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Duran Duran Getting Their 'Sexy Back'

By Michelle Nichols,

Reuters

Posted: 2008-03-27 11:53:22

NEW YORK (Nov. 3) - More than 25 years after the release of its first album, '80s pop group Duran Duran is still learning new tricks -- this time from U.S. hip-hop mogul Timbaland and pop sensation Justin Timberlake.

Simon LeBon, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor and Roger Taylor joined forces with the U.S. stars for their 13th album, "Red Carpet Massacre," due to be released in the United States on November 13 and in Britain on November 19.

"What they taught us was that you had to be quick and that your first ideas are often the best ideas. We have made quite a few albums which were quite long, tortuous processes," drummer Roger Taylor told Reuters in an interview.

Former Mouseketeer Timberlake produced and sang on the first single, "Falling Down," while Timothy "Timbaland" Mosley produced and is featured on three tracks. Another eight songs were produced by Duran Duran and Nate "Danja" Hills, who also worked with pop star Britney Spears on her latest album.

"It's a real collaboration and we haven't really written with that many artists before," said keyboardist Rhodes.

Lead singer Simon LeBon said the band -- with each member in his 40s and with more than 85 million albums sold -- is always looking ahead and aware of new music.

"We tend to look at other artists who are happening now and making great records, of which Timbaland and Justin Timberlake have been at the forefront over the past few years," he said.

"So as soon as we got the opportunity to work with them it was like 'Yeah, who wouldn't?"' he added.

Not only has Duran Duran been taking notes, so has Timberlake -- who was born the same year Duran Duran released their first album -- says a Billboard review of "Falling Down."

"Duran Duran has remained relevant enough without any outside help through the years; is this kid going to contemporize the band into an object of ridicule?," it asked.

"Thankfully, 'Falling' demonstrates surprising versatility from Timberlake. The song is true to Duran Duran's beloved melodic imprint, demonstrating that Timberlake is the one who's learning new tricks here," Billboard said.

Nylon magazine described the album as Duran Duran getting its "sexy back" in a play on the title of one of Timberlake's hit singles.

Duran Duran initially recorded an album titled "Reportage" as a follow-up to 2004's "Astronaut," which was the first album by all the original members -- the current quartet plus Andy Taylor -- since 1983.

Andy Taylor again decided to leave the band last year. LeBon jokingly described the split as "dodgy stuff," while Rhodes more diplomatically said: "We just drifted apart; it was a relationship that didn't work anymore. He wanted something a little different then the four of us wanted."

Taylor's departure turned out to be a catalyst for working with Timbaland, Timberlake and Hills and recording a whole new album, which the band also said was also heavily influenced by "the tempo of modern life."

But older fans need not worry about the new collaboration: "It's very much a Duran Duran album," Rhodes said.

Copyright 2008 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. All active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

2007-11-03 09:05:28

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14 comments

Guccise34 06:19:52 AM Nov 06 2007

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Who cares? We only care how to find these celerbities. Luckily, I found one. That's brintey spears. seems she is finding her son a new father on wealthymingle.com. It is a site for celebrities and millionaires to mingle. It's said Charlie Sheen has found her love there last May.

brufive 01:21:00 PM Nov 04 2007

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I have all their albums. Which I would love to find on cd since i havent listened to records in a very long time lol Duran Duran is the sexiest group Ive seen I cant wait to hear their new stuff.

brufive 01:20:22 PM Nov 04 2007

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I have all their albums. Which I would love to find on cd since i havent listened to records in a very long time lol Duran Duran is the sexiest group Ive seen I cant wait to hear their new stuff.

brufive 01:20:21 PM Nov 04 2007

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I have all their albums. Which I would love to find on cd since i havent listened to records in a very long time lol Duran Duran is the sexiest group Ive seen I cant wait to hear their new stuff.

jendbugg 10:24:12 AM Nov 04 2007

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Duran Duran is the best band out there!! I can't wait for the new album to be released.

deppnbloomfan 10:12:57 AM Nov 04 2007

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I have been a fan since 1984, and still love them, they are the absolute best.
http://www.myspace.com/siriusduranie

Guccise34 04:03:11 AM Nov 04 2007

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He looks so familiar. Seems saw him on a celebrity and millionaire dating site called wealthymingle.com. I'll help you guys check it out. What if it is true. That would be great.

rubenw28 01:27:31 AM Nov 04 2007

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Great job...Guys keep it up!!!! What's next.

duranduranlvr 11:55:15 PM Nov 03 2007

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Although I have been a fan for over 20 some odd years now I have to admit I was very skeptical of the Duran/Timbaland/Timberlake combo....but I have heard a few songs and love it...They are staying true to themselves as well as staying with the music of today...I can't wait to hear the entire album..

kayrose1923 09:25:49 PM Nov 03 2007

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LOVED THEM THEN, LOVE THEM NOW.....AND THEY'RE STILL SO DAMN CUTE!!!!

FtL61 08:36:00 PM Nov 03 2007

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Duran Duran kicks arse!

Reneenorth2 08:05:27 PM Nov 03 2007

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I'VE ALWAYS LOVED THEM...
GREAT GROUP

Mermaid 72295 07:43:56 PM Nov 03 2007

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"Girls on Film " gone crazy....Classic Duran Duran storytelling on vdeo...Hope there is more to come guys!!!

Zzoe2work 01:49:25 PM Nov 03 2007

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Duran profile was found on a celebrity and millionaire dating site named millmatch.com, along with blogs.I will check it out for you guys and come out with the truth soon. It's must be interesting.

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