Duran Duran has come to their senses and is running -- nay, fleeing! -- from the evil grip of Timbaland and Justin Timberlake. Hopefully this puts the final nail in the coffin from hell known as their Red Carpet Massacre album.

Simon Le Bon confirms on his official "Simon Le Blog" that the band is now back in the studio and working with Nick Hodgson, drummer and songwriter with the Kaiser Chiefs.

"OK, you’ve guessed it, we’re moving in a different direction with these guys than the one one we were on with Timbaland and Justin T," Simon writes. "It feels very good I have to say. MODERN ENGLISH ROCK is what it’s all about for us."

Us too, Simon! Thank you, thank you, thank you. (Now please bring Andy Taylor back too.)

"We have had such an inspired session so far. In the 5 days we’ve worked there, we have seen the nuts of 8 new songs starting to grow on our tree," he continues. "It’s a daunting enough for me to know where to start if I’m honest. But I’m sure these are going to turn out great."

Simon also confirms there's a new addition to the Le Bon family: Meet Luigi the dog. "Yes, I’m talking about the first bit of 'testo' in the house since me. Yes, his balls are dropping. Yes, he pisses in the hall and up the chair legs now ... he’s my little poo machine."

[AP photo]