{"title":"Japan","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eJapan was a British band formed in 1974. They were pioneers of the New Romantic movement and gained popularity in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The band consisted of David Sylvian, Mick Karn, Steve Jansen, Richard Barbieri, and Rob Dean. Japan's music combined elements of glam rock, art pop, and electronic music, creating a unique sound that set them apart from their contemporaries. Their albums \"Quiet Life\" and \"Tin Drum\" are considered classics of the era. Despite disbanding in 1982, Japan's influence on music continues to be felt today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTheir frontman David Sylvian went on to have a successful solo career as a singer-songwriter and collaborated with various artists across different genres. Mick Karn also pursued a solo career as well as collaborating with other musicians such as Kate Bush and Gary Numan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJapan's legacy lives on through their innovative sound and contribution to the New Romantic movement. Their music remains timeless and continues to inspire new generations of musicians.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"exorcising-ghosts-half-speed-remaster","title":"Exorcising Ghosts - Half Speed Remaster.","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eExorcising Ghosts\u003c\/i\u003e (1984) is a 16-track 2LP set compiled and produced in consultation with lead singer David Sylvian, two years after Japan dissolved. This career spanning ‘Best of’ features three recordings from the band’s early career on the Hansa Records label (including 1979’s \u003ci\u003eQuiet Life\u003c\/i\u003e) but mainly focuses on material from their two seminal studio albums on Virgin Records; \u003ci\u003eGentlemen Take Polaroids\u003c\/i\u003e (1980) and \u003ci\u003eTin Drum\u003c\/i\u003e (1981).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFeatures key album tracks and 6 UK Top 60 singles:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Gentlemen Take Polaroids” #60 in Oct. 1980\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“The Art of Parties” #48 in May 1981\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Visions of China” #32 in Nov. 1981\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Quiet Life” #19 in Sept. 1981\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Ghosts” #5 in March 1982\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Nightporter” #29 in Nov. 1982\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHalf Speed Mastered by Miles Showell at Abbey Road Studios, London\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe LPs are housed in a Gatefold Sleeve with Printed Inner bags.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eContains a new Print \/ Abbey Road Half Speed Master Certificate and Obi strip.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"EMI","offers":[{"title":"LP","offer_id":50403121758539,"sku":"1163787","price":41.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/46b6a035-5433-445b-a913-50aafb32b63a_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726557852"},{"product_id":"tin-drum-2","title":"Tin Drum","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eTin Drum\u003c\/i\u003e is the fifth and final studio album by English band Japan, released in November 1981 by Virgin Records. \u003ci\u003eTin Drum\u003c\/i\u003e continued the band’s now-established mix of electronic elements with traditional instrumentation, but leans far more towards Far Eastern and Orientialist influences than any of their previous albums. Lead guitarist Rob Dean had departed in May 1981 and vocalist\/songwriter\/second guitarist David Sylvian had taken on his duties, which had been very greatly reduced by the band’s change of musical direction. Brooklyn Rail writer Paul Grimstad described the album’s sound as “mannered cubist pop”. Musically, Tin Drum was a meticulously crafted blend of complex rhythms, keyboard textures, and Mick Karn’s bass playing. Keyboardist Richard Barbieri recalled that recording the album “was a very laborious process, but creatively satisfying… it was the first album where we actually produced something… completely original.” Also important for the band finding their own unique sound was their work with Steve Nye, who had replaced John Punter as the band’s producer.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Virgin","offers":[{"title":"Black LP","offer_id":50417655152971,"sku":"2201709","price":32.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"CD","offer_id":50417653940555,"sku":"272065","price":7.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/Tin_Drum_2003_Remaster_c5c6749f_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726734623"},{"product_id":"quiet-life-2021-remaster","title":"Quiet Life (2021 Remaster)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThat \u003cstrong\u003eJapan\u003c\/strong\u003e's breakthrough record \u003cem\u003eQuiet Life\u003c\/em\u003e was released in both 1979 and 1980 is uniquely fitting for a band who were about to step out of the glam rock, post punk shadows of the late 70s and deliver an as yet genre-less record that would come to define the 80s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eQuiet Life\u003c\/em\u003e was the third, final and most successful release on the Hansa Records label. A forerunner for the alternative\/new wave sound of the new decade, the album would become one of the great classic British albums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe record is now the subject of a major new reissue featuring a brand new Abbey Road half-speed remaster of the original album, alt mixes, b-sides, singles, rarities and live material – including the sought after ‘lost’ Live at Budokan show from March 1980 previously only available as the 4 track EP ‘Live in Japan’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCD2 – A Quieter Life: Alternative Mixes and Rarities\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\"European Son\" (\"Steve Nye 7” Remix 1982\")* (10\/02\/21)\u003cbr\u003e\n\"Life In Tokyo\" (\"Steve Nye 7” Special Remix 1982\")\u003cbr\u003e\n\"Quiet Life\" (Original German 7” Mix 1980)\u003cbr\u003e\n\"I Second That Emotion\" (\"Steve Nye 7” Remix 1982\")\u003cbr\u003e\n\"All Tomorrow’s Parties\" (\"Steve Nye 7” Remix Version 1983\")\u003cbr\u003e\n\"European Son\" (\"John Punter 12” Mix 1980\")\u003cbr\u003e\n\"Life In Tokyo\" (\"Steve Nye 12” Special Remix Version 1982\")\u003cbr\u003e\n\"I Second That Emotion\" (\"Steve Nye 12” Remix Version 1982\")\u003cbr\u003e\n\"All Tomorrow’s Parties\" (\"Steve Nye 12” Remix Version 1983\")\u003cbr\u003e\n\"European Son\" (\"Steve Nye 12” Remix Version 1982\")\u003cbr\u003e\n\"Quiet Life\" (Japanese 7” Mix 1980) [18\/01\/21]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCD3 – LIVE AT THE BUDOKAN 27\/03\/1980\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIntro\u003cbr\u003e\nAlien ...Rhodesia\u003cbr\u003e\nQuiet Life\u003cbr\u003e\nFall In Love With Me\u003cbr\u003e\nDeviation\u003cbr\u003e\nAll Tomorrow’s Parties\u003cbr\u003e\nObscure Alternatives\u003cbr\u003e\nIn Vogue\u003cbr\u003e\nLife In Tokyo\u003cbr\u003e\nHalloween\u003cbr\u003e\nSometimes I Feel So Low\u003cbr\u003e\nCommunist China\u003cbr\u003e\nAdolescent Sex\u003cbr\u003e\nI Second That Emotion\u003cbr\u003e\nAutomatic Gun\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BMG Rights Management","offers":[{"title":"Black LP","offer_id":50441974972747,"sku":"1111399","price":27.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Red LP","offer_id":50441975759179,"sku":"1111400","price":27.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"CDx4","offer_id":50441975398731,"sku":"1111402","price":59.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"CD","offer_id":50441974350155,"sku":"1111396","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/ea2c45e4-f5ed-4136-a177-5e7f2449eaed_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726989664"},{"product_id":"gentlemen-take-polaroids","title":"Gentlemen Take Polaroids","description":"\u003cp\u003eA Half Speed Mastered edition of Japan's fourth album from 1980. Mastered by Miles Showell at Abbey Road. Features the single \u003ci\u003eGentlemen Take Polaroids\u003c\/i\u003e. Japan's fourth album is a study in serious mood development. Japan's subtle mixture of spidery guitars, lush saxophones, and elastic bass is fleshed out with David's Sylvian's effortless vocals and some truly classy synthesizer work that, somehow, doesn't seem to have dated. Mick Karn pulls double duty with the sax and bass and, as usual, his work is what grounds the band - for proof, see \u003ci\u003eMy New Career\u003c\/i\u003e or \u003ci\u003eTaking Islands in Africa\u003c\/i\u003e. Among the standout tracks, \u003ci\u003eBurning Bridges\u003c\/i\u003e borrows more than a few notions from the collaborations between David Bowie and Brian Eno, but nevertheless manages to present a beautiful soundscape that is fresh and dynamic. With a phrase from one song becoming the title of another, Sylvian's lyrics are more oblique than usual. The record also includes a wonderfully infectious cover of the Marvin Gaye classic, \u003ci\u003eAin't That Peculiar.\u003c\/i\u003e This is the modern-rock version of smoky, late-night jazz.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLP - Remastered 33 RPM 180 Gram Vinyl with Download.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e2LP - Double 45 RPM half-speed mastered edition. This is the ultimate for high quality reproduction as the faster the replay speed of the record, the higher the potential quality. Also, the shorter side times allow the level recorded to the master lacquer discs to be increased thereby improving the signal to noise ratio.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"UMC","offers":[{"title":"LP | x2","offer_id":50462276911435,"sku":"1039770","price":29.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"LP","offer_id":50462277927243,"sku":"1039769","price":20.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/f6cb70c0-ee83-405d-8dc4-ebf2ac2c2aaa_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727256178"},{"product_id":"obscure-alternatives","title":"Obscure Alternatives","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is a classic album that really has stood the test of time in spite of it being a very fashion-conscious creation. This is the tight five-piece Japan that featured Rob Dean alongside the more familiar Richard Barbieri, Steve Jansen, Mick Karn \u0026amp; David Sylvian. With 'Obscure Alternatives', released only seven months after their debut album 'Adolescent Sex', Japan is transforming from the glam roots of their debut to experiments with post-punk and funk. With the title track, musically unique and uncategorisable, it announces the beginning of their later 'Japan' sound' with Mick Karn on his bass mixed way up front and David Sylvian developing his role performer and as a singer. TRACKLIST: 1. Automatic Gun 2. . . .Rhodesia 3. Love Is Infectious 4. Sometimes I Feel So Low 5. Obscure Alternatives 6. Deviation 7. Suburban Berlin 8. The Tenant Bonus Tracks 9. Deviation (Live In Tokyo) 10. Obscure Alternatives (Live In Tokyo) 11. In Vogue (Live In Tokyo) 12. Sometimes I Feel So Low (Live In Tokyo)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Music On CD","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":50485613855051,"sku":"295549","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/4f86e7b7-435e-4468-b273-dec41a5be1d7_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727601459"},{"product_id":"the-very-best-of-japan","title":"The Very Best of Japan","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Very Best of Japan\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Virgin","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":50494912758091,"sku":"1005898","price":7.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}]},{"product_id":"oil-on-canvas","title":"Oil On Canvas","description":"\u003cp\u003erecorded at the hammersmith odeon, london in november, 1982. this was japan's last album, a live set that serves as an overview of their work as a group. it also includes performances of songs that were not featured on the group's studio albums. in retrospect, it's an ironic twist of fate that japan was just blossoming into its most artistically fruitful period while on the verge of breaking up. when this 1982 concert was recorded at london's hammersmith odeon, japan was just around the corner from disintegration. 'oil on canvas' makes a hell of a swan song. the band had come a long way from it's glam-rock beginnings, evolving into a subtle, complex unit that combined post-punk funk, electronics, asian imagery and an unbridled experimental streak for some of the early-'80s most memorable recordings. incredibly, this live album reveals that the complicated textures and fragile dynamics of japan's studio work transferred easily to the stage. david sylvian's velvety baritone, mick karn's jazzy fretless bass, and richard barbieri's exotic, atmospheric synthesizers make these tunes from the band's final phase as rewarding as they are inscrutable. this is a remastered and cheap cd reissue.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"No Label","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":50768567304523,"sku":"272064","price":6.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/bd0a153e-40ed-4984-b1e2-0f9cee17259e_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1730890680"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/collections\/test_fb299676_thumbnail_4096_2aea2533-8da2-4d1f-9a38-d49a80e8f9bd.jpg?v=1726557827","url":"https:\/\/shop.roughtrade.com\/collections\/japan.oembed","provider":"Rough Trade","version":"1.0","type":"link"}