Ex-Duraner John Taylor: Music and Movies
© Michele Morabito
The former Duran Duran bassist went off on his own in January 1997 to pursue a solo career. Now, three years later he has released an ambitious 14 song, 70 minute self-titled CD, John Taylor, off his new Japanese label, Avex Trax. He has dedicated it to his recently deceased mother.
If one had to describe the CD, fun and casual would be the words to use, just to sit and listen. It will not go down in music history, but it has many a fine quality. The CD starts strong with "The Panhandler", his best song. It has good arrangements, lyrics are solid and matches Taylor's voice better. "She's Not There" is also arranged well and lyrical piece of music for his voice; ironically it is the only song not written by Taylor.
"Air Miles" sounds like he is borrowing a quite an amount from his former band. It could be attributable, perhaps, that he was the arranger and he simply transferred his skills over to his solo career. "Coventry Carole" is an odd 30-second instrumental that one has to listen to because it sounds like it should have never been on the CD in the first place - a tool Taylor seems to use on each CD he records.
One of the last tracks "Down With U" is very danceable with awesome trumpets, bass playing and a memorable chorus. The last track, "American Muse" is a favorite because it is a very danceable and realistically short song.
Some songs are from earlier CDs like "A-Anon", a reference to Alcohol Anonymous and his battle with drug addiction and "Silent Skin", a quiet duet and co-written with Three Alarm Fire lead singer Melanie Friedman. "A-Anon" is a frighteningly obvious lesser quality from the rest of the CD - one can trace the evolution that occurred in the Taylor's solo efforts in the last five years.
Taylor is still not the strongest singer, but he has earnest written all over his voice. Guest musicians include John Shanks, Melissa Etheridge's guitarist and Jimmy Pop Ali from The Bloodhound Gang is found on "Air Miles".
He has released numerous CDs and EPs since his amicable departure from Duran Duran. He also has been maintaining side groups Neurotic Outsiders and Power Station (he defected from their second CD after a few days of recording).
If one had to describe the CD, fun and casual would be the words to use, just to sit and listen. It will not go down in music history, but it has many a fine quality. The CD starts strong with "The Panhandler", his best song. It has good arrangements, lyrics are solid and matches Taylor's voice better. "She's Not There" is also arranged well and lyrical piece of music for his voice; ironically it is the only song not written by Taylor.
"Air Miles" sounds like he is borrowing a quite an amount from his former band. It could be attributable, perhaps, that he was the arranger and he simply transferred his skills over to his solo career. "Coventry Carole" is an odd 30-second instrumental that one has to listen to because it sounds like it should have never been on the CD in the first place - a tool Taylor seems to use on each CD he records.
One of the last tracks "Down With U" is very danceable with awesome trumpets, bass playing and a memorable chorus. The last track, "American Muse" is a favorite because it is a very danceable and realistically short song.
Some songs are from earlier CDs like "A-Anon", a reference to Alcohol Anonymous and his battle with drug addiction and "Silent Skin", a quiet duet and co-written with Three Alarm Fire lead singer Melanie Friedman. "A-Anon" is a frighteningly obvious lesser quality from the rest of the CD - one can trace the evolution that occurred in the Taylor's solo efforts in the last five years.
Taylor is still not the strongest singer, but he has earnest written all over his voice. Guest musicians include John Shanks, Melissa Etheridge's guitarist and Jimmy Pop Ali from The Bloodhound Gang is found on "Air Miles".
He has released numerous CDs and EPs since his amicable departure from Duran Duran. He also has been maintaining side groups Neurotic Outsiders and Power Station (he defected from their second CD after a few days of recording).
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