa8

One of these days I'm going to run around a village in France in the dead of winter, handing out meaningless fliers and lighting stuff on fire. It's going to be awesome.

Demolition: Seven and the Ragged Tiger

2010-01-23T14:40:00.000-08:00

Consider the enigma of the Mona Lisa. If there were photographs of the painting in progress, would you want to see them? Surely they would provide a magical insight to the artist's mind. As we wait ever-so-patiently for the new Duran Duran Duran album to come out, I think it's a great time time to dig into the archives and unearth some forgotten treasures.

The Manchester Square demos on the recent Rio re-issue are cream puffs, and led me to wonder in an earlier post whether or not we would see demos on the Seven and the Ragged Tiger re-issue. Alas, the track listing has been released... and no demos will be included on 7ATRT. The Rio demos were obviously chosen for being polished enough to bring to the fancy soiree, but the 7ATRT demos out there but might be better suited for a basement makeout party.

I think we all know which kind of shindig is more fun, so I've decided to put together a series of "Demolition" posts, robbing the grave and sucking the delicious marrow from the bones that became the masterpieces. In the days forthcoming, I'll be serving up demo selections from Seven and the Ragged Tiger, Notorious, Big Thing, Medazzaland, as well as a few surprises.

Appropriately, I shall start with a track called "Seven and the Ragged Tiger" which, as you know, did not make it on to the album. There are two iterations here, the first and rougher of which has our beloved Andy (or is it John?) singing, which always warms my heart. What stands out most interestingly to me in this secret shadow of a gem is the recurring bit that obviously turned into "The Seventh Stranger."

Listen to Seven and the Ragged Tiger Demo - Version 1

The second version is further evolved, though the recording is poor. It's quite the sticky pop gem, and if I ever develop a sitcom about a band of merry and mischievous misfits, this will certainly be the theme song.

Listen to Seven and the Ragged Tiger Demo - Version 2

I hope you enjoy this series. In closing, I will leave you with a photo of Simon with his zipper down at the British Fashion Awards last month.

Too Much Information

2009-10-30T13:28:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I watched John Taylor speak on a panel at the "40th Anniversary of the Internet" conference at UCLA.

While it was lovely to see him, I couldn't help but find his words to be a bit stodgy and closed-minded. He warned us of his Luddite leanings early on, stating that he does not facebook, myspace, or twitter. Fair enough, as the man clearly has better things to do.

John spoke about how the abundance of the Internet has brought music from across the ages into young peoples lives. At the same time he commended youngsters for listening to music from the past, he also said that this is "causing innovative nature to slow down." I found this interesting coming from someone who's music has clearly borrowed from different genres and ages, particularly since the new Duran Duran album is consistently referred to as trying to recapture the early Duran sound of "Rio."

More off-putting was his position on how the Internet has affected the relationship between fans and artists. John spoke about the "immense power of restriction" and how he believes that these days, by putting their personal lives and thoughts on the Internet, "artists are diluting their magical attraction and power over their audience." There is no doubt this power of restriction was once quite magical, even in the days when Duran Duran was just starting out. There was no YouTube... we had to sit through lame Tom Petty and Dire Straits videos in hopes of catching Planet Earth or Rio. I remember taking photos of the TV screen in an effort to savor the images longer. I remember eagerly anticipating the next issue of Tiger Beat in hopes that there would be a new pin-up or more information on Simon Le Bon's favorite flower (Rhododendron... swoon!) or the constant reiteration of Roger's "Froggy Barnacle" nickname. Keeping themselves high on that pedestal worked in that day and age. Those were good times, and I can certainly understand the sentimentality of his statements.

Today, I would love to look deeply into those big brown eyes and whisper ever-so-sweetly to our blessed Bass God that the times, they are a changin'. If Duran Duran wants to position themselves as more relevant and less retro, they must do so in a logical, forward-thinking, profitable manner. The high pedestal that John referred to magical artists sitting atop is now seen as more of a reluctance to engage due to insecurity and apathy. John described "Trust the Process," his once flourishing solo site where he was highly engaged with fans as "hard work," and his stumble about how it was a "great way to interact, uh, I mean, SELL directly to fans" was awkward. Selling and interacting are not mutually exclusive, as he should know, and hard work is what it takes to survive, especially with the Internet constantly changing the way people discover, listen to and buy music. There is a mind-boggling amount of music out there these days, and hiding in an ivory tower will no longer endear you to increasingly music-savvy fans who, thanks to the Internet, have become information junkies for better or for worse.

John said that "energy and inspiration will keep you afloat and enable you to ride out these changes." This is very true, and many successful artists are finding that energy and inspiration by connecting with their fans via the Internet. An excellent example is Imogen Heap, an outspoken advocate of using new technology to interact and collaborate with her fans. Imogen is constantly finding ways new ways to connect with her listeners via twitter, video blogs and online chats. She has dared to bring fans into all aspects of her craft, from songwriting to creation of the album artwork. By doing so, she has enjoyed chart success and Grammy nominations while developing deep loyalty within her fan base and positioning herself as a technological and music industry maverick.

John spoke about how it's important to "know the rules so you can break them." He clearly set forth his personal rules for how musicians should deal with the Internet. If Duran Duran are to continue to stay relevant and be the forward-thinking band that they've always claimed to be, I would like to see them break a few rules of their own.

Opening statement: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/2447922

Q&A session: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/2448141

Authentic Shit

2009-10-02T18:00:00.000-07:00

Just a few minutes ago I was listening to Mark Ronson's weekly show on East Village Radio, "Authentic Shit". Mark played a tiny but delicious taste from the unfinished new Duran Duran album, which he is producing.

And here it is.

Listen to the unreleased and in-progress Duran Duran

faith in this colour

2009-09-23T11:16:00.001-07:00

There's been lots of exciting news this week, the most joyous being the report that EMI plans to re-release three more Duran Duran albums: the first album, Notorious, and Seven and the Ragged Tiger.

"If you think the Fab Four sound great check out the sound on the Fab Five’s new edition of Rio, we think it’s the best one yet, and don’t miss the Live at Hammersmith DVD. We hope you all enjoy it. Oh and before we forget, we’ve got some real treats coming your way with special editions of the first album, Seven And The Ragged Tiger and Notorious in the first half of next year.
Love and kisses, The Duran Torch Carriers at EMI."

While both the first album and 7ATRT have already been remastered, Notorious is long overdue for a sonic overhaul. EMI has done a fantastic job with the recent Rio re-issue, with luscious packaging, a booklet, and 2 CDs with treasured demos. (I've had the audio for some time but am waiting with the rest of the US until it comes out here on October 6, along with the Hammersmith Odeon '82 video.) If EMI puts the same effort into these upcoming releases, they will be a real treat. I'm especially excited about 7ATRT... perhaps the mystery of that alleged "Seven and the Ragged Tiger" demo supposedly sung by Andy will be laid to rest. Here's to hoping the re-issues will be as thoughtfully assembled as Rio and will actually be released next year.

Another interesting tidbit from this week is the announcement the Simon has contributed to a new book called "The Atheists Guide to Christmas" by Ariane Sherine. Simon states at dd.com, “There was a campaign in England, about a year ago, which caused quite a big stir. There were signs on buses that said “There Probably Is No God.” This, of course, was very controversial. I read some interview with the girl who started the campaign, and she said she’d done it because there was a radical fundamentalist group going around saying something like, if you don’t believe in God, you’re damned and will be going to hell, so she thought she’d have a go back at them. Suddenly, she had all these death threats, and it became quite a story. When I saw her on telly I thought “Hang on, I know her!” – she used to hang outside of Warren’s house in 1996 when we were making a record! I remember I really liked her and thought she was smart – so I wanted to get back in touch to lend my support. When the News mentioned she was also a contributor at the Guardian, I called up and left her message there. She called me right back and told me all about the book, and all the people she was speaking to – celebrities, authors, comedians, the great thinkers of our time, etc. I offered to do an interview with her, and that’s how I ended up as a contributor to THE ATHEIST’S GUIDE TO CHRISTMAS by Ariane Sherine. I’ve also done a vocal for the audio book version. I am a concerned Agnostic – which means I sit on the fence a little bit because it’s too arrogant to say there is no God. I am willing to become a believer if someone could prove it to me, but I am not going to take other people’s word for it. A lot of my thoughts are in this book and it will make a great Holiday present for people – the book is quite funny and intelligent and it will get you thinking."

Given that my personal faith revolves around Duran Duran, I am very interested to hear Simon's views on faith. By no means am I saying that Duran Duran are gods... clearly they are mortal, have flaws, and make mistakes as we all do. However, apart from the love of my friends and family, the knowledge that Duran Duran are making another album and planning another tour is what keeps me ticking. Faith is faith, and I feel that we need find it in whatever we can. Mine happens to have great hair and dodgy dance moves, but still perfectly valid as a personal motivator and comforting in times of need.

Perhaps the book will show that Simon shares a similar view. In the Red Carpet Massacre on Broadway playbill, it said, "Although confirmed in the Anglican Church, Le Bon describes his spiritual standing variously as "a confirmed atheist"; "godless to the bone"; "not actually sure"; "if there's free wine involved — count me in"; and "I never really did like pork anyway, and if it's good enough for Esther (Madonna) — call me Isaac."

How Simon became involved in this book is also intriguing, as it reminds us of how influential the fans are on the band. The things we do and say makes a direct impact on how they behave and what they produce. Knowing that the survival of our object of faith is directly affected by our behavior is the source of many tizzies and conundrums within the fan community. Before I get too deep, I will save those thoughts for another post. Instead, I will leave you with some photos of Nick looking really fabulous at London Fashion Week.

this is how a road gets made

2009-09-19T22:25:00.000-07:00

They say that the average person has between 150 and 475 thoughts about Duran Duran each day. It is possible that my pendulum swings towards the high end of that estimation. No one can really say for sure. I do know that I have much to say about them. So much, in fact, that I'm afraid it necessitates a blog.

For instance, today I came across some recent photos of Simon Le Bon. He appears to be in the throes of some kind of errand. Simon performs his daily business in a sporty silver Audi, dressed in a casual-chic-yet-sporty sort of outfit and wearing the whitest shoes I have ever seen. His hair looks like maybe he didn't wash it that day, but it only serves to make one imagine that it smells extra good like that. Simon is holding a plastic shopping bag, an element of the picture that does not seem right somehow... the bag is too common, too flimsy... but I will not begin to surmise what is in it. That would just be getting carried away. I do have limits... but this is my blog, and I will set them.

Figure of eight... it was our year... it always was.