Duran Duran's top moments of 2018

BBC4 takeover

It was a proud moment for Duranies as Duran Duran took over BBC4 for an evening on June 29. Sandwiched between episodes of "Top of the Pops" featuring Duran and the band's David Lynch-directed "Unstaged" concert were two hours of new programming. One, an early 40th anniversary bash/documentary "There's Something You Should Know" was followed by "A Night In," featuring the band members watching clips of their biggest influences from the worlds of music, TV, movies, and more. The gem of the evening was "There's Something You Should Know," an endearing look back at the band's career highlights and a good reminder for the general public that Duran is still deserving of the recognition that so many young fans gave the band so many years ago.

Back in the studio

Duran returned to the studio late in the year to work on new music with producer Erol Alkan. In year-end comments on duranduran.com, Nick Rhodes said he thought "we have the start of something quite special," and John Taylor said the band would return to the studio again in March. There's no timetable yet for when the new music will be released, or an indication of whether that music will be taking the form of a new studio album.

Duranversaries

Duran albums had a few milestones in 2018. "The Wedding Album" turned 25, "Big Thing" marked its 30th, and "Seven and the Ragged Tiger" hit 35. Duran also belatedly released a video for the "Big Thing" track "The Edge of America," timing it to the immigration crisis in the United States.

Budokan

Duran took part in April's Record Store Day, releasing the live record "Budokan." There was also an unofficial release of the "Thanksgiving" live show from the "Medazzaland" era that had previously been released on CD. On Duran Duran Appreciation Day, the band teased footage from an upcoming video release of the "Budokan" show, but there has been no word on when that release might materialize.

Step into the future

There's much to look forward to for Duranies in the new year. In addition to a handful of live shows the band is planning and more studio time, there's anticipation of the band's 40th anniversary coming in 2020. Will that be the year Duran gets a nod in the direction of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? Duran influencer Roxy Music recently was pegged for induction, as well as Duran contemporary the Cure. With Nile Rodgers' new role with the hall, as well as the influence of critics like Rob Sheffield, the future looks brighter for the band when it comes to its chance of finally getting the call.

Photo by Christopher Windle

Top five live shows of 2018

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club at the Slowdown

It's rare to be truly blown away by a band's performance, but Black Rebel Motorcycle Club managed to do just that in Omaha on May 17.

We were actually there to see Pete International Airport, the Dandy Warhols guitarist Peter Holmstrom's other band. While the openers were great, we weren't prepared for BRMC, who stormed onstage with a 22-song set of its biggest tracks as well as ones off its latest album, "Wrong Creatures." (Along with PIA's "Safer With the Wolves," "Wrong Creatures" is one of the best albums of the past year or so.)

If there was a show that topped all shows in 2018, this was the one. While we ranked our list last year, we couldn't come to much agreement this year. It's lucky that BRMC is first alphabetically, which just happens to be how we're presenting the list this year.

Robert Levon Been and Peter Hayes commanded the stage, seamlessly trading off vocals, and sometimes bass and guitar. In a time when musical acts often rely on backing tracks or even offstage musicians, it was refreshing to see a three-piece band with a huge sound playing with little, if any, help in that department. BRMC put on just that type of impressive show. (Read more: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club leaves an impression.)

All photos by Christopher Windle, from top: BRMC, as
shared on Facebook by the band itself, and the Buttertones.

The Buttertones at the Slowdown

The Buttertones won fans on tour in the Midwest last year and were back to melt hearts once again on a cold autumn evening in Omaha.

With the fall tour, the band capped a bit of a whirlwind year: playing South by Southwest, debuting at Coachella, and putting out a new album, "Midnight in a Moonless Dream."

On Oct. 1, the Buttertones played highlights from each of the band's four timeless albums while displaying the members' multiple facets in an 18-song set.

Singer Richard Araiza charmed the crowd, and guitarist Dakota Böttcher and drummer Modeste Cobian even took the lead on a few songs. (Read more: The Buttertones melt hearts on fall U.S. tour.)

Clan of Xymox at the Oriental Theater

Clan of Xymox mesmerized the sold-out crowd in Denver on March 16 with its ethereal sound.

The band played 19 songs from 11 of its impressive discography of 17 studio albums, starting with "Days of Black," the title track from its newest album.

From there, it kept coming in waves, with fan favorites like "Louise," "Emily," "Hail Mary," and "Jasmine and Rose," to name a few.

But the highlights for the crowd were the goth classics "Muscoviet Mosquito" and "A Day!" With everyone dancing and singing along (not loudly), the show kept going and going in such a good way. (Read more: Clan of Xymox puts on ethereal show in Denver.)

The Damned at the Gothic Theatre

The Damned, riding a wave of success from "Evil Spirits," a new album more than 40 years into the band's career, brought its energetic live show to Denver on Oct. 25.

The band was back in town for the second time in a year and half, playing the "appropriately named" Gothic Theatre. Although the Damned are known for putting on great concerts, there was a new energy in the band less than a week before Halloween.

Singer Dave Vanian prowled the stage and hit every note in a "Black Album"-heavy set. Guitarist Captain Sensible was his usual wisecracking self, appearing to truly be having a blast, along with the rest of the band. (Read more: The Damned conjures evil spirits in Denver.)

The Dandy Warhols at Ophelia's Electric Soapbox

The Dandy Warhols of Portland, Oregon, were right at home in Denver during a two-night stand on July 12 and 13.

The band showed off its depth of talent at the Thursday night show in the cozy venue packed with dedicated Dandys fans. It was a cool scene that was perfect for the Dandys, with surroundings seemingly straight out of one of the band's videos.

The Dandys played a well-curated set of 14 songs spanning its breakthrough album, "The Dandy Warhols Come Down" to its most recent, "Distortland."

The new year will mark the band's 25th anniversary and bring a new album, "Why You So Crazy?" (Read more: The Dandy Warhols at Ophelia's Electric Soapbox.)

Honorable mentions: Gary Numan at the Slowdown; Beck at Pinewood Bowl; Psychedelic Furs at the Surf Ballroom; GBH at Lookout Lounge; and Closeness with Digital Leather at the Slowdown.

Duraniversary x 2: "Seven and the Ragged Tiger" and "Notorious"

Three years between them and seemingly worlds apart, Duran Duran's third and fourth studio albums were released on this date in 1983 and 1986, respectively.

In '83, Duran delivered its much-anticipated follow-up to “Rio” with “Seven and the Ragged Tiger,” a synth-driven effort that became a huge success at the height of the band's career.

The album's first two singles, “Union of the Snake” and “New Moon on Monday,” were big, but it was somewhat of a mystery as to why the two songs weren’t bigger hits.

"Seven" also featured the sublime “The Seventh Stranger” and “Tiger Tiger,” an instrumental.

Then there was “The Reflex,” a song with good bones that producer Nile Rodgers sent into the stratosphere with his remix. It was the beginning of a decades-long relationship with the founder of the funk band Chic. 

Three years later, Duran was splintered. The band parted ways for side projects Arcadia and the Power Station, then reunited for what would then be the last time at Live Aid. When it came time to record a follow-up album, drummer Roger Taylor had departed, and guitarist Andy Taylor didn't show up to record with the three remaining members.

But Rodgers was back in the fold for "Notorious," steering Duran in a funkier direction after also working with the band on the hit single "Wild Boys." The then-trio consisting of singer Simon Le Bon, bassist John Taylor and keyboardist Nick Rhodes took a new direction yet still had platinum success.

While "Notorious" didn't reach the heights of its predecessor, it's definitely a classic album worth revisiting.

The funky, upbeat “Notorious” was a top 10 hit. Yet a sexier, more mature side of the band could be heard on songs like “American Science,” “Skin Trade,” and “A Matter of Feeling.” For the first time in years, the band members said they could hear themselves play live instead of the audience screaming.

For the live show, Duran included new songs such as "Notorious" and "Vertigo" as well as old ones rearranged: a slowed-down, horn-heavy "New Religion"; an acoustic "The Chauffeur"; and a funkified "Hungry Like the Wolf."

Duran again worked with Rodgers for its most recent studio album, "Paper Gods." Rhodes has praised Daft Punk and Rodger's hit "Get Lucky." The culmination of the band's collaboration with the producer was highlighted on Duran's own "Pressure Off" and "Only in Dreams."

The Damned conjures evil spirits at the Gothic Theater

The Damned, riding a wave of success from a new album more than 40 years into the band's career, brought its energetic live show to Denver on Oct. 25.

The band was back in town for the second time in a year and half, playing the "appropriately named" Gothic Theater. Although the Damned are known for putting on great concerts, there was a new energy in the band less than a week before Halloween.

In 2017, bearded singer Dave Vanian's arm was in a sling, and guitarist Captain Sensible would soon be relegated to sitting on a toilet "throne" onstage after suffering an injury of his own. (The Damned at Summit Music Hall in Denver) This time, Vanian prowled the stage and hit every note, even inadvertently breaking his mic stand in two at one point. Sensible was his usual wisecracking self, singing only one song solo (there would be no "Happy Talk") but lending his able backing vocals to most of the rest.

Captain Sensible. All photos by Christopher Windle.

That one song was "Silly Kids Games," one in a series of "Black Album" tracks the band broke out. Perhaps the recent presence of "Black Album"-era bassist Paul Gray inspired the band to revisit the album. (Though Gray isn't on tour with the band in the U.S., the spot is open for him, with longtime road crew member John Priestly looking genuinely thrilled to be filling the role currently.)

The Damned played six tracks off "Black," including the smash "Wait for the Blackout," "Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde," and "History of the World, Part 1."

And oh, that new album. The band played three tracks from "Evil Spirits," produced by Tony Visconti thanks to a Pledge Music campaign. The band picked those tracks wisely, with "Standing on the Edge of Tomorrow," "We're So Nice," and "Devil in Disguise" fitting in nearly seamlessly with the older material. The latter track was especially well-received, the churning pit in the crowd none the wiser that the song wasn't one of those old hits.

Unlike most bands' live shows, there isn't a clear break in which to talk, grab a drink, or visit the restroom during a Damned concert. The crowd was held rapt by the opus "Curtain Call," which opened the first encore, before going bonkers as the band launched into one of its liveliest tracks, "Ignite."

For the second encore, the Damned once again showed its range, playing the goth gem "Street of Dreams" followed by the punk anthem "Smash It Up."

But the best part of the show was watching a band truly having a great time onstage.

The Damned always defy expectations: helping create one genre of music, then another. Releasing an album 42 years after its first and 10 years after its last and then having it promptly hit the U.K. top 10.

A Damned show is always great, but the band is really on fire at the moment. Catch the Damned on tour if you can; you won't regret it.

The Buttertones melt hearts on fall U.S. tour

The Buttertones won fans on tour in the Midwest last year and were back to melt hearts once again on a cold autumn evening at Omaha's Slowdown.

This year has been a bit of a whirlwind for the Buttertones, with the band playing South by Southwest, debuting at Coachella, putting out a new album, and seemingly touring nonstop.

Just more than a year had passed since the band's last stop in Omaha. (Review: The Buttertones prove they're the next big thing) On Oct. 1, the band played highlights from its deepest album yet without overlooking its past.

After an energetic set from opening band Wild Wing (which sounded a little like the Black Lips), the Buttertones' Richard Araiza set the tone for the night. He thanked the opening band, calling them "beautiful people," and then added that the audience were beautiful people, too. The crowd, of course, ate it up.

Photos by Christopher Windle.

It was a dreary Monday night, but Araiza and the band turned on the charm nonetheless. Guitarist Dakota Böttcher mentioned after the show that just a couple weeks before he'd been working on his car in sunny California, picking up a tan, and wasn't quite ready for the cold weather. Araiza was even wearing a sweater.

But the weather didn't get the band or the crowd down. The audience danced to songs like "Two-
Headed Shark," "Neon Cowboy," and "Sadie's a Sadist. 

With four timeless albums in its repertoire, the Buttertones managed to touch on some the best moments from each of them in the 18-song set.

"American Brunch" was well-represented. The band opened with "Life Coach" and sprinkled others throughout: "Dak's Back," "Baby Doll," and "Colorado." The band even went all the way back to the beginning with a rousing "Orpheus Under the Influence."

The Buttertones played the singles from and a couple of other songs off its fourth and latest album, "Midnight in a Moonless Dream," while breakout album "Gravedigging" dominated the setlist.

Araiza's voice sounded better than ever. He channeled the Cramps' Lux Interior on "Baby C4" and went deep for "You and Your Knife." London Guzman's saxophone and keyboards and Sean Redman's bass added a welcome new wave sheen to the track. On "Winks and Smiles," Araiza seemingly sang "zigzag my way through a Monday night," instead of "Saturday night." Nice touch.

A couple of additional track offs "Midnight in a Moonless Dream," like "Jungle" and "Darling, I Need Time But Don't Really Know Why," were missed. (New record reviews: Duran Duran, the Buttertones ...) But the Buttertones know it's good to keep the crowd wanting more.

The band showed off its multiple facets, with Böttcher singing lead on "Don't Cry Alone" and "I Ran Away," played back to back. The band closed things out with "Gravediggin'," but it turned out the crowd did still want more.

For the encore, the Buttertones asked for requests and happily obliged, playing one of the band's best, "Matador," and an electrifying version of "La Bamba," sung by drummer Modeste Cobian.

A fan shared her setlist, signed by Dak, for this snap.

After the show, the band wasn't selling its own merch this time, but mingled with the crowd nonetheless. Böttcher shared hugs and autographs with adoring female fans. Araiza took time for a chat, promising to be back in Omaha in a year.

There will be a lot for fans to look forward to in the next year as the band continues on its upward projectory. Maybe a new album? Only time will tell.

Gary Numan shares his musical vision at the Slowdown

Gary Numan told his musical story, from the apocalyptic world of his current work to the aliens and androids from his past, as he brought his Second Savage Tour to Omaha's Slowdown on Sept. 27.

The English synth-pop pioneer's most recent album, "Savage," imagines a world ravaged by climate change. The singer played several tracks off the album, including "My Name is Ruin," and from its predecessor, "Splinter (Songs from a Broken World)," opening song "Everything Comes Down to This" among them.

Photos two and three by Alexandra Andersen. 

The newer songs blended perfectly with the old. Numan played some of his biggest tracks, including "Metal" and "Down in the Park" early in the set, and the concert built from there. As Numan waved his arms like a mad conductor to the synth strains of the Tubeway Army classic, the crowd knew they were in for something good.

Backed by an energetic band and an incredible light show, Numan spun through his greatest moments, the giant hit "Cars" played about mid-set, "Me! I Disconnect from You," and "Are 'Friends' Electric?" to close out the main set. Electrifying, of course.

Photos one and three by Christopher Windle.

Though Numan is rightfully proud of his recent work, he knows he has to play his biggest songs for fans new and old, even if someone might only know them from TV commercials that have little to do with the song's subject matter.

One can tell that Numan's audience means a lot to him. When he spoke the words, "You see, it meant everything to me" from "Are 'Friends' Electric?," it seemed very much directed toward the crowd.

They were there for it all, the man, the machines, and the vision. And Numan delivered.

Photo by Alexandra Andersen.

Beck provides an antidote for our times with uplifting live show

Genre-hopping genius Beck brought his masterful live show to Pinewood Bowl in Lincoln, Nebraska, on Sept. 19.

A night during a never-ending summer was a perfect backdrop for Beck to breeze through hits and rarieties from his 13 studio albums, from the ground-breaking "Odelay" to the Grammy-winning "Morning Phase." But Beck seemed most at home performing songs off his newest album, "Colors."

With embullient tunes like "I'm So Free," "Dreams," and "Up All Night," Beck's new album provides the right antidote for the times we live in. On "Wow," Beck has reached his pinnacle: He's still the eccentric pop star we've always known, but he's taken on almost an evangelistic form as he sings lines like "My demon's on the cellphone" and "It's your life, you gotta try to get it right."

Beck. At top, Julian Casablancas joined him onstage. (Photos by Christoper Windle.)

But we can't forget Beck's finer moments from his past. After opening with hits "Devil's Haircut" and "Loser," Beck took the crowd on a run through some of those moments with the sax-tinged "The New Pollution" and the sex-tinged "Mixed Bizness." He went back to "Guerro" for "Black Tamborine" before returning a second time to the Prince-flavored masterpiece "Midnite Vultures" for an acoustic version of "Debra," segueing into a crowd sing-along of "Raspberry Beret."

Beck gave a chance for his latest touring band to shine, with four members joining him at the front of the stage on vocals and a variety of instruments for a few acoustic songs. They performed slower songs "Lost Cause," "The Golden Age," and "Blue Moon" along with a couple of crowd requests.

But most of the show was an uplifting affair. After the acoustic break in the action, the full band returned with a high-energy string of mostly recent hits: "Dreams," "Girl," "Wow," "Up All Night," and "E-Pro."

Beck and his band came back for an extended encore of his biggest smash, "Where It's At," with band introductions to a variety of song snippets, including Chic's "Good Times" and New Order's "Blue Monday." But the most entertaining cover was a duet with Julian Casablancas of opening band the Voidz. Beck and the Strokes singer took on the Human League's "Don't You Want Me Baby" to hilarious effect. 

Beck closed out the show with "One Foot in the Grave" and came full circle with a reprise of "Where It's At," shuffling offstage along with his band members.

It was a night that recalled some of pop's biggest stars, Prince and Bowie among them, icons Beck no doubt emulates with great respect. Nearly 25 years after Beck hit it big, the show proved that he ranks up there with the best of them.

The Psychedelic Furs at the Surf Ballroom

The Psychedelic Furs made a rare stop in Iowa, bringing the band's classic alternative sound to an iconic venue, the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake.

The Surf is known as the last stop before "the day the music died," when Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper perished in a plane crash nearby after playing their final concert at the venue. The Surf tastefully pays tribute to the trio, as well as to the many, many musicians who have played the venue over the years.

Tim and Richard Butler. Rich Good and Richard Butler (at top).

The Furs joined those acts on Aug. 8 with a solid, 18-song setlist that spanned the band's career. Though there's not yet new music from the Furs, the band manages to make each tour special, swapping out and shifting deeper album tracks around and still playing all of the hits that the crowd expects.

Case in point, when we last saw the Furs, the band opened with "India," not quite harnessing all of the song's energy to full effect. Nearly two years later, the Furs closed the show with the blistering track off its debut album. It turned out to be the perfect song to follow the band's defining track, "Pretty in Pink."

Rich Good and Richard Butler (at top).

At the Surf, the band opened with the "Mirror Moves" hit "Heartbeat" and followed with the must-hear "Sister Europe." "She is Mine" and "Only You and I" were welcome additions to the setlist, the latter giving guitarist Rich Good a chance to let loose. The band members are always entertaining, with singer Richard Butler's trademark moves, bassist Tim Butler's interplay with the audience, and saxophonist Mars Williams' boundless energy.

There are many, many reasons the band attracts a crowd: the shimmering beauty of "The Ghost in You," "Heartbreak Beat," which always prompts a sing-along, and the ever-relevant "President Gas," to name a few. We'll be back. A Furs concert is where we met, after all.

Nearly five years later, we see a lot of concerts, but we can always count on the Furs to put on a great show.

All photos by Christopher Windle.

Happy Duran Duran Appreciation Day 2018!

Duran Duran offered a taste of an upcoming live concert film to thank fans on Duran Duran Appreciation Day 2018.

The clip of "Pressure Off" and "Hold Back the Rain," slickly directed by Gavin Elder, captured the band onstage during its triumphant show at Budokan last year.

Duran released a limited edition record of several songs from the show for April's Record Store Day. On Friday, Nick Rhodes said the band is hoping to complete editing on the film of the full performance for release later this year.

Duran spent most of the past few years touring behind its last album, "Paper Gods,” ending the tour at the iconic Tokyo venue.

As Duran spends some time relaxing and possibly recording this year ahead of its 40th anniversary, 2018 is looking to be a great year for watching the boys on film.

In addition to the recent BBC documentary and special, a release of the Budokan concert film this year would mark the band's most recent official concert film release since "A Diamond in the Mind" in 2012.

Although it might be hard to top that film, the Budokan footage features Nile Rodgers as well as Duran in some of its most colorful stage wear in some time. It's hard not to smile as Simon Le Bon dances in white denim and Nick Rhodes displays an extra dose of onstage energy in a fabulous sparkly purple jacket.

I'll be looking forward to seeing the full film. Until then, happy DDAD!

Photo by Christopher Windle

The Dandy Warhols at Ophelia's Electric Soapbox

The Dandy Warhols hail from Portland, Oregon, of course, but the band was right at home in Denver during its two-night stand on July 12 and 13 at Ophelia's Electric Soapbox.

Nearly 25 years after its formation, the Dandies have endured as one of the most stable bands in rock. The Dandys were originators, along with the Brian Jonestown Massacre, of an alternative/psychedelic music scene that also gave birth to bands like Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and the Warlocks.

Courtney Taylor-Taylor. (All photos by Christopher Windle)

Iconic frontman Courtney Taylor-Taylor is the principal songwriter, but there's a lot of depth in the Dandys. Drummer Brent DeBoer sings harmony, and on the side, leads the band Immigrant Union. (When he can't make a gig because of another commitment, original drummer Eric Hedford readily steps in.) Original members Zia McCabe and Peter Holmstrom are there, too, seemingly having just as much fun as ever. Keyboardist McCabe deejays as her side gig (and dabbles in real estate as well). Guitarist Holmstrom helms the excellent band Pete International Airport.

We were there for the Thursday night show in the cozy venue packed with dedicated Dandys fans. It was a cool scene that was perfect for the Dandys, with surroundings seemingly straight out of one of the band's videos. And the city was perfect as well, because well, we all know that the band members like to partake.

The opening band, glam-rock throwbacks Uni, put on a surprisingly pleasing show. (The footage of the band on YouTube just doesn't do it justice.) Uni doesn't really break new ground, with songs that sound like they're from the movie "Velvet Goldmine." But its new frontman, clad in a partially see-through, rhinestone-embellished unitard, managed to transfix the appreciative crowd.

Peter Holmstrom

Still, there was no upstaging the headliner.

The Dandys played a well-curated setlist of 14 songs, some of them extended versions. The crowd ate it up, even the lengthy intro to "Boys Better" that somewhat resembled "Pete International Airport" (the song). The band opened with "Be-In" and also played "I Love You," though it skipped some better-known singles off the album "The Dandy Warhols Come Down." Also well-represented were "Thirteen Tales from Urban Bohemia" and the Nick Rhodes-produced "Welcome to the Monkey House."

Though it may be tempting to define the Dandys by the band's late '90s/early 2000s heyday, its most recent album "Distortland" is one of its best. The band made room in the setlist for two tracks off the album, "Styggo" and "Search Party."

Then there were the songs that must be heard, "Holding Me Up" and perhaps the band's finest moment, "The Last High,” played back to back. And "Godless" had its rightful spot in the setlist, flawless as usual.

Pete's pedals

And then there are the moments that only the Dandys can do. When Zia left the stage for a bathroom break, Courtney broke out a version of "Monkey House" that sounded exactly like the album version, with only his guitar and Pete off to the side of the stage for emotional support. Always fun.

It was a chill evening with a down-to-earth band and a crowd of some of its biggest fans, there for the handful of shows on the agenda for 2018 while the band prepares its next album.

Hopefully, the Dandys will keep on ruling into a third decade.

Simon Le Bon

I debated whether to post anything about last week's allegation against Simon Le Bon. I haven't responded to any threads on Facebook groups or on message boards. But because I have a blog that's focused on Duran Duran, I will write but not promote a post that will be available to visitors to the blog, whether they are here to read about Duran or one of the many other bands we follow.

Duran's official Facebook page posted Simon's response to the allegation, as follows:

"I have read the statement which Ms. Hariri posted yesterday on Facebook about a record signing 23 years ago at Wherehouse in L.A.

"The behavior that Ms. Hariri has accused me of, would have been just as inappropriate and unacceptable to me then as it is today. But the allegation is simply untrue.

"When Ms. Hariri first contacted me about her claim months ago, I proposed meeting with her in person so I could set the record straight. Instead, she has decided to pursue this publicly.

"I have always been one who can admit my mistakes and apologize for my failings. But I cannot apologize for something I did not do."

I choose to take Simon's word for it.

Some have shared worries about the effects of the woman's allegation on Duran's career. Duran plans to spend much of the next year or so mostly out of the spotlight regardless, with 40th anniversary activities commencing in 2019-2020. I hope that by then, this, too, will pass.

Duran Duran takes over BBC4

It was a proud moment for Duranies everywhere, and especially in the U.K., as Duran Duran took over BBC4 for an evening on June 29.

Sandwiched between episodes of "Top of the Pops" featuring Duran and the band's David Lynch-directed "Unstaged" concert were two hours of new programming. One, a 40th anniversary bash/documentary "There's Something You Should Know" was followed by "A Night In."

"A Night In" is a showcase for the camaraderie among the four remaining original members. They watch clips of their biggest influences from the worlds of music, TV, movies, and more. They're still in awe of Bowie and Bolan and still love the movie that helped start it all, "Barbarella." It's a satisfying look behind the scenes at what makes Duran tick.

But the gem of the evening was "There's Something You Should Know." While the program was billed as a documentary, it was more of a look back at the band's career highlights, much like the David Bowie special "Five Years." There was an extensive focus on the band's self-titled debut album and "Rio."

The members of Duran are back where it all began, Birmingham, at the site of the Rum Runner club and in the seats of a classic Citroen, the band's original "tour bus." There, Simon, John, Nick, and Roger reminisce about the early days, listening to an original Duran demo tape on the car's cassette player. It's clear from the way that the four originals interact with one another that the magic's still there. Jokes come easy, and the others refer to Simon affectionately as "Charlie," just like in the old days.

There are stops at other Duran career high points, and visits with Duranie luminaries like Mark Ronson, Nile Rodgers, Cindy Crawford, and in a bit of a surprise, Boy George. Ronson and John Taylor drop in at the iconic building of Capitol Records. Ronson, who has produced much of the band's recent work, is still every bit the Duranie, definitively stating that "nobody really wanted to give you credit for the fact that everybody was a great musician."

"Notorious" is represented, as we're reminded that Rodgers still thinks of Duran as his second band. Sure, we know these facts, but isn't it good that now the world knows, too?

Duran is criminally underrated, passed over most notably for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame despite a 40-year career. The BBC's math is based on the year 1978, a date the band itself has used often over the years; however, Duran has more recently pushed that date forward on its calendar.

Although the main focus is the '80s, "There's Something" also revisits "The Wedding Album," "Astronaut," and "Paper Gods." Simon talks with his old choirmaster, and Nick commiserates with suit designer Anthony Price. There are shortfalls: much of Andy's contributions, and Warren's entirely, are glossed over. But the program does a great job of covering the bases in just an hour.

Overall, "There's Something" is a good reminder for the general public that Duran is still deserving of the recognition that so many young fans gave the band so many years ago.

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club leaves an impression

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club's true garage-rock talent was on display in Omaha on May 17.

The concert was the first in an outstanding array of late spring and summer concerts at the venue of the night, the Slowdown. Watch the blog for reviews of at least two more coming shows there: Gary Numan and the Buttertones.

BRMC got an assist from opening act Pete International Airport, the Dandy Warhols' guitarist Peter Holmstrom's other band (which is also named after a song off "The Dandy Warhols Come Down"). The band played a brief set before making way for an extensive one from the headliner.

Pete International Airport's latest album, "Safer With the Wolves," features guest vocalists like the Black Angels' Alex Maas and BRMC's Robert Levon Been, who joined the band onstage for "Flowers of Evil."

Been's command of the stage was apparent with the opening act, as well as when his band stormed out with back-to-back songs featuring his vocals. From there, he and Peter Hayes seamlessly traded off vocals, and sometimes bass and guitar.

Throughout 22 songs, BRMC showcased the band's biggest tracks and ones off of its latest album, "Wrong Creatures." Especially enjoyable among the newer tracks were opener "Spook," "Question of Faith," and "Circus Bazooko," which despite the fact that it does sound like circus music, works live.

Despite an often-grungy feel to most of its faster songs, BRMC also manages to sound downright tender on tracks like "Echo" and "All Rise." This incredible range was evident by mid-set, when Been and Hayes each played an acoustic song on their own, "Dirty Old Town" by the Pogues and BRMC's own "Complicated Situation."

BRMC did it all: Been played piano, Hayes smoked a cigarette while playing (and singing), and drummer Leah Shapiro dutifully kept the beat (and also joined Pete International Airport during its set). The band also included in its set list a cover of “Let the Day Begin” by ‘80s band The Call, Been’s late father, Michael’s group.

In a time when musical acts often rely on backing tracks or even offstage musicians, it's refreshing to see a three-piece band with a huge sound playing a small venue with little, if any, help in that department. BRMC put on just that type of impressive show.

Been on piano. All photos by Christopher Windle.

New record reviews: Duran Duran, the Buttertones, the Damned

Duran Duran: "Budokan"

Duran Duran spent most of the past few years touring behind its last album, "Paper Gods.” "Budokan" (Warner Brothers) captures the band live at the iconic Tokyo venue at the end of the tour last September.

The nine-track album was an exclusive release for April's Record Store Day. Although the tour's core setlist was well-worn by this point, there still is plenty on the record to please the average Duranie.

As a relatively late addition to the setlist, the blistering "Hold Back the Rain" is a highlight. "Paper Gods" closer "The Universe Alone" is also welcome here.

But one can't argue with the classics. "A View to a Kill" sounds fresh, and "Save a Prayer" is always beautiful.

And the crowd at Nippon Budokan also couldn't argue. Their excitement is right there in the mix. It will be nice to see as well as hear the full experience in the hinted-at upcoming Blu-ray release of the show.

Until then, Duranies will have this album, and the memories, of course.

The Buttertones: "Midnight in a Moonless Dream"

It's another year, but not just another album for the Buttertones.

Fresh off Coachella, the Los Angeles five-piece has released its fourth album, "Midnight in a Moonless Dream" (Innovative Leisure), which signals that the band has definitely arrived.

Through 11 thrilling tracks, the Buttertones' songwriting is more sophisticated, its playing even tighter. At one moment, singer Richard Araiza sounds like he's channeling the manic energy of the Cramps' Lux Interior. At the next, his voice is deeper and sultrier than ever before.

The band uses London Guzman's saxophone to full effect. The instrument wails on lead single "Baby C4," and even lends an '80s touch to a trio of tracks further into the album.

On those deep tracks, the band delves into a new wave side that it hasn't shown before. The divine "Darling, I Need Time but Don't Really Know Why" hints at Spandau Ballet at its best moment. "You and Your Knife" slinks along, while "Brickhead" comes out of the gate sounding a bit like Blondie, with Dakota Böttcher’s guitar positively '80s-inflected.

Still, the band hasn't turned its back on its roots. "Old Nick's Still Got It" and "Winks and Smiles" sound like they'd be at home on the Buttertones' previous release, "Gravedigging."

But mostly, "Midnight in the Moonless Dream" is a leap forward for the Buttertones. It's the sound of a young band at a peak, fully enjoying the moment.

The Damned: "Evil Spirits"

The Damned is more than 40 years and 11 studio albums into its career. But the recent release of "Evil Spirits" marked the punk/goth band's first visit to the top 10 of the U.K. albums charts.

"Evil Spirits" (Spinefarm Records) made its debut at No. 7, thanks to a successful Pledge campaign, Bowie producer Tony Visconti's deft touch, and the band's most infectious collection of tunes since 1979's "Machine Gun Etiquette."

The album's 10 tracks are also possibly the most upbeat songs about the state of the world today. On "Standing on the Edge of Tomorrow," Dave Vanian, the song's writer, sings about leaving that world entirely behind. It's one of the only songs on the album not to mention lying, whether it's by heads of state or by the media. By the album's second track, "Devil in Disguise" ("You build your walls / And empires fall"), it's clear just who the main target is.

But the underlying message that the album sends, whether it's on the gorgeous ballad "Look Left" or the Motown-flavored "Daily Liar," is not to be complacent.

Complacency certainly doesn't have a place in the Damned. Vanian's voice is better than ever, Captain Sensible's guitar is blazing, and the playing of '80s-era bassist Paul Gray is good to have back in the fold. The album is also a showcase for the songwriting chops of newer members, keyboardist Monty Oxymoron and drummer Pinch.

"Evil Spirits" proves that a creative rejuvenation is possible at any point in a band's career, even a legendary one like the Damned.