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Duran Durans’ John Taylor-wow.

I did not anticipate that there would ever be a thread here discussing 80s pop music as if it has some value. But here we are.

There are talented artists in every decade and genre. Anyone that decides to write off a whole decade or genre as not having value is closed minded. Yes, a lot of people get stuck in "their" decade (often their High school/ college years), but if you can keep your ears and mind open, life is more fun.
 
There are talented artists in every decade and genre. Anyone that decides to write off a whole decade or genre as not having value is closed minded. Yes, a lot of people get stuck in "their" decade (often their High school/ college years), but if you can keep your ears and mind open, life is more fun.

I'm kidding. When I first heard The Bad Plus do that DD song, it turned my head around. Sometimes you just have to change your perspective a little to appreciate something different.
 
What I like about Taylor (and I remember buying "Save a Prayer" on a 12" single back when it came out in the 80's) is that he took his influences--funk and disco--and distilled them down into a very hooky, decisive style. He's not a wacka-wacka-slappa NAMM show over-player. He just writes great funky bass parts that stand up as hooks in the songs, has fun with his instrument choices and gets a great sound and vibe. Maybe he can't even shred that much, and that's a good thing IMO. Always dug his playing.
 
What I like about Taylor (and I remember buying "Save a Prayer" on a 12" single back when it came out in the 80's) is that he took his influences--funk and disco--and distilled them down into a very hooky, decisive style. He's not a wacka-wacka-slappa NAMM show over-player. He just writes great funky bass parts that stand up as hooks in the songs, has fun with his instrument choices and gets a great sound and vibe. Maybe he can't even shred that much, and that's a good thing IMO. Always dug his playing.
Very true. JT has mentioned numerous times that he's felt inadequate as a bassist in comparing himself to super technical, flashy players but he's comfortable with himself as a musician. I read once in a magazine interview where he said he's been in casinos and clubs and has seen tons of players who were "better" than him but the difference is they don't know how to write hit records. I'd say he's done pretty well for himself.
 
Very true. JT has mentioned numerous times that he's felt inadequate as a bassist in comparing himself to super technical, flashy players but he's comfortable with himself as a musician. I read once in a magazine interview where he said he's been in casinos and clubs and has seen tons of players who were "better" than him but the difference is they don't know how to write hit records. I'd say he's done pretty well for himself.
I rather write a jingle or a pop song than the next great American novel...
 
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Check out Duran Duran Live on Austin City Limits:



They were the Band all the girls liked growing up. Not being one of the cool kids and liking The Clash, Sex Pistols and Gang of Four it took me a while to appreciate them.

Interesting how they describe their main influence being the Sex Pistols!

Great band really, Classic tunes driven by hybrid Disco bass lines and New wave style.

If you think about it, was Punk As F to play Disco Bass lines as that was what Punk was against in the beginning.

Another cool video describing their work on "A View To A Kill" and working with legendary Bond composer John Barry: