Diamond In The Mind

My experience with Duran Duran growing up was very limited. I used to see their videos for Hungry Like The Wolf and Rio on MTV often, back when MTV used to show music video’s. Other then that I would catch snippets here and there when we would visit my cousin’s Nadine and Rachel who were big fans who often listened to the band. Later on in life, looking for those nostalgic days, I picked up a copy of Notorious out of the cheapie bin at K-Mart which I listened to for a few days before losing track of it. Long story short, my experience with the band wasn’t exceptionally far reaching on a personal level.

So, in my car, I throw on Duran Duran’s Live 2011: A Diamond In The Mind (counter piece to the Blu-Ray release of the same name) and instantly I am transported. Why is it that every song that pops on I know by heart? I guess I must have been paying more attention over at Rachel and Dina’s then I thought I was. In any case it’s like a stroll down memory lane as the bands set rolls out, hit after hit. I can’t help but feel as if Simon Le Bon, like myself, has gotten old at times though. He sounds as if he is making a strenuous attempt to end out some notes, but overall it sounds great.

Production manages to keep the cheering of the adoring crowds just beneath the music, unless the crowd joins in chanting lines, which has a fine separation of instruments which find their own lane to shine. Le Bon’s vocals are very fine tuned from every labored breath against the microphone to his voice carrying off into a soft hum before ending out completely. Despite his few moments of waning Le Bon’s voice is acrobatic and smooth. If you were ever a fan then this will be a must own as well as the Blu-Ray. If you’ve never given them a shot this, despite coming so late in the bands career, is still a great jumping off point. I highly suggest. 

See our Blu-Ray Review here: Duran Duran Live 2011: A Diamond in the Mind

Set List:
1. Before The Rain
2. Planet Earth
3. A View To A Kill
4. All You Need Is Now
5. Come Undone
6. Blame The Machines
7. The Reflex
8. Girl Panic!
9. Ordinary World
10. Notorious
11. Hungry Like The Wolf
12. (Reach Up For The) Sunrise
13. Wild Boys/Relax
14. Rio