Hear Moby’s Dusky Take on Duran Duran’s ‘Rio’
The producers of a Duran Duran tribute compilation, Making Patterns Rhyme, have shared Moby‘s contribution, a dusky, EDM cover of the group’s 1982 Top 10 hit “Rio.” The track, which differs greatly from the sax-infused original, builds from slowly building piano and a heavy bass-drum beat to a sublime mixture of synth pads and percussion, as a woman sings Simon Le Bon’s lyrics with breathy detachment.
Other artists who contributed songs to Making Patterns Rhyme include Liars, who took on “Ordinary World,” Warpaint (“The Chauffeur”) and Little Dragon (“Save a Prayer”). The album will come out in July, with proceeds benefiting Amnesty International.
Duran Duran are currently working on a new album that will feature former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist John Frusciante. “We are all such big fans of John’s work and are honored to have him adding his magic to the record,” the group reported on their website (via Consequence of Sound). “There are no current plans for John to tour with us, but his guitars sound incredible on the tracks.”
In addition to his rendition of “Rio,” Moby has been keeping busy with various projects. Earlier this year, he remixed the song “The Big Dream” by David Lynch using Mindy Jones’ vocals, for a Lynch remix release. He also directed a video for the track.
He also recently found some time to look back, participating in an Ask Me Anything interview on Reddit. When asked about rapper Eminem dissing him on “Without Me,” he said he liked the song and appreciated the “free publicity.” “I think apart from his misogyny and homophobia he’s an amazingly talented rapper,” Moby wrote. “And it’s amazing to me that he’s had such a long and successful career. So kudos to him.”