Music doesn't get much better than this. Like many people, David's music soothed and supported me through some difficult times. He is underrated in that he should be recognised as one of the musical greats. A great artist.
I sometimes think not of Sylvian as making 'music', but of generating soundscapes. It's more than music, it digs deeper into the brain and the mind, to disentangle the layers. Check out Steel Cathedrals, the video is pure art.
BTW FYI to give you some history, Sylvian originally led a New Wave band called JAPAN. Early JAPAN were more PUNK, LOUD and Sylvian sang with a very aggressive loud scratchy (sex pistol-ish) vocal style. The EXACT opposite of his style in later years but afterwards JAPAN style became more NEW WAVE and his voice became less aggressive and more cool like (ex: Bryan Ferry) before he began singing in this mellow haunting style. A complete 180% change
I'm sorry you never got to experience the album Brilliant Trees in 1984, its always nice to see new fans of his music, the video you just watched is not the video for Brilliant Trees, its actually taken from the Laserdisc 'Preparations for a Journey' Perhaps the death you feel from this song, is the departure of his commercial music career, he was always unhappy with commercial pop music and wonted to really be known as a serious artist.
Loved the bit where you closed your eyes to enjoy the pulse of the music. Some things are best experienced like this! This was his first album after leaving Japan, so to me, I think the themes of hope, apprehension and renewal were swirling around his head at the time. The death of the old artist and the birth of the new. I would highly recommend buying the album (and Gone to Earth & Secrets of the Beehive, too!)
The experience achieved by the eye closure, i loved the authenticity of what you felt. To me it is about re-birth, regeneration but that's the beauty of Sylvian, you take what you get and decipher.
If you haven't discovered yet , the forest is a bamboo forest in Japan , and the place you said looked like an empty pool , is a zen rock display representing islands in the sea. The swirls in the gravel represent water. Great to hear you giving a really honest and thoughtful review. I get so tired of some of the other reviewers who get over enthused and all self indulgent. Love Sylvian and love this album , really looking forward to checking out some of your other reactions
The best way to listen to Brilliant trees is back to basics vinyl, good turntable amp and big speakers, modern digital versions miss a lot of the dynamics. This song as far as i know was were a lot of the money went. Amazing artists, Holger Czukay etc really pushed the envelope here.
The video was seperate of the album, steal cathedrals, UK got an industrial wobbly factory looking scene, Japan got the full video including Sylvian producing a polaroid montage etc
You're a Japan - sorry - David Sylvian fan! How? Why? If you have any questions about anything Japan/Sylvian, I am definitely your man. I've loved them (Japan) and him (Sylvian) platonically (I think) for several decades. I remember feeling a bit disappointed by Brilliant Trees when it came out (I bought the cassette from Woolworths with the Christmas money). I remember thinking that it just wasn't as surprising or exciting like the Japan albums had always been. (I thought it was shit, in other words - sorry ;)
I only really ever knew a few Japan songs and vaguely a couple of DS tracks from 83 or 84. If you have a DS track that you could recommend or an album, let me know. On my channel I like sometimes to get a flavour for an album as well as a single track off an album. xx
@@novo_ephemera Not that important really in the context of what you were trying to convey, that mood you captured perfectly for all i hope should listen.
Have a look at all the Japan first album's. Then move on to the David Sylvian and the rest of the groups solo stuff. Nine Horses in all so done by David sylvian and his brother. In been listening to them for since its 81
Always nice to see others discover the magic of David Sylvian’s music.
Music doesn't get much better than this. Like many people, David's music soothed and supported me through some difficult times. He is underrated in that he should be recognised as one of the musical greats. A great artist.
Fantastic artist. One of my favourites to listen to on my own and fully get lost in,almost sends you into meditation without being aware
I sometimes think not of Sylvian as making 'music', but of generating soundscapes. It's more than music, it digs deeper into the brain and the mind, to disentangle the layers. Check out Steel Cathedrals, the video is pure art.
Stunningly beautiful melodies intemporal and to cry for. and Slvian's voice like a post life post-apocalyptic hymn to lthe wonders of love and life
One of my fav songs of all time
As an irishman who went to London in the late 80s I already listened to brilliant trees but I got great sollice from secrets of the belive
BTW FYI to give you some history, Sylvian originally led a New Wave band called JAPAN. Early JAPAN were more PUNK, LOUD and Sylvian sang with a very aggressive loud scratchy (sex pistol-ish) vocal style. The EXACT opposite of his style in later years but afterwards JAPAN style became more NEW WAVE and his voice became less aggressive and more cool like (ex: Bryan Ferry) before he began singing in this mellow haunting style. A complete 180% change
It was filmed in my backyard. It was very gracious of David to let me collaborate with him on this project.
One of my favourite chill out Sylvian album.
Interesting choice. An interesting vocalist. Apaart from his Japan work did some majesyic solo stuff.
I'm sorry you never got to experience the album Brilliant Trees in 1984, its always nice to see new fans of his music, the video you just watched is not the video for Brilliant Trees, its actually taken from the Laserdisc 'Preparations for a Journey' Perhaps the death you feel from this song, is the departure of his commercial music career, he was always unhappy with commercial pop music and wonted to really be known as a serious artist.
Loved the bit where you closed your eyes to enjoy the pulse of the music. Some things are best experienced like this!
This was his first album after leaving Japan, so to me, I think the themes of hope, apprehension and renewal were swirling around his head at the time. The death of the old artist and the birth of the new.
I would highly recommend buying the album (and Gone to Earth & Secrets of the Beehive, too!)
A perfect synopsis, well done my friend.
The experience achieved by the eye closure, i loved the authenticity of what you felt. To me it is about re-birth, regeneration but that's the beauty of Sylvian, you take what you get and decipher.
He'd just made a break, so sure a re-start, re-birth. Almost a marriage song.
If you haven't discovered yet , the forest is a bamboo forest in Japan , and the place you said looked like an empty pool , is a zen rock display representing islands in the sea. The swirls in the gravel represent water.
Great to hear you giving a really honest and thoughtful review. I get so tired of some of the other reviewers who get over enthused and all self indulgent. Love Sylvian and love this album , really looking forward to checking out some of your other reactions
Thank you x
Where can I see this particular videoclip?
Sorry for the late reply. There should be a link to it in the description x
Great song choice
The best way to listen to Brilliant trees is back to basics vinyl, good turntable amp and big speakers, modern digital versions miss a lot of the dynamics. This song as far as i know was were a lot of the money went. Amazing artists, Holger Czukay etc really pushed the envelope here.
The video was seperate of the album, steal cathedrals, UK got an industrial wobbly factory looking scene, Japan got the full video including Sylvian producing a polaroid montage etc
A brilliant choice :)
Thanks Justin, I really need to look at more tracks from David Sylvian and Japan x
You're a Japan - sorry - David Sylvian fan! How? Why?
If you have any questions about anything Japan/Sylvian, I am definitely your man.
I've loved them (Japan) and him (Sylvian) platonically (I think) for several decades.
I remember feeling a bit disappointed by Brilliant Trees when it came out (I bought the cassette from Woolworths with the Christmas money). I remember thinking that it just wasn't as surprising or exciting like the Japan albums had always been. (I thought it was shit, in other words - sorry ;)
I only really ever knew a few Japan songs and vaguely a couple of DS tracks from 83 or 84. If you have a DS track that you could recommend or an album, let me know.
On my channel I like sometimes to get a flavour for an album as well as a single track off an album. xx
Arve Henriksen is trumpeter another great musician worthy to check out frequent collaborator
Jon Hassell played trumpet on 'Brilliant Trees'..
@@irishcowboy42 thank you sorry about the correction but I know Arve Henrisken worked with him too
@@novo_ephemera Not that important really in the context of what you were trying to convey, that mood you captured perfectly for all i hope should listen.
Jon Hassell and Kenny Wheeler, played trumpet and flugelhorn. Most of the musicians that recorded this album have passed away.
Jon Hassell actually, who even co-wrote the song.
Have a look at all the Japan first album's. Then move on to the David Sylvian and the rest of the groups solo stuff. Nine Horses in all so done by David sylvian and his brother. In been listening to them for since its 81
This piece wouldn't sound out of place played on a cathedral organ. It sounds like a hymm to me.
david is gem ... now react to vib gyor
very simplistic with attempts to interjet commerciil hooks seem likes he,s trying
to knock of Peeter Hammmill. nothing there