Arcadia was one of two Duran Duran side projects that evolved in late 1985, after Duran Duran’s release of the single “A View To A Kill” (Which was the theme song for the James Bond movie of the same name.) and the temporary split up that followed when guitarist Andy Taylor and bassist John Taylor left the band to form their own rock outfit “The Power Station.”
Remaining members , keyboardist Nick Rhodes, Lead singer Simon LeBon, and Drummer Roger Taylor formed Arcadia, a very short lived and little-known group that was often forgotten in eighties pop history, despite the success of their mother group Duran Duran . Arcadia released “So Red The Rose” (#23 U.S., # 30 U.K.) in December 1985, and spawned two hits , “Election Day” (#6) and “ Goodbye is Forever”(#33). Though the album failed to produce another single, tracks on the album like “The Flame”, the tropical sounding “El Diablo” and the melancholic harmony of “Lady Ice” along with the energetic sounding “Election Day” are strong points on the album that really show the group’s experimental efforts to cast a lighthearted, mystical feel in some parts while in others a much darker mood prevailed. Though the Arcadia lineup eventually dissolved a year later, (When LeBon and Rhodes re-formed Duran Duran with John Taylor of “The Power Station.” While R. Taylor took a hiatus.) The album in my opinion gets a five star rating as it is very creative, and is enjoyable to listen to even after you’ve heard it for the thousandth time. So, whether you’re tired of hearing Lady Gaga or Justin Beiber all day long, or want to listen to something different than your peers, check out Arcadia’s “So Red The Rose.” I guarantee you’ll enjoy it as much as I do.
Sources-
1.
“The New Rolling Stone Encyclopedia of Rock & Roll”- Paul Evans, Steve Futterman, Elysa Gardener, Mark Kemp, Evelyn McDonnell, Steve Mirkin and Michael Shore.- Rolling Stone Press,1995.
2.
Arcadia’s “So Red The Rose” Remastered, 2CD/DVD.
3.
ITunes