Duran Duran's forgotten Japanese gem: 1981's Nite Romantics [4 STARS] Jul 07 '09    Write an essay on this topic. Tweet Popular Products in Music Jersey Boys [Original Broadway Cast Recording] by Original Broadway Cast From $8 Mai by Eri Sugai From $4 The Bottom Line Great music to play while: being in shock that you actually found a copy of it! In the past week, I have reviewed more or less nothing except for releases by new-wave band Duran Duran, otherwise known as those guys who sang Hungry Like the Wolf. I just finished making new buttons for these reviews on my profile, and was a little shocked that I had done so many so quickly. Duran Duran has this hypnotic quality to their music that's infectious, catchy, clever, and just plain fun. Even on their crappier efforts, I can find things I like. With that, I'm going a little sporadic, but I'd been following somewhat of a timeline for the past three reviews for Seven and the Ragged Tiger, Notorious, and Big Thing; but then I got a hold of Nite Romantics, a super rare Japanese release that I covet in terms of hard copies but am completely content in only having a digital copy. The EP isn't some novelty in their discography only suited for collectors-- in all actuality, there are two big reasons to ever seek this collection out, and they come in the form of b-sides. Released in their first incarnation, Nite Romantics was specifically released to the Japanese market. This collection contains two of their more popular singles in their night forms, that is to say that these are similar to 12" mixes or the versions played in nightclubs. Depending on the edition of the group's self-titled debut from 1981, you may or may not already have the dancier, bubblier mix of Planet Earth that runs at just over six minutes. It has more a disco feel and less of a texture feel. It's not bad, but it's not great either, and I prefer the crunchy sound of the original. The latter single would be the controversial and epic Girls on Film, unfortunately also showcased in its night form. Again, the band went for more of a disco sound than a synth sound, so it really depends on what you're into. Regardless, both of these mixes have been included on the epic remix collection Night Versions, which features some much superior mixes of other singles. The reason I wanted this EP so badly was to get my grubby, little hands on the b-sides. Unlike my lovely Madonna, the b-sides for this band flow like the tap, and this release has two non-album tracks that are full of win. I mentioned in my review for their debut album that Simon LeBon hadn't yet found his style, and he sings way too much like Bryan Ferry or David Bowie-- well, on this release, the band covers Bowie's already classic Fame, which is just so suiting for Duran Duran. They have cited Bowie as a prime influence for their glam-rock persona, and I'd say that they did the initial song justice, as they are in the same vein. It's difficult to cover someone as cool and intelligent musically as Mr. David Bowie is, but Duran Duran really pulls it off with their unique blend of synth-molding and 80s pop. That and the way Simon delivers the iconic "Faaaameee" mantra doesn't sound like a kid in his daddy's shoes-- Simon knows what he's doing. The other bonus from the four-track Nite Romantics is Khanada, a weird mix of Pink Floyd, Debbie Harry (circa 1981), and Tears for Fears. The melody is musically interesting, and Simon's delivery is key. I really wish this track had been included in the rather mediocre Duran Duran's tracklist from 81, because it's complex and a real treat to listen to. It's similar to the feel on Debbie's Oasis from her debut record, but with that Duran Duran twist, taking the drama and truly making it their own. There's no hook per-say, rather samples and sections that draw the listener in. It's got a lot of replay value, especially when you get stuck on Simon's playful "la la las" in the back, beneath a punk-funk production. VERDICT I'm unsure as to whether or not the latter b-side has been included on any other release, but I know Fame was used elsewhere. If you get this on vinyl, I recommend picking up a copy; or if you can the b-sides on other releases, they are well worth the search. Forgotten release that not even Wikipedia knows about! 01. Planet Earth [4 Stars] 02. Khanada [5 Stars] 03. Fame [5 Stars] 04. Girls on Film [3.5 Stars] SCORE: 4 STARS (4.3- ) OTHER DURAN DURAN REVIEWS: 1981 - Duran Duran 1981 - Nite Romantics [Japanese EP] 1982 - Rio 1983 - Seven and the Ragged Tiger 1984 - Arena 1986 - Notorious 1988 - Big Thing 1998 - Night Versions 1993 - Duran Duran (The Wedding Album) 2004 - Astronaut 2004 - (Reach Up for the) Sunrise [CD-Single] 2007 - Red Carpet Massacre

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