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.