Someone on Bass Chat UK posted a couple of interviews with Mick Karn - what an articulate, intelligent fellow - who I know Bill thought highly of. I've just come across an amazing track with MK, Richard Barbieri and Steve Jansen called Sleepers Awake played live in 1996 (see below) with - on guitar Steve Wilson! I wonder whether he ever thought of using Japan as the nucleus of Porcupine Tree (he certainly pinched Barbieri). Anyway, this track is immense. It's also available as the first track on 'Lumen' (which I think is the live album they released of the concert) on Bandcamp. Here's the YT link:
Not sure if I ever mentioned in this thread that I went to see Japan at Northampton Cricket Club (basically a big scout hut) in 1978 on their Obscure Alternatives Tour. I'm not just saying this because it is their thread and fans of the band wouldn't want to hear a word said against them but my god, they were BRILLIANT. I'd been to the venue (such as it was) a few times seeing quite a few punk bands like Generation X, Penetration, 999 and even Budgie once but Japan were something else.I'd gone along to see them on the strength of ads in NME - the ones with a ladies hand in a gentlemans zipper that implored "get into Japan" and so they seemed like the kind of cheeky lads I'd dig seeing live. They were so exciting and unexpectedly rocking that I became quite a fan afterwards but it's funny as when they changed into the band that made Tin Drum I was a bit perplexed but my tastes had changed with their sound too. I never forgot that night in Northampton and remember buying a programme too which was something like 40p (sadly long gone) but I thought I'd share my memories with you of what were, to me, a really special band.
Sometime back, YouTube's algorithm sent me an "official" promo video from Singer Records for the song by JAPAN called 'Suburban Berlin' . . .
From Singer Records, in the comments section . . .
"The video accompanying Suburban Berlin is from a ballet conceived by one of Berlin's great artists from the Bauhaus era ; the painter, sculptor, designer and choreographer Oskar Schlemmer who died in 1943. Japan's late bass player Mick Karn, who died in 2011, was an accomplished sculptor and painter and embraced the experimental. This video is in his honour."
I know for a fact Steve Jansen likes this official promo.
I always associate producer Ray Singer with this photograph (he's got the cigar, I believe, and Simon Napier-Bell is on the 'phone) . . .
This is the longest version so far I've seen of Steve Jansen's documentation of the recording of Brilliant Trees. For those interested in Jon Hassell and/or Holger Czukay and their mysterious processes of creation of sounds and editing in connection with David, Steve Nye, etc., this is a must watch for when you've about a half an hour to spare [so many interesting scenes] . . . and I can't imagine something this interesting will be available for very long, so check it out while you still can . . .
@Tourist they all have a visual flair or are at ease with visuals, shall we say? Deffo Mick with his paintings and sculptures had a unique vision. Rob's got those inspiring, pro bird illustrations. I think Rich is a visual artist as well, but I'm not sure.
@Alec Indeed they all are artistic 'souls' and I particularly like MKs paintings...I love the artwork on 'The Concrete Twin' (presume that's his work, I've forgotten - will have to check)
But I just think David Sylvian has a wonderful eye for seeing and capturing a great photograph, almost perfect timing....He has the ability to make what would normally be rather ordinary and mundane situations and scenes, look very interesting and non-ordinary. You want to look round the image and explore it, as he has seems to pull something extra out of the moment and provide a narrative that wouldn't be there with a lesser photographer.
@Tourist deffo on all that. I find myself studying David’s photos, trying to read the often obscured writing or view the details, hunting for clues. I also like what he titles his photos. He’s got a very dry sense of humour, is at ease with wordplay and likes a good riddle. 😁
This reminds me of his photographs . . .
Do you have any good jokes?
Gosh, do I have any jokes? My lord … I should have, I'm always joking with the kids. Let me think for a second, I have a terrible time retaining them … I like the old Tommy Cooper joke, the one that goes: Guy walks into a pet shop and says, "I'd like to buy a wasp." And the shop owner says, "I'm sorry sir, but we don't carry wasps." "Well that's funny, there's one in the window."
Yes, that’s Mick’s work on ‘The Concrete Twin.’ Love the colours and how indulgent all that is. It reminds me of how, in his book, he described that, when he was a kid at school, he squeezed paint out of the tubes and squished the colours around with his hands.Steve on his blog explained that Rob was often perfectly reproducing with pen-and-ink various comic book characters and action heroes. You can see that obsessive adherence and patience in his bird drawings in the professional birding books he’s contributed to.
Found it. Hmm. Not exactly how I remembered it, but you get the idea. Also, I forgot that it was I who asked the question and that it was 2015. Blimey . . .
@antheannewton listening now. It's got a funky quality. Nice fills. Those snare hits after the backbeat go a long way. Someone needs to help Bill set up a drum kit (and, while they're at it, the xylophone) again. 🙂
In Vogue is amazing! Remember seeing this photo when I was a teenager (as had an album full of Japan pics). Brilliant. Was totally blown away - WOW! A piece of art, as their music is xx
It's not one of those of theirs that I think of straight away, but it is a perfect, moody postcard of a song and maybe it was the song where they found the sound they're most known for?
Also, the presentation of the 'In Vogue' single was as pop as they ever were presented, IMO ...
Wonder though if by "early Japan" the questioner was referring to their 1970s releases.
Someone on Bass Chat UK posted a couple of interviews with Mick Karn - what an articulate, intelligent fellow - who I know Bill thought highly of. I've just come across an amazing track with MK, Richard Barbieri and Steve Jansen called Sleepers Awake played live in 1996 (see below) with - on guitar Steve Wilson! I wonder whether he ever thought of using Japan as the nucleus of Porcupine Tree (he certainly pinched Barbieri). Anyway, this track is immense. It's also available as the first track on 'Lumen' (which I think is the live album they released of the concert) on Bandcamp. Here's the YT link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzt7dF5jwhs
(Thank you Alec for suggesting I post it here!)
Interesting how we hear Bill Nelson soloing in the background during this conversation ….
Robert Dean
born 23 April 1955,
Clapton, Hackney
England
Not sure if I ever mentioned in this thread that I went to see Japan at Northampton Cricket Club (basically a big scout hut) in 1978 on their Obscure Alternatives Tour. I'm not just saying this because it is their thread and fans of the band wouldn't want to hear a word said against them but my god, they were BRILLIANT. I'd been to the venue (such as it was) a few times seeing quite a few punk bands like Generation X, Penetration, 999 and even Budgie once but Japan were something else. I'd gone along to see them on the strength of ads in NME - the ones with a ladies hand in a gentlemans zipper that implored "get into Japan" and so they seemed like the kind of cheeky lads I'd dig seeing live. They were so exciting and unexpectedly rocking that I became quite a fan afterwards but it's funny as when they changed into the band that made Tin Drum I was a bit perplexed but my tastes had changed with their sound too. I never forgot that night in Northampton and remember buying a programme too which was something like 40p (sadly long gone) but I thought I'd share my memories with you of what were, to me, a really special band.
Sylvian and Sakamoto take a break during the recording of Virginia Astley's Some Small Hope.
Singer Records.
Sometime back, YouTube's algorithm sent me an "official" promo video from Singer Records for the song by JAPAN called 'Suburban Berlin' . . .
From Singer Records, in the comments section . . .
"The video accompanying Suburban Berlin is from a ballet conceived by one of Berlin's great artists from the Bauhaus era ; the painter, sculptor, designer and choreographer Oskar Schlemmer who died in 1943. Japan's late bass player Mick Karn, who died in 2011, was an accomplished sculptor and painter and embraced the experimental. This video is in his honour."
I know for a fact Steve Jansen likes this official promo.
I always associate producer Ray Singer with this photograph (he's got the cigar, I believe, and Simon Napier-Bell is on the 'phone) . . .
Mick Karn, 1979
@richardbarbieri_music Happy with my new "ears"
Good job #customiems
Released 43 years ago on 17 November 1979
Released 40 years ago today.
Theo Travis on touring with Jansen-Barbieri-Karn
Pulling Punches by David Sylvian - Drum Cover and Transcription
Japan / David Sylvian Ghosts Acoustic Lesson + CHORDS
Fab photo! Saw David Sylvian yesterday on Now 80s, 'Red Guitar' vid. Brilliant!
This is the longest version so far I've seen of Steve Jansen's documentation of the recording of Brilliant Trees. For those interested in Jon Hassell and/or Holger Czukay and their mysterious processes of creation of sounds and editing in connection with David, Steve Nye, etc., this is a must watch for when you've about a half an hour to spare [so many interesting scenes] . . . and I can't imagine something this interesting will be available for very long, so check it out while you still can . . .
brilliant trees sessions . Berlin . 1983
Liked this photo' and caption from David's Instagram.
Although this was posted previously, it belongs here, too . . .
The Epson printer dance choreographed to Japan's Methods of Dance ...
jaapan bill nelson demo
jaapan bill nelson demo
Just at this moment, somehow or other, they began to run, Peter Blake, 1970, Tate
Presented by Rose and Chris Prater through the Institute of Contemporary Prints 1975 Size: image: 243 x 180 mm Medium: Screenprint on paper
Yeah...that whole demo is good. Love when Mick introduces the band in the middle of one of those throwaway songs - 'Carnal Connection' or something.
My head's exploded haha! Thanks!
Wowwowwowwowwowwowwowwowwow! Respect!
https://tinyurl.com/yxt423ka
In Vogue is amazing! Remember seeing this photo when I was a teenager (as had an album full of Japan pics). Brilliant. Was totally blown away - WOW! A piece of art, as their music is xx
A few years ago, Steve on his blog answered 'In Vogue' as to what his favourite early Japan was.
'IN VOGUE' ... !!
It's not one of those of theirs that I think of straight away, but it is a perfect, moody postcard of a song and maybe it was the song where they found the sound they're most known for?
Also, the presentation of the 'In Vogue' single was as pop as they ever were presented, IMO ...
Wonder though if by "early Japan" the questioner was referring to their 1970s releases.
David Bowie – Crystal Japan
srry just had a few xmas wines