When the iconic new wave band Duran Duran decided to release an album of covers in 1995, titled Thank You, they took on a considerable challenge. Covering classic songs is always a tightrope walk between homage and reinvention, and critical reception can be unforgiving. However, one track on that album stood out, not just for its faithful yet distinct interpretation, but for earning the rare seal of approval from the original artist himself: their rendition of Lou Reed’s “Perfect Day.”
Originally released in 1972 as the B-side to Reed’s massive hit “Walk on the Wild Side” from his seminal album Transformer, “Perfect Day” is a song steeped in an almost melancholic beauty. Its poignant lyrics and understated melody have made it a beloved classic for decades.
Duran Duran’s version, released as the first single from Thank You on March 13, 1995, aimed to bring their signature sound to the track while respecting its essence. The band’s interpretation, while generally considered a highlight of the otherwise polarizing Thank You album, truly garnered attention when it became known that Lou Reed himself had a favorable opinion. Reed reportedly hailed Duran Duran’s “Perfect Day” as “the best rerecording of any of his songs” – high praise indeed from a notoriously discerning artist.
Adding to the nostalgic appeal of Duran Duran’s cover was the rare reappearance of original drummer Roger Taylor, who not only played on the track but also featured in the accompanying music video and a promotional performance on Top of the Pops. This reunion offered a glimpse of the classic Duran Duran lineup, much to the delight of longtime fans.
The meaning of “Perfect Day” has been a subject of debate over the years, particularly after its evocative use in the film Trainspotting led many to interpret it as being about heroin addiction. However, Lou Reed consistently denied this, maintaining that it was simply “a description of a very straightforward affair” and found the drug-related interpretations “laughable.” For Simon Le Bon of Duran Duran, the song took on a personal resonance, as he imagined singing it to his daughter, making the classic his own in a deeply emotional way.
Duran Duran’s “Perfect Day” stands as a testament to the power of a well-executed cover. It’s a track that not only pays homage to a legendary artist but also manages to carve out its own space, proving that sometimes, a “perfect day” can be revisited and appreciated anew.