Original 1982 Japanese pressing picked up alongside Seven and the Ragged Tiger from a local store here in Singapore. The guy had a new shipment of used stuff come in and let me dig through. Paid about SGD$25 for it – BARGAIN.
I remember being disappointed with my initial listening but with a better cartridge, the album comes to life. Plenty of punch here and crystal clear detail (apart from surface noise over the first track or two on side two). Because of that noise, I can unfortunately give it a 4/5, otherwise it’d get a 4.5 or even a 5.
Typically, for a Japan release, it comes with a nice insert with lyrics translated into Japanese:
Side one is amazing. Rio Is known by everyone, but My Own Way and Lonely in your Nightmare are two songs you might not remember unless familiar with the album – you’ll probably go AHA! when they come on though.
Finishing up with Hungry like the Wolf and Holds Back the Rain gives one of the best sides on a ‘pop’ record.
Side two starts off not so great. Not only is there a fair amount of surface noise (might just need another good clean) but the first two songs are pretty weak- New Religion is pretty poor considering the company it has on this album. Get’s a bit better with Last Chance on the Stairway but then redemption arrives with the fantastic Save a Prayer and lastly, one of my favourite Duran Duran songs, The Chauffeur.