Duran Duran is back at work on a new album, and they've enlisted some big-time help on the project. Justin Timberlake and Timbaland are lending a hand in producing several of the songs, according to the Associated Press.

"We've got some good stuff happening," Simon LeBon told the AP. "We are in a very good space."

Amusingly, the AP story also quotes bassist "Josh Taylor," rather than John Taylor. I think losing one Taylor is enough this year. (Unless the actor from Days Of Our Lives and Beverly Hills 90210 really is the new bassist.)

The band continues to make appearances and performances without original guitarist Andy Taylor, who called it quits last month. And unlike their hey-day in the 80s, the critics seem to be warming to the music now, if recent reviews are any indication.

"I certainly don't long to relive the '80s," critic Greg Haymes wrote in the Albany, N.Y. Times-Union after show in town. "(But) I've got to admit that it was a real kick to hear those pinging synth-drums once again on Hungry Like the Wolf."