I mentioned a long while back, in referring to the single Life In Tokyo as part of one the features within the ‘Shakedown 1979’ mini-series, that the time would eventually come for Japan.
That time would prove to be late 1981, and the release of their fifth studio album, Tin Drum. In an era when synth-based pop music was becoming increasingly prevalent, Japan shifted the goalposts in quite a dramatic fashion. The songs, both in terms of their titles and the way they sounded, very much leaned towards the country and region after which the band had long ago taken their name. The synths, drums and bass seemed to create music that seemed beyond the capabilities of most of their contemporaries, while lead singer David Sylvian‘s imitation of the Bryan Ferry-like croon was the perfect accompaniment.
The new sound proved to be a hit with the critics, with Paul Morley at the NME being particularly enthusiastic. It was synthpop with an arty twist, possibly bordering on the pretentiousness of the type that could be thrown at some of Morley’s writing? At the same time, the undoubted good looks of all members of the band meant the publications and magazines primed for the that teenage female market were full of photos and words about the band. It was very much a win-win situation.
The lead-off second single lifted from the album remains quite timeless,
mp3: Japan – Visions Of China
The b-side was a remix of a song that had originally closed their previous studio album, Gentlemen Take Polaroids.
mp3: Japan – Taking Islands in Africa (remix)
It wasn’t quite as big a hit as I had actually thought, spending just three weeks in the Top 40 and peaking at #32. I’m guessing it was just a bit too strange sounding for daytime radio and with the album not yet having been released, the critics had yet to really do their fawning pieces on the band that would take them into the higher echelons of the charts.
JC
THE NEW VINYL VILLAIN 
A treat.
Tin Drum is, of course, a remarkable LP from start to finish – Visions of China – a case in point. To my ears there is little else like it then, or now. Given how much I adored/adore Quiet Life (LP) this could have been a risk for this young pop fan, so removed is it from that spectacular LP. But, no… Tin Drum wraps me in its arms and drenches me in sounds that even now when I hear them (even traditional Japanese music), I pipe-up ‘Japan’ and expose my ignorance. Visions of China, like much of the bands singles output in its latter years, almost defies the single-of-the-day sound, yet they worked – in their own strange way – and chummed up perfectly with LP friends, to create the played-to-death Tin Drum.
While I can’t claim to be the biggest of Japan fans – there’d be one or two in front 😉 – The LPs Quiet Life and Tin Drum enjoy regular airings and feature in my ‘constant companion’ list of LPs.
As someone who could enjoy a little rock music (I know?) I’m also fond of tracks from previous LPs. Unfortunately, none gel in quite the same way.
I recall very fondly indeed my ma buying me Oil On Canvas for my birthday. That will always be a precious moment. Sadly, I never did get to see them at the Odeon (Glasgow). I remain unclear as to why.
As true as it ever was, at that age…
“I’m walking young and strong
But just a little too thin
I may be happy
But I haven’t a clue to this life
In my mind”
Flimflamfan
Great post JC, as you know , Japan was one of my favorite teenage bands .
SC
Tune
I always thought that The Art of Parties was the lead single, though in a completely different form. But that’s by-the-by. Visions of China, along with Cantonese Boy, were the first 2 Japan singles I bought (Cantonese Boy as a double 7″). I loved them both but what really got me were the b-sides, most coming from Gentlemen Take Polaroids. They made me go out and buy THAT album before I bought Tin Drum ( and Assemblage, bought on the same day).
Thanks Conrad….you are right! I’ll correct the post.
Japan was all about Mick Karn for me. His beautiful fretless bass lines are instantly recognizable. A musician’s musician, sadly missed.
More than 45 years have passed, and this song still sounds ahead of its time. Love the art too. – Brian
About 5 years ago I started an epic. 3 edition David Sylvian post with part one 10 Japan tracks , part 2. 10 solo and part 3 10 collaborations . As not a great completer finisher the text was written but could never get round to doing the box links for JC so it sat in my drafts for years . I think I also had a sneaky suspicion that 3 posts and 30 tracks may be a tad too much Sylvian for most people
@FoRW
I’d like to read this and hear the tracks chosen.
Flimflamfan
Not at all!!! Send it over……
Great writing JC. I’ll go to play Tin Drum soon