The Melodic Brilliance of Duran Duran

[@Anne_Ty]

Love Duran Duran. Some music snobs will never get the melodic brilliance of Duran Duran but this speaks more about them than about Duran Duran.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Very true Anne!! VG :-)

[@Wesaveingold]

Duran Duran My all-time favorite band. I listen to them daily and have done that since 1993. I'm Born in 1976, so Their earlier days were while I was in Kindergarten. Seven and the Ragged Tiger was released in 1983, the same year I started at school at 7. Back then we didn't spend time be front of the TV or radio. we were out playing in the sand cave and climbing in the trees in the close-by forest. My first memory of Duran Duran is actually A view to a kill. It was a cool song. First in 1993 When I heard Ordinary world did I discover then for real. I went out and bought all their albums up until then, and after that, I was a Fan and bought their albums, and read everything I could find about them. When the Internet became more available through the 90's I sat on a slow Moden and watched videos and interviews and was reading everything I could find. My first concert was in 2004. I drove the 800 km (several of that km was spend on ferries through Denmark and from Denmark over to Rostock germany)from Where I live in Norway down to Columbiahalle in Berlin Germany to watch them. Then It was back to Berlin ( this time with a flight) in 2005 to watch them at the Museuminsel In Berlin and the day after I went by train to Hamburg and watched them there in an outdoor place called "Stadtpark". Very nice place. In the autumn I drove to Horsens Denmark at saw them at Forum Horsens. Ironically in December the same year, they were playing 3 songs at the Nobel peace concert In Norway. I was not there but they only performed 3 songs there. I was scheduled to go to Berlin to watch them in 2013 but that day felt on the same day my Grandmother was buried, so I couldn't get there. Then in the summer, Simon got his voice problems and the summer concert plans did not work out. I hope to be able to watch them somewhere during 2021-2022. Time will show.

[@anitaklisovic7782]

I have one word only. Chauffeur. That's my favourite DD song.

[@jjrc7424]

Classic

[@glennpagemusic]

Love it, but I think I might like "Before the Rain" even better.

[@jjrc7424]

DM and DD, two favourite bands. Looking forward to this!

[@londonlady227]

Things are going to ssound like each other, there are only so many combos of notes out therel The Chauffeur is so sublime.....❤

[@michaelemonds]

"Femme Fatale" is a song by American rock band the Velvet Underground from their 1967 debut album The Velvet Underground & Nico.

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

Geez, I swayed to Planet Earth when it was first released and STILL love this band - and this great video helps explain why. I am NOT a fan of frothy boy-band pop but there was always a bittersweet minor-chord edge that hooked me. Of course many "professional critics" dissed the band for being so pretty - but those dolts missed the point while the fans did not. My only regret is I never got to see them perform live due to limited tours in Western Canada.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Glad you enjoyed the video !! Thank you !! VG :-)

[@allexisberry7367]

You had me at Duran Duran.

[@murrynathan]

Thanks to Vaughn George, we now have a good idea of what the Chauffeur would sound like if sung by Martin Gore. It really should be on Counterfeit 3.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Cheers Murry!! VG :-)

[@christianhelwig]

🤣

[@chrislox1]

Beautiful analysis of Duran Duran's art. Fascinating and revelatory.

[@margaretschembridalli5218]

Duran Duran are the real deal.

[@patrik3083]

Yes! The Chauffeur included. I love it!

[@VaughnGeorge]

The best!! VG :-)

[@suecondon1685]

Ordinary World is an absolutely gorgeous gem. Simon's high harmonies at the end are sublime. My Dad used to say Save a Prayer was a wonderful song and incredibly complex. Yes, DD's songs have subtle changing keys, and the way the melodies diverge and flow around each other, they float around Simon's voice, meander around it, regrouping as he carries the lyrics along. That's what happens in 'Someone Else Not Me', which is another Beatlesque tune. Great video, thank you, please do more Duran Duran!

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you Sue!! Glad you enjoyed this!! VG :-)

[@DeanWThomas]

I love it when you cover Duran Duran. They are my absolute favorite! They are so much more than what they were ever given credit for. It's awesome when someone like you recognizes it and shows it! Excellent video, Vaughn!

[@astrogallus]

I agree! One of the most underrated bands of the last fifty years, and one of the best.

[@anitaklisovic7782]

Eighties, eighties, God how I miss the eighties

[@anabanana4526]

Love the Duran Duran videos. They wrote and write some amazing melodies. And then of course there's John Taylor's epic bass style. I think he's gradually starting to get the "flowers" he deserves.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you !! Glad you liked it!! VG :-)

[@Purple256]

Loved this video! Duran Duran and Depeche Mode are my two loves. I also loved DD's latest single, "Invisible"- very catchy and melodic, too. Looking forward to new music from both bands tbh.

[@gayluinstra1396]

I wish I'd paid more attention in Music Theory 101. Ordinary World modulates around relative keys and resolves after several turns and explorations.

[@civicmindedjimthehonest6389]

New religion, I consider it one of the best songs I've ever heard. The changes in style, the pre chorus clash of parallel lyrics. Kids miss out today, the abstract lyrics of Duran Duran almost bully you into trying to understand the meanings. Metaphorical mish mash of poetry and abstract, I have had them in my soul for a long Time! Can you tell I like them? ...Alan wilder

[@jjrc7424]

Yes, very underrated song

[@civicmindedjimthehonest6389]

I do credit the band's longevity to Warren cucurullo, people don't realise he came into the band in notorious. Stayed with them through those 80s lean years, then basically wrote ordinary world. The 90s for them was not a good money earner, but the output was nothing short of amazing. The experimental nature of medazzaland and poptrash were mind blowing, although not for everyone. Not much appeals to me after astronaut 😔😔....Alan Wilder

[@motr1912]

@@civicmindedjimthehonest6389 nice to see someone else loving Pop Trash. For me, the wedding album pretty much left me cold, such a disjointed album but Too Much Information is a real underrated dd song.

[@Wesaveingold]

@@civicmindedjimthehonest6389 Warren was an important force for sure through those years. When it comes to the album's I was disappointed about "Red carpet massacre" I like "All you need is now" A lot. "Paper gods was too digital in my taste. They have some songs there But it can compete with the earlier stuff in my opinion. I love Medazzaland and Pop Trash btw. The sound on Pop Trash was 6-7 years ahead of its time.

[@civicmindedjimthehonest6389]

@@Wesaveingold I think it's easy enough to spot why the music's declined, autotune for one, fashionable producers, collaborations with people they don't need, etc. But it's not just them, everybody's output is following the same trend. Modern production sucks the soul out of music and poops what's left for sales. Why the hell would they need producers, Nick Rhodes is a producer! The man produced too shy, one of the biggest hits of the eighties. It doesn't make any sense 😣😂😂....... Alan Wilder

[@amandapacheco8858]

The Man Who Stole A Leopard is an epic song by Duran Duran !! they might include it in your next favorite pick. Thank you VG 🤗

[@murrynathan]

Every time I try listening to that song, BBC Radio starts playing and I can’t figure out how to turn it off.

[@MontagZoso]

Great commentary, thank you! You mentioned you had a separate video on John Taylor's bass playing but I haven't found it on your video list. Did I miss it somewhere?

[@DMK-75]

Can’t deny the superb music from the Notorious and Big Thing albums. Great music all round! Looking forward to this VG!

[@VaughnGeorge]

Cheers Brother!! I hope you're well!! VG :-)

[@DMK-75]

@@VaughnGeorge All good here my friend! Finally getting prepared to play some live shows at last! 🙏

[@AlexLeBon]

Vaughn, I’m a huge fan, and honestly, you’ve kind of surprised me with your new video. The tastes we share and some coincidences such as the fact that enjoy the silence, for example, was THE milestone in my life, I realize now, are not unique. my all-time favourite 80s bands are, and in that order DM and DD. so thank you very much for your new approach to DD and for future ones, only I know what I suffered when I was still a student trying to convince my friends that DD were not just cute faces and had a lot of potential. 40 years later, history and his perseverance proved me right. thank you again and keep up the good work.

[@ageless30]

Of course Femme Fatale sounds like a 60's song because it was a Velvet Underground and Nico song. Listen to the original. Love Nico's voice . RIP.

[@thesynthesia7478]

Exactly. If vaughn doesn't know that he doesn't know DD properly and he should study them more before he makes a video about them. Btw. Disregarding the album Thank you DD also covered Pop trash movie from Blondie.

[@MaxZorin8]

@@thesynthesia7478 No, Pop Trash Movie was written by DD for Blondie.

[@thesynthesia7478]

@@MaxZorin8 yeah you're right. thank you.

[@netyoda]

@@thesynthesia7478 I don't think he needs to study them more, he's done a great analysis here in the melodics of the band. What have you done, out of interest?

[@thesynthesia7478]

@@netyoda I tought the analysis was too plain. He did not say anything I would not know. Thats a general problem with his videos and on the top of it You can often find deviations and mistakes in his videos. It starts to be boring. what i have done? well I don't have this kind of ambition to talk make videos about someone else music. It doesn't mean i don't know about them.

[@paulhughes9732]

Totally agree all you say about Planet earth. But also take a listen to Japans "Quiet life" I think Nick also took alot of influence from that track with Planet earth. 🙂

[@Dimultica]

Yep, Japan were definitely a template for Nick (so much so that Nick probably 'nicked' David Sylvian's look). :-) *Talking of talented bass players though, how about Mick Karn of Japan (also Pino Palladino, who played with Numan on the 'I Assassin' album). Japan themselves though had a definite Roxy Music influence, so inspiration is there to be channelled. :-)

[@paulhughes9732]

@@Dimultica yeah Japan were amazing "Nightporter" was my fav. Sounded classical too on piano. And totally agree Mick Karn was amazing. I even like Japans early albums. Japan Duran and Depeche were my favs back then. Got to see Duran n Depeche many times but sadly not Japan. Oh well cant win em all lol.

[@punchfisttop]

DURAN DURAN is the greatest band of all time. And this is why...

[@andrewsly3183]

I really mean this -THE BEST VAUGHN GEORGE ANALYSIS EVER.The Chauffeur was immense,great keep on doing what you do. Brilliant!

[@VaughnGeorge]

Wow !! Thank you Andrew !! VG 🎹👍😎

[@testube]

Duran Duran was the first band that I discovered could sound better on a live album (Arena) than the studio recordings.

[@syracusemusic1539]

Duran Duran one of my favourite groups since the age of 10. Yes talk more about Duran Duran, weather it’s album reviews. Then I can start e-mailing some Engineers for interviews 😉

[@sbatty65227]

I've been a Duranie since 1981 and it's great to see someone finally extolling their musical virtues. Thank you very much. I found it fascinating to watch and that was some beautiful playing. You probably know this but the bass-line for Planet Earth was a rip off of Do You Think I'm Sexy by Rod Stewart. Femme Fatale was a cover of the Velvet Underground song written in 1966 and released on their debut album, so technically Lennon borrowed the chord progression.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you Steven , I appreciate it!! VG 🎹👍😎

[@l0st1t2b0st1k]

I’m glad more people are realizing DD’s musical brilliance. I agree, strip away the musical trappings of modernity, and you still have timeless songs. As for thinking “Femme Fatale” was a Duran original, it’s an honest mistake. I learned just yesterday that Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” was a cover. The original was written and recorded by Robert Hazard in 1979. I had no idea.

[@christianhelwig]

I only found out about Cyndi within the last 10 years LOL Never heard it was cover even when it was released

[@glennpagemusic]

Check out Hazard's song "Escalator of Life." It's great!!!

[@Twistedbackwards2010]

Brilliant analysis Vaughn of Duran Duran music. I've been a great Duran fan since I was 12 in 1981 and heard Girls on Film on the radio. I took up keyboards at 17 yrs as I really wanted to be like Nick Rhodes! Since watching your video - I realise there is a beautiful and very clever method underpinning their great music which I still marvel at to this day. Thank you for sharing your fascinating analysis Vaughn!

[@wmlau69]

Femme Fatale was a cover song original written by the Velvet Underground. They were around during the late 60s.

[@joieinka]

I remember some jazz players in Iceland did a cover album with DD songs and they said in a interview how surprised they where how good of a players they are.

[@manuelthewiseguy]

Thank you Vaughn, really enjoyed your Duran Duran video.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Glad you enjoyed it Manuel !! VG :-)

[@215dagby]

Totally agree on the bass. You really hardly notice anything he does in the mix. I was listening to Rio one day and I started to catch what he was doing. I was like, “Hold on. Is that slap?” Then I went and searched a bass isolated version of Rio. It’s so easy to miss. The rest of the song steals your attention and you just assume the bassist is off in the background fucking off but he’s carrying the shit out of the song.

[@valerieharris2395]

Duran Duran’s Femme Fatale sounds melodically a little like Nilsson’s “Me and My Arrow” with the vocals like John Lemon’s “Imagine.”

[@marleneperez1638]

Loved this video Vaughn! I love Duran Duran. I've felt for a long time that this band has had, and still does have, more substance to there music. I agree that John Taylor had been underated as a great bass player. I'd love more videos on them.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you Marlene !! VG :-)

[@tygerrrecchia6535]

Hey Vaughn, just thought I would give you a small tip since you said you were not classically trained, and well, I am. John listened to a lot of American disco, as I am sure you know growing up and took a lot of influence from that style of music, so when he is writing music for the band, he is using the third as his basis for chords. That is what the third note of the chord is called. Using the third for the bass was common way of constructing songs in that time period. Johnny learned a lot from by Bernard Edwards once teamed up with him on the Powerstation project and learned a lot more about chord progressions and how to move through the chord even more fluidly after working with him. As for Nick, well, since he is self taught too, he is just a bloody genius and that is all I can say for that beautiful Aslanim, which is Turkish for lion. I loved your video and it really paid credence to how timeless the music of Duran Duran is…much love and respect!!

[@VaughnGeorge]

Hey Tygerr Recchia!! Nice to meet you and thanks for the history lesson !! That is very interesting !! Cheers !! VG :-)

[@tygerrrecchia6535]

@@VaughnGeorge Nice to meet you also mate👍 Anytime! If you ever have any theory questions, fire them off my way and I would be happy to answer them for you! When it comes to DD, I am kind of a walking encyclopedia of information, so again fire off any questions and if I can answer them, I would be happy you. You are extremely talented and should be very proud of what you are building here!! All the best❤️❤️

[@Roger8176]

@@tygerrrecchia6535 Hi there. Can i pick your brain a little? I have been hoping to find someone like you. How knowledgable in theory do you think the guys in Duran are? Like, do you think if somebody was to tell them "ok this is in B minor" do you think they would immediately know the Dorian or Locrian, or Lydian modes of that? I don't know if that makes sense, but basically i am just asking how much theory do you think they know? Finally, do you think they wrote the instrumental Tel Aviv all by themselves? That sure seems like an advanced song for guys in their late teens/very early 20's. The Arcadia stuff seems very advanced as well.

[@tygerrrecchia6535]

@@Roger8176 Funny you should ask me this, I think they are incredibly smart and very dedicated to developing their music over the years, however I can tell you if you asked the guys about this, they would have no idea what the fuck you were talking about! Lol Being self taught, none of them have theory or training of any kind behind them, so modes are not something they would have been familiar with in their early years. As they got to be better writers, they did not necessarily learn theory, more along the lines of borrowing from sounds they liked and varied them to fit what they wanted their sound to be. They know their keys, that is for sure. They are not that unschooled as to not know what key they wrote a song in, but as to the actual specifics of it, I would not bet that they are that technical as to know huge musical aspects just because none of them ever went to a music school like Berklee or had professional musical training. And you don’t have to, to write music. Fun fact if you are not aware, the Beatles wrote almost everything in the Dorian mode and were quite ahead of their time for doing so. To be honest with you I have no idea if they wrote Tel Aviv by themselves or had help. They credit everyone on their songs, who wrote them etc. I know that and those five guys were the only ones listed so I have to think it was their own work but at the same time just because they had no idea of the theory behind it does not mean they could not have done it. Creation is as much about luck as it is creativity and if it is one thing that bloody Nick Rhodes is is inventive as a motherfucker! That man has an ear and a flair for sound like no one I have ever met in my life. One of the main reasons they have been able to sustain themselves this long is because that man keeps them eternally young with his ability to morph their sound and image into a timeless mechanism that made them into Gods! I hope I answered your questions and if you have any others, fire them off my way! I am always happy to talk about the men I love so much!

[@Roger8176]

@@tygerrrecchia6535 Hello. Thank You So Much for taking the time to respond. I agree with you about Nick. Definitely a creative force. In a lot of ways Duran Duran was a nearly perfectly balanced band. As in, the singer, Simon, (obviously i'd imagine you know who is who in the band...lol) isn't necessarily the focal point in D2 like the singer is in most bands. Each guy really does bring something equal to the table. Especially when it was the original 5. Nick and Andy kind of kept eachother at bay (sometimes not so politely i have heard) so you didn't have a guitar or synth dominated band. It was just, like i said, a perfect balance. Simon doesn't have the greatest technical voice, but he is perfect for D2. I think his lyrics are actually his strongest contribution. Then JT and Roger are a tight solid rhythm section. John in particular is a stellar bass player. He'd only been playing bass a few years before the first album came out, but those basslines on the debut and Rio are some of the coolest i have ever heard. For as short of a time as he had been playing it is nothing short of amazing how good he was. But i'm not telling you anything that you aren't fully aware of. OK...question: You said that they very likely know what key they are playing in. That alone takes some knowledge of theory doesn't it? As in, if i am understanding the basic concept of theory correctly, knowing the key means you know what notes/chords will "work" with that key and which ones do not. So to make it simple for example if they have a song in C Maj they would know not to use the black keys, correct? Also, would they know that A is the natural minor of C Maj (at least i think it is)? Obviously I get that you don't know exactly how much they know, but you seem smart about this stuff so i am just asking for your best guess. Like have you ever analyzed their music and realized that it follows conventional theory pretty closely? I would love to have your knowledge of theory. I have played guitar for quite a while, but never could fully grasp the theory stuff. I am mostly an 80's metal guy, but i have always been fascinated with Duran since i was 8 years old and as i get older the more impressed i am by them. Anyhow, i really appreciate your time. Sorry for blabbing so much. I just get excited when talking about these guys because none of my friends really "get it." I hope you have a fine day My Friend.

[@riogdl]

More like this one please!!!! Loved it!!! And please do The Chauffeur!!!

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you !! I am glad you liked it!! VG :-)

[@niklasandersson9084]

Not really a Duran Duran fan, but i like the "Big Thing" album.

[@mariflame1821]

Wow, loved listening to Duran Duran songs on piano by you...beautiful! Wish we could listen to the entire songs like this. ❤ Love the new album...play some of the new songs...I love "Laughing Boy" but they are all great!

[@jamesroney1874]

I'd like to see you do a video on the best non single track on each album. Duran have some fantastic and very underrated album tracks many people may be unaware of but will very much enjoy. Notorious, Big Thing and All You Need is Now for example.

[@christianhelwig]

My Boys! Thanks for this Vaughn. Duran Duran sounds sublime on piano. "Invisible" is killer. Has quickly become one of my faves. Of course you must talk more about Duran Duran. Cheers!

[@VaughnGeorge]

You are welcome brother!! VG :-)

[@stevejt76]

Femme Fatale is a cover version. It was originally by The Velvet Underground & Nico from 1967

[@Dimultica]

Can you imagine a mainstream pop band today writing something like 'The Chauffeur'? (I think despite technological developments, Human Evolution has already peaked). ;-)

[@VaughnGeorge]

Well said Peter!! VG :)

[@007NASHL]

The Chauffeur was one of those songs that when it was released with the video captivated me. I am not exactly sure of what the lyrics mean? but a song I play over again and again.

[@DJL78]

I’m here for this! 🍸🍸

[@civicmindedjimthehonest6389]

I've heard John Taylor talking about how he used to play a lot of octaves in the eighties, almost pure disco in its origins. But the most interesting thing I got from him was, when they wrote songs they played outwards. Meaning they would see how far away from the melody they could get and still be coherent, whereas bands usually play tight. I always think of new moon on Monday, pretty hard to find anything other than Simon le Bon that's on the melody and I love it! Enjoyed your video, always loved the slow version of view to a kill....... Alan Wilder P.S. their instrumental tracks were usually synth heavy, might be perfect for you to have a look at 😉

[@VaughnGeorge]

Hey that was an interesting inside info of insight and it does explain the reason for the unmistakably unique sound of DD!! VG 🎹👍😎

[@civicmindedjimthehonest6389]

@@VaughnGeorge Being a fan of ordinary world, you may like the Warren cucurullo version. It's all guitar but the man's a genius, check it out 👍

[@damianrf6309]

As a bass player myself, I couldn’t agree more that JT is a vastly underrated bassist. What he lacks in chops, he more than makes up for with his groove, melodic lines and abundance of taste. The bass line always serves the song, perfectly. He was a massive influence on me and introduced me to the Kubicki “Factor” bass. The best bass I’ve ever owned. One of the best ever made. Designed and built by Phillip Kubicki. The master Fender builder who built George Harrison’s rosewood Telecaster that he played on Let it Be and at the Beatles rooftop (last) gig. He was an absolute gent. Replying to me personally by hand and sending actual paint samples all the way to England from California to help me choose the colour. May God rest his soul.

[@damianrf6309]

JT has been putting up tutorials for some of his bass lines to their classic songs on the Duran Duran KZbin channel. They give great insight into their creation and showcase that groove, melody and tasteful restraint. Thanks for the inspiration JT!

[@civicmindedjimthehonest6389]

@@damianrf6309 Too many 'shredders' out there, bass and guitar. Ego is driving players to forget the art of the song. Just like pictures paint a thousand words, songs can convey an entire orchestra. I wish I'd picked up a bass instead of a guitar, now I'm no good at either, mediocre at best 😂😂😂 jealous of your story as well! ..... Alan Wilder

[@spjotvold1]

Duran Duran are very welcome and, of course, an interview with Nick Rhodes would be fantastic. So much to discover about the synth work, musicianship and production of their albums. Again, a band with great songs, when you strip them down, as well as magic sounds and public appeal. ;-)

[@jeffcappelletti1986]

Do more Duran Duran videos. I would like to see you go deep into Nick's synthesizers and how he incorporates them in Duran Duran's music

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you Jeff!! I am not surprised to see the interest in DD and especially Nick's input!! VG :-)

[@ColtraneTaylor]

@@VaughnGeorge DYBIS, Land, Oktober hopefully!

[@embryomartin9210]

Duran Duran was influenced majorly by David Sylvian and his English band called Japan!! 😎 They came 5 years before Duran Duran!! 😎 And Duran Duran many other bands in the 80's took their Looks and their Sound especially Duran Duran!! 😎 U should do a case study on it and the bands and have u ever heard of David Sylvian and his band from England called Japan? 🙌🏻😎🙏🏻

[@robertregal4308]

Excellent video....yes please do more on Duran Duran who are a rarity: masters of great music and continuous evolution in sound!!! And the new track, Invisible, is amazing...

[@micmarkno]

Very good song selection

[@paulcarhart8830]

As mentioned here, Femme Fatale was written by Lou Reed for the Velvet Underground. It was written in 1967, therefore pre-dating Lennon's 1971 Imagine by 4 years. Good analysis tho. But yeah. Duran Duran we're covering Femme Fatale on the Wedding album.

[@MrPt7]

Always loved the sound of the Piano, to hear Duran songs played on the Piano is awesome, I'd love a whole album covering Duran Duran songs on Piano, they have always known how to make melodic catchy songs whether they are dance or dark. Wedding album was my favorite for years but over time it's changed, though their first album still trumps them all I do love Paper God's. Really looking forward to their new album. Great video. Cheers!

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you so much for yours kind words !! If it’s your first time to the channel , I’d like to welcome you !! VG

[@ericjondahl9418]

Velvet Undeground released Femme Fatale in 67. Imagine was released in 71... DD covered VU's FF..

[@VaughnGeorge]

Cheers Eric !! I only learnt that myself today I am ashamed to admit !! Thank you !! VG :-)

[@Skwirble]

@@VaughnGeorge Hey, you pinpointed the exact era based on the sound, despite not knowing it was a cover. That's nothing to be ashamed of at least

[@liamlenten1615]

Enjoyed this. Was getting wound up when he went three consecutive from the the Wedding Album, but then salvaged it beautifully with The Chauffer and AVTAK.

[@liamlenten1615]

Vaughan, can I add two things, please? I'd love to see the John Taylor video you proposed (if you haven't done it aleady)...as his bass notes are uniquely value-added on top of the other band elements (as you intimated); and also, with A View to a Kill, it's also in the top handful of Bond themes for me, too, but we also have to recall the crucial John Barry influence there. It would have been a shadow of itself without him. Anyway, love the video!

[@markb716]

At school growing up in the 80s, it was only girls who liked Duran Duran - us boys were into Depeche Mode, Tears For Fears, Thompson Twins, etc. Now with an older head though, I realise how good their music was and is...

[@VaughnGeorge]

Well said man !! I agree !! VG :-)

[@derekwillow4425]

Awesome

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you Derek!! VG:-)

[@Roger8176]

John Taylor is amazing! Responsible for some of the coolest bass lines ever on those first couple of albums. How does somebody who is at most 21 and only been playing bass 4 or 5 years come up with the Rio or Girls On Film or Last Chance On The Stairway bass lines?

[@errbt]

Actually he only switched from guitar to bass in 1979, so it was 2 or 3 years, not 4 or 5! However, you can actually hear the clear and easy to track progression of his abilities just by using a song like Girls on Film for an example, because studio versions of the song are available from 1979, 1980, and 1981! He goes from very rudimentary on the 1979 demo version with Andy Wickett on vocals (first link below) to starting to develop the funkiness & syncopation that would become a hallmark of his style on the Air Studios demo, with that style developed even further by the time the final first album recording was made. As for how he did it so quickly, the answer is: when music is all you have and all you love, and you're driven by it, spending as much time as possible playing, how could you NOT get better? He clearly had a passion and followed it, as well as clear inherent musical ability as shown by the fact that he played both guitar AND bass on the first GOF demo: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHOqdnp-lLmKn6s 2nd demo, after Simon joined: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKXXd4FsfdmWfKs ...and finally the 1st album version we all know and love: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnaoio2ZiN6Yjs0 ...and he's proved live time and time again, from, 1981 onward, that he can play his basslines live just as well as he did in the studio, so don't let BS rumors get spread that session musicians played his parts!

[@theWARMJET]

maybe because he started playing disco and funky with Roger 😁

[@Roger8176]

@@errbt Hello My Friend. Thank You for responding. That is interesting and you definitely hear the progression in his playing. I agree whoever says he isn't that good is just plain wrong. They always bring up a video with him and Bernard Edwards working on the breakdown of Bang A Gong in the studio where Bernard does play the slap part for about 5 seconds, but that is just because Bernard was a little better at playing slap than JT. But like you say watching John live the guy is a stellar player. Take Care My Friend.

[@anitaklisovic7782]

Long time ago someone asked Simon why rock stars date models? He said: cause we can. Brilliant

[@liamlenten1615]

But then again, that's the same reason that a dig links its balls

[@christianhelwig]

I remember that LOL

[@paulslipaczek906]

Fascinating comparison between Planet Earth and The Model. Interesting analysis of Ordinary World, such an awesome track. Very informative video.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you Paul!! I'm glad you found value in this!! VG :-)

[@simonbarnes8303]

Femme Fatale is a cover of a 1967 Velvet Underground song. John Lennon's song came later. Good video though. Definitely, it would be good to break down their songs into the parts - John Taylor did some videos in lockdown where he showed how he came up with his bass parts. They are really good.

[@deastman2]

In addition to the Velvet Underground comment which others have made, I’ll just add that Oasis were heavily influenced by The Beatles, and the similarity of the chord progression in Don’t Look Back in Anger to Imagine was deliberate.

[@paulmartinez5286]

Awesome! I think it would be great if you do more videos on Duran Duran, especially these videos that breakdown the songs.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Cheers Paul!! I am happy to do that !! VG :-)

[@valerieharris2395]

Yes. Please do a video for Ordinary World!!

[@motr1912]

Whilst Paper God's wasn't the greatest of dd albums, AYNIN was an album of full of near perfection.

[@audiolego]

That one was produced by Justin Timberlake and Timbaland?

[@alenaludewig5289]

@@audiolego that was Red Carpet Massacre

[@audiolego]

@@alenaludewig5289 oh ok cause that was a good album to me

[@christianhelwig]

Preach!

[@netyoda]

I personally disagree, Paper Gods is up there at the pinnacle of DD imo.

[@netyoda]

Femme Fatale Velvet Underground, also covered beautifully by Tracey Thorne in the 80s. I love the way you've broken Nick Rhodes down to what is basically just beautifully written music. Songs that can be moved to basic piano or acapella transcend genre.

[@xanthanx]

A View to A Kill was a precursor to Arcadia. Would like to see a take of Arcadia's Election Day, Goodbye is Forever, and The Flame.

[@marguskiis7711]

Arcadia should do reunion.

[@xanthanx]

@@marguskiis7711 Agreed. It's about time.

[@chrispulido3076]

Why are you not in Depeche Mode band your awesome at the keyboard wow amazing man... I like Duran Duran but I'm a huge Mode fan.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Bless you Chris !! Thank you brother!! VG :-)

[@pawewojciechowski6308]

Duran is probably the most interesting phenomenon of pop music. You have shown some inspirational motives and ideas of DD music, but we can’t forget about its perfectly arrangements of the songs as well as the great influence on pop scene as a whole. Thank you Vaughn!

[@anitaklisovic7782]

Remember when you were talking about voices? Simon Le Bon does not have that " awesome" vouce, but I just love it cause you can recognise it always.

[@anitaklisovic7782]

I knew you like Chauffeur. It's beautiful, strange, weird, divine...

[@xxcelr8rs]

Ferry Cross the Mersey,, and Lou Reed revisited his F/C in "Coney Island Baby". Duran Duran had some taste in song writing.

[@TommyVarekai]

would love to see you delve into the progression of 90s era Duran Duran, the songs are a lot more meaningful and well written (objectively speaking). completely different from their 80s era of pop and glamour.

[@daveschrdinger]

I also love Duran Duran, Vaughn. Can you make a video about Nick Rhodes? Which parts does he actually play? Some samples, chords, sequencing, it's very interesting.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Cheers Dave!! Yes, that is a great idea!! VG :-)

[@Far-be]

@@VaughnGeorge Yes that would be absolutely great. A great DD lover as well and I've always wondered how that synth thing at the beginning of Union of the Snake was done (it's also in the chorus). Also really like that kind of sequencer-like sound in the reflex during te bridge, a kind of nasal, voice like very processed sound.. DD/Nick basically was the reason I started playing keys

[@rwright3395]

Plant Earth sounds like two songs in one to me 😀

[@simonward7653]

"This video is sponsored by... Ryan Eunson's Pile Cream!" :-)

[@anitaklisovic7782]

I just love your sense of humour

[@elenadjimre1349]

Looking forward to your next DD video, I hope My Antarctica will be on the list 🙂

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you for your enthusiasm Elena!! More DD coming soon!! VG :-)

[@SandySaysRead]

My Antarctica...and Land.

[@ulusguy]

3:24 This was lifted directly from Rod Stewart's song Da Ya Think I'm Sexy. Andy Taylor writes about it in his 2008 autobiography Wild Boy: My Life in Duran Duran.

[@Rosbeef02]

Velvet, Vaughn!

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you Sir!! VG :-)

[@KP-je6jt]

Headphones on....Almost a strange asmr like experience.

[@andrewsly3183]

Can we have the Seven & Ragged Tiger review please

[@SandySaysRead]

Umm...ngl...I would pay cold hard cash money for a CD of Vaughn playing Chauffeur, Ordinary World, Femme Fatale, Chains, Land, whatever others he likes, on piano to just meditate on...mmmm...smooth.

[@themightyjuju]

Agreed, John is massively underrated as a bassist. The beauty of DuranDuran is all except Andy were finding their feet, and their music is a fusion: Nick’s lean new wave synth, John’s funk influenced bass, and for me Andy’s driving rock guitar and Simon’s vocal direction and arrangement. No individual is brilliant but as a whole it was a relatively unique sound (at least for the first three albums)

[@215dagby]

Also, The Chauffeur is underrated.

[@andrewdavis4652]

Duran Duran is a major prog band, not unlike the “holy trinity of prog” (Rush, Yes and The Moody Blues). That is why they still have a career 44 years later.

[@billbuffett]

This also demonstrates, should it still be necessary, how great Simon Le Bon is as a singer songwriter. Most of DD’s melodies are his. Anyway, very good content, man (apart from this minor blip on Femme fatale). Keep it coming, and more of this. Thanks.

[@mightymissi]

I was playing the choruses of "New Moon on Monday" and "The reflex" recently on the piano "by the ear" and came to the same conclusion like you: .brilluant and unusual chord progressions! Also agree on the outstandung bass play by John. But for "View to a kill" you missed an important factor: John Barry co-wrote the song and added the generic Bond score feeling.

[@jupitermarx]

I think we need to credit Collin Thurston for the original sound of Duran. I believe leaving him for Alex Sackin was the downturn!

[@ColtraneTaylor]

Yeah right. Many of us see Big Thing and Notorious as a high.

[@dkmyww]

A great piece of work … have been a DD fan since since the beginning… there is an album in the making of DD on piano… the stripped down version works very well .. would love a piece on bass.. my hobby is bass and JT keeps you busy with the amount of ghost notes and the variety of playing styles… I think ordinary world .. musically, lyrically and visually is their “Mona Lisa”… many of their albums sound better live … for example Red Carpet Massacre was great live with the reworked techno set, with an amazing “ last chance on the stairway” rework ..

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you and I am glad you enjoyed this !! VG :-)

[@anthonmyl]

Play a full cocert of duran duran songs by piano so we can relax at nigth)

[@Waspmark81]

Duran Duran has always been one those bands who get it. They have a huge number of great songs from the first album to future past. I'll be honest Red Carpet Massacre wasn't my faviourite Duran album but some good songs on there. The video was a big insight for myself with being a guitar player & do understand the basics of playing keyboard either with a piano or synth voice. I'd like to see more

[@TheGazzadj]

Hell man, wish I could play like that, why oh why did I give up piano lessons at Grammar school!!

[@Dimultica]

One of those bands that I hold up as my Beatles or Rolling Stones (well, their early to mid 80s period anyway, with a 90s matured renaissance, and rather patchy afterwards - a bit like Depeche Mode I suppose - but they are missing all the core elements of that classic line-up due to rather fractious relationships). A genius debut album that is well worth exploring, and a rich vein of form for a period thereafter where even the 'B' sides are brilliant, producing a couple of the best pop/art/immersive albums ever such as the Rio album, and with enough talent to justify two clever experimental side projects in The Power Station and Arcadia. Each of the classic line-up had their own talents: Simon (interesting lyrics and swagger), Nick (melody, and a creative vision that dictated the look and style), John (an appreciated bass player by those in the know), Andy (the rocky guitar sound to compliment the bass, and to add edge) and Roger (a very underrated/understated drummer, of the sort that a current day Depeche Mode really could do with). :-) *Happy to hear more on them Vaughn!

[@paulhughes9732]

Hey Vaughn talking of Japan in comments may be well worth a video on them. Great music and some great sounds.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Hey Paul , I am not familiar with Japan at all. VG :-)

[@paulhughes9732]

@@VaughnGeorge listen to a few of the albums some great music. "Oil on canvas" is a great live album. And look up the song " Nightporter" by them. Amazing band.oh n "Quiet life" n compare to planet earth.

[@jamesroney1874]

Nick played a lot of Japan when he DJ'd at the Rum Runner. So rather than Kraftwerk, I think Japan gave early Duran a lot of their sound. Richard Barbieri is a very interesting synth musician....

[@depecheddurand]

How come you never reviewed duran duran`s future past album?There is some brilliant synth on it.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Great question!! I simply goy distracted I guess! I will get to it someday hopefully!! VG :-)

[@depecheddurand]

@@VaughnGeorge That would be amazing and i`m absolutely in love with momento mori.

[@24kHERTZ]

In the same key, the two might even work as a new song - planet earth as thee verse and kraftwerk as the chorus…..