There must have been something in the water in 1982. Whatever it was inspired a slew of classic British albums: Roxy's Avalon, ABC's Lexicon of Love and Simple Minds' New Gold Dream ensuring Britain's musical prowess got the eighties off to a flying start.
Artists are often defined by their early works - either the debut or the second album usually prove decisive in shaping a band's career and catalogue. In Duran Duran's case, Rio proved just that. Even on release in May 1982 its cover artwork evoked another favourite British obsession - nostalgia. The Latino portrait, the pastel maroon and mint colouring (surely a precursor to Miami Vice) and the EMI logo itself given a sixties Man From UNCLE globe styling.
The album itself provided the band with no less than three singles, helping cement their iconic status. The video aspect is well documented but was a further dimension in unifying the product. Rio was the second and final album produced by the late Colin Thurston and has been reissued a few times now; this one however comes with the album's US remixes which save for a crispier Lonely In Your Nightmare and an extended Hold Back The Rain are more dynamic on vinyl than they are on the CD.
Also present are the Carnival EP versions (at the time only available as a vinyl import in the HMV stands) as well as the superbly titled 12" Night Versions and early demos. The Chauffeur is resplendent in both album and early versions.
This set may be best suited to die hard Duranies, as five versions of My Own Way is a little trying (and the 7" version is as dreadful as ever) - however, as an item of aesthetic beauty for those interested in the time (which of course is completely in vogue as we speak), a 2CD version may prove irresistable.
www.myspace.com/kelvinhayesofficial
Artists are often defined by their early works - either the debut or the second album usually prove decisive in shaping a band's career and catalogue. In Duran Duran's case, Rio proved just that. Even on release in May 1982 its cover artwork evoked another favourite British obsession - nostalgia. The Latino portrait, the pastel maroon and mint colouring (surely a precursor to Miami Vice) and the EMI logo itself given a sixties Man From UNCLE globe styling.
The album itself provided the band with no less than three singles, helping cement their iconic status. The video aspect is well documented but was a further dimension in unifying the product. Rio was the second and final album produced by the late Colin Thurston and has been reissued a few times now; this one however comes with the album's US remixes which save for a crispier Lonely In Your Nightmare and an extended Hold Back The Rain are more dynamic on vinyl than they are on the CD.
Also present are the Carnival EP versions (at the time only available as a vinyl import in the HMV stands) as well as the superbly titled 12" Night Versions and early demos. The Chauffeur is resplendent in both album and early versions.
This set may be best suited to die hard Duranies, as five versions of My Own Way is a little trying (and the 7" version is as dreadful as ever) - however, as an item of aesthetic beauty for those interested in the time (which of course is completely in vogue as we speak), a 2CD version may prove irresistable.
www.myspace.com/kelvinhayesofficial