Duran Duran, if I had to choose between the two. But, the band ABC is, IMO, the best "new wave/or/new romantic" band of the 80's, if you want to put a genre on it. Trevor Horn's productions are very good, with the Art Of Noise, ABC, and Frankie Goes To Hollywood, to mention a few.


Peace,
JD

For some, this discussion is irrelevant if they weren't brought up on this music of even appreciate it. It has relevance basically to those who embraced it. Both groups hit their stride when I was a teenager, and altho I was more of a Durannie than into Culture Club, but I listened to both. I think 'Rio' still holds up as a complete cd. I still play it. Finally had to replace it from wearing it out. Personally it should be one of those essential cds of that decade. Culture Club was more of a dance-oriented, almost R&B sounding group, so that appealed to those who liked that kind of music, while Duran Duran also had a disco-ish spin to some songs were more pop/rock. Fave songs from Duran Duran: The Chauffer, Secret Oktober, Lonely in Your Nightmare, The Reflex '12, and New Religion. I think Notorious was a strong album as well. Nile Rodgers was all over that one. With Culture Club I loved Boy George's voice, like the Crying Game was touching. I loved Tumble For Ya, War, Time(always had me flashingback to elementary school graduation), Miss Me Blind among others. Everybody knew he was outrageous and flamboyant. You were just drawn into his style. I wasn't aware of the relationship until Behind the Music, but listening to the music now, it's all clear now.hahha! I would only give Duran Duran the edge because I was more into the culture with my friends etc. Nothing against Culture Club tho. I saw them a few years ago when they reunited. Never thought that would happen, but it was cool. I'm totally anticipating the reunion tour for Duran Duran. Since I didn't see them as the original 5 from the 80's, that would be heaven for me.

Again, you have no explanation for your obvious contradiction.

Understood.

Again, and for the last time, you're just a plain _STUPID_ airhead. No wonder you defend them so much.

Sayonara.

And you freely shoot insults from the relative safety of your computer.

Classic.

Culture Club.


They were more "soulful" than DD, from Boy George's voice to their music..

Duran Duran certainly had talent, they could write good POP songs, & of course, they all scored
VERY HIGH
on the "pretty boy" quotient!


my favorite Culture Club songs:
Time (clock of the heart)
MISS ME BLIND
IT'S A MIRACLE (originally titled, of course, "It's AMERICA")
The war song
Mistake number 3 (beautiful song)

I HAVE AN EARLY 90'S DD SINGLE FOR -COME UNDONE LIVE -I BELIEVE, ON THE B-SIDE IS A LIVE ACOUSTIC VERSION OF NOTORIOUS.IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SONG THEY BREAK INTO SEXY MF BY THE MAN HIMSELF, SO DD WINS THIS ONE HANDS DOWN!

New thread's idea for 80's music lover:
ABC's "The Look Of Love" vs Human League's "Don't You Want Me"

VinaBlue said:

lol Vina!
Here I am. Yes, it is true
All of these years later and I find myself
still enjoying Duran Duran's music.
I will give it up to Culture Club. Boy George's voice
was great & they had many very nice songs.
Boy George has B A L L S for pulling off his image.
I can't believe they could have such huge hits in America
with a crossdrssing lead singer. Just ten years
earlier, David Bowie's The Man Who Sold The World
album was released in America with an alternate
cover because the original showed him wearing a dress.
I think that Duran wins this one though for reasons
already so aptly put in this thread.
& Thanks VinaBlue
[This message was edited Mon Aug 12 17:01:42 PDT 2002 by chewymusic]

I have to say Culture Club, hands down.

I remember saving my allowance to buy the "kissing to be cleaver" album after seeing the cover alone! After I got cableTV, I was addicted to the video for "time" on MTV.

George's voice is so powerful, and with Helen Terry bringing up the soulful harmony stuff... Man... No doubt, they were a perfect team!

I've always been a "lyrics person", which is why I was so into Prince and acts like Culture Club. All of the songs had multiple meanings, and had a political, sexual or social slant. Anyone really listened to "Victims"? That song made me learn the piano!!

I used to have some live concert they performed back in the 80s that i recorded on Beta (dates me, huh). I wonder if there are copies of that still floating around, or if it's made the transition to DVD. (Anyone know?? drop me an OrgNote)

CULTURE CLUB
Absolutely.

Duran Duran had the greater impact - but it was mostly because of their "pin-up" status. It's akin to comparing the Backstreet Boys to Creed.

It's a shame that by their 4th album, there was so much bickering and drug use that the band just fell apart...otherwise Culture Club would still be hitting it big.

How interesting...just the other day I was listening to "Do You Really Want To Hurt Me" on the radio and I was thinking what an excellent and classic pop tune this is...I love Duran Duran, but I don't think they ever came close to something as timeless and classic as that song...

That being said, both groups are awesome...While I am not much of a fan of Duran's early work...I do love Notorious and The Wedding album (well, actually the self-titled with the wedding pics on the cover )...of special note...Me LOVES ME SOME POWERSTATION!!! and Arcadia wasnt all that bad either...


Boy George...this man has a god given gift...and its a shame that truly talented artist like him (and soo many others) arent allowed to share their sounds on the radio...

SkletonKee said:

"come undone" will hold up as a great ballad...

After viewing this thread,I pulled out my Duran Duran Greatest Hits CD and I went crazy!! I had forgot how many great songs these guys did.Hearing their music reminds me of being in Junior High,when every girl was wearing a Duran Duran concert T-shirt,with pins all over them.Such memories!!

Remember these songs?

"The Reflex"
"Hungry Like The Wolf"
"Union of the Snake"
"Girls On Film"
"Save A Prayer" (my fav!!)
"Notorious"
"Is There Something I Should Know" (another fav)
"Wild Boys"


Those crazy 80s!

PurpleJedi said:

NO! IT'S NOT! Neither group compare to either. Duran Duran and Culture Club made quality music. Backstreet Boys make product, while Creed simply rehash the Pearl Jam catalogue. Like I said earlier, it's really stupid to compare these two bands, since they're really nothing alike. CC and DD have both created some fantastic music, but they really are NOTHING alike. Apples and Oranges, truly.

MightBQueen said:

i love that song too...however, to say its a classic is a stretch...my test for songs longevity is rather simple, are oldy retro stations still playing the song? there has been a massive addition of 80's themed or 80s and 90's themed radio stations...and while Duran Duran gets its share of airplay...Come Undone isnt one of those songs...And out of both bands...Do You Really Want To Hurt Me gets way way more airplay then both bands other songs...combined..

Hmmm... I don't listen to either of them too much, bu tI like Duran Duran a little bit better

SkletonKee said:

Hmmm, interesting. I haven't heard DYRWTHM? in years, but I hear Hungry Like The Wolf all the damn time! The one Duran song I'm damn near sick of!

One Song by Duran Duran and Nile Rodgers - "Skin Trade"




End of Discussion

Overall, I believe Culture Club left a longer lasting impact musically as well as culturally. "Karma Chameleon" is a classic and instantly takes you back to that time period. Sure Duran Duran had their fair share of hits and music, but it didn't have the same level of longevity as the CC's.

SkletonKee said:

it's still too recent for oldies stations... but "variety" type stations play it alot. and i know far, far too many people who have a "special" weakness for this song. and i swear, i have even heard a muzak version...

one other thing i've remarked... every girl i know who is really cool has a secret (or not-so-secret) thang for DD.

JediMaster said:

no kidding! and the video still stands up as an all-time great - simon le bon doing the harrison ford bit - HOT CHILI MAMA!

JANFAN4L said:

Actually,I would argue that Duran Duran had more longevity than Culture Club.I love Culture Club,but let's face it,they were pretty much finished by 1986.That's when they had their last real hit "Move Away".

Duran Duran had hits up until the late 80s ("I Don't Want Your Love","All She Wants Is").They even made a successful comeback in the early 90s with "Ordinary World" and "Come Undone".
[This message was edited Wed Aug 14 0:59:00 PDT 2002 by DavidEye]

Oldie radio stations will play the blandest music available to them. Thats why Culture Club feature so prominantly. You will never hear hits by The Ramones or Sex Pistols, for example, on these stations. The Skin Trade is probably the best Duran single ever, but U won't hear it... u will hear Save a Prayer perhaps...
My point?
Dont assume an artist has had lasting impact based on the amount of airplays on oldie radio stations.

TheSkinMechanic said:

"Save A Prayer" is one of their best songs!!
[This message was edited Wed Aug 14 5:08:01 PDT 2002 by DavidEye]

This is true, but it doesnt actually demand much of the listener... it can easily be used as background music... perfect for oldie radio stations.

Now that y'all know how I feel about Duran Duran,I'm gonna discuss Culture Club now...


The song "Time (Clock Of The Heart)" is my favorite!! That song is dreamy,soulful and infectious.That is Culture Club's finest moment,imo.

Of course,"Do You Really Want To Hurt Me" kicks ass too!