In late 1984, Duran Duran unleashed “The Wild Boys,” a pounding, futuristic anthem that marked a darker turn for the band and became one of their most iconic singles of the era. The track was conceived as part of a proposed film project based on the William S. Burroughs novel The Wild Boys: A Book of the Dead, with the idea pushed by director Russell Mulcahy (who had helmed many of the band’s most lavish videos). While the film never came to fruition, the song and its accompanying video pushed boundaries—and budgets—at the time.

Produced by the legendary Nile Rodgers, “Wild Boys” was the only studio track on the band’s live album Arena and perfectly fused the band’s pop sensibility with Rodgers’ cutting-edge production and dancefloor sensibilities. The result was a sonic assault of heavy synths, aggressive guitar stabs, tribal drums, and Simon Le Bon’s defiant vocal delivery.

The Extended Mix takes the drama up several notches, building the tension with a long, cinematic intro that recalls the dystopian atmosphere of the video. The breakdowns and effects-laden passages give the song more room to breathe and further highlight Rodgers’ intricate production.

Chart-wise, “Wild Boys” was a smash. It reached #2 in both the US and UK, blocked from the top in the US by Hall & Oates’ “Out of Touch.” It also gave Duran Duran their first #1 in Germany and South Africa, proving the band’s international staying power as they transitioned from New Romantic heartthrobs into global pop powerhouses.

Fun fact: Simon Le Bon nearly drowned during the filming of the video, which featured the band tied to a windmill and submerged in a water tank. It’s a miracle the band made it out intact—both literally and figuratively.

“Wild Boys” remains a touchstone of mid-80s maximalism: all attitude, danger, and style. It’s the sound of a band pushing their limits—and taking us along for the ride.

SIDE A:

The Wild Boys (Wilder Than Wild Boys) (Extended Mix) 8:00

SIDE B:

The Wild Boys (45) 4:18

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Today marks the 40th anniversary of the recording of Band-Aid’s iconic charity single, “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”.

Written in 1984 by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, the song was created to raise funds for the 1983–1985 Ethiopian famine relief efforts. Recorded in just one day at Sarm West Studios in Notting Hill, London, on November 25, 1984, the session brought together a supergroup of prominent British and Irish musicians assembled by Geldof and Ure.

Released in the UK on December 7, 1984, “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” made an immediate impact, debuting at number one on the UK singles chart and holding the top spot for five weeks. It became the fastest-selling single in UK history at the time, moving one million copies in its first week. By the end of 1984, it had sold over three million copies in the UK and topped the charts in 13 other countries. In the United States, despite limited radio play, the song sold approximately 2.5 million copies by 1985. Globally, it reached 11.7 million in sales by 1989, and its UK sales alone stood at 3.8 million by 2017.

The single raised £8 million within its first year, far surpassing Geldof’s initial expectations. Due to its success, “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”was reissued on November 29, 1985, featuring an updated B-side titled *”One Year On (Feed the World).” This version included a spoken message from Geldof and Midge Ure and highlighted the tangible impact of the funds raised, listing the resources and aid provided. Notably, this updated version was only ever released on vinyl.

“Do They Know It’s Christmas?” remains a testament to the power of music to inspire change and unite people for a common cause.

SIDE A:

Do They Know It’s Christmas? (12″ Mix) 6:17

SIDE B:

One Year On (Feed The World)+ 4:34

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“Are You Ready for Freddy” is a single by the Fat Boys, released in 1988 to coincide with the release of “A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master.” This unique collaboration merges hip-hop with horror, as the song features Robert Englund himself, in character as Freddy Krueger, delivering his iconic lines. The track features the Fat Boys’ trademark humor and beatboxing style, making it both catchy and eerie.

In the song, Freddy raps alongside the Fat Boys, warning listeners to be “Ready for Freddy” as he claims his next victims. It’s a playful take on the horror genre, mixing Freddy’s menacing persona with the Fat Boys’ fun and energetic delivery.

In the video, Prince Markie Dee’s “Uncle Frederick” has died, and his lawyer (Bert Remsen) meets the group outside the Nightmare on Elm Street house. The lawyer informs Markie that he must spend the night inside Uncle Frederick’s home to earn his inheritance, so the group enters. Not long after, Freddy Krueger appears and begins to chase the band throughout the house, slashing with his claw while stopping to rap.

This track remains a memorable example of how hip-hop crossed over with other genres and pop culture phenomena in the 80s, creating unexpected and memorable pairings.

The song was also included in the Fat Boy’s LP “Coming Back Hard Again”.

SIDE A:

Are You Ready For Freddy (12″ Version) 7:00

SIDE B:

Are You Ready For Freddy (7″ Version) 3:34

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