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Post by zealous on Nov 12, 2015 10:32:04 GMT -5
I think the lyrics have a lot to do with my feeling a little blah about it. Songs like LNITC, PO and Danceaphobia are so one dimensional that it actually bothers me. I prefer the more cryptic, poetic lyrics that Simon used to do (and still does occasionally). This I am in total agreement with you on and I'm glad you said it.
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Post by americanscientist on Nov 12, 2015 11:01:29 GMT -5
There was a previous thread in which blending PG and AYNIN was suggested to create a whole new album and I couldn't agree more.
Choosing the strongest tracks from both albums and combining them creates arguably the most dynamic listening experience of their career, apart from Rio.
Here are my choices and it has resulted in what I listen to most frequently:
Paper Gods Blame The Machines Last Night in the City Pressure Off Too Bad You're So Beautiful Face For Today What Are The Chances? The Man Who Stole A Leopard Girl Panic Valentine Stones Only in Dreams Universe Alone
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Post by StigRunar on Nov 12, 2015 13:54:39 GMT -5
Me neither. It had it's moments, but it became shallow very fast in my ears. Wish it didn't. Having said that; when I listen to it, it ends with "The universe alone". Without the bonus tracks. It makes more sense that way.
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Post by josefk on Nov 12, 2015 14:15:18 GMT -5
I have whittled down my favorites to 10 songs of which 4 are bonus tracks so I’m thankful they were released now and not 20 years from now. In my alternate universe, this would have been the song sequence of the standard album released:
Planet Roaring * Butterfly Girl Pressure Off What Are The Chances Face For Today Valentine Stones Northern Lights Sunset Garage Cinderella Ride Only In Dreams
I know I’m in the tiny minority (so don’t hate on me), but my biggest problem - even more so than the EDM influences - are the “big concept” songs that bookend the album. For me the title track is weak and repetitive, and Simon’s vocals on Universe Alone make me cringe. No amount of repeat listens have changed my opinion. Plus, I love the ending of Only in Dreams which for me makes a great album closer.
So, with 10 good to great songs this ranks up there with the first four albums and AYNIN in my book.
* My current favorite – I can just imagine it performed live with the entire audience singing along to the chorus. Sadly, it will never happen since it’s only a bonus track. And in what world does anyone leave a collaboration with Steve Jones off the standard album and let that EDM-lite crap stay on there?
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Post by bigbanggeneration on Nov 12, 2015 14:57:29 GMT -5
The thing that has surprised me about the cd is that before it - I know Nick was making comparisons with the Wedding Album (i.e. such as since the Wedding album) or that band members mentioned what other bands have done this so late in their careers. So, in reading this, I am like - wow, this cd is going to be lights out great.
Having listened to it - I think Pressure off, what are the chances, you kill me with silence, and universe alone are standout tracks. But, I don't listen to the rest of it. I will caveat by saying i think the live version of the song Paper Gods is great too and so is the live version of last night in the city. So, as a fan, I can't complain at all.
For example, from Medazzaland I listen to Electric Barbarella and BBG, Pop Trash i listen to Pop Trash Movie (live version) and Lady Xanax, Reunion album (nothing actually), RCM (Box Full of Honey (live version)), AYNIN (AYNIN, Mediterranea). So, I actually like a lot of songs from Paper gods (6 including the 2 live versions) - so I am thankful. At the same time, all the other tracks on Paper gods - I am not really into. As in, I am good never hearing them again. But again - I cant complain based on the number of tracks I do like from it especially compared to the number of tracks from other albums I still listen to. The other good thing is that like the other tracks I really like from the other albums - I dont think I will get bored with the 6 Paper gods tracks.
And lastly, I think What are the chances and Universe alone are killer tracks.
For people that are bumbed about Paper gods - project ahead a little bit. It is 2018 and a new duran album comes out. They do it quicker this time by getting Ronson and Nile in the studio for a month and that is it. When they go on tour, probably the only tracks you will hear from Paper Gods that they will play live to support this new album will come from a pool of Pressure off, Paper gods, and What are the chances - that is it.
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Post by stopdead on Nov 12, 2015 15:12:51 GMT -5
Listened to AYNIN non-stop for years. Still listening to a few tracks from PG, namely the title track, Northern Lights, Only In Dreams, and The Universe Alone.
Incidentally, I think Universe Alone would have been 1000% better for a Bond/Spectre theme song than the crap I had to sit through in the theater last night. It would be awesome if someone talented would take the time to put that song to the Spectre intro and upload it to YouTube...
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Post by madoldlu on Nov 12, 2015 16:03:37 GMT -5
Funny, I was going to start a thread asking people what they thought now that it’s two months out… Skinburn, I have to say that I’m very surprised, and a little annoyed, at your about face because like you said, you were shouting from the rooftops. You actually got very angry and defensive against those who spoke anything negative about the album. You were like a momma bear protecting her cubs! It got very very heated here in the first few weeks of release, with you mainly being the one to jump in and respond passionately to any negative comments, sometimes calling on banning people for saying bad things about the album! And now you’re waffling back saying that the album is mediocre, an opinion you fought ardently against just 2 months ago? However, I do have to commend you on being brave enough to start this thread in the first place and admit that you’ve started to change your mind. I think that took some guts, not just because you had this change of mind, but because it’s also admitting that you don’t feel that strongly about an album that your favorite band has created. Anyway, I’m still listening to a few songs on the album. Unlike you, I didn’t really listen to it non stop when it first came out because I was disappointed in it and found too many songs on it that I didn’t like. I gave it a good chance, but I knew that if I continued to listen to the album, I would be ruining it for myself like I ruined TWA (another album I didn’t really like but listened to it continually). I listened to it enough to pick out the songs I liked and narrowed my list down to 11: Paper Gods (my favorite) Pressure Off Face for Today Danceaphobia What Are the Chances Sunset Garage Change the Skyline Universe Alone Planet Soaring Valentine Stones Northern Lights But soon after this, I narrowed it down even more. Down to 6: Paper Gods (still my favorite) Face for Today Universe Alone Planet Soaring Valentine Stones Northern Lights And now it’s mostly just down to 3 but occasionally will listen to my list of 6: Paper Gods (still loving it) Face for Today (liking it more every day) Universe Alone In contrast, I listen to AYNIN continually since it came out. I had it in my car as the only music playing for over a year, never even skipping a track. I still LOVE it. The music is perfect with a great balance of instruments, and the lyrics are imaginative and interesting. So that’s where I’m at now. I agree it’s a mediocre album without much depth. It falls pretty much in the middle of my album rankings. Beyond the music itself (which sorely lacks John and Roger), I think the lyrics have a lot to do with my feeling a little blah about it. Songs like LNITC, PO and Danceaphobia are so one dimensional that it actually bothers me. I prefer the more cryptic, poetic lyrics that Simon used to do (and still does occasionally). Thank you Madoldlu for putting me straight. Passion can be very detrimental! lol i would prefer to be a lion protecting his harem as opposed to a 'momma bear'!! Haha. Sounds more manly for me... Anyway, one point. I hadn't asked for people to be banned for slating the album. It was for homophobic references. There were one or two individuals showing disrespect to the band in general aswell which I don't like. Those people were banned aswell, do it wasn't just me who had that opinion. But I really appreciate your respectful words. It is humbling. Paper Gods is ok but there's better albums by Duran. Nobody (not even me) can keep up the Vibes forever on a new album! My issue was that you have to move with the times and give the album a chance, which many here weren't doing. I've listened and listened and enjoyed. However it does feel contrived and it will do with so many producers meddling. "You need a hit single guys, this is how you do it". So Duran go with it. Simon says he wants another hit single. As Coolbarn said elsewhere, it won't happen. Like a lot of you I'm waiting for the next album now..with guitar, drums and killer choruses that grab me by the throat. My damn iPad is screwing up so I'm gonna have to leave it there until I get to my desk top! Thanks for being gracious about my post. TBH, I felt a little bad about posting it and putting you on the spot.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 12, 2015 16:12:15 GMT -5
It amazes me that some fairly weak Duran albums are favourites here and yet paper gods is getting a lashing of sorts here. I think we all change our mind about songs and listening to paper gods has sent me scuttling back through the back catalogue not because it's a bad album but because I recognise so many Duran elements I've loved and wanted to hear them in their raw format. So right now I'm digging to the shore which was a big skipper for me as a teen. In fact loving the first album. Speaking of depth I don't recall girl panic bring all that deep! Some of the seemingly revered ANYIN can come off cheesy too. .. Incl blame the machines. Yet leopard is one of their greatest songs. My point in this ramble down memory lane is that what paper gods lacks I feel for a lot of fans is the history and association with a particular time or event in life that makes it significant for them. And that's got nothing to do with edm, lyrics, etc.
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Post by La Princess on Nov 12, 2015 16:18:51 GMT -5
Strangely the first album is the one I listen to the most, with Rio, TWA and even AYNIN as now close. In the case of the first album it makes sense because it wasn't a pop album and they didn't have people telling them what to do for many reasons. Getting back to PG, I don't like it's deep at all or much better than RCM (which to me ranks worst of all). Cherryicecream, that makes sense about time and place. Certain albums came out at pivotal times in my life, like TWA, Notorious, Big thing, Astronaut to some extent.
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Post by coolbarn on Nov 12, 2015 16:22:54 GMT -5
I think five tracks from Paper Gods are fantastic, even the ones with synth bass and those stupid rolls on the hi-hat that every hip-hop Richard and his dog uses on every bloody new song. (I don't listen to new music, but you can't escape it in shopping centres or walking past your kids' bedroom ) Namely What Are The Chances (gorgeous track), Face For Today (classic Duran and one of the few 80s-sounding songs on the record), Butterfly Girl (great vibe, although it contains the only guitar work from Frusciante on the album that I don't totally love), Pressure Off (Duran mixing their strong suits of catchy pop with catchy funk, wish there were more songs like this on the record) and The Universe Alone (what a beautiful way to end the album, and Nick's keyboards and Frusciante's guitar are awesome!). They are the tracks that I will come back to in the future. (Not to mention all of the bonus tracks except Planet Roaring are pretty good, and should have been on the album. Cinderella Ride in particular is a very good song, although all of them suffer instrumentally from the same problems as detailed above) The rest of the songs just aren't likable enough for me to revisit unless they pop up on random. Some aren't terrible, like Paper Gods and Only In Dreams. But both of them take WAY too long to start and finish and are both about three minutes too long. The remainder are okay songs but just unremarkable, although the chorus of Danceophobia and all of You Kill Me With Silence are absolutely horrendous. Overall though it is a decent album that I'm very glad to be getting from Duran Duran in 2015. If it were edited where necessary and re-recorded with bass guitar, acoustic drums, and had more of a live feel, then I think it would be an excellent record because a lot of the songwriting is very good. Once again I feel the band took way too long in the studio and sucked life out of some songs which could have ended up sounding better. I said from the start that getting a Hip-Hop producer with barely any decent songs to his credit was a bad idea, and in my opinion this has proven to be correct. I know the band are going all ga-ga over Mr Hudson and said he was the glue that held the album together, but I think they are vastly overstating things (as all artists do when the excitement of a new project is fresh in the air). The best parts of the album were all Ronson/Rodgers/Frusciante, while the rest of the album was dragged down by Hudson/Lohan/Bjerre. The problem is that Duran are once again equating sales with quality. Even saying things like "it's the best album since The Wedding Album" suggests so, when in reality Paper Gods is only the best album since AYNIN which was vastly superior. Yes the Wedding Album had some great songs to be sure, but a lot of filler which reduced it from being a great album to merely a good one. But because it actually sold some copies after poor old Liberty, Duran Duran now are using it as the benchmark. AND WE ALL KNOW THAT SALES DOESN'T EQUAL QUALITY! It appears Duran are happier releasing a decent album that sells well, than release a magnificent album that doesn't. And that's cool, (not being sarcastic here) but if it makes them feel better knowing they have attracted some new fans who couldn't be bothered buying All You Need Is Now, then that's fine. If it makes them feel vindicated, and it's about touching new people (and not just the extra money) then good for them. I can't tell them how they should feel. But if that's the case, then they shouldn't worry about using words like "legacy" and wanting to make an album that will "stand up". When albums are made with commercial considerations in mind, and used to sell the maximum number of copies possible, then the quality of it and how it will be perceived in the future stops being a consideration. Overall it's a decent record. I don't know how the band did it, but it cracked the top 10 for a short period, so that's cool. I'm with Skinburn though - hopefully DD15 will be Duran rocking out a little more with guitar, drums, and killer choruses. Ah rock - my favourite sort of music The tour will be awesome though!
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