Japan were the real deal. They had everything - the songs, the sounds, the arrangements, the musicianship, and style that launched dozens of imitators. Sadly, the imitators had more success than Japan, but that’s probably because these songs made a few more listening demands than Duran or Spandau. There is jazz here, there is prog, there is funk and ambient electronica, there is dance, there is Roxy, Bowie, Eno, and Fripp, all in a beautifully wrapped aural presentation box that still sounds gorgeous and fresh some forty years on. Truly unique. Everything from Quiet Life to Tin Drum is worth your time - the earlier glam recordings are almost from a different band (almost, but not entirely unconnected). But don’t miss out on what the band members did after Japan folded. There are numerous collaborations. There is the Japan-that-was-not in Rain Tree Crow. There’s David Sylvian’s solo career, which scales some extraordinary musical heights. There’s Mick Karn’s rubbery fretless bass playing - solo and with others, including with Bauhaus’ Pete Murphy for the short-lived Dali’s Car. There are the Jansen/Barbieri albums. If you’re just discovering Japan or you’ve not followed the later music made by its members, you have a beautiful and stimulating journey ahead, should you choose to explore. I hope it’s clear that I love this band as much today as I did when I discovered them in 1980. They’re worth your time and attention. The coolest and most musically gifted band no one ever talks about.
Right on brother. Great piece about the coolest band of the time. I like the Mick Karn's "rubbery bass' description. Perfect. Split up too soon but I think they'd been together for about ten years by then. Anyway, top piece mate.
We were spoilt for choice in the 80's but Japan were really good. My Managers wife, who happened to be japanese, gave me and my friend some tickets to see them at Hammersmith Odeon. I think they had just released Ghosts! Great night and amazing crowd!
You like things in wee boxes 📦 categorise assimilate tedious bourgeois shit Smug supercilious bile David sylvian sounds nothing like bryan ferry its lazy and unimaginative As Mark E said Tedious Repetitive repition
In 1980 I walked into T.O.T.S. nightclub in Southend and this song was playing. I remember thinking "Who are these guys"?. I bought every record they made after that and still regularly play them today at 60 years of age. Brilliant musicians and song writers and way ahead of their time. The sadly late Mick Kahn's fretless base playing became their signature sound. Fantastic.
Its funny because the same scenario happened to me in 2021 haha. The music felt familiar but I had no idea who they were. Asked the barman if it was early Duran Duran. He laughed, insultingly I might add, but then told me who they were. Pretty much all I listend to for the next 6 months. And I'm an 80s baby too, they must have passed me by.
I first walked into the TOTS nightclub in Southend in 1986 and then got a job there a year later (and worked there until the year 2000). 😊 I would have loved to have been there just a few years earlier to hear Japan’s Quiet Life playing. Have been a huge fan of their music.
David Silvian is a genius, and Japan's music is still mysterious and exciting today. I don't know why the band fell apart at the cusp of global success - their and Duran's sound defined the 80s, its sad they're not better known.
Even though I caught this comment a year late if you still want to know why they fell apart its bc David Sylvian stole the Bassist's (Mick Karn) gf and they got into a falling out
No I can’t either but then as the great Sir Terry Pratchett once said “inside every old person is a young person wondering what the hell happened” I am that (nearly) old person 😂✌🏻✌🏻✌🏻🇬🇧
The start of this song could pass for any Trance Techno songs that were put together even recently it is so ahead of its time what a brilliant piece of music
For me this song heralded the beginning of the 80’s and my love for the music of that decade. I was 13 and just started boarding school. Music was everything to me and many songs of the 80’s were a soundtrack to my younger years. Wouldn’t have missed it for the world.
This song is something so extra special. I have listened to it countless of times and still it makes my endorphins go crazy. Some times everything just match and leaves a gem for later generations.
I just love this song. I decided to check out some of Japan’s music after seeing them recommended. I have listened to this song countless times over the last few days. I may have heard it on the radio as a very little kid but I’m not sure. I’m so glad I found this song and other gems by Japan.
Absolutely timeless, so glad I was in my teens growing up listening to this band. Completely iconic, no one has a voice like David Sylvian, completely beautiful and stylish man and Mick Kahn was pure genius. I never tire of listening to their music.
Never was that fond of New Wave, until I started listening to Japan. Under recognized colossal talent perhaps. The success of Porcupine Tree might be bringing a few more ears to Japan and JBK music.
Had he found a vocal style of his own instead of ripping off Bryan Ferry’s vocal style and his dress sense, he might not have been and I’m saying that as a fan of Japan. I bought both their first two albums when they came out, and still have them ✌🏻✌🏻✌🏻🇬🇧
this may just be my favorite video on youtube. the hazy, dreamlike filter, the sudden changes of camera angles. the band members faces are robotic and emotionless but you can still tell they're enjoying what they're doing. the vocalists' little smile as he slightly dances to the song. love it all!
I am a definite Mick Karn fan, but I love the almost twang Sylvian gets in his voice here when he sings "boys" in this song and the "swing" in the self-titled song. Brilliant! Also, I became a fan of Japan in 83 or so when Duran Duran's Simon and Nick were on MTV as guest DJs and played Visions of China, which hooked me immediately. I can hear in this song the influence on DD from their first album. Considering Nick Rhodes played Japan as a DJ at Rum Runners and was open about their influence, it's no surprise. Yes DD benefited, but they were also open about Japan's influence. Thankfully so, as I wouldn't have been exposed to Japan without them in the US when I was a pre-teen. I'm now in my early 50s and falling down the Japan rabbit hole again. With bonus other projects. Bestial Clusters should be delivered to me now in Italy in the next few days.
João Guimarães I agree Duran Duran were inspired to copy their sound. When I was a teen I had never heard of Japan until recently. After discovering this band I wondered if DD ever gave credit to them?
Uh, no. If there was a godfather of glam, it was Marc Bolan, starting with Electric Warrior in 1971. As for new wave and new romantic, Bowie's Station to Station, Low, and "Heroes" albums from 1976/77. Sylvian even copped his look from Bowie. There is more than a bit of Bryan Ferry in his dress sense and movements too. Not that I'm not a fan, but credit where credit is due.
Just to add a few more Ian..........Simple Minds, OMD, and a few Canadian bands BREEDING GROUND, IMAGES IN VOGUE, STRANGE ADVANCE. I'm sure i missed a lot more. It was the best era of music, in my mind.
I have come across this SO MANY TIMES on You Tube in the comments section, an endless yearning by so many people to return to the past.Not just ANY past. It always seems to be......1981!.
Great song, awesome bass line ... Mick Karn could certainly play !!! He transformed what was a decent group into a great group with his amazing playing ! RIP mate
This was my favourite song for years! I bought the single just after my 23rd birthday and frequently used to play it while I was getting ready to go out. The perfect song to get you into that uber cool 80s mood. There was a DJ named Kev Thorley who always used to play this for me when he saw me walk into the bar where he worked. Sadly, he's not with us anymore, but that timeless song is. Cheers, Kev! 👍
actually lee ur right, if you took into consideration this song was done back in 1979!! but what you didnt take into consideration was i was only in high school, between the ages of 16-19 and lived in a very small mining town! man, i stood out like a sore thumb! i had girlfriends galore and guys who called me a fag on a regular basis. i dont know how these guys could call me a fag when i was fucking their girlfirends. ha ha! probably pissed them off cuz i looked like Mr. GQ (which was one of my nicknames in high school)l! the 80's were some of the best times. so in retrospect, David Sylvian pretty much strutted the same look for his career with japan between 70-91! so even if i was 18 months behind or 5 years behind i had a great time while i looked gud in high school!
Good God I'm transported back to the 1980s when me and my boyfriend both had our hair dyed the same as David Sylvian. We went to all the concerts. I love Mick Khan too. Got their autographs on the back of my mums electric bill. I bought all the Japanese imports etc. I wish I'd have kept my collection worth a lot now. Ahh those were the days.
It’s hard to imagine that this song only reached No.19 when it was first released as an A-side in the U.K. charts in 1981. A record buying public that could put Shakin’ Stevens, Bad Manners and the Birdie Song above this, didn’t deserve to have it. The phrase “casting pearls before swine” has never been more apt.
i had the black /white image of mr Sylvian sat against a window on my 18th birthday cake in blue ... but seeing them live was my honour Never forget these memories..
SO inventive! Back then it was overflowing with bands experimenting with new technology and creating new genres of music. I'm so glad I'm old now - I was there to enjoy the brilliant time that was the 80's.
This is killing me. The quality of the sound, the production: the kicks, this bass, the stunning melody of the synthe... Wow, mamamia !!! This is dancing inside of me when I drive in my real dreamz
Absolutely no comparison to Duran Duran...if anything, Duran tried to emulate them...Japan is genious in their lyrics and musical scores. I attended an art college in Toronto in the early 80s and they were mainstream ...sadly, never played on mainstream commercial radio stations...their loss. I listen to the album Quiet Life extensively to this day.
Lisa Munroe Agreed 100 % Lisa. Duran Duran are to Japan what Mott the Hoople are to David Bowie. This was the music of my teens and I was aware even then that while Duran Duran had huge commercial success, Japan had enduring class.
i think you are wrong in every single point. firstly, duran duran were and still are million times more successful than japan. why you could think otherwise is even stranger. secondly, duran duarn had lots of influences, not only - 'shades of japan' in the same way japan had 'roxy music, david bowie, can, kraftwerk, and new york dolls' forming their sound, with of course griorgio moroder. duran duran had a much more rock influence on their sound - and as a result were a much more diverse band than japan were, and this has to be respected. Thanks, and of course you will rethink and configure your thoughts differently. thanks, i heard you say.
Greg Ingram I think if you bothered reading what I said you would note that I acknowledged Duran Duran had huge commercial success. However commercial success and artistic merit often don't coincide. Duran Duran are generally regarded as prolific but shallow and their music has not aged very well. Whereas I think it would generally accepted that Japan have stood the test of time. Obviously all of this is subject to personal taste and if you think Duran Duran are the best thing since the sliced pan (as you clearly do) then fill your boots mate.
commercial success and artisitic credibility - you believe are not two things you can have. i disagree. i think also duran have aged better than japan - and duran evolved in a variety of styles and sounds. in truth japan had a handful of good tracks, but the rest were, on reflection, shite. yes - duran had the artisitic credibility - now- acknowledge - but not then. NOw they have both success and credibility. I thnk Japan are forgotten. sorry, but your wrong again (hopefully you understand it better now).
What the hell is wrong with these 13 fanatics of Justin Bieber? I have 15 years and I found this so amazing: The presence, the sound. Finally I found something intelligent that brings me to another brilliant bands, and don't talk about act like easy girl, have a gun and don't sound like that dumb trash/trap.
Japan were the real deal. They had everything - the songs, the sounds, the arrangements, the musicianship, and style that launched dozens of imitators.
Sadly, the imitators had more success than Japan, but that’s probably because these songs made a few more listening demands than Duran or Spandau. There is jazz here, there is prog, there is funk and ambient electronica, there is dance, there is Roxy, Bowie, Eno, and Fripp, all in a beautifully wrapped aural presentation box that still sounds gorgeous and fresh some forty years on. Truly unique.
Everything from Quiet Life to Tin Drum is worth your time - the earlier glam recordings are almost from a different band (almost, but not entirely unconnected).
But don’t miss out on what the band members did after Japan folded. There are numerous collaborations. There is the Japan-that-was-not in Rain Tree Crow. There’s David Sylvian’s solo career, which scales some extraordinary musical heights. There’s Mick Karn’s rubbery fretless bass playing - solo and with others, including with Bauhaus’ Pete Murphy for the short-lived Dali’s Car. There are the Jansen/Barbieri albums.
If you’re just discovering Japan or you’ve not followed the later music made by its members, you have a beautiful and stimulating journey ahead, should you choose to explore.
I hope it’s clear that I love this band as much today as I did when I discovered them in 1980. They’re worth your time and attention. The coolest and most musically gifted band no one ever talks about.
Thanks for giving all the info
Right on brother. Great piece about the coolest band of the time. I like the Mick Karn's "rubbery bass' description. Perfect. Split up too soon but I think they'd been together for about ten years by then. Anyway, top piece mate.
Thanks for sharing Peter, and I will most definitely listen to their catalogue
wow thanks
We were spoilt for choice in the 80's but Japan were really good.
My Managers wife, who happened to be japanese, gave me and my friend some tickets to see them at Hammersmith Odeon. I think they had just released Ghosts! Great night and amazing crowd!
David Sylvian❤️❤️❤️
なつかしいわ～！美しいわ～！
カッコいい～😍
Japan's music was the perfect place where the glam tradition of David Bowie and Roxy Music met the post-punk bleakness of the early '80s.
Spot on 👌🏼
Very poignant!
Horseshit 💩🐴
You like things in wee boxes 📦 categorise assimilate tedious bourgeois shit
Smug supercilious bile
David sylvian sounds nothing like bryan ferry its lazy and unimaginative
As Mark E said Tedious
Repetitive repition
It's the bass sound and the phaser (?) effect on the drums that really seals the deal for me
In 1980 I walked into T.O.T.S. nightclub in Southend and this song was playing. I remember thinking "Who are these guys"?. I bought every record they made after that and still regularly play them today at 60 years of age. Brilliant musicians and song writers and way ahead of their time. The sadly late Mick Kahn's fretless base playing became their signature sound. Fantastic.
Its funny because the same scenario happened to me in 2021 haha.
The music felt familiar but I had no idea who they were. Asked the barman if it was early Duran Duran. He laughed, insultingly I might add, but then told me who they were. Pretty much all I listend to for the next 6 months. And I'm an 80s baby too, they must have passed me by.
Same here, have all albums and still love them
I’m 61 and still listen …..excellent stuff, very underrated , lots of nightclub memories 😘
I first walked into the TOTS nightclub in Southend in 1986 and then got a job there a year later (and worked there until the year 2000). 😊 I would have loved to have been there just a few years earlier to hear Japan’s Quiet Life playing. Have been a huge fan of their music.
I used to walk into tots in those days as well ...fantastic ...a bloody bowling alley now .
David Silvian is a genius, and Japan's music is still mysterious and exciting today. I don't know why the band fell apart at the cusp of global success - their and Duran's sound defined the 80s, its sad they're not better known.
Even though I caught this comment a year late if you still want to know why they fell apart its bc David Sylvian stole the Bassist's (Mick Karn) gf and they got into a falling out
@@WeirdoInc787 david sylvian works in asda in Milton Keynes, collecting trolleys.
Mick Karn's fretless bass playing is simply sublime.
A brilliant bassist. One of the best at his craft.
About to reach the FORTIETH anniversary of this studio recording...am I the only person who can't believe four decades have swept by?
No I can’t either but then as the great Sir Terry Pratchett once said “inside every old person is a young person wondering what the hell happened” I am that (nearly) old person 😂✌🏻✌🏻✌🏻🇬🇧
Yup, I feel I've been put on fast forward for 50 odd years.
Seems like yesterday until I look in the mirror.
You are not the one!!!!
And the beautiful green gartside. They don’t make people like this anymore. I miss these heroes.
This was actually released in 1979. Brilliant music. There was only one.
Played some great stuff these guys, mick khan on Bass great player
The start of this song could pass for any Trance Techno songs that were put together even recently it is so ahead of its time what a brilliant piece of music
This is authentic New Wave music
For me this song heralded the beginning of the 80’s and my love for the music of that decade. I was 13 and just started boarding school. Music was everything to me and many songs of the 80’s were a soundtrack to my younger years. Wouldn’t have missed it for the world.
This song is something so extra special. I have listened to it countless of times and still it makes my endorphins go crazy. Some times everything just match and leaves a gem for later generations.
I just love this song. I decided to check out some of Japan’s music after seeing them recommended. I have listened to this song countless times over the last few days. I may have heard it on the radio as a very little kid but I’m not sure. I’m so glad I found this song and other gems by Japan.
A me non so perché fa pensare a Rio dei duran duran
Listening to it now in 2023 one of my top 5 tunes of all time
Absolutely timeless, so glad I was in my teens growing up listening to this band. Completely iconic, no one has a voice like David Sylvian, completely beautiful and stylish man and Mick Kahn was pure genius. I never tire of listening to their music.
Remember going to see them at Hammersmith odeon .. amazing
当時ビバ・ロックという音楽雑誌があって、よくJAPANは取り上げられていました。今でもその当時の雑誌をいくつか所持しています。８ビートギャグというロック・ミュージシャンをネタにした漫画もありました。
What the fuck does that all say?
スティーブの「にーちゃ〜ん」ですね❤
Never was that fond of New Wave, until I started listening to Japan.
Under recognized colossal talent perhaps. The success of Porcupine Tree might be bringing a few more ears to Japan and JBK music.
70sUK rock はやっぱりいいですね？Japan大好き🍀😌🍀
ONE OF THE BEST❤
David Sylvian is the most beautiful man I've ever seen
Beautiful in looks and voice
Taylor Swift stole her looks from Sylvian.
He was actually voted ‘worlds most beautiful man’ at the time
@B Lannister that's a name that I haven't heard in a hot minute
Oooh yes , indeed .
Such a glamorous slick 80s band with beautiful David Sylvian at the helm.
i saw these guys early 80s Wow what a bunch of slick dressers ,olso they sounded fab ,, ive loved them ever since lol xx
saw these guys in sheffield early 80s they looked rather stunning it was a pleasure being there ...xxx
Jane you were very lucky.... very lucky ..
I also saw them at Sheffield.
@@gavinreid5387 i hope it was the same concert ??
@@oughtonoughton2634 Sons of Pioneers tour 1982. They performed 2 nights in Sheffield, so 50% probability.
鈴カステラですね！
勉強のせずに必死に聴いてました、このアルバム。
やっぱりフェリーに似てるすね、当時は感じませんでしたが。
Great song am 57 year brings back my childhod
Very underated band. Made a lot of good albums and singles. Great to see them live at Edinburgh playhouse in the 1980s .
Loved this song in the 80s and I still do....David sylvian was so underrated.
Had he found a vocal style of his own instead of ripping off Bryan Ferry’s vocal style and his dress sense, he might not have been and I’m saying that as a fan of Japan. I bought both their first two albums when they came out, and still have them ✌🏻✌🏻✌🏻🇬🇧
And now we have got to put up with the Back Street Boys and Take That.
A personal favourite of mine. They were good and they could really play. They weren't just posers. Good use of an e-bow too!
this may just be my favorite video on youtube. the hazy, dreamlike filter, the sudden changes of camera angles. the band members faces are robotic and emotionless but you can still tell they're enjoying what they're doing. the vocalists' little smile as he slightly dances to the song. love it all!
Mick Karn on LEAD BASS! Amazing tune, Amazing musicians, still sounds Amazing after all these years ! RIP Mick Karn! dx
What a Banga!!! - from new - wave to new romantic ! - like James Bond nobody did it better!!! ❤❤❤ Nigel Wellski.
Mick's bass just flows through this. R.I.P
David Sylvian's style and vocals are just perfection. I wish they were bigger in the USA.
Brilliant 80s band this is how music was you cannot beat it
JAPAN - quite simply, ahead of their time!
I am a definite Mick Karn fan, but I love the almost twang Sylvian gets in his voice here when he sings "boys" in this song and the "swing" in the self-titled song. Brilliant! Also, I became a fan of Japan in 83 or so when Duran Duran's Simon and Nick were on MTV as guest DJs and played Visions of China, which hooked me immediately. I can hear in this song the influence on DD from their first album. Considering Nick Rhodes played Japan as a DJ at Rum Runners and was open about their influence, it's no surprise. Yes DD benefited, but they were also open about Japan's influence. Thankfully so, as I wouldn't have been exposed to Japan without them in the US when I was a pre-teen. I'm now in my early 50s and falling down the Japan rabbit hole again. With bonus other projects. Bestial Clusters should be delivered to me now in Italy in the next few days.
These guys had so much swag
i'm 15 and stumbled across this band via a meme calling david sylvian a rat and that is the most gen z way of discovering a band- but now i love themm
I’m here from The Phantom Pain.
@@thecourticaljester9152 based
Look at his long artistic fingers hands say alot. Superb band x
Classic.
Seen this band 3 times in the 80s they were brilliant
2024 anyone..very 1st album I bought..Still think it's great❤
David is so adorable
Absolute tune. 55 year old granny from Scotland. My youth. Absolute excellence
granny at 55 ?
@@haxio17 fr ahahaha
I’m 57 and a proud mum to a 14 year old.
And these one of the most talented bands of all time! Great memories too ❤
Hi from anstruther Nicola!
your 55 and 3 months older now. Motherwell here. and Japan copied duran duran.
New Romantics/Futurists 80s music was so imaginative so creative.
that bass!
RIPMick Karn a legend among the bass guitarist community .
Godfathers of glam, new wave, new romantic music. David looks a lot like Nick Rhodes I must say both were very handsome and mesmerizing 😳🖤🤟🏻🎶
Nick Rhodes was SO handsome 😳
Savy Bunich Yes, he was 🥰
The opositte this came first....duran duran is inspired on this guys...listen careless memories, and see..
João Guimarães I agree Duran Duran were inspired to copy their sound. When I was a teen I had never heard of Japan until recently. After discovering this band I wondered if DD ever gave credit to them?
Uh, no. If there was a godfather of glam, it was Marc Bolan, starting with Electric Warrior in 1971. As for new wave and new romantic, Bowie's Station to Station, Low, and "Heroes" albums from 1976/77. Sylvian even copped his look from Bowie. There is more than a bit of Bryan Ferry in his dress sense and movements too. Not that I'm not a fan, but credit where credit is due.
fantastic band ,,,,, fantastic album...
I was 17 and was the only one to know and listen to them at that time in my school and city . (Switzerland) Great band !
Hi
Cool time
Along with Kraftwerk The Model and Visage Fade To Grey,this record reminds me of those times
Roxy Music, The Sound, Echo and the Bunnyman, The Cure , etc etc.
The Smiths, Brian Eno, maybe a little Tangerine Dream
Depeche Mode, Human League, Ultravox too many to mention.
Just to add a few more Ian..........Simple Minds, OMD, and a few Canadian bands BREEDING GROUND, IMAGES IN VOGUE, STRANGE ADVANCE. I'm sure i missed a lot more. It was the best era of music, in my mind.
Absolutely the best time of my life.
end of 2023 still listening xx
Eurolec 80's ,Tea bags & tomatoe flinging, great times.
I have come across this SO MANY TIMES on You Tube in the comments section, an endless yearning by so many people to return to the past.Not just ANY past. It always seems to be......1981!.
underrated 😭
Great song, awesome bass line ... Mick Karn could certainly play !!! He transformed what was a decent group into a great group with his amazing playing ! RIP mate
In Japan, they were so popular at that time. 日本じゃデュラン・デュランより人気あったかも。
So Awesome..🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
This was my favourite song for years! I bought the single just after my 23rd birthday and frequently used to play it while I was getting ready to go out. The perfect song to get you into that uber cool 80s mood. There was a DJ named Kev Thorley who always used to play this for me when he saw me walk into the bar where he worked. Sadly, he's not with us anymore, but that timeless song is. Cheers, Kev! 👍
These guys were brilliant musicians. Not a product of some studio wiz.
Agree
That's correct, you've said it all in a few words
You are so right my friend. Most of the great 80's british bands were great musicians.
Agree
i had the exact hair style back in 83-86 with my hair heavily bleached front and top! my gf thought i kinda looked like David Sylvian!!
AWESOME LOOK!!!!
mate if you had that style in 85 86, you was 18 month's behind lol
Lee Winger about 5 yrs behind ha
actually lee ur right, if you took into consideration this song was done back in 1979!! but what you didnt take into consideration was i was only in high school, between the ages of 16-19 and lived in a very small mining town! man, i stood out like a sore thumb!
i had girlfriends galore and guys who called me a fag on a regular basis. i dont know how these guys could call me a fag when i was fucking their girlfirends. ha ha! probably pissed them off cuz i looked like Mr. GQ (which was one of my nicknames in high school)l! the 80's were some of the best times.
so in retrospect, David Sylvian pretty much strutted the same look for his career with japan between 70-91! so even if i was 18 months behind or 5 years behind i had a great time while i looked gud in high school!
Greg Clark you were you mate that's all that matters. Girls certainly liked the David Sylvian look..:-)
This really encapsulates the claustrophobic nature of the quiet life.
Thanks 😁
Wow this band owe so much to Roxy and bowie
Indeed x
Indeed... and Duran Duran owe so much to Japan
Great song
Good God I'm transported back to the 1980s when me and my boyfriend both had our hair dyed the same as David Sylvian. We went to all the concerts. I love Mick Khan too. Got their autographs on the back of my mums electric bill. I bought all the Japanese imports etc. I wish I'd have kept my collection worth a lot now. Ahh those were the days.
It’s hard to imagine that this song only reached No.19 when it was first released as an A-side in the U.K. charts in 1981. A record buying public that could put Shakin’ Stevens, Bad Manners and the Birdie Song above this, didn’t deserve to have it. The phrase “casting pearls before swine” has never been more apt.
Mick and David emulating different eras of Bowie here......
Bryan Ferry in the case of David Sylvian.
Bowie was unique 🤷🏼♀️
Sylvian has really same haircut like that of Bowie around his '74,'75 era Diamond dogs & Young Americans
@@WelshJane David Robert Jones Bowie (1947-2016) was truly otherworldly 👨🏼🎤
i had the black /white image of mr Sylvian sat against a window on my 18th birthday cake in blue ... but seeing them live was my honour Never forget these memories..
Best real sound of the eighties . it just sums up the whole feeling of the time.
This song kills
かっこいいやんけ
Rob Dean is so underrated. He basically created early signature sound of Japan before the rest of members got mature and knew what they were doing
Bring back the 1980's. Japan was perfection.
MGS V & GTA VICE CITY STORIES Brought Me Here
Actually me too
いい曲。
First song I'm hearing from them...I ain't disappointed
Duran Duran took a great inspiration from Japan!
+gengiskhan961 YES THEY DID. Nick Rhodes is brilliant but he stole David Sylvian's style totally.
He's not brilliant ...
Such a fabulous song …
can't get enough of them, life's still life in mobile homes!
Loved my time as a David Sylvian looks likey....the suit and hair....dance moves were not flash but I was happy then
SO inventive! Back then it was overflowing with bands experimenting with new technology and creating new genres of music. I'm so glad I'm old now - I was there to enjoy the brilliant time that was the 80's.
Takes me back to 80s what a gorgeous looking human with a brilliant voice.
Yoshikage Kira just wants a quiet life...
Boss thats an enemy sniper
Stand user : David Bowie
Stand name : a weapon to surpass metal gear
:( no jojo here
David Sylvian; stand - Killer Queen.
@@batteryacid1 haha jojo already touch the comment section
An iconic techno tune from the early 80s. Conjures up great memories..
This song is the 80’s all over.
Top tune by Japan.
Sounds great! I love the eight bit sound.
This is killing me. The quality of the sound, the production: the kicks, this bass, the stunning melody of the synthe...
Wow, mamamia !!! This is dancing inside of me when I drive in my real dreamz
Fretless bass
Absolutely no comparison to Duran Duran...if anything, Duran tried to emulate them...Japan is genious in their lyrics and musical scores. I attended an art college in Toronto in the early 80s and they were mainstream ...sadly, never played on mainstream commercial radio stations...their loss. I listen to the album Quiet Life extensively to this day.
***** Agreed about the Duran Duran thing, actually think I remember an interview with Simon Le Bon citing Japan as a massive influence on him
Lisa Munroe Agreed 100 % Lisa. Duran Duran are to Japan what Mott the Hoople are to David Bowie. This was the music of my teens and I was aware even then that while Duran Duran had huge commercial success, Japan had enduring class.
i think you are wrong in every single point. firstly, duran duran were and still are million times more successful than japan. why you could think otherwise is even stranger. secondly, duran duarn had lots of influences, not only - 'shades of japan' in the same way japan had 'roxy music, david bowie, can, kraftwerk, and new york dolls' forming their sound, with of course griorgio moroder. duran duran had a much more rock influence on their sound - and as a result were a much more diverse band than japan were, and this has to be respected. Thanks, and of course you will rethink and configure your thoughts differently. thanks, i heard you say.
Greg Ingram I think if you bothered reading what I said you would note that I acknowledged Duran Duran had huge commercial success. However commercial success and artistic merit often don't coincide. Duran Duran are generally regarded as prolific but shallow and their music has not aged very well. Whereas I think it would generally accepted that Japan have stood the test of time. Obviously all of this is subject to personal taste and if you think Duran Duran are the best thing since the sliced pan (as you clearly do) then fill your boots mate.
commercial success and artisitic credibility - you believe are not two things you can have. i disagree. i think also duran have aged better than japan - and duran evolved in a variety of styles and sounds. in truth japan had a handful of good tracks, but the rest were, on reflection, shite. yes - duran had the artisitic credibility - now- acknowledge - but not then. NOw they have both success and credibility. I thnk Japan are forgotten. sorry, but your wrong again (hopefully you understand it better now).
Pure rad 80s New Wave at its very finest. Real talent playing real
instruments! Bass player is a bad ass. 🔥
The most beutiful and talented guy love David sylvian
What the hell is wrong with these 13 fanatics of Justin Bieber? I have 15 years and I found this so amazing: The presence, the sound. Finally I found something intelligent that brings me to another brilliant bands, and don't talk about act like easy girl, have a gun and don't sound like that dumb trash/trap.
Brillant track.
Fantastic band encapsulating the sound of the 80’s, influenced so many imitators but they were the OGs. 52 now and loving my era!
You were about 9
Literally not your era ?
*MY NAME IS KIRA YOSHIKAGE*
pretty sure kiras design is more based on david bowie though
Loved Japan also roxy.was new romantic back in the day.now just an old one.
This is a great song from a great album.
OMG LOVE IT x
The "Quiet Life" album was pretty much the soundtrack to my life in 1982. The same year I ripped the frets out of my bass, funnily enough. 😆