by Richard John (JAM! Showbiz)
Duran Duran's notorious Strange Behaviour released
After the briefest of delays - one year -
"Strange Behaviour" is finally set to see the light
Not to be mistaken with the 1987 EP of the same name, the two CD set featuring rare and unreleased remixes was originally slated for release at the end of March, 1998 - when the band was still signed to EMI. The 24 song, 2.5 hour collection has now officially been slated for March 16, 1999 - roughly a year after EMI and Duran parted ways.
According to EMI, the collection "will give Duran Duran and dance fans over 2 1/2 hours of remix excitement". 'Strange Behaviour' is an impressive overview of Duran Duran's last 18 years and unlike last year's Greatest, it doesn't smack overtly of a cash grab. According to EMI, 'This is the album critics and fans have been waiting for!' More than could be said for Greatest.
The track listing is more or less chronological with disc one spanning the years 1981-1984 and disc two 1986-1993. While most of the tracks have never been released on CD in Canada, most of disc one was released in the US last year as 'Duran Duran: Night Versions', part of Capitol's Essential series. The high priced import, however, was only in production for six months.
At least three remixes on the second disc will get fans salivating. 'American Science (Chemical Reaction Mix)' was only released on the rare US 2x12" 'Mastermixes' - currently changing hands for about $70!
'Love Voodoo (Sidney St. 12" Mix)' was one of 6 'Love Voodoo' remixes commissioned but never used; 'Too Much Information (Jellybean Mix)' was originally released as a DJ mix on the Sin label. That 12" is also changing hands for quite a bit of money.
While EMI has started mopping up some of the Duran material fans have been begging for, they've still got a long way to go until everything gets released.
Other Duran releases you can expect in 1999 include the band's first post-EMI album, 'Hallucinating Elvis' which is due sometime this year. As well, Duran own the masters to 'Medazzaland' and have promised European fans that it eventually be released there. Likewise, the band also own the tapes to a number of live shows from the last tour, so don't rule out a live album soon.