Review: DURAN DURAN – “Danse Macabre”

“Danse Macabre”, album number sixteen in Duran Duran’s discography, is a record on the border between play, an exercise in style, revisitations, covers and creativity.

An atypical album that celebrates Halloween time and was born on October 31st last year following a special live performance that Duran Duran filmed in Las Vegas.

“Danse Macabre” should be the soundtrack of their latest Halloween party but it’s not just that!

13 tracks played and interpreted with a particular musical approach made of melodies illuminated by the darkness and with Simon’s voice, dark and gloomy.
In this mix there are new songs, themed covers and reinvented versions of their classics.

Among the Halloweenized and Duranized covers we find: “Bury A Friend” by Billie Eilish, “Psycho Killer” by Talking Heads (song with the recognizable bass of Victoria De Angelis of Måneskin), “Paint It Black” by the Rolling Stones, “Super Lonely Freak” inspired by Rick James, “Spellbound” by Siouxsie and the Banshees, “Supernature” by Cerrone and “Ghost Town” by The Specials.

There are also many collaborations: the ex Warren Cuccurullo and Andy Taylor, the producer, guitarist and composer Nile Rodgers, Victoria De Angelis of Måneskin and the producers Josh Blair and Mr Hudson.

In addition to “Love Voudou” there are new recorded versions of “Nightboat” and “Secret Oktober 31st” (both with Andy Taylor on guitar). The song made its first appearance as a b-side to the single ‘Union of The Snake’ and now, 40 years later, sees its first physical release on a Duran Duran studio album.

A fun album and not just a covers album.
It’s always a pleasure to listen to Duran even if in the end I’m left with the feeling of something unfinished and unsatisfied and I want to discover something new by Simon, Nick and Andy!

TO LISTEN NOW

Black Moonlight – Danse Macabre – Psycho Killer

TO BE SKIPPED IMMEDIATELY

Nothing. The album is fun and enjoyable. She didn’t bore me

SCORE: 6.90

TRACKLIST

Nightboat
Black Moonlight
Love Voudou
Bury A Friend
Supernatures
Danse Macabre
Secret Oktober 31st
Ghost Town
Paint It Black
Super Lonely Freak
Spellbound
Psycho Killer (feat. Victoria De Angelis)
Confession in the Afterlife

DISCOGRAPHY