2011 Song of the Year Candidate #1: Duran Duran, “The Man Who Stole a Leopard”
Welcome to a new column here at ESDMusic, which I created for the sole purpose of talking about new songs that make me giddy. First up: my boys from Birmingham, Duran Duran.
Last time we heard from Duran, they were, well, royally pissing me off. They had just shelved an album that was reportedly a harder-edged back-to-basics affair, modeled after the Kaiser Chiefs and Bloc Party, two bands that Duran bassist John Taylor loved. Why would they do such a thing, you ask? Because Andy Taylor had left the band, again, because the band expressed interest in adding one more song to the album…featuring Timbaland and Justin Timberlake. Now, I can see where a guy like Justin might appeal to them, but Timbaland? Really? Do they know what he does to the people he produces? He makes sure they all sound like him. You will use this drum machine; you will use this keyboard sound. And you will let him say “wicky wicky” at some point. Is there any place for that on a Duran album? Answer: no, and Andy knew it, so he bailed.
So the band started over from scratch, using the Timbaland collaboration not as a one-off but as a starting point (!). The end result: Red Carpet Massacre, where Duran Duran traded in their identity for one last attempt to remain relevant to the pop charts. The single stiffed, the label dropped them, and Duran went about making things right by doing what I’ve been wanting them to do since 2007: work with Mark Ronson. The band’s new album, All You Need Is Now, released on their own Skin Divers label – a curious name, considering it’s the name of the failed Timbaland collaboration – is the most traditional-sounding Duran Duran album since Seven and the Ragged Tiger (and is actually better than Tiger). And tucked away in the album’s back half is one of the best songs they’ve ever done.
“The Man Who Stole a Leopard”… Jesus, what do you say about this? It builds slowly, a la “The Chauffeur,” and features this gorgeous call-and-response vocal from Kelis that borders on haunting. The lyrics, based on an idea of John and Nick’s (and inspired by the 1965 Terence Stamp movie “The Collector”), tell the tale of a man who, you guessed it, kept a leopard in his apartment, and how his obsession with said creature fulfilled him like nothing else, but also led to his undoing. Ronson tones down the drum tracks some, making for one of those melancholy dance tracks along the lines of “Enjoy the Silence” or “Unfinished Sympathy.” With a run time of over six minutes, “The Man Who Stole a Leopard” is not likely to be among the songs chosen for release as a single, but you can bet that it will – and if the YouTube comments are any indication, already has – become a fan favorite. Give the video one listen, and see if you’re not running to the iTunes store seconds later.
Posted in: Alternative, Artists, CD Reviews, Deep Cuts, Pop, Rock, Songs
Tags: All You Need Is Now, Duran Duran, Eat Sleep Drink Music, Headlines, Kelis, Mark Ronson, Seen Your Video, The Man Who Stole a Leopard
David,
I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciated your thoughtful, well-written examination of Duran Duran’s new album, All You Need Is Now. It is indeed an exciting time to be a fan as Duran garners critical acclaim for this amazing record and prepares to move into full promotion mode. The band has produced a rich, textured collection of work they can be proud of. Thank you very much for your great review.
As a Duran Duran archivist over two decades, I have cultivated a unique perspective on the band’s storied career. It’s great to see them back in the headlines — the New Year promises to be one to remember with the new album and an upcoming tour that could certainly be one of their best.
If you might be interested in a little view to a thrill, I invite you to browse a sample of my archive on my website: durandy.com!
I wish you a terrific 2011 full of good health, happiness, and much Duran-demonium!
All my best.
Agreeably upon the first listening of the new album, TMWSAL stood out high above the other recordings simply because there isn’t anything like it. I compare the recording to another DD song that also has no equal…Save a Prayer. Specifically songs such as these is why I remain a life-long admirer of this band’s music. Yes, the singles and dance infused pop sounds created over the decades are always enjoyable (including RCM, I simply loved Skin Divers and Zoom In)as well as all the other marketed singles, but it always those unreleased songs that remain timeless for me. Alas, I agree TMWSAL will probably not be released as a single, but the album itself as a whole deserves some sort of musical accolade not only for such songs as leopard, but also Mediterranea, Leave a light On and the title cut including the ever pop-rocking Networker Nation. However, in these current times I believe to get noticed nowadays in the potpourri of modern music it takes more than great songs. DD needs to take a song like NN, use their tactful attitudes and make an in-your-face over the top video to shove into the faces of the social networking world seeking their own 15 minutes of fame (or is that seconds nowadays??). Sad it is that we traded true creativity for the next hyped new thing that we can view instantly promoting beautiful perfect faces, barely clothed bodies and violence…but I digress, DD used the same tactics way back when in their early videos. Truthfully, I’ve gone back to simply listening and liking a song for the song rather than caring whomever is singing it and what they look like.
I could not agree most….Leopard is the best song of the year.
this song has me hooked, and to of seen them play/sing this live is mind blowing.
No one gets to the heart like Duran Duran.No other band can touch them.They are the best band ever. Simon’s voice is beautiful.No one will ever come close.The new LP sounds like the old band. Just close your eyes & listen to Simon sing & you will think you are in 1984.leopard sounds like you are back in 1984 & Simon is singing chauffeur Thank God they are still here for us. They are dam decent guys. Thankyou Simon. Thankyou you DuranDuran.
AYNIN is excellent! Red Carpet Massacre…a bit prophetically titled, heh? Remove Timba-bland and his cohorts and let the songs be remixed by Ronson or other true Duranies and you could salvage the album I suppose, but it is the worst of their whole canon…a sad and desperate attempt at being relevant to the kiddies instead of the long time fans. If Reportage ever hits the net, I’m sure we will all get to see what the indie Duran sound was…perhaps a bit of PL YOU or Sinner or Saint-ish? Perhaps we’ll never know…. Leopard is intoxicating…here’s to the next Ronson collaboration!