THERE'S SOMETHING YOU SHOULD KNOW...
By Paul Cuddihy


So far, the Eight Albums project has had 53 submissions, with 424 albums selected. Only Molly Williams and I have chosen a Duran Duran album, with both of us opting for their 1982 classic, Rio, undoubtedly one of the best records of the decade. What’s wrong with the rest of you?
I love the Eight Albums project, and I’m not just saying that because they invited me to take part or that they’ve asked me write this blog.
It’s because it celebrates music, and the passion so many of us have for it. There has been an eclectic mix of albums chosen, which is not surprising, given that these things are subjective, but that is a real strength of the project.
It has also introduced me to music I might never have otherwise listened to, so, for example, I’ve stumbled upon the wonders of Emitt Rhodes, thanks to Luke Williamson’s selection.
This is not a blog offering a strident defence of Rio, however, although I would be happy to do so. As I just mentioned, musical tastes and preferences are a matter of opinion, and in this instance, I like to paraphrase Saint Thomas Aquinas – for those who love Duran Duran, no explanation is necessary. For those who do not love Duran Duran, no explanation is possible.
My words are, I suppose, a thank you to Eight Albums and a celebration of serendipity.
Earlier this year, the germ of an idea for a new podcast was taking root in my mind – a series talking about Duran Duran’s 14 studio albums to date (and hopefully No.15 at some point in 2021).
However, I realised it was a podcast that required a co-host rather than just me extoling the virtues of the band for an hour. Even I wouldn’t listen to me talking for that long, no matter the subject.
I spoke to Steven Kedie, one half of the Eight Albums team, explaining to him my idea and asking if he knew of any other Duran Duran fans.
‘Funny you should ask,’ he said, immediately suggesting Molly.
A couple of Zoom calls later, and the Duran Duran Albums Podcast was born.
To say it has been an absolute blast would be an understatement. It has been so much fun, listening back through Duran Duran’s albums and then talking about them with a fellow Duranie.
We recorded a short trailer, followed by, to date, three episodes – an introductory episode to let listeners know who we are and why we love the band, followed by episodes on Duran Duran’s first two albums, including the wonderful Rio.
It has taken us back to being teenagers again, remembering the first time we heard their songs and chatting about a shared musical love which has now endured for 40 years.
The response we’ve had to the podcast from the Duran world – yes, such a thing exists – has been so positive, with fans all over the world listening and getting involved.
And, as well as Molly and I both taking a wonderful musical trip down memory lane, we’ll be able to talk about some new Duran Duran music as well, with a new song, Invisible, being released in May, while their 15th studio album is coming out in September/October.
So from Molly and I, thank you to Eight Albums for bringing together one person who first heard the band in Tupelo, Mississippi and another who was listening to the same music in Glasgow, Scotland.
And, of course, I shouldn’t forget Duran Duran. So to the band…
Thank you for the music, the songs I'm singing. Thanks for all the joy they're bringing. Who can live without it, I ask in all honesty. What would life be, without a song or a dance, what are we? So I say thank you for the music, for giving it to me (and Molly)!

The Duran Duran Albums Podcast can be found on Twitter: @albumsDuran

The Podcast can be found on Spotify

Molly, as seen in far right of above picture.

Previous Eight Albums entries can be found on the Archive page.