Duran Duran: Sing Blue Silver

Reviewed by: Erik Swift October 2004

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EMI’s DVD release of Duran Duran’s “Sing Blue Silver” is as well-presented as its sister arrival, “Arena (An Absurd Notion).” A plush blue cover, postcards and a tour program are included. The big difference between the two is that “Sing Blue Silver” doesn’t suck nuts. A pretty standard tour documentary, it’s a good snapshot of the Durans at the height of their powers on tour behind 1983’s “Seven And The Ragged Tiger” LP. The quintet’s dedication to their craft is omnipresent throughout the disc’s 86 minutes, whether it’s drumstick blisters on display or an injured Simon LeBon practicing for that night’s gig with a cast on his arm. The best moments in documentaries are accidents, and there are some present. The best - a goofy lip-sync to “Union Of The Snake” for Italian television and a rough sound check romp through “The Reflex” - are cool, but there is only so much hairspray one can take. WAY too many glimpses of band members primping here.

It’s easy to see why Duran Duran would soon splinter into the Power Station and Arcadia side projects. “Sing Blue Silver” triumphs when it spotlights the dreariness of a long tour, One shot from inside a limo is incredibly insane - nothing can be heard but the screams of obsessed fans clamoring for a quick photo or autograph and the constant thunder of their hands beating on the vehicle. No wonder these guys ultimately took a break from each other. After miles of snowy roads and the same monotonous activity from city to city, abnormalities like an unexpected dedication of “Save A Prayer” to a then-recently deceased Marvin Gaye are refreshing. Checking this out before Duran Duran comes to your town soon isn’t a waste of time.

Reviewer’s Opinion: BORROW IT!!