Duran Duran “Save A Prayer” 1985 U.S. 7″ single version. The band released the original single in August ‘82 and at the time reached #2 on the UK charts. This re-release in the US features that original version on Side A and the live version from Arena on Side B, charting at #16 in the US in March ‘85.

The original single is, of course, amazing and haunting and beautiful; its Sri Lankan-set video spectacularly lush and romantic, especially the just-try-not-to-cry scene of Simon dancing with the raven-haired woman. (I vaguely remember reading or hearing an interview with one of the other band members, maybe Roger?, lamenting that Simon always got to dance with the pretty girls in their videos)

The live version of “Save a Prayer” from Duran Duran’s 1984 Arena tour is equally plaintive and beautiful; very close to the original but what always stands out is when Simon sings “you’ll see the world in all his fiiii-er [fire]…chh-chh-chh” which always kinda made me giggle.