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Friday, October 14, 2005

Save a Prayer for Durandy (Again)

Posted by on October 14 at 10:32 AM

For those who thought local Duran Duran superfan Durandy sounded slightly excited about his favorite band in our recent profile, you don’t know the half of it. I get sweet, excited emails from our local Wild Boy a couple times a week, sometimes about the big stuff (Nick Rhodes loving the Durandy profile) and sometimes about the tougher road to spreading the double-D gospel. The following is a email I got from Durandy today about an appearance on local radio station The End (let’s home next time Durandy emerges victorious):

On the heels of the fantastic Stranger interview, yesterday was my second interaction with 107.7 The End. After a glorious spotlight phone interview on the 12th, the station wanted me to come into the studio to be a contender in a running competition they have on their ‘Morning Alternative’ program. I had to come up with what I felt was the ‘best song ever by any artist’. My pick would be pitted up against the current champion title-holder’s selection, and the listeners would choose the winner. Well, I realize I don’t have the element of mystery on my side… psychic powers are not required to determine which artist I would draw my choice from. However… Duran’s repertoire teems with potential candidates— that was the first obstacle.
I chose "Rio"- it has all the right ingredients for a Best Song Ever. To prove it, I stayed up to an ungodly hour, compiling what amounted to a written argument that would have stood up in any federal courtroom. I had opening statements, a lyric-by-lyric breakdown of the song's significance, a close examination of how each member/instrument plays a crucial role in creating a musical landscape that remains one of the most beloved, recognizable pop anthems EVER. Whew! There's a small sample of what I had up my sleeve. Unfortunately, the scope of the competition was not up to my standards. It was basically: 1. Pick a song 2. Play it. 3. Let the listeners vote. Oh well. The current title-holder was a weatherman from  TV Channel 13, and he picked "Today" by the Smashing Pumpkins.

"Rio" was played first. As the song played I closed my eyes, enjoyed the melodies washing over me like a warm embrace... and I started tearing up a bit. Just a little. Not quite what my competitive edge needed.

While it may have been endearing for the DJs and some listeners, it ended up sealing my defeat. One male listener called in to say his vote was leaning toward Rio, but after hearing my emotional response to the song... he had to change his vote. It is understandable though. I seem to frequently conflict with my own gender's typical characteristics. I'm afraid I will never be the testosterone-fueled, chest-beating, iron-jawed example of machismo that often defines the classic male animal. I happen to be a chest-beating Dur-animal. An entirely different creature.

Soooo, the Smashing Pumpkins won. But as I stated in my acceptance of defeat on the air, just hearing Rio played made me feel like I won. Awwwww.....how sweet. But I still lost.

Next time, no emotion. No prisoners. No mercy.

It was a terrific opportunity and very cherished. The station really built me up in some great promos, and they seemed to enjoy my passion. Since then they may have filed a restraining order, but I think it all went over well.

I was thrilled to get in there, promote the band, and show Seattle what Duran-demonium is all about. I think it was an education for everyone.

What comes next? Who knows What Happens Tomorrow. =)

I wish you a truly Fab Five Friday, and a wonnnnderful weekend! Take care...

Sincerely,
Durandy