Tin Drum was my introduction to Japan and therefore holds a special place that and the reproduction of the Wal bass sound which didn't sound as wooly as the Travis Bean bass he had used on their earlier recordings. But I also loved Gentlemen Take Polaroids especially when I started to look for their earlier stuff as well as Quiet Life.
I disagree. I find much of their early work mediocre, and the the group were considered a joke by many at the time, seen as leaning too heavily on their looks. GTP was the first album to show what they were capable of, and might have been a response to those criticisms. If so, it was a pretty good response. TD kicked it out of the park.
@@nobrains6107 Contemporaries' opinion is not always objective. The Beatles were just another boy band, Queen a farce... It took Japan three albums and two years to accomplish their vision, but the prodromes of greatness were there since the beginning. Concerning the look, it was a reaction to Punk aesthetics (or lack of). Personally, I tend to focus on the music.
@@nobrains6107 They're a band who grew, quickly. I'd disagree that GTP was the first good one. Quiet Life had In Vogue, The Other Side of Life and introduced us to A Foreign Place. For me they were the pre-cursors.
@@mariosandri4010 My point is that contemporaries didn't rate the music, and thought, perhaps rightly, that the group were relying more on their looks than their chops. The whole 80s thing was arguably a reaction to punk, though it could as easily be seen as an extension of Bowie's glam rock. I don't think early Japan were a bad band, I have all of their albums; but imho they weren't born a supergroup, they transformed themselves into one. And then, like Radiohead, they found they didn't like it :)
@@zogthedoomed Quiet Life did have some good songs, for sure. I said GTP was the first to show what they could do, not that the early albums weren't good. GTP is musically far superior to anything they did before it. I like some of the earlier stuff, but I respect them for the way they responded to the criticisms by giving us two immaculate albums. (It occurs to me that Talk Talk, the other great 80s group, made the same transition from passable pop group to brilliance, and on to more experimental sounds.)
He's the reason I got interested in Japan in the 1st place. I have since purchased all Karn's solo work having been mesmerised initially on my 1st listening of Tin Drum
I was lucky enough to see Japan live at Hammersmith Odeon in the concerts that became the Oil on Canvass live album. The opening song was Sons Of Pioneers and Mick Karn was all over the stage with the baseline. Wait till you get to Nightporter.
This band was really special. Barbieri who is the master of textures with his ambient sounds and his completely unique approach to keyboards and synths, quite the opposite of what an ordinary keyboardist does. Mick Karn, who is also a special case with his incredible sinuous bass parts ( in this he has an approach to the instrument quite similar to Percy Jones). Steve Jansen (David Sylvian's brother) who is an underrated drummer with a fairly unique playing and palette of sounds, and obviously the suave voice of David Sylvian (halfway between Ferry and Bowie) which soars majestically above this musical carpet. let's not forget guitarist Rob Dean whose GTP is his last album with Japan and whom I find particularly under-mixed on this track and also on many others of the album ("Methods Of Dance" is one rare pieces of GTP where we can hear him more distinctly).
I share your love for David Sylvian and Japan. Tin Drum is in my opinion one of the best albums of the Eighties, but this album was excellent too. Mick Karn's bass work is seminal. Thanks for this reaction. 😎
Dude. No-brainer. "The Judgement Is The Mirror", Mick Karn and Peter Murphy from Bauhaus. Video and all. It's golden with Karn snake charming the fretless bass... shot on location in Turkey, where Murphy took up residence. Yes, Please?
Wow, I just watched your Quiet Life video like 5 minutes ago which was your first experience w/Japan! I'm SO GLAD you dug deeper!! They and David's solo work have brought me so much joy over the last THREE decades. It makes me happy to see others who love them!
SO HAPPY you have regressed from our beloved David Sylvian to my beloved Japan. A natural de-progression.That DS is oil your dessert classic, always made me wanted you to hear HJapan. So happy for you. So happy.
Tin Drum is a masterpiece, but this song in particular is one of their finest moments. Do listen to All Tomorrows Parties and Alien together off of Quiet Life for more studio magic.
Japan is magical. That song feels neo-noir to me even though the lyrics have a more resplendant look at things. I'll just need to pop this in my car and take a drive.
Thanks for reacting to Swing. It is one of my favorite Japan songs. My understanding of the phrase “taking islands in Africa” is that it means taking the world by storm.
I'm so glad you're getting more into Japan. I can see why as a David Sylvian fan initially Japan is a bit of a leap but they were very special - four incredibly talented people but they still managed to be more than the sum of those parts. And they were so young, just breathtaking
Great reaction JP. For me, my 80's were Japan. I used to listen to this album on repeat, especially Swing. RIP Mick. Maybe you could react to some Rain Tree Crow.
"Alien", please. It showcases Mick Karn's bass even more rubbery. "Quiet Life" album and the single "All Tomorrow's Parties" were the turning point in the band's music. It is hard to imagine that time when bands and artists were given three full albums' time to develop.
They are AMAZING. They were so young and dripping with talent, every one of them. I saw them in Edinburgh twice before they split. It was incredible. So glad you are spreading the Japan love and appreciation.
Glad to see someone else who's in love with Sylvian's music. I love his solo works, and he's one of my favorite singers in general, but he and the guys in Japan had a special kind of chemistry. Mick's bass on this song, especially, is out of this world! 🤩
The title track, “Gentlemen Take Polaroids“ is my favorite song of theirs. His voice, that fretless bass…..it’s the centerpiece of my synth-pop/new romantic/post-punk/goth-rock playlist (formerly mixtape).
Based on your comments I'd be shocked if you didn't already know, but Sylvian's Gone to Earth album is an experience not to be missed. Mastery of atmosphere. I think Japan peaked with GTP (especially Swing, Methods of Dance & My New Career). I tried but was never able to get into Tin Drum.
It was difficult at the time to separate the music (admirable) from the aesthetic (affected) so I penned it off, undeservedly. Absolutely going to deep dive this band.
I hope you haven't forgotten about The Kinks, they're a criminally overlooked band (as they were when banned from touring the U.S. back in the '60s) and deserve to be appreciated. Ray Davies is a genius.
My favourite Japan album, I'm sure you'll enjoy it. I'd be interested in more speculation on what he means by "Taking Islands in Africa". I've listened to this album so many times, but I'm no closer than you on the meaning. But it's the music that counts really when it comes to Japan, the lyrics were often more a feeling that a meaning.
Evidently, when not touring, the band spent tremendous amount of time in the studio. Thus their polished material. Japan has mesmerized me since first hearing Gentlemen on my local progressive FM station. senior from Toronto
You and I are completely aligned on our David Sylvian adoration. What a wonderful way to start my Sunday. Waffles with berries, strong coffee and David’s dark and silky voice. Perfection! And now I know it’s going to be a day full of Japan and Sylvian…time to put the headphones on for the full experience. 😊
This is great... Just like you I am very familiar with David Sylvian's amazing solo stuff but have never gone backwards to explore Japan more. I need to clearly!
I love the twang of his voice when he sings the word "swing". Fits the exquisite bass playing of Mick Karn with the twang as well, your zip. This song does make me very happy. All that twang is what made you go into a southern accent. ;) I'm from the south originally, so maybe that's why I love all the twang in this song.
Love Japan, you have to listen to their live album "Oil on Canvas", Especially love the versions of "Swing" & "Sons of Pioneers" on there, The whole album is amazing!
Fantastic to hear you discovering the albums of Japan and Sylvian. First discovered them when the album Assemblage first came out and I was hooked from that day onwards. Mick Karn's first two albums Titles and Dreams of Reason Produce Monsters are also superb especially Dreams.
In my 6th form at school,'81/82,aged 17 ,my two best mates,twin brothers were into Japan.Oddly enough ,they got me into Rush a few years earlier.Went to see Japan with them,Theatre Royal,London..They were dressed in the Japan style,short angled haircuts etc..I had long hair and wore a denim jacket with 'Rush' across the back.I just thought there wassomething about them.When we got there,I was amazed to see some more long hair and Rush-emblazoned denim.Great musicanship in both bands and a lot of Rush fans knew it...keep up the good work sir
Oil and water can mix! I've been a big prog fan since 1972, didn't like Japan much in the 80s, but getting to like them more over the years. I still live and breathe Prog though!
Japan can truly be said to be ahead of its time but also shows how different the music industry was then. They were given three albums' worth of time to develop their sound and style, "Quiet Life" being the first true flower to bloom.
Nice to hear David Sylvian again. He’s one of my favorite male singers. Neil Young is also in that list. The first album I bought back then was Oil on canvas. Hearing David indeed makes you feel good. Works for me too.
It's nice seeing you enjoy music to this extent, even if it's your first time (though anything Sylvian is hardly first time, even if it is). This reminds me of Duran Duran, or is it the other way around? But I do enjoy his voice alot, it's class, control and emotional at the same time. Listenig to an album for about 30 times in a few weeks sounds perfectly reasonable to me (that's just about 2 times a day) ;) Have a good one. :)
dammit, referring to Duran Duran in a Japan thread sounds like a profanity, it should be banned by the Geneva convention or something similar. :D :D :D
Mick Karn was one of the great bass players of his era. (Percy Jones was also playing some great fretless bass at this time.) The earlier Japan holds a debt to Roxy Music (as so many New Wave bands did), but the later Japan gelled into something fairly unique.
Was lucky enough to see them around 1981 on the 'Sons Of Pioneers' tour in Sheffield UK, brilliant... Got to say that 'Polaroids' is my favourite and also my go to album... So far you haven't covered Mick Karn, would love to know your thoughts on 'Sensitive' by MK... Loving your channel and a 2 new subs...
You’re salivating for Salvian. Yes, I can get a little emotional when my favorites are given a bland reaction but, All In Love Is Fair, come on… No, I’m not foaming at the mouth for Japan but, it’s got some really interesting things going on. Perhaps when I was younger, I’d have delved deeper into Sylvian and Japan but like you said, there’s sooo much music. Glad you enjoyed it, now I’ll enjoy what I like, nuff said. Peace and my Music
I’m right there with you… I’d pay beaucoup bucks to see David Sylvian. Secrets of the Beehive is one of my all time favorite albums. If you haven’t listen to it, try Quiet Life. By the way, how did you discover David Sylvian?
@@JustJP I took a look back at some of your older videos, and very interesting which Japan tracks and a Talk Talk track that you related to DS. I’d say, throw on some more Talk Talk and do Life’s what you make it… 😉 I’m telling you, you have such great recommendations with already an eclectic taste in phenomenal music. Also, we need to get some more Tears for Fears on, too!
Great reaction Justin. You should try Obscure Alternatives. You may find it challenging, but if you loved Mick's basslines on Swing, you'll be sure to love OA...
David Sylvian is one of my all time favourite singers, he adds class to anything he does. This era, as part of Japan, is very much of it's time, but still stands up. I hear such strong parallels with Talk Talk, Tears for Fears, and Bryan Ferry, those synth lead syncopated grooves and moody vocals. 'Night porter' and 'Ghosts' though were the track that hinted at where Sylvian was heading.
Witch one? Slice of life? Bela lagosi`s dead? Hollow Hills? (for me Slice of life or Hollow Hills) . (Engraçado estar a falar inglês com um português , pelo menos a julgar pelo nome)
@@mannycalavera6011 "Hollow Hills" and "Slice of Life" are among the many great Bauhaus songs but I could also quote "Silent Hedges", "Who Killed Mr. Moonlight?", "The Passion of Lovers" or "Spirit" (single version for me because I don't like the re-recording that is on The Sky's Gone Out album).
Japan's debut album is worth checking out to experience the origins of the band's sound. It's an excellent album even though a very different David Sylvian is on show.
I must admit I like Tin Drum & Polaroids, but I never dug their early albums. But its time to revisit their stuff. Justin, how about a bit of Martha & The Muffins?.. "This Is The Ice age" "Sins of Children", ."Several Styles of Blonde Girls Dancing"
If you want to see something extremely cool, type gentleman prefer poloroids live odeon 1983 into you tube. Mick karn doing a sideways moonwalk is the best thing you will see today.
I enjoyed that . Never really explored this era of Japan that much. I have to recommend Bill Nelson again since you’re going down the art pop/ rock road. Try anything off his Vistamix album. He’s even contributed to some David Sylvain songs.
Makes me smile when I was a teenager loved Japan , not so much this album though. Nice to see they haven't been forgotten, surprised to hear they have a bit of a cult following Stateside.
Another Sylvian fanboy here. Found his solo works first, but went thru Japan as soon as I realized that "duranduran"-clone was actually so much more than a decent single or two. His later works are "difficult", but I really enjoy them, even the ones that are more found music than anything else (like "Playing The Schoolhouse") or odd hums and sighs. But yeah, glorious track and a great reaction. Never seen the man himself live, but managed to catch Jansen and Karn when they toured with Alice. Wonderful musicianship (and wonderful Alice, of course). Have you listened to ABC? To me Martin Fry is like the poppier version of Sylvian and Hollis, who never departed from his chosen path, but kept perfecting his trade. Or how about some Divine Comedy (Lost Property) or Recoil (Jezebel)?
@@JustJP Well then! Time to correct that mistake. But what to recommend? Easy answer would be something like "The Look of Love" (The Big Hit!) but I'd start with "Poison Arrow". ABC is a pop band, first album The Lexicon of Love is a masterpiece of that genre. Witty, elegant rhymes and sublime pop music gloriously arranged/produced by Anne Dudley and Trevor Horn. Solid entirety. There's a fair number of really good tracks to check out: Many Happy Returns, By Default By Design, Be Near Me, When Smokey Sings, Stranger Things, and that would be just a taste. Probably fairly complete one, though. Hope you have time to give a listen, even if not a reaction.
Were Japan a supergroup? Good question. Sylvian voice is unique, he was often compared, usually in a derogatory way, to Bryan Ferry. But that was just a cheap shot. Steve Jansen was/is a stunning drummer. You only have to listen to Taking Islands In Africa to know that. Rob Deans guitar work is so underrated. As important to Japan as Phil Manzanera was to Roxy. Richard Barbieri created layers and sounds we’d not heard before. Quiet Life, the album and the song are so what the 80’s became, even though it was 1979. Japans metamorphosis from Adolescent Sex and Obscure Alternatives to Quiet Life then to GTP in just 2 or 3 years is remarkable. From Rhodesia to Nightporter in that time frame is unimaginable. Musically, you only need to listen to this song, Swing, and really dissect it to understand the phenomenal arrangement, from the stacked staccato sax parts to the bizarre keyboard intro, and then Mick Karn kicks in with a bass line that I doubt even Pastorious could’ve invented. Definitely one of the most innovative bass players that ever lived. Were they a super group? Probably not in the sense of The Wilburys for example. But, they were a superb group. Sylvian can dismiss this period all he likes but GTP changed my life. And many others too.
The album that this is from is my favourite album of theres. Most Japan fans go loopy over "Tin Drum" but I go loopy over "Gentlemen Take Polaroids".
You and me both brother!
Me too! Tin Drum is good, but Gentleman Take Polaroids so much better!
My joint favourite album of all time, alongside Brilliant Trees
Tin Drum was my introduction to Japan and therefore holds a special place that and the reproduction of the Wal bass sound which didn't sound as wooly as the Travis Bean bass he had used on their earlier recordings.
But I also loved Gentlemen Take Polaroids especially when I started to look for their earlier stuff as well as Quiet Life.
Mummy, I think Polaroid was possibly true Slyvian?
This band was born a supergroup. It rarely happens, but when it does, magic happens. Each of them feeding on bandmates' talent.
I disagree. I find much of their early work mediocre, and the the group were considered a joke by many at the time, seen as leaning too heavily on their looks. GTP was the first album to show what they were capable of, and might have been a response to those criticisms. If so, it was a pretty good response. TD kicked it out of the park.
@@nobrains6107 Contemporaries' opinion is not always objective. The Beatles were just another boy band, Queen a farce... It took Japan three albums and two years to accomplish their vision, but the prodromes of greatness were there since the beginning. Concerning the look, it was a reaction to Punk aesthetics (or lack of). Personally, I tend to focus on the music.
@@nobrains6107 They're a band who grew, quickly. I'd disagree that GTP was the first good one. Quiet Life had In Vogue, The Other Side of Life and introduced us to A Foreign Place. For me they were the pre-cursors.
@@mariosandri4010 My point is that contemporaries didn't rate the music, and thought, perhaps rightly, that the group were relying more on their looks than their chops. The whole 80s thing was arguably a reaction to punk, though it could as easily be seen as an extension of Bowie's glam rock. I don't think early Japan were a bad band, I have all of their albums; but imho they weren't born a supergroup, they transformed themselves into one. And then, like Radiohead, they found they didn't like it :)
@@zogthedoomed Quiet Life did have some good songs, for sure. I said GTP was the first to show what they could do, not that the early albums weren't good. GTP is musically far superior to anything they did before it. I like some of the earlier stuff, but I respect them for the way they responded to the criticisms by giving us two immaculate albums. (It occurs to me that Talk Talk, the other great 80s group, made the same transition from passable pop group to brilliance, and on to more experimental sounds.)
Mick Karn was such an amazing bass player. He was the star of Japan for me.
One of the most unique bassist's period. Many acolytes, no successful imitators as far as I've heard.
He's the reason I got interested in Japan in the 1st place. I have since purchased all Karn's solo work having been mesmerised initially on my 1st listening of Tin Drum
I was lucky enough to see Japan live at Hammersmith Odeon in the concerts that became the Oil on Canvass live album. The opening song was Sons Of Pioneers and Mick Karn was all over the stage with the baseline. Wait till you get to Nightporter.
I remember that concert very well
Everything I pass there I still recall that show
I was there. If I close my eyes I’m back there.
This band was really special. Barbieri who is the master of textures with his ambient sounds and his completely unique approach to keyboards and synths, quite the opposite of what an ordinary keyboardist does. Mick Karn, who is also a special case with his incredible sinuous bass parts ( in this he has an approach to the instrument quite similar to Percy Jones). Steve Jansen (David Sylvian's brother) who is an underrated drummer with a fairly unique playing and palette of sounds, and obviously the suave voice of David Sylvian (halfway between Ferry and Bowie) which soars majestically above this musical carpet. let's not forget guitarist Rob Dean whose GTP is his last album with Japan and whom I find particularly under-mixed on this track and also on many others of the album ("Methods Of Dance" is one rare pieces of GTP where we can hear him more distinctly).
Sinuous is the perfect description of Mick's bass playing. Thank you!
I share your love for David Sylvian and Japan. Tin Drum is in my opinion one of the best albums of the Eighties, but this album was excellent too. Mick Karn's bass work is seminal. Thanks for this reaction. 😎
Dude. No-brainer. "The Judgement Is The Mirror", Mick Karn and Peter Murphy from Bauhaus. Video and all. It's golden with Karn snake charming the fretless bass... shot on location in Turkey, where Murphy took up residence. Yes, Please?
The Old Grey Whistle Test version from 1980 is the ultimate performance.
I will have to watch that again now you've mentioned it
Isn’t it just.
Wow, I just watched your Quiet Life video like 5 minutes ago which was your first experience w/Japan! I'm SO GLAD you dug deeper!! They and David's solo work have brought me so much joy over the last THREE decades. It makes me happy to see others who love them!
This is ultra stylish Japan. One of my favorites.
Big love for Japan too and in particular Mick Karn’s sublime bass. My New Career is my favourite track.
Brilliant. Such an underrated and unfairly forgotten band.
They aren't forgotten in the UK.
Japan brilliant band. Started listening to them back in 81.
Just loved Japan and especially Mick Karn's bass, Jansen drumming and Barberi on keyboards
Probably my favourite japan track, that bass
What a good song, it's great that you talk about Mick as if he was still here, that's nice.
As amazing as Karn's bassline is here, the sax tracks he did are also great!
SO HAPPY you have regressed from our beloved David Sylvian to my beloved Japan. A natural de-progression.That DS is oil your dessert classic, always made me wanted you to hear HJapan. So happy for you. So happy.
Tin Drum is a masterpiece, but this song in particular is one of their finest moments. Do listen to All Tomorrows Parties and Alien together off of Quiet Life for more studio magic.
One of my favorite song on the album. Sophisticated, high class new wave. Nice reaction !
One of the greatest songs they ever composed.
Japan is magical. That song feels neo-noir to me even though the lyrics have a more resplendant look at things. I'll just need to pop this in my car and take a drive.
Thanks for reacting to Swing. It is one of my favorite Japan songs. My understanding of the phrase “taking islands in Africa” is that it means taking the world by storm.
Ty Heather!
I'm so glad you're getting more into Japan. I can see why as a David Sylvian fan initially Japan is a bit of a leap but they were very special - four incredibly talented people but they still managed to be more than the sum of those parts. And they were so young, just breathtaking
5 members ! why does everybody erase Rob Dean from this band a highly underrated guitarist , its only Tin Drum where he doesn’t feature !
@@mikewest1542 Ah yes, fair enough, especially when talking about a non Tin Drum track
Great reaction JP. For me, my 80's were Japan. I used to listen to this album on repeat, especially Swing. RIP Mick. Maybe you could react to some Rain Tree Crow.
Totally agree👍🏻
"Alien", please. It showcases Mick Karn's bass even more rubbery. "Quiet Life" album and the single "All Tomorrow's Parties" were the turning point in the band's music. It is hard to imagine that time when bands and artists were given three full albums' time to develop.
Even, Fall in love with me
They are AMAZING. They were so young and dripping with talent, every one of them. I saw them in Edinburgh twice before they split. It was incredible.
So glad you are spreading the Japan love and appreciation.
Glad to see someone else who's in love with Sylvian's music. I love his solo works, and he's one of my favorite singers in general, but he and the guys in Japan had a special kind of chemistry. Mick's bass on this song, especially, is out of this world! 🤩
Nothing like it in this multiverse like Mick Karn,s bass lines
The title track, “Gentlemen Take Polaroids“ is my favorite song of theirs. His voice, that fretless bass…..it’s the centerpiece of my synth-pop/new romantic/post-punk/goth-rock playlist (formerly mixtape).
I was lucky enough to see Japan play live a couple of times, and David Sylvian play solo twice too. Just magical. I feel privileged.
My favorite song from Japan! It's awesome! Thank you for doing this reaction. More people need to listen to this song and the band Japan. 👍
Ty Ande! Its so good!
Again, it is just so good to see this. One of my most loved albums and I am so happy someone is turning on to them. Glorious music.
Based on your comments I'd be shocked if you didn't already know, but Sylvian's Gone to Earth album is an experience not to be missed. Mastery of atmosphere.
I think Japan peaked with GTP (especially Swing, Methods of Dance & My New Career). I tried but was never able to get into Tin Drum.
Same here , their masterpiece, I couldn’t get into Tin Drum either, but it had its moments!
Best band ever💜
It was difficult at the time to separate the music (admirable) from the aesthetic (affected) so I penned it off, undeservedly.
Absolutely going to deep dive this band.
I love what you said about Sylvian - it’s exactly that. He just makes you elevate. He makes life better.
And Japan - Mick’s bass is just unbelievable
Timeless music, so glad to find out you love Japan. Suscribed just because of that!
I hope you haven't forgotten about The Kinks, they're a criminally overlooked band (as they were when banned from touring the U.S. back in the '60s) and deserve to be appreciated. Ray Davies is a genius.
There's an album called "Polytown"(1994) with Mick Karn, Terry Bozzio, and David Torn.
ahhh, that should be interesting. Thanks for the info.
My favourite Japan album, I'm sure you'll enjoy it. I'd be interested in more speculation on what he means by "Taking Islands in Africa". I've listened to this album so many times, but I'm no closer than you on the meaning. But it's the music that counts really when it comes to Japan, the lyrics were often more a feeling that a meaning.
Evidently, when not touring, the band spent tremendous amount of time in the studio. Thus their polished material. Japan has mesmerized me since first hearing Gentlemen on my local progressive FM station. senior from Toronto
for me, the quintessential Japan record is the live "Oil on Canvas". Japan sounded so good live and the production of "Oil on Canvas" is spectacular.
You and I are completely aligned on our David Sylvian adoration. What a wonderful way to start my Sunday. Waffles with berries, strong coffee and David’s dark and silky voice. Perfection! And now I know it’s going to be a day full of Japan and Sylvian…time to put the headphones on for the full experience. 😊
Sounds like a fantastic morning! :D
Have you listened to Japan's cover of Second That Emotion? You should.
This is great... Just like you I am very familiar with David Sylvian's amazing solo stuff but have never gone backwards to explore Japan more. I need to clearly!
Right?! It's a bit of a goldmine going back :D
I love the twang of his voice when he sings the word "swing". Fits the exquisite bass playing of Mick Karn with the twang as well, your zip. This song does make me very happy. All that twang is what made you go into a southern accent. ;) I'm from the south originally, so maybe that's why I love all the twang in this song.
Gotta love that Sylvian twang :D
Love Japan, you have to listen to their live album "Oil on Canvas", Especially love the versions of "Swing" & "Sons of Pioneers" on there, The whole album is amazing!
I agree. That whole album is a masterpiece.
BIG Japan fan here! They were the coolest band ever.
Japan is always a sure bet. For me, Quiet Life is one of the best albums ever made. They were great.
One of the best albums of all time and an incredible track. Great review.
Fantastic to hear you discovering the albums of Japan and Sylvian. First discovered them when the album Assemblage first came out and I was hooked from that day onwards. Mick Karn's first two albums Titles and Dreams of Reason Produce Monsters are also superb especially Dreams.
Oh Yeah, great and enjoyable track. Loved the groove, vocals and instruments. I miss listening to new music, thanks JP.
Started listening to Japan solely because of COVID lockdowns, seeing your reaction is exactly how I felt at that time.
Such an amazing, amazing song.
I wish I could listen to this for the first time again! ❤
The only song by Japan I know is "Quiet Life" - I legit thought it was a Bryan Ferry/Roxy Music track.
In my 6th form at school,'81/82,aged 17 ,my two best mates,twin brothers were into Japan.Oddly enough ,they got me into Rush a few years earlier.Went to see Japan with them,Theatre Royal,London..They were dressed in the Japan style,short angled haircuts etc..I had long hair and wore a denim jacket with 'Rush' across the back.I just thought there wassomething about them.When we got there,I was amazed to see some more long hair and Rush-emblazoned denim.Great musicanship in both bands and a lot of Rush fans knew it...keep up the good work sir
Oil and water can mix! I've been a big prog fan since 1972, didn't like Japan much in the 80s, but getting to like them more over the years. I still live and breathe Prog though!
For me , this track really reminds me of Duran Duran - the vocal stylings are very similar
To put it in the right perspective, Duran Duran reminds of Japan/Sylvian, whose vocal style reminds of Roxy Music/ Bryan Ferry.
Japan can truly be said to be ahead of its time but also shows how different the music industry was then. They were given three albums' worth of time to develop their sound and style, "Quiet Life" being the first true flower to bloom.
This band is a Genre unto themselves.
"You guys know I love David Sylvian..." and I clicked the subscribe button!
Nice to hear David Sylvian again. He’s one of my favorite male singers. Neil Young is also in that list.
The first album I bought back then was Oil on canvas.
Hearing David indeed makes you feel good. Works for me too.
Listening to this song and walking the streets of Stockholm late at night was an experience.
I bought this album and Talking Heads' "Remain In Light" on the same day. It's cool you're currently doing both albums!
It's nice seeing you enjoy music to this extent, even if it's your first time (though anything Sylvian is hardly first time, even if it is). This reminds me of Duran Duran, or is it the other way around? But I do enjoy his voice alot, it's class, control and emotional at the same time.
Listenig to an album for about 30 times in a few weeks sounds perfectly reasonable to me (that's just about 2 times a day) ;) Have a good one. :)
dammit, referring to Duran Duran in a Japan thread sounds like a profanity, it should be banned by the Geneva convention or something similar. :D :D :D
@@ruipina5636 Ha,ha, I'm sorry, did not mean to offend anybody, just an immediate thought. Not really familliar with either. ;)
Duran Duran were heavily influenced by Japan.
@@gidgetmaurer123 Okay, nice to know :)
God I loved this band when I was a kid. Gutted when they broke up but Swing is one of many great tracks. Great live version on Oil on Canvas.
I’m with you on Sylvian and Japan, some of the best music ever, I’m addicted to them.
First time i`ve heard of David Sylvian. First time i step in magic...
Awesome! Glad you enjoyed it!
LOVE IT. ... BURNING!
Mick Karn was one of the great bass players of his era. (Percy Jones was also playing some great fretless bass at this time.) The earlier Japan holds a debt to Roxy Music (as so many New Wave bands did), but the later Japan gelled into something fairly unique.
Was lucky enough to see them around 1981 on the 'Sons Of Pioneers' tour in Sheffield UK, brilliant... Got to say that 'Polaroids' is my favourite and also my go to album... So far you haven't covered Mick Karn, would love to know your thoughts on 'Sensitive' by MK... Loving your channel and a 2 new subs...
Wow, so awesome.
GTP is glorious. So atmospheric and chic.
Great band - especially live.
You’re salivating for Salvian.
Yes, I can get a little emotional when my favorites are given a bland reaction but, All In Love Is Fair, come on…
No, I’m not foaming at the mouth for Japan but, it’s got some really interesting things going on. Perhaps when I was younger, I’d have delved deeper into Sylvian and Japan but like you said, there’s sooo much music.
Glad you enjoyed it, now I’ll enjoy what I like, nuff said.
Peace and my Music
Wow. This definitely reminds me of Duran Duran and ABC. I am impressed.
Have you checked into Rain Tree Crow? Japan’s reunion album…but not in name…..
Karn was such an unique bass player/musician. Gone way too soon.
19. Rock City Nottingham. Filled the dancefloor. Wore the record out in a year and had to re-buy. No better LP.
I’m right there with you… I’d pay beaucoup bucks to see David Sylvian. Secrets of the Beehive is one of my all time favorite albums. If you haven’t listen to it, try Quiet Life. By the way, how did you discover David Sylvian?
Hmm, I know I discovered his music through a thread on RYM (rateyourmusic), but I can't quite remember which one or how I was led there
@@JustJP I took a look back at some of your older videos, and very interesting which Japan tracks and a Talk Talk track that you related to DS. I’d say, throw on some more Talk Talk and do Life’s what you make it… 😉 I’m telling you, you have such great recommendations with already an eclectic taste in phenomenal music. Also, we need to get some more Tears for Fears on, too!
Such a great band. I love them dearly. They covered so much ground in their short career. I always call them pop music for music nerds.
I listened to Japan every day during my military service here in Sweden during the mid 80, my mates where not happy :) But Japan are timeless
I'd be happy :D
Great reaction Justin. You should try Obscure Alternatives. You may find it challenging, but if you loved Mick's basslines on Swing, you'll be sure to love OA...
Ty Rich!
David Sylvian is one of my all time favourite singers, he adds class to anything he does. This era, as part of Japan, is very much of it's time, but still stands up. I hear such strong parallels with Talk Talk, Tears for Fears, and Bryan Ferry, those synth lead syncopated grooves and moody vocals. 'Night porter' and 'Ghosts' though were the track that hinted at where Sylvian was heading.
now that you're doing Japan, a good flip move would be touching Bauhaus ...
...and let's not forget Dalis Car which is a collaboration between Mick Karn and Peter Murphy !!!
@@a.k.1740 exactly, that was the idea ;)
Witch one? Slice of life? Bela lagosi`s dead? Hollow Hills? (for me Slice of life or Hollow Hills) . (Engraçado estar a falar inglês com um português , pelo menos a julgar pelo nome)
@@mannycalavera6011 "Hollow Hills" and "Slice of Life" are among the many great Bauhaus songs but I could also quote "Silent Hedges", "Who Killed Mr. Moonlight?", "The Passion of Lovers" or "Spirit" (single version for me because I don't like the re-recording that is on The Sky's Gone Out album).
@@a.k.1740 or "The Man with X-Ray Eyes", or "God In an Alcove", or "King Volcano" or... ;)
Japan's debut album is worth checking out to experience the origins of the band's sound. It's an excellent album even though a very different David Sylvian is on show.
One of my favourite Japan tracks...so sexy... that voice that bass(bless you Mick) 😍😋not very technical but 🤣
I must admit I like Tin Drum & Polaroids, but I never dug their early albums. But its time to revisit their stuff.
Justin, how about a bit of Martha & The Muffins?.. "This Is The Ice age" "Sins of Children", ."Several Styles of Blonde Girls Dancing"
Excellent album.
If you want to see something extremely cool, type gentleman prefer poloroids live odeon 1983 into you tube. Mick karn doing a sideways moonwalk is the best thing you will see today.
I enjoyed that . Never really explored this era of Japan that much. I have to recommend Bill Nelson again since you’re going down the art pop/ rock road. Try anything off his Vistamix album. He’s even contributed to some David Sylvain songs.
Fab choice...Nightporter, anything on this album or Exorcising Ghosts .
Makes me smile when I was a teenager loved Japan , not so much this album though. Nice to see they haven't been forgotten, surprised to hear they have a bit of a cult following Stateside.
Another Sylvian fanboy here. Found his solo works first, but went thru Japan as soon as I realized that "duranduran"-clone was actually so much more than a decent single or two. His later works are "difficult", but I really enjoy them, even the ones that are more found music than anything else (like "Playing The Schoolhouse") or odd hums and sighs.
But yeah, glorious track and a great reaction. Never seen the man himself live, but managed to catch Jansen and Karn when they toured with Alice. Wonderful musicianship (and wonderful Alice, of course).
Have you listened to ABC? To me Martin Fry is like the poppier version of Sylvian and Hollis, who never departed from his chosen path, but kept perfecting his trade. Or how about some Divine Comedy (Lost Property) or Recoil (Jezebel)?
Ty Jukka! Never heard of ABC
@@JustJP Well then! Time to correct that mistake. But what to recommend? Easy answer would be something like "The Look of Love" (The Big Hit!) but I'd start with "Poison Arrow".
ABC is a pop band, first album The Lexicon of Love is a masterpiece of that genre. Witty, elegant rhymes and sublime pop music gloriously arranged/produced by Anne Dudley and Trevor Horn. Solid entirety.
There's a fair number of really good tracks to check out: Many Happy Returns, By Default By Design, Be Near Me, When Smokey Sings, Stranger Things, and that would be just a taste. Probably fairly complete one, though. Hope you have time to give a listen, even if not a reaction.
My favorite song from that album. Made my day, You reacting to it! Mick Karn was such a genius, along with the rest of the band of course, I must add.
Ty Bako!
Be sure to check out the first 2 Mick Karn solo records: Titles and Dreams of Reason Produce Monsters
Dreams of Reason is a classic !
Timeless art......Not bad for a bunch of Catford lads.......
Were Japan a supergroup? Good question. Sylvian voice is unique, he was often compared, usually in a derogatory way, to Bryan Ferry. But that was just a cheap shot. Steve Jansen was/is a stunning drummer. You only have to listen to Taking Islands In Africa to know that. Rob Deans guitar work is so underrated. As important to Japan as Phil Manzanera was to Roxy. Richard Barbieri created layers and sounds we’d not heard before. Quiet Life, the album and the song are so what the 80’s became, even though it was 1979. Japans metamorphosis from Adolescent Sex and Obscure Alternatives to Quiet Life then to GTP in just 2 or 3 years is remarkable. From Rhodesia to Nightporter in that time frame is unimaginable. Musically, you only need to listen to this song, Swing, and really dissect it to understand the phenomenal arrangement, from the stacked staccato sax parts to the bizarre keyboard intro, and then Mick Karn kicks in with a bass line that I doubt even Pastorious could’ve invented. Definitely one of the most innovative bass players that ever lived. Were they a super group? Probably not in the sense of The Wilburys for example. But, they were a superb group. Sylvian can dismiss this period all he likes but GTP changed my life. And many others too.
Right then. You are ready for Duran Duran - "Planet Earth" [1981] 😉
My new career is a fantastic track.