Unbelievable how good they were there. Karn and his fretless bass, his look, the somehow forlorn voice of David, this strange beauty of Steve, this rainy-day-mood in the sound, the whole attitude, cool on the brink of arrogance, but then again so vulnerable, they look like a good lesson on modern art translated into music with a pinch of British best.
People have no idea how HARD Duran Duran and other late-70's / Early 80's new wave acts rode this band. Mick Karn is in my top 10 bass players. No one was playing basslines like his back then. he was a total original. RIP MICK!
@@mousiedung Roxy Music Worship? Absolutely NOT. Even Nick Rhodes would tell you that David Sylvian was the bleeding-edge. Japan was on another level musically and held significant influence in how music would develop in the 80s. Believe me, I like Roxy Music.. But next to japan, they looked and sounded more like a 'gimmick'.
@@percyvolnar8010 have you listened to the first 2 Roxy Music albums? They were definitely on the bleeding edge and they came out way back in 72, 73. I love Japan but cmon Sylvain even sounds like Ferry
@@mousiedung Have i listened to them? Lol. I would not be saying what Im saying if i didnt have all of their releases, kiddo. If they were bleeding-edge, its all thanks to ENO. And after ENO left, he took the bands creative juices with him. After 1973, Roxy was dead AF. Even with Eno, Roxy was NO WHERE near the bleeding edge in as many facets as Japan was. And what the bloody hell.... Sylvian sounds NOTHING like Ferry. Sylvian's voice made more vagina's moist than Ferry. And continues to do so even today.
Oh it's so funny isn't.it....a friend introduced me to this band when I was about 15. The story behind their name was hilaruous. They were just super talented, very cool and in some ways reminiscent of Roxy Music (but in no way copy cats). Loved them then and still do.
This is a rare example of a band where the bassist actually gets the credit they deserve when compared to the rest of the band members. I guess just because hes that good.
Cannot begin to tell you how many times I played the album Gentlemen Take Polaroids as a 14 year old. Completely obsessed with Japan. They’re still really interesting.
Baffles the mind why these weren't as popular as they should have been. Very complex, moody, chic, melodic and effortless. The reasons why the 80,s weren't ready for them yet.
@@mousiedungJapan had their own sound, Roxy was an influence of course but it's not a carbon copy. Duran Duran was influenced by both, but had their own sound. I enjoyed both so much. Still do. But Japan will always hold my heart.
Japan and Sylvian really need to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! Their influce on groups and artists is way too huge! Duran Duran, Depeche Mode, and although Gary Numan was around at the same time, I do hear Japan in Gary's later works, and the New Romantic movement might not have been if it wasn't for Japan.
These guys were years ahead of most band perhaps too many as the majority didn't quite seem to ;get it'. This is a smooth almost jazzy, prog/ambient type tune with a melancholy vibe, very unusual but cool.. RIP Mick bass master!
The great Mick karns fretless bass was so ahead of its time great harmonys in his playing his attack on fretless is good .big fat tone he has.and not to bad on alto saxophone.and oboe as well.
My favorite Band of all time kids!! heard them in 1980' and hold their individual talents dearest to my heart. Sylvian's voice has matured so much over a 45 yr career; along side the separate and extraordinary talents of Barbieri and Jansen and Mick Karn (RIP) to him. . Love everything they have achieved till present day!!! Legendary!!....
Just SUPERB. My room...Autumn 1980...rain on the windows...bare branches casting shadows on my NME’d paper cutting and Habitat wallpaper walls. Missoni by Missoni perfume. Music is powerful.
Certainly the most creative and innovative. I've yet to hear someone play the bass like Mick Karn, he could make that bass talk. Steve Jansen had a very unique approach to drumming, as confirmed by brilliant drummer Gavin Harrison. Keyboardist Richard Barbieri's rare sounds are lush (now plays with Porcupine Tree). David Sylvian's singing style and voice are gold. Their solo projects and collaborations are great also.
I quite like the fact they managed to be so influential and sell rather successfully back in the day, but are still so underground, makes their music so special!
Sylvian told Simon Napier Bell that he wanted the band to have a level of success but still remain a bit underground, too.Businessman Napier -Bell knew no other way than going all out full steam ahead and was totally perplexed...
David’s incredible beauty AND incredible talent made him more than a lot of people could cope with, I think. He’s too good for beige minds, as is the music of Japan as a whole. They should have been way bigger. As it is they are massively influential and rightly legendary.
Same. It really doesn't. I can't even listen to other bands anymore, I only listen to Japan and their solo works, like Dalis Car, Jansen Barbieri, and David Sylvian.
The way David Sylvian sings is so beautiful...like I mean both his voice and physically how he sings like his mannerisms and stuff etc, he legit looks and sounds so beautiful here♡
Montreal, Canada. 1980. I am 19 years old. I had vaguely heard of new music called "New Wave". Punk music? Other than "The Clash" and "The Police" which wasn't punk at all, that kind of music was garage music for me. Plate. Then one day, I go to the record dealer, then this music is played on the speakers! Total shock! I rush to buy "Gentlemen take polaroids" and since that day I have remained a staunch fan of JAPAN. Now this band had an androgynous look on the cover art and singer David Sylvian's voice reminded me a bit of Bryan Ferry from ROXY MUSIC. I found music that was cold and complex, but talented musicians. I've listened to this album hundreds of times. Then I went back to the record store to buy another album "QUIET LIFE!" Total happiness! But the last "TIN DRUM" I realized pretty quickly that this band was already somewhere else… Their separation was inevitable. Then September 1984 came: "Brilliant Trees" reconciled me with David Sylvian!
I work in reverse, apparently. I was a Duran Duran fan. Then, I discovered Steve Jansen and Japan, who were the blueprint for Duran Duran. After I had exhausted the Japan library, I started on Roxy Music, the band that influenced both.
I was lucky enough to meet both Steve and Richard at a snooker club in Hammersmith London just before I saw them perform at David’s concert at the Odeon this is truly the best song from an amazing album
@@biancachristie Why not? Have you seen the clip of Mick Karn on kids TV show Tiswas? Not good quality - but well worth looking for - such a good sport.
This is so effin cool... as a life long DD fan it's taken me too long to notice this band... covid 19 has finally given me the time to enjoy them.. relax and swing indeed!
Daniel Griffith .which is what I said ! But to say Duran Duran have no talent is harsh .they have done some good music especially some of there lesser known album tracks and b sides .
@Liqueurice Allsorts yes they were, shame they broke up as they where being noticed world wide . I’ve seen a comment saying they were massive in Japan but not in the uk just like depeche mode ! What nonsense I’m 54 and was there , they as were depeche mode massive in the uk in the early eighties.
Unieke band was dat! De muziek van Japan heeft mij altijd geboeid en dat zal altijd zo blijven! Maar het lijkt, gezien de over het algemeen Engelstalige reacties, er sterk op dat ik de enig Nederlandse liefhebber van deze band ben...? Ik zou dat erg teleurstellend vinden.
Certainly the most creative and innovative band to stem from the 80s. I've yet to hear someone play the bass like Mick Karn, he could make that bass talk. Steve Jansen had a very unique approach to drumming, as confirmed by brilliant drummer Gavin Harrison. Keyboardist Richard Barbieri's rare sounds are lush (now with Porcupine Tree). David Sylvian's singing style and voice are gold. Their solo projects and collaborations are great also.
@@v-town1980 Sure and even the smiths will tell you that Japan was outstanding. Even Peter Murphy and members from the band 'The Church' will all testify to the greatness of Japan.
My most fav band in the era of 80's electronic music. Even they were not well received in the west, they were so popular in Japan owing to their genuine/innovative music sound and cutting edge character and dressing style esp david.
Cant begin to say how we worshipped this amazing band ' not many artists music from this rime travels well save early John Foxx Ultravox and Magazine ' I think i love it even more now x
Wow !! Compare the visuals in this to the video of ' blue monday ' by Orchestra Obsolute..... btw, love both vids, and all three bands !!! Mick Karn forever !!
This track is taken from Gentlemen Take Polaroids....my personal favourite album from the band which i never get tired of listening to. Mick Karn was a multi instrumentalist although he's best known for his bass playing and rightly so as his playing underpinned the bands unique sound.
REAL masters of the genre!!! Amongst the few others in the synth-pop Euro-New Wave etc etc.....there stands out one band consisting of several musicians, at the time, with a bazz player that was in another dimension!!!! And for a punk band in the 70's this was night and day!! Not only did they have a Beatles like following worldwide!!!! And of course they were literally "BIG IN JAPAN!!!" But they also evolved over the next 3 decades, when the Mick Karn passed of cancer... , And beyond to this day as remaining members carried on and entered even more dimensions of music.
I heard about Japan in time to buy Tin Drum when it came out, but in my part of the US, I never really heard any of their earlier work. I have listened to Tin Drum for the past 40+ years, always loving it, but it was this year -- finally! -- that I dug deeper into their work as a group and in solo combinations. I lost my husband suddenly last year. He was a drummer and we shared a love of music, but for whatever reason I didn't think to share Japan with him, and missed the fact that Rich Barbieri was in Porcupine Tree, a group my husband got into in his last year, but I didn't get around to listening to. I feel like this song would have been a favourite of both of ours, right there with Rosemary Clooney's Sway, which was in our wedding playlist. ;) I love listening to all of Japan's work -- and the individual work, especially Mick's -- but I'm sad not to be able to share it with my husband, who would have also enjoyed much of it all.
Sorry about about your husband, I didn't think Japan were known in the US (my ignorance), probably because I've never seen any comments, it's great to hear views on them from the US.
@@fsr5046 Thank you. They were slightly known, but not significantly. I only heard Visions of China because two members of Duran Duran were guest VJs on MTV and played it. I liked the song and bought Tin Drum, but don't remember ever seeing them on MTV again and didn't hear them on college radio, which was usually the best place to hear alternative music. There are a few of us around, though.
Watching this gives me a chill in a good way. Amazing & talented band. Miss their unique sound and amazing looks. David is just so gorgeous - just so in Swing- love them & miss them. R.I.P- mick Karn
Best group of the 80s ,.,without a doubt ,.,,I was massively into the got all the albums ,.,.the musicianship was incredible .,.,mick karn without doubt the best bass player of the ere ,,,Fret less most of the time ,.,,,,,,god I’m so lucky to have been young then.,.
Nifty clip by a great band: a great album that proved to be a prelude to another classic album (Tin Drum). "Gentlemen Take Polaroids"provided plenty more funk and atmosphere than critics may have predicted. "Taking Islands in Africa" was another masterpiece from this same album. Vale Mick Karn, and endless admiration from us mere mortals!
A group that was just too good, talented, and too 'cool' for the mainstream back in the day. Which is just why we all loved them and bought their albums. Welcome to our exclusive club. Those in the know, just know. I'll get my coat👍
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Unbelievable how good they were there. Karn and his fretless bass, his look, the somehow forlorn voice of David, this strange beauty of Steve, this rainy-day-mood in the sound, the whole attitude, cool on the brink of arrogance, but then again so vulnerable, they look like a good lesson on modern art translated into music with a pinch of British best.
Good description
I bet they were useless at Footballl??
Effortless cool.
@@richardjeffreys2437 HAHAHAHAHAH! BRILLIANT!
This comment wins the Internet.
@@PLively You waited 11 months and 7 days to tell Me... Still waiting for my internet wot i won...:-)))
People have no idea how HARD Duran Duran and other late-70's / Early 80's new wave acts rode this band. Mick Karn is in my top 10 bass players. No one was playing basslines like his back then. he was a total original. RIP MICK!
I'd say both Duran Duran and Japan (along with countless other 80s bands) were Roxy Music worship
@@mousiedung Roxy Music Worship? Absolutely NOT. Even Nick Rhodes would tell you that David Sylvian was the bleeding-edge. Japan was on another level musically and held significant influence in how music would develop in the 80s. Believe me, I like Roxy Music.. But next to japan, they looked and sounded more like a 'gimmick'.
@@percyvolnar8010 Its all David Blowme worship. Period.
@@percyvolnar8010 have you listened to the first 2 Roxy Music albums? They were definitely on the bleeding edge and they came out way back in 72, 73. I love Japan but cmon Sylvain even sounds like Ferry
@@mousiedung Have i listened to them? Lol. I would not be saying what Im saying if i didnt have all of their releases, kiddo. If they were bleeding-edge, its all thanks to ENO. And after ENO left, he took the bands creative juices with him. After 1973, Roxy was dead AF. Even with Eno, Roxy was NO WHERE near the bleeding edge in as many facets as Japan was. And what the bloody hell.... Sylvian sounds NOTHING like Ferry. Sylvian's voice made more vagina's moist than Ferry. And continues to do so even today.
The world just wasn't ready for this
Japan was massive, back in the very early 1980s.
They were loved.
@@robjones2408 In Japan, yes. In GB? Not so much. Great Britain usually can't appreciate their musicians.. Same thing with Depeche Mode...
@@dancing_on_the_valentine_83 Yass, Depeche Mode. These are both such splendid bands
Completely. It fits no genre.
Oh it's so funny isn't.it....a friend introduced me to this band when I was about 15. The story behind their name was hilaruous. They were just super talented, very cool and in some ways reminiscent of Roxy Music (but in no way copy cats). Loved them then and still do.
The amount of talent in this band is incredible.
Such briliant work from these guys. R.I.P.Mick Karn.
You misspelled “inedible”.
Agreed with D Batt the weakest link who chose to mugg the others over £'s too👎🏻
They imploded because of it. In a parallel universe, they stayed together and bossed the 80s. I want to visit that one.
@@Ingens_Scherz okay I will learn every possible reality switching method and then teach you.
The very definition of cool!
why they are all so fucking unique i’m so obsessed with every little especific tiny detail in every song...
sameee it is probably my favorite song ever, it's so calming, some Japan songs are so soothing for no reason
This is a rare example of a band where the bassist actually gets the credit they deserve when compared to the rest of the band members. I guess just because hes that good.
This band were out there on their own..no one could touch them not even close..timeless.
Well, there was this little band called Roxy Music they (especially Sylvian) were influenced by...
@@blackpeter70 Japan were better than Roxy at this point, in my humble opinion.
@@blackpeter70 The English musical Garden! Amazing.
Let’s not forget early Simple Minds too
Cannot begin to tell you how many times I played the album Gentlemen Take Polaroids as a 14 year old.
Completely obsessed with Japan. They’re still really interesting.
Same, as a 23 year old, or abouts.
Me too, couldn't stop listening. 16 yrs old. And same with Tin drum
Still the album that’s been most influential in my life
Shows how timeless, they are, as I am 14 now and listening to this track from 40+ years ago :)
Baffles the mind why these weren't as popular as they should have been. Very complex, moody, chic, melodic and effortless. The reasons why the 80,s weren't ready for them yet.
fr i'm so obsessed with them I wish more ppl knew about them cuz like I am STARVED of Japan/David Sylvian content lol
Tbh Roxy Music had already hit it big with this sound, 10 years before
@@mousiedungJapan had their own sound, Roxy was an influence of course but it's not a carbon copy. Duran Duran was influenced by both, but had their own sound. I enjoyed both so much. Still do.
But Japan will always hold my heart.
@@Kinesiology411 I enjoy all three bands despite Roxy being the obvious progenitor
That spot-on description is why they weren't gigantic. Most greatness is too much for the groveling, 2-dimensional masses to handle.
Japan and Sylvian really need to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! Their influce on groups and artists is way too huge! Duran Duran, Depeche Mode, and although Gary Numan was around at the same time, I do hear Japan in Gary's later works, and the New Romantic movement might not have been if it wasn't for Japan.
Is not going to happen Iffy Japan is inimitable for the crowd wich can not identify with Japan.
@@HesselGerard I'm glad to be not part of that crowd!
@@HesselGerard I agree. Japan is not for the "public" pedestrian listener.
@@Iffy Me, too.👍💯
Mick Karn actually featured on Gary Numan's Album "Dance"
As a very young teen I thought Sylvian and Karn were the two most Beautiful Blokes I’d ever seen
35 years later
I was right
you were definitely right, steve and richard would also say. damn they were so cute!!!
These guys were years ahead of most band perhaps too many as the majority didn't quite seem to ;get it'.
This is a smooth almost jazzy, prog/ambient type tune with a melancholy vibe, very unusual but cool.. RIP Mick bass master!
Yes we'll said...depth on many levels of music.
Excellent description. It sounds like a new genre. Mostly musicians appreciate this band.
Man, you sit up straight when these guys begin - the greatness of their abilities demands it.
Exactly.
The great Mick karns fretless bass was so ahead of its time great harmonys in his playing his attack on fretless is good .big fat tone he has.and not to bad on alto saxophone.and oboe as well.
No body could ever touch Japan. They were golden.
My favorite Band of all time kids!! heard them in 1980' and hold their individual talents dearest to my heart. Sylvian's voice has matured so much over a 45 yr career; along side the separate and extraordinary talents of Barbieri and Jansen and Mick Karn (RIP) to him. . Love everything they have achieved till present day!!! Legendary!!....
Just SUPERB. My room...Autumn 1980...rain on the windows...bare branches casting shadows on my NME’d paper cutting and Habitat wallpaper walls. Missoni by Missoni perfume. Music is powerful.
ミックカーンのベースとサックスが一番響く曲で、カッコいい。❤️
The best British band of the 1980 s - no contest
Certainly the most creative and innovative. I've yet to hear someone play the bass like Mick Karn, he could make that bass talk. Steve Jansen had a very unique approach to drumming, as confirmed by brilliant drummer Gavin Harrison. Keyboardist Richard Barbieri's rare sounds are lush (now plays with Porcupine Tree). David Sylvian's singing style and voice are gold. Their solo projects and collaborations are great also.
there is a contest: XTC.
Ever hear of The Smiths?
Of all time! Seriously. The Beatles or Zeppelin couldn't even hold a candle to these guys.
Criminally underrated!! My favourite 80s band!
I'll say! Even better than The Beatles and Duran Duran, in my opinion.
@@mexicanson NO
@@tupojohn1509 You just don't know it, yet.
Undertated? Japan? That's not true
I quite like the fact they managed to be so influential and sell rather successfully back in the day, but are still so underground, makes their music so special!
That is hard to do look what happened to Adam and the ants
Sylvian told Simon Napier Bell that he wanted the band to have a level of success but still remain a bit underground, too.Businessman Napier -Bell knew no other way than going all out full steam ahead and was totally perplexed...
David’s incredible beauty AND incredible talent made him more than a lot of people could cope with, I think. He’s too good for beige minds, as is the music of Japan as a whole. They should have been way bigger. As it is they are massively influential and rightly legendary.
So anyone who doesn't like Japan has a beige mind
@@purepigeon8574 I do not see brain color
Beige mind?
@@v-town1980 I think "beige" has come to be used as a description of what's more commonplace, popular, or even boring.
Listen to ghost lyrics david didn't want fame,when they were briefly popular he realised its not what he wanted
Relax and swing
ミックのベース、凄く好き。
That bass 🙈💥
I am 56 years old and I was passionate about the JAPAN sound during my impressionable teenage years, and the wonderful "Flowers of Evil" blossomed.🌹
I've heard this song so many times and it never gets old.
Same. It really doesn't. I can't even listen to other bands anymore, I only listen to Japan and their solo works, like Dalis Car, Jansen Barbieri, and David Sylvian.
This absoltly de same for me.
何これ！泣ける位カッコ良い！
They had such a unique classy sound. I had the biggest crush on Dave. Every single one of them were awesome musicians.
The sound was way ahead of its time unbelievable 😎
And that sentiment is amplified by 20 times if you were actually alive when this album released and can remember what was happening at the time.
The genius that is Mick Karn on bass. Many of his basslines just should not work - but wow do they ever! Totally unique.
Steve Jansen doesn't get enough recognition, his drumming is top notch.
So agreed!
Steve Jansen's playing is too polyrhythmic for most. World is still not ready for his style of music.
Holy shizit that bass line! These ladies rock!
😂
The way David Sylvian sings is so beautiful...like I mean both his voice and physically how he sings like his mannerisms and stuff etc, he legit looks and sounds so beautiful here♡
2:55-3:08 literal goosebumps my fav part
His shockingly deep voice and that androgynous British style, it was irresistible.
Montreal, Canada. 1980. I am 19 years old. I had vaguely heard of new music called "New Wave". Punk music? Other than "The Clash" and "The Police" which wasn't punk at all, that kind of music was garage music for me. Plate. Then one day, I go to the record dealer, then this music is played on the speakers! Total shock! I rush to buy "Gentlemen take polaroids" and since that day I have remained a staunch fan of JAPAN. Now this band had an androgynous look on the cover art and singer David Sylvian's voice reminded me a bit of Bryan Ferry from ROXY MUSIC. I found music that was cold and complex, but talented musicians. I've listened to this album hundreds of times. Then I went back to the record store to buy another album "QUIET LIFE!" Total happiness! But the last "TIN DRUM" I realized pretty quickly that this band was already somewhere else… Their separation was inevitable. Then September 1984 came: "Brilliant Trees" reconciled me with David Sylvian!
Secret of the behive!
I work in reverse, apparently. I was a Duran Duran fan. Then, I discovered Steve Jansen and Japan, who were the blueprint for Duran Duran. After I had exhausted the Japan library, I started on Roxy Music, the band that influenced both.
Japanはもっと評価されるべき!!
活動期間が短すぎなのがアレやけど
One of their very best - laidback, cool, sexy, polished perfection. And not bad to look at either!
Their new career ;)
What a bass player! And a brilliant stage presence. Such a shame he went so young, but his music lives on.
soundtrack to my youth, spent many a night listening to Japan. Forever in my thoughts, RIP Mick x.
His singing is so amazing on this. He certainly has swing
I was lucky enough to meet both Steve and Richard at a snooker club in Hammersmith London just before I saw them perform at David’s concert at the Odeon this is truly the best song from an amazing album
WHAT???!! I never think of these guys as, like, having a pint and playing snooker. But I guess that’s what English musicians do . . .
@@biancachristie Why not? Have you seen the clip of Mick Karn on kids TV show Tiswas? Not good quality - but well worth looking for - such a good sport.
Realy ? OMG
My illusion is shattered!! 🤣😀
Ah I was at that show of David's, it was incredible - I was mesmerized
This is so effin cool... as a life long DD fan it's taken me too long to notice this band... covid 19 has finally given me the time to enjoy them.. relax and swing indeed!
I take it dd is Duran Duran, I'm a fan of them to ,but this is in a different league. Duran Duran were heavily influenced by Japan .
@@alanedwards3180 DD stole from Japan... the look, the concept...just not the talent.
Daniel Griffith .which is what I said ! But to say Duran Duran have no talent is harsh .they have done some good music especially some of there lesser known album tracks and b sides .
Nathan Isler ,yep one of my favourites , good choice
@Liqueurice Allsorts yes they were, shame they broke up as they where being noticed world wide . I’ve seen a comment saying they were massive in Japan but not in the uk just like depeche mode ! What nonsense I’m 54 and was there , they as were depeche mode massive in the uk in the early eighties.
This music is so creative and different. From 1980!!
Mick Kaaaaaaaaarrnnnn---------
💖💖💖💖💖💖
Love it 😁❤
Wonderful. My generation had the best music. Mick Karn's bass playing was a thing of wonder.
Sounds like music from another planet!
It really does, and at the same it sounds like it is strangely familiar. I love that!
Still listening to this in 2021... because it’s class...
Unieke band was dat! De muziek van Japan heeft mij altijd geboeid en dat zal altijd zo blijven! Maar het lijkt, gezien de over het algemeen Engelstalige reacties, er sterk op dat ik de enig Nederlandse liefhebber van deze band ben...? Ik zou dat erg teleurstellend vinden.
The bass ❤️
The music is as good today as it was when I discovered them in the mid eighties.
Certainly the most creative and innovative band to stem from the 80s. I've yet to hear someone play the bass like Mick Karn, he could make that bass talk. Steve Jansen had a very unique approach to drumming, as confirmed by brilliant drummer Gavin Harrison. Keyboardist Richard Barbieri's rare sounds are lush (now with Porcupine Tree). David Sylvian's singing style and voice are gold. Their solo projects and collaborations are great also.
Creative and innovative? Ever heard of The Smiths?
@@v-town1980 Sure and even the smiths will tell you that Japan was outstanding. Even Peter Murphy and members from the band 'The Church' will all testify to the greatness of Japan.
My most fav band in the era of 80's electronic music. Even they were not well received in the west, they were so popular in Japan owing to their genuine/innovative music sound and cutting edge character and dressing style esp david.
Cant begin to say how we worshipped this amazing band ' not many artists music from this rime travels well save early John Foxx Ultravox and Magazine ' I think i love it even more now x
Art Rock, beautiful song.
Wow !! Compare the visuals in this to the video of ' blue monday ' by Orchestra Obsolute..... btw, love both vids, and all three bands !!! Mick Karn forever !!
David's hair was 40 years ahead of its time....
Pretty sure that the current hairstyles are 40 years old! 😀
This track is taken from Gentlemen Take Polaroids....my personal favourite album from the band which i never get tired of listening to.
Mick Karn was a multi instrumentalist although he's best known for his bass playing and rightly so as his playing underpinned the bands unique sound.
My favorite band 🙂
Mine, too. Japan is simply the best.
REAL masters of the genre!!! Amongst the few others in the synth-pop Euro-New Wave etc etc.....there stands out one band consisting of several musicians, at the time, with a bazz player that was in another dimension!!!! And for a punk band in the 70's this was night and day!! Not only did they have a Beatles like following worldwide!!!! And of course they were literally "BIG IN JAPAN!!!"
But they also evolved over the next 3 decades, when the Mick Karn passed of cancer... ,
And beyond to this day as remaining members carried on and entered even more dimensions of music.
My favourite band from the 1980s, brilliant and Mick Karn was way ahead of his time, he's what made me pick up the bass!
It's extraordinary that Mick Karn was able to play bass and saxophone at the same time.
This music Is only for the chosen few who know what they are really listening to.
I agree. Only the chosen few who have actual taste in music.
Precisely.
I believe back I the day the actually used the slogan “music for adults” which as 13 years old made me feel quite advanced :-)
Do you know .. I had never known this promo video was in existence .. Just about to hit their peak. Still sounding brilliant today
Mick Karn playing fretless bass and saxophone? Awesome 👌 ❤
OMG - This video and tune is amazing ! Loved it then, love it as much now. Timeless, classy and just so inventive. Japan were something !
I just discovered them and oh Lord!
I heard about Japan in time to buy Tin Drum when it came out, but in my part of the US, I never really heard any of their earlier work. I have listened to Tin Drum for the past 40+ years, always loving it, but it was this year -- finally! -- that I dug deeper into their work as a group and in solo combinations. I lost my husband suddenly last year. He was a drummer and we shared a love of music, but for whatever reason I didn't think to share Japan with him, and missed the fact that Rich Barbieri was in Porcupine Tree, a group my husband got into in his last year, but I didn't get around to listening to. I feel like this song would have been a favourite of both of ours, right there with Rosemary Clooney's Sway, which was in our wedding playlist. ;) I love listening to all of Japan's work -- and the individual work, especially Mick's -- but I'm sad not to be able to share it with my husband, who would have also enjoyed much of it all.
Sorry about about your husband, I didn't think Japan were known in the US (my ignorance), probably because I've never seen any comments, it's great to hear views on them from the US.
@@fsr5046 Thank you. They were slightly known, but not significantly. I only heard Visions of China because two members of Duran Duran were guest VJs on MTV and played it. I liked the song and bought Tin Drum, but don't remember ever seeing them on MTV again and didn't hear them on college radio, which was usually the best place to hear alternative music. There are a few of us around, though.
Perfect art rock. These guys were so genius, it amazes me.
Watching this gives me a chill in a good way. Amazing & talented band. Miss their unique sound and amazing looks. David is just so gorgeous - just so in Swing- love them & miss them. R.I.P- mick Karn
THE BEST BAND EVER>This song literally sends me in the ether.
Yes, I agree. Just this song alone, beats more than half of The Beatles discography, if not all of it. So cool, sleek, and sophisticated. 😎🕶️
Classic. Always will be.
これぞJAPANという感じ。
Talent! Sophistication! Substance!
All things missing in 2021 pop music.
Excelente, excelente este tema, magníficos músicos
This is a GORGEOUS song and very GROOVY.
As a 14 year old, Japan were so cool then and still remain my favourite band, lucky enough to see them in 82, this brings back so many happy memories
I wish I'd of seen them 54 now but I guess I'll never see them now
Me also Hammersmith 82 and DS solo Bristol early 2000's
They were brilliant. I know they didn't like to be called new romantic, but they were that and a great influence to that movement
They were 40 years ahead of their time
Mick is wonderful! 🌠🌠🌠
Jansen so underrated
Just the most beautiful band ever,, x
Just about as close to perfect as it gets...classic
The coolest voice ever
he's gorgeous
Best group of the 80s ,.,without a doubt ,.,,I was massively into the got all the albums ,.,.the musicianship was incredible .,.,mick karn without doubt the best bass player of the ere ,,,Fret less most of the time ,.,,,,,,god I’m so lucky to have been young then.,.
Best from a very cool band, also taking islands song their best two tunes.
Posiblemente de las bandas mas infravaloradas de la historia
merci, vous n'imaginez même pas combien ça a manqué en France à lors !! c'est dingue aujourd'hui
There's nobody like David Sylvian and Japan. No one.
Seriously. There really isn't. Believe me, I've tried looking in the music world, and Japan is the best you can get.🤌👌💯
These tracks are so timeless. Just perfect.
Highly complex and sophisticated new wave. Not for everyone's ear
Jazzy NW
Apparently, good enough for mine. I love this song! It really "swings" out of control...Hehe.
I absolutely love it ❤
Relax and swing
Nope no one diving deeply into this precise art funk
Unique and brilliant on every level.
Nifty clip by a great band: a great album that proved to be a prelude to another classic album (Tin Drum). "Gentlemen Take Polaroids"provided plenty more funk and atmosphere than critics may have predicted. "Taking Islands in Africa" was another masterpiece from this same album. Vale Mick Karn, and endless admiration from us mere mortals!
This is my favourite Japan album and track wasn't so keen on tin drum but loved the RTC album
they have the best grooves...
Great period in time for music, 70's, punk, new romantics.. great times
The sickest, tightest, strangest, trailblazingist band of all time. My aunt turned me on to them here in America in 1981 when I was thirteen.
So many memories listened to this in my childhood
A group that was just too good, talented, and too 'cool' for the mainstream back in the day. Which is just why we all loved them and bought their albums. Welcome to our exclusive club. Those in the know, just know. I'll get my coat👍
Love it since the day it was released never gets old legends ❤
I love it. Sounds retrofuturistic, elegant and subdued.