Duran DuranDURAN DURAN --- We've always loved this visionary English-outfit; formed in Birmingham in 1978. They became one of the most successful bands of the 80's and the premiere band on the MTV-driven second British invasion here in the U.S. First viewed in the film, Listen To London, 1981,by an American audience, they quickly became favorites with the then-burgeoning teen set. Since the 1980's, they have placed 14 singles in the Top 10 of the U. K. singles Chart, and 21 here in the States. And, they have sold more than 100 million records; certainly a rather significant point. Initially, they were thought to be part of the burgeoning New Romantic scene, along with bands like Spandau Ballet and Bow Wow Wow, but they later were able to shed that image with sharp and elegant images that earned them the moniker the prettiest boys in rock. They brilliantly wove their musical imagery with fashion and took time and care with the production of their videos; often shot on 35 mm movie film and working with some of the true innovators in the movie-field like Russell Mulcahy and Nick Egan, who did their current video for their new collection. With more than a dozen significant albums, we absolutely loved 2004's Astronaunt (with 1986's Notorious running a close second), where a revitalized band proved themselves as relevant as ever. Songs like “Finest Hour” and the title track were as spectacular as anything they ever recorded. Their newest release All You Need Is Now, produced by Mark Ronson (Amy Winehouse), we have yet to hear, but after the rather under whelming release of 2007's Red Carpet Massacre, is poised to be a terrific album. Let's face it, the group has worked with the best: Justin Timberlake; Timbaland; Nile Rodgers; Kelis; and now Ronson. According to press reports, the band has trumpeted it as the “imaginary follow-up to Rio that never was.” Rio being perhaps their most significant album … ever! This is their 13th release and with the participation of producer Ronson, we're expecting nothing but the best from the lads Simon LeBon; Nick Rhodes; John Taylor; and Roger Taylor.
****
****
Steve CarellNOW NOW PAUL – So, last Friday on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno, Paul Reiser is the guest. Earlier that day, the network had abruptly canceled his show … after only 2 airings. So, Reiser honored the agreement to appear, but then proceeded to complain that NBC didn't promote his show enough, even going onto to say, “But, I don't take it personally. When you're the last-place network you don't want to jeopardize that. You've found your niche. Stay there. So I get it.” Ouch! What? Actually, every time I saws one of those promo I winced a little bit; rather too-self serving were these spots. They were a tad funny …. but, run far too much. In fact, between promos of The Voice and Steve Carell's swan song opus on The Office ...I felt like it was promo-overload. Hey, I like Reiser, and as I said before, that second show was a lot funnier … but, no one likes a sore loser. Hey Paul: You're first clue should have been NBC green lighting the show in the first place. Interestingly enough, The Voice did great; edging out Dancing with The Stars and, even Glee. Guess the promos worked for them … right?
****
****
Dionne Warwick
FLORENCE OH FLORENCE – Last night the new play Baby It's You opened on Broadway. The play is the story of visionary record executive Florence Greenberg, who created Scepter Records in the 1959, and her best selling group The Shirelles. She had just sold her Tiara Records with the group to Decca Records, and when the group failed to produce any hits, they were signed by Greenberg back to Scepter. They also went onto release hit singles by both Dionne Warwick and B.J. Thomas. I wasn't there, but based on the reviews from the show in the papers this morning, it was received just so-so. Apparently, many of the artists who were on the label decided against licensing their work for the show. Carole King, in the midst of prepping her own Broadway show, elected against this show sayng her “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow.” Record-producer Richard Perry coordinated all the music and is right now recording the show for a CD release. It's rather ironic that as the powers-that-be finally see what rich stories are contained in scenarios like these, the artists themselves are holding back in such instances. To tell you the truth: If the opportunity presents itself; take FULL advantage of it. If you're interested in stories like this, do yourself a favor and read the Tommy James biography: Me, The Mob, and The Music ( https://www.tommyjames.com/). Why this isn't yet a movie … or, play, is beyond me! Also, check out the stories on both Decca and Brunswick Records ... folks, they can't make this stuff up!****
Bruno MarsSUPER SHANNON --- Is there any better personality on the radio today than WPLJ's Scott Shannon. I heard him this morning, with on-air partner Todd Pettengill interview Bruno Mars … just brilliant. At one point Mars and his band went into a rehearsal-version of the Spiral Staircase's “More Today Than Yesterday” one of my all time favorites. A radio-veteran for years, Shannon is at the top of his game.
****
****
Jimmy BuffetLEPPARD LIVES --- The new Def Leppard album Mirrorball: Live and More, will be released on Jimmy Buffet's Mailboat Records as a two-CD and bonus DVD set exclusively at Walmart and Sam's in the U.S. And Canada on June 7. The set contains 24 songs, recorded live over the last several years, with all their hits, plus three new songs and a 50-minute DVD featuring backstage footage of the band and select performances. It will also be available digitally on iTunes on the same day.
****
****
Rob ReinerENDQUOTE --- Director Rob Reiner discussing the 25th anniversary of his movie Stand By Me (which featured Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman and a rather husky/chubby-looking Jerry O'Connell) “I can't believe that little fat schmendrick is married to Rebecca Romijn."
