Hi friends, welcome to Peanut Gallery. Every Wednesday here at MusicOlogy, we'll be presenting two classic albums from the same iconic band or artist and asking you... the smart, savvy, blindingly attractive Ology readers... to debate amongst yourselves over which record reigns supreme. Individual songs, concepts, music videos, lyrics, album artwork—everything's on the table here, folks. Give us your best argument in the comments section below—we'll announce the winner at the beginning of next week's Peanut Gallery face-off.
Last Week's Winner:
We pitted two of the The Beatles' masterworks, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band and The White Album, up against each other in a battle to the... well, not death, but something definitely painful. It was a down to the wire, extremely close match-up—so close, in fact, that with 4 votes apiece, we have our first ever Peanut Gallery draw! What a relief, because I was definitely not prepared to say anything mean about either of those albums…
This Week's Match-Up:
Duran Duran's self-titled albums: Duran Duran (1981) vs. Duran Duran (a.k.a. The Wedding Album) (1993)
An inventive burst of propulsive rhythms and glossy synths (not to mention a healthy dose of post-punk grit and art pop experimentation), Duran Duran's debut self-titled effort quickly established the Birmingham quintet at the forefront of the burgeoning New Romantic movement. From its brilliant hit singles to its moody, evocative second half, Duran Duran (and its accompanying music videos) brought the band into the hearts and stereos of swooning teenagers on both sides of the Atlantic in a big, bright, bold way.
Classic Songs: "Girls On Film," "Planet Earth," "Anyone Out There," "Careless Memories" and "Sound Of Thunder."
After a series of line-up changes and creative missteps, Duran came roaring back (creatively and commercially) with their second self-titled album, better known to fans and critics as The Wedding Album. Confidently embracing adult contemporary pop and edgy dance music influences, the album carried the band into the new decade with style, grace, and (of course) a handful of classic singles. An inimitable modern pop classic, The Wedding Album introduced Duran Duran to an entire new generation while assuring older fans that the Fab "Five" were definitely here to stay.
Classic Songs: "Ordinary World," "Come Undone," "Too Much Information," "Breath After Breath" and "Sin Of The City."
Okay, ladies and gentlemen... it's in your hands now. Hit up the comments section below and let us know why Duran Duran or The Wedding Album should be definitively and unquestionably declared the greatest self-titled Duran Duran album of all time.
For more news, reviews, videos and tunes from your favorite artists, be sure to join our Music and '80s MusicOlogies. (Duran fanatics—talk amongst yourselves right here).
Stefano Modolo :
No doubt men! The First Duran's album was the best for me!i really dislike the song Ordinary world, I think it's so sad and I realy like MY own way!
August 14, 2012
Amanda Wade:
I have to go with the debut album. Love Planet Earth as it is DD as its best. Love the beat as well as the lyrics.
August 14, 2012
Verónica De Micheli:
I love Duran Duran The wedding album, but maybe it's just because it was during 1993 when they came to Argentina for the first time.
August 14, 2012
Justinian Martin:
I would have to agree with Chris. Their debut set a lot of things in motion, internally and externally. Late Bar is my favourite song of all time!
August 11, 2012
Chris Rees:
No contest. Their debut. Its DD in their purest form. Despite it being older its aged better. The Wedding Album had Ordinary World but one song doesn't make an album. There are no duff songs on the debut. The Wedding Album had a couple of songs that should maybe have been b-sides only. Look at the songs that didn't make the debut album - Late Bar, Khanada, Faster Than Light....I rest my case.
August 5, 2012
Humberto Saenz S:
Love both albums, one introducing the 80's, the other the 90's. Both with classic Duran and revolutionizing music. But I think 1981 changed music video history and sounds. On the other hand, to me All you need is now is Duran's Sgt Pepper!
May 31, 2012
Patrick Verdant:
This is hard because both album are great with very different style and songs. But I say The Wedding Album. Ordinary World is the most beautiful song ever from any band. In that album they reach maturity, everything is perfect, lyrics, music, bass with John, Guitar qith Warren, Nick as ever suprem and Simon incredible. The only thing that would have made it better is that Roger should have been in.
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