Duran Duran – Notorious Retro LP (Balkanton Bulgaria Pressing)

This rare Bulgarian Balkanton pressing of Duran Duran's *Notorious* (1986) is a fascinating historical document from the late Cold War era, when Western pop music was only available in Eastern Europe through select licensing agreements. The album marks Duran Duran's stylistic reorientation after the departure of Roger and Andy Taylor – funkier, more mature, and with significantly more soul influences.

🎶 Historical Background

With Notorious, Duran Duran took a step in a new musical direction in 1986: away from the synth-pop of the early 80s towards a more urban sound, produced by Nile Rodgers (Chic). The single Notorious became a worldwide hit, followed by Skin Trade and Meet El Presidente . Its release on Balkanton (Bulgaria) demonstrates how strongly the band was received in Eastern Europe – an extraordinary example of cultural exchange between pop and politics.

💿 Product details

• Artist: Duran Duran

• Album: Notorious

• Label: Balkanton – BTA 12339

• Country: Bulgaria

• Publication: ca. 1987

• Format: LP, 12", Stereo

• Genre: Pop, Synthpop, Funk Rock

• Vinyl condition: Very good (VG+) – glossy, barely visible marks, excellent sound quality

• Cover condition: Good (VG) – slight signs of wear, edge abrasion, small creases at the edge, back cover with some glossy marks, overall stable

• Special features: Original Balkanton pressing with Cyrillic lettering, rare Eastern European licensed version, import edition

🧾 Notes

• Original 80s pressing – not a reissue

• Rare Eastern European release with its own label design

• Images are part of the item description