Do you mean Japan or do you mean Japan?

‘Japan’ seems to be a strange name for an English band. I’ve never liked the idea of naming your band after a country, content, city or region. For example: Asia, America, Kansas, Alabama, Boston and Chicago. What are they thinking? It can become especially annoying if one is trying to do some internet research on the band. Just type ‘Japan’ into google, and what comes up? Well, lets just say that the English music band is defiantly not the most popular subject of that name.

What might get even a little more confusing is that this band from England named Japan had a single called “Visions of China.” At least they are internationally minded people. Are they really trying to lump the very different and distinct countries of China and Japan into one group? As if one was to think Russia and German where basically the same place and people. But if you jump to this conclusion about the band Japan, you would be mistaken. Japan’s singer and co-writer, David Sylvian, actually worked with Japanese artist such as Ryuchi Sakamoto (of Yellow Magic Orchestra and various soundtracks) and Akiko Yano as early as 1980. Sakamoto was a prominent contributor to “Taking Islands in Africa” which was featured on Japan’s 1980 LP “Gentlemen Take Polaroids.’ Sylvian and Sakamoto would go on to collaborate many times for the next 20 years. Not the least of which is the incredibly well written song they did together, “Forbidden Colours.” The members of Japan, including Sylvian, also contributed greatly to Akiko Yano’s 1982 album “Ai Ga Nakucha Ne.” All of this is to say that it is not as if they are unfamiliar with actual Japanese people.

Japan is actually one of the most accomplished and impressive group of people who made music in the late 70s and early 80s. They almost single handedly, by themselves and supposedly to their own dismay, created and defined what became the New Romantic sound. Not to forget David Bowie, of course, but almost all people of this style, plus a few more, who came after Japan had been influenced by them to some extent. Duran Duran wears the influence on their sleeve, while Radiohead only hints at it.

Though Japan formed in the mid 70s, and leaned more towards the glam rock sound and style in those days, it was not until Japan’s third album, 1979’s ‘Quite Life,’ that the band really diverged into new territory. Both ‘Quite Life’ and 1980’s ‘Gentlemen Take Polaroids’ are good but pretty dark albums. At the same time, they are, when Japan is associated with New Romantic music, what people are talking about.

Japan’s 5th album is a further progression into rhythms and sounds actually influenced by the east. ‘Tin Drum’ (1981) is considered by many to be one of the most accomplished and creative albums of the 80s. Some say that nothing like it has been done before or since. What we get here is incredible fretless bass playing from Mick Karn, David Sylvian’s brooding vocals, and unique use of analogue synth. The synth itself adds to the rhythm, often seemingly mimicking percussion. Along with this is the drumming of Sylvian’s brother Steve Jansen making ‘Tin Drum’ a very rhythm driven record. Bass has been brought to the forefront on ‘Tin Drum.’ It would be a joy, even if there was no other instrumentation, just to hear Karn play.

Most say that ‘Ghost,’ the sole hit from ‘Tin Drum,’ is an unlikely hit single. It is quite minimal in composition compared to the other tracks. To me it makes since given the catchy nature of chorus and the perfectly placed synth tones. In contrast, ‘Still Life in Mobile Homes,” is more danceable. It is almost frantic in its movement. This seems strange for a song called “Still Life,” but the lyrics seem to reveal a sort of desperation for one to move to a different and better place. Then there is “Canton,” with its repetitive overly common Chinese sounding melody, you might think it would be boring if it was not for Karn’s distinctive bass tack. Before you know it, you’ve listened to the entire track, but you just want more of that bass.

‘Tin Drum’ would be Japan’s last album. After a successful tour the band disbanded somewhere abouts 1982. It would seem sad, but maybe sometimes it is better to go out with one’s best work. And when I say "best work," I mean that you need to hear this record.

"The Art of Parties" is the first track on 'Tin Drum.' Check it out.