A still from the video for Duran Duran's "Planet Earth"
Greetings from Austin, Texas, where the South by Southwest Music, Film and Interactive Conferences and Festivals are well underway. Two nights ago, Duran Duran headlined at Stubb’s. I was happily immersed in the Film Festival while they performed, but my brother Andy was at the show and said the band delivered a good mix of songs. Crowd-pleaser “The Chauffeur” was awesome. Furthermore, the band opened with “A View to a Kill” (how wonderfully unexpected)!
Also unexpected is Duran Duran’s video for “Planet Earth.” Before band members donned designer suits and jetted off to exotic locations in adventure-filled music videos, they danced on a platform for this track. No candy-colored jackets or casual island-wear. But there were ruffled shirts a la New Romantic style. A quick glance may mislead you–this looks more like Spandau Ballet than Duran Duran.
Then another glimpse reveals hints of the signature style we all know and love: energetic delivery (these guys are true performers), an ever-changing array of hair colors and styles, and just the right amount of make-up. Why don’t my cheekbones ever look that defined? Seriously.
Equally noteworthy is the video’s set. With a background that screams Art Deco, lo-fi effects, and some interesting abstract overlay that rivals the best in ’80s graphic design, it’s hard not to get carried away by the geometric visuals in this gem of a video from the early days of Duran Duran. 1981 ruled!
Happy Friday…
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