by Nicole D. Myers
(Click to purchase CD)
~John Taylor on Retreat Into Art
The year is 2002 and since the inception of B5/TTP, we have all come such a long way. We have traveled together and trusted the process to find ourselves here, retreating into art, to see the story we have all been characters in and to see how it plays back.It is such a thrill to finally receive the package in the mail and actually hold it in my hands (doggie hair samples and all). After ripping off the US Post mail wrap I was admiring the fantastically beautiful artwork by the multi-talented Patty Palazzo (creatively counseled by JT), we love Patty. They have created a one stop shopping extravaganza (2 beautiful postcards from the Joel Warren photo shoot, a RIA button, 2 CD digipak and a massive family poster all in a personal size pizza box signed and numbered by the man himself) for John's faithful followers, subscribers and his friends (one and the same at TTP - see JT's quote at the top of this space). "Retreat Into Art" is more than a seven year retrospective, more than an attempt at a Greatest Hits package - it is a memory box. A memory box holding history, snapshots, the soundtrack of the process and a few surprises.
This project inspires a clear sense of family, adoration and a keen belief in growth and the evolution of the human spirit through art. Take the poster for example - it could have had the catch phrase "We Are Family" attached. It is brilliant to look at all of these people and think of all of the friendships that have come from the "process", the marriages and children and those who came to seek inspiration to foster their own love of music/bass because of JT. When I think of my own experiences and am aware of many others, it is overwhelming. We ARE all part of the same package, this much is evident. This is our musicland without borders, our community of freedom, kinship and joy. For those of us who have been there from the beginning, it has changed our lives in some way, through experience and unity. The poster is a symbol of the humanness and unity we have all become accustomed to. It is the collage of our many chats, debates, tragedies and good times we have all had together.
Retreat Into Art ~ 1995 - 2001
This latest musical offering from John comes on the heels of the news of a Duran Duran reunion (exciting stuff). It makes sense, we have been listening to him since his break from the band and now that he is going back with the original five, we get a recap of where is head, heart and creativity has taken him and where he has ended up because of the journey. "Retreat Into Art" is a clear consolidation of the artistic movements ventured throughout his solo discography (which you can purchase through his website www.johntayloronline.com).
The New Songs
Winners And Losers (demo) - Easily my favorite track on the CD. It has that "Feelings" feel to it (still remains my favorite JT solo effort yet). The song kicks some ass and is a nice follow up on the track listing for "Don't Talk Much". Interesting to learn from the liner notes that recording date and location are unknown.
Air Miles (original) - I received an egreeting from MP3.com from a friend once and this song (version) was attached. I was stoked because I really loved the album version. I prefer the original to the album version because this cut is stripped of the "synth" glaze and the Jimmy Pop vocal. It allows the bass line to throb freely. This version is earthy and sexy.
Lucy Lucy - Thanks to the unknown trumpeter indeed! This song is great with a little Mexican/cinematic twang. The vocal is sensitive and mellow, almost fragile. It's certainly one of those songs you can "jump into bed with."
To Do You/You I Belong To (demo) - The Japan Album meets and marries Meltdown. The vocal and music on "You I Belong To" really puts you in mind of old classic Duran music. Sort of reverting to the roots here I suppose. It was an interesting mix considering the version that made the actual cut. I am voting for the version from the Japan Album but this one is fun and perky.
Johnny Full Of Fear - A little story about a man full of fear. It took me a few listens to get the hook, but it came. JT is singing sotto voce here and it is very effective when telling such a delicate, autobiographical tale.
Julie Geisha (my beautiful lover) - Loved the MP3 available on TTP for some time. This alternative mix is nasty and meatier, a little more complete.
Such A Good Lover - I am banking that those who got off on the "It's more fun in the dark" line, are loving this sexy little track. There is a nice manly vocal on this island ’how JT got his groove back’ flavoured song. You can always depend on John for a dash of sexy in his rock and a dollop of sass in his roll.
Studio City (Misery Loves Company) - My least favorite track on both discs. It does have its bright spots and it is slowly growing on me but for the most part it makes me reach for the skip button. I do dig his vocal.
This Is The Moment - I love this song! Good little bass line and a sultry feel. I like singing along with it. You can jam to it either alone or with a special someone. There is something very mature and endearing about this song.
Versions
When I listen to the second disc, I always listen to it straight through. There is something really fun and interesting about listening to the instrumental versions of some of the best songs John has written ("Immortal" and "6000 Miles"). I like that whole idea of mirroring the Jamaican music of the 70's, playing the complete musical version of songs and having the toasters (rappers) sing over them. I like this idea because you know when you love a song so much that you never want it to end, well having a nine minute version makes it last that much longer.
I liked that Versions spanned Meltdown, Techno For Two and stretched to reach the new and unheard tracks. I was delighted by the remix of "King Porn". It's edgy and fun. A song that is easily meant to be an instrumental anyway.
Back To The Future
John said in an interview for RIA that the next few years will be about Duran Duran. We all look forward to seeing the original five back together, doing what they do best. We look forward to more from John as a solo artist, actor and member of the great community he and Patty have created for us to participate in. "Retreat Into Art" is a real treat, a limited edition so if you don't have yours get one NOW or you'll miss out.
To JT: 999 is a lot of John Hancocks. We salute you, Brother.
To Patty: You amaze and inspire us all with your vision and endless work. We tip the hat of thanks to you for making TTP home.