David Sylvian and Japan

[@darhmakarma4838]

Probably my favourite artist, whether with Japan, solo or in collaborations. Thank you. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@jomassey5842]

Gone to earth is so magical to listen to, while driving through the landscapes and forests of Coromandel, New Zealand. Sylvians music resonates within the kauri and clouds, slowing down the mind and inhaling the atmosphere.

[@robertgomez7414]

That sounds so magical.

[@JamboLinnman]

Quiet Life is my favourite album of all time.

[@jasonegeland1446]

It's way up there for me too. It was like doing drugs for the first time but without actually doing drugs. Sent me to another world.

[@peterkadelbach7010]

Agreed. Every time I stumble on a mint copy at a good price I have to buy it. I probably have 6 or more copies now. The gatefold version is so beautiful.

[@robertlonergan9401]

Atmospheric, textures,,gorgeous music and enough weirdness to keep your ears on their toes,so to speak. David ticks the genius box in spades. Fantastic musician.

[@brucybabyy7355]

really love his collaboration with robert fripp. the live lp in particular.

[@Motionworks]

Saw them live in Tokyo in 91, unforgettable.

[@MrBlond777]

I think the Nine Horses album is exceptional. I also would recommend the Sleepwalkers compilation. I saw the Road to Graceland tour in NYC back in 1993 when I was 21, so I also love the Damage live album with Fripp. The First Day album is incredible as well. Thx

[@sclogse1]

Nine Horses is tremendous.

[@kentborges5114]

BEEN LISTENING FOR 40 YEARS....Top shelf.

[@Pinerocks]

I would recommend his first three solo albums, Brilliant Trees, Gone to Earth and Secrets of the Beehive.

[@mazzysmusic]

Pine Rocks yes I have those. Great records. I showed a couple of them. 😎

[@michaelwallden7261]

Agree completely))))

[@westinjerome9910]

i guess Im asking the wrong place but does anyone know of a tool to get back into an Instagram account?? I was stupid forgot the account password. I would appreciate any tricks you can give me!

[@leandrogatlin3100]

@Westin Jerome instablaster ;)

[@westinjerome9910]

@Leandro Gatlin i really appreciate your reply. I found the site thru google and I'm in the hacking process atm. Takes a while so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@kawavulcan8411]

When i see mr sylvian i just want to say mr karn we miss you so much ...

[@silverwavves]

Don’t really remember how I came in contact with Sylvian’s music but definitely an artist i’ve been playing non stop in the last couple months. Gone to Earth might be my favorite record of his because of the very calming atmosphere. Just heard Blemish for the first time the other night and was really taken by it.

[@DonHaka]

Dead Bees, Blemish and Gone To Earth are my favorite albums. Blemish is very haunting and definetly the most depressing album ive heard. The title track and "The Heart Knows Better" are favorites of mine.

[@monochromios]

"Plight & Premonition", "Flux & Mutabilty", "Alchemy: an Index of Possibilities", "Blemish", "When Loud Weater Buffeted Naoshima" are among the most experimental and innovative album by David Sylvian. When I was in high school I've been introduced to his music and I heard him live five times. Listening to his music opened me a world: I discovered Ryuichi Sakamoto, Jon Hassel, Akira Rabelais, Harold Budd, David Toop and many more. Great video. Thank you for sharing. Mick Karn was such a great bass player, a sad loss for music.

[@garyjohnson7628]

One of the most unique artists and sounds ever. You don't have to love all of his stuff but like Bowie he changes direction all the time.

[@michael_harren]

One of my all time favorite artists. Great video!

[@gavinreid2741]

1978 ,a friend bought the Japan debut album became thought as they looked like the New York Dolls they would sound like them. I have been a fan eversince.

[@michaellenehan1369]

Thank you M. Just got a CD of the compilation A victim of stars.

[@peterkadelbach7010]

Nice to see that XTC box set on the shelf. Mine is unfortunately fortunately tucked away in storage somewhere. Great to hear David and Japan getting the attention they totally deserve. You need to find a nice copy of “quiet life” on vinyl. I have yet to hear a cd that sounds as good as the original record.

[@stevenconrady1990]

I ended up getting into DS through another artist by the name of SUGIZO (The lead guitarist of the famous Japanese Rock band LUNA SEA). He cited Sylvian as a huge influence on his own work. Fun fact is that Mick Karn played Bass on Sugizo’s 1997 solo album TRUTH.

[@rachelar]

Sugizo is way different from Japan's ex music

[@jackcimino8822]

Sugizo also did a cover of Quiet Life, and he did a photo shoot with DS!

[@ethanoreilly2002]

The album he did with Robert Fripp 'The First Day' is superb! I also love Sylvian's collaborations with Ryuichi Sakamoto, I wish he'd done a full album with him they had a really good thing with songs such as 'Bamboo Houses'

[@shanewatson2008]

I stumbled upon David Sylvian, as I did with a number of artists who are now favorites, via a pair of Virgin Records ambient compilations that were released in the 90s. What I heard I loved enough to make me seek out more. Each new Sylvian album I've purchased has made me want to continue. Absolutely gorgeous, atmospheric works with wonderful album art to accompany it. He's now a favorite of mine and yet I know so very few people in person who even know who he is. My favorite albums of his are "Secrets of the Beehive," "Gone to Earth," and "Brilliant Trees." Meanwhile, his work with Holger Czukay on "Flux + Mutability" may be my favorite ambient recording ever. Rain Tree Crow is another gorgeous album. Thank you for this video. P.S. I also have the promo version of "Plight & Premonition."

[@MrLovell1971]

Mazzy great overview on David Sylvian and Japan he’s and awesome individual I saw him on the Everything and Nothing Tour he blew me away love his creativity I have a few his albums on vinyl and some of the Japan too love that album First Day with Fripp I was lucky to find a copy on vinyl 10 years ago it sounds amazing .

[@jasonrushton5991]

An Album Of Musical Perfection. End Of.

[@jasonrushton5991]

Secret's Of The Beehive, of course ;-)

[@kjbiz]

Such a magic voice. Love Japan and have the 12 inch of Merry Xmas Mr Lawrence which I love the romance and sorrow in it

[@bitlandproductions]

David Sylvian is one of my favourite artists ever!

[@bitlandproductions]

@scoopity poop no jutsu I don't thinks so, but does it really matter?

[@TheCompleteGuitarist]

He's probably one of my biggest musical influences or inspirations.

[@samborn7120]

Thank you so much for doing this Vid Norm! I was so excited to see your a fan of this great (and overlooked) band and Sylvian’s solo output. I’d have to say Gentlemen Take Poloroids is my fav Japan record and Gone To Earth my fav Sylvian record. So much to enjoy with these catalogs. The new half-speed GTP and Tin Drum reissues are fantastic.

[@Michael45RPM]

David Sylvian is such a great Artist. Have you get into the Solo Albums from Mick Karn (Group Member of Japan)? His Album: Dreams of Reason Produce Monsters is outstanding

[@mazzysmusic]

I don’t have any Mick Karn. Love this music

[@beetlespacexdragon7815]

Norman Maslov Highly recommend finding an LP copy of “Titles.” Richard Branson personally oversaw the recording session, coaching Karn to create a new “Tubular Bells.” The first track contains my favorite all time track on any bass player solo project.

[@davidchan2960]

👍👍👍that you brought up Mick Karn, Michael! His bass guitar playing was vital to Japan’s sound. Mick’s 2 solo albums are great. Don’t forget his “project” called Dali’s Car which had Peter Murphy (Bauhaus)! Big loss that he passed away young.

[@ruse1173]

@@beetlespacexdragon7815 Richard branson? Sure?

[@d.j.vandermeer3832]

Why not? Titles was released on Virgin Records and Branson was the owner of the label.

[@branscombeR]

Thanks for this overview ... I had no idea DS produced/collaborated on so many albums! I bought 'Blemish' back in the day and still enjoy listening to it 20 years later ... R (Australia)

[@myblueextremes1526]

Blemish is now one of my favourites.

[@christopherkibler511]

One of your best back ground music ever!

[@deee_carter]

I have the same thoughts about 'Blemish'. Thank you for the great, long-awaited review!

[@Aramanth]

_Plight & Premonition_ to me is an extension of _Secrets of the Beehive's_ textured found sounds that work in the background of the arrangements... P&P is sparse and yet vast in scope. For me _Gone to Earth_ is my favorite. Very nice presentation of a great artist... Enjoyed this a lot! 🌲🌎🐝

[@Johnnybananass-_]

secrets of the beehive is the greatest musical album I have ever head and after maybe 30+ years I still couldn't explain why so easily. I dont listen to other artists like that but that album connected, start to finish. its the most perfect group of musicians , music, arrangement and lyrics, I want to listen to more Sylvia albums but I always get drawn back to that same album.

[@darrenc9172]

Polaroid’s was the best Japan album, Sylvian solo most commercially viable Brilliant Trees or Dead Bees.

[@darrenc9172]

Check out the track Linoleum that he did with Chris Vrenna-Tweaker

[@DonHaka]

i'd say that Beehive is much more accessible and commercially viable than Dead Bees, there is a lot to take in on Dead Bees, which is my favorite album along with Blemish and Gone To Earth! Cheers.

[@sclogse1]

@@DonHaka You guys aren't talking about his Nine Horses album!

[@DonHaka]

@@sclogse1 Snow Borne Sorrow is also a beautiful work of art. Probably my favorite artpop album. I see Nine Horses as separated from Sylvian's solo catalogue, as it is a collaboration with 2 other musicians under a different name. Thats why i didnt mention it.

[@shaunblackman5299]

Great timing. Love this stuff and have been playing/catching up on Japan/Sylvian stuff a lot recently. Have by no means got it all, but will enjoy checking out the rest of his stuff. Have also been checking out the Jansen/Barbieri/Karn stuff too (really into their live album Lumen), as I believe they have an RSD release coming out. To be honest, I've not been disappointed by anything I've heard from Japan, groupwise or solo. One of the few bands i can buy blind.

[@jazzturtle2508]

One of my biggest influences. I even dedicated a song to the band Japan. The experimentation of David Sylvian and his brother Steve Jansen have been a constant fascination. Also loved the artwork. I enjoyed this, thank you.

[@sclogse1]

Anja Garbarek on Slope!

[@tonyrandall3146]

I'm 34 and got introduced to Sylvian at age 22 by way of listening to Hybrid's Soundsystem 01 album - with 'world citizen' after some conversation with my music teacher. I heard that voice, the writing and felt I must find out who this guy is. When David announced a part of retirement for his back, I wrote to him on Facebook and he replied. He still remains probably my favourite artist ever for defying the pop machine and doing his own thing. You could get lost in his work and world for years.

[@hausacat]

Thank you for your work on this. I've been a fan since the release of Gentlemen Take Polaroids. I still have the LP.

[@charliecooling4732]

This is a really great video, thanks for making it

[@happyhippythevinylguy]

That box with the rocks sealed into it that is really sweet! Great great background music goes along with what I'm doing tonight. Stay safe and stay real

[@mikezags0816]

Sounds awesome! Love the JBL.

[@stephenfernald2490]

Holy mackerel! I missed this. Been on a Japan kick lately and this popped into my feed. Thanks Mr M.

[@paulemery7353]

Blemish is his masterpiece ( along with RTC for me ) and many missed , didn't give it enough of a chance or just wanted Beehive 2. It hit me like a brick. Ive been a fan since early Japan but wasn't sure what to expect from this. Its so dark, beautifully crafted and as you say disjointed, desperate, brutally honest lyrically, sonically all over the place, moments of music gelling then fracturing, who else could sing to Derek baileys out of tune improv guitar and make it work? Nobody. Just a very special album.

[@mazzysmusic]

It is a very special record. It needs time to envelop you. 😎🎸🥁

[@davidellis5141]

Hi Mazzy , Tin Drum was my favourite Japan album & netted them a top 5 hit in the 🇬🇧 with " Ghosts " Oddly , Epic put out half of Tin Drum & half of Gentlemen Take Polaroids in the 🇺🇸 to a resounding thud. My favourite track of theirs is the Roxy Music influenced " Life In Tokyo " Good , influential band.

[@tomgirldouble3249]

A great review of David's work, totally agree thank you.

[@jetboy8404]

They got there surnames from Sylvain, Johansen and Kane of The New York Dolls

[@sjkhammer]

Hi, I thought David got his surname from Bowie's Drive in Saturday "crashing out with Sylvian"... Could be wrong, but that's my memory of it from his interviews way back.

[@stevecarter2876]

Karns name came from a Dr Who episode

[@gavinreid5387]

@@sjkhammer early Japan based their image on the New York Dolls.

[@vinny9708]

A very underrated artist

[@Raydahr-5]

Hello hello, here I go again. One good thing about your videos, Mazzy, at least some of them, is that you can come back to and enjoy them all over again and again and again (not unlike the music we love). I can vividly remember watching this video for the first time and latching on to the fact that you highlighted the Blemish album. That was one that I had intended to purchase but had never found. So, lo and behold, some time after watching your video, there it was (Blemish, that is) in my record store and on (rereleased) vinyl. It is very, highly fascinating. So - this summer I picked up a double compilation (on vinyl) called Sleepwalkers, containing some of the music you highlight here. It's stunning. Just wanted to let you know. Also, get those Japan records on vinyl. Gentlemen Take Polaroids (nice title, don't you agree) marks a fascinating turning point in Sylvian's music making. However, keep up the good work Ray D'Ahr

[@garyrobinson8665]

Hi Norman I just discovered them recently a few weeks ago. I'm kicking myself as i Iove synth music. Gentlemen take Polaroids and tin drum are both masterpieces and two of the best albums of the 80s in my opinion. I went out and bought quiet life, Polaroids and tin drum on vinyl the same day from my local record store. Their music is very different from everything else at the time. I'm in the UK and I'm a fan of Depeche mode, Duran Duran, tears for fears, sparks to name a few.

[@aikodo22]

Thanks, nice look inside your love for David

[@irishcowboy42]

I love this, i'd imagine that behind him are 10,000 CD's or Vinyl and he has listened to a lot music (more than me) in his time. His acknowledgement of 'Blemish' as a favourite falls in line with a lot of muso's (David Byrne was also a fan). Normans knowledge of the back history is also amazing given the amount of dedication he has given to his life musically or to anything Beatles related. I could just pick on name pronunciation but that would be childs play. I loved this Norman, so well played.

[@ppgedez]

Great start let the happiness in is my favourite Sylvian song. I remember how excited we were when we got our hands on Brilliant Trees I’m 54 now wtf. Weatherbox is a great one for me.

[@mazzysmusic]

He is do great 🕺

[@bencostello7317]

Fantastic video. I am a big fan of him/Japan. Love his sub-Brian Ferry warble. I did a full video on him & them a long time ago maybe 4 years back. Since that video I have picked up an o.g. vinyl copy of Blemish (which I agree, is one of his career peaks). Actually an interesting story about that record: I came across it on the wall of a record store in Utrecht, Holland during the weekend of the Utrecht Record Fair, one of the world's largest record events (if not the largest). What amazed me was that it was approx $50, and on the wall, yet nobody had picked it up. Tens of thousands of record hunters in the city that weekend yet nobody but me had spotted such an underpriced and fantastic piece of work. I can only surmise that diggers did not get to the local stores that weekend and only went to the fair... Anyways, I had emptied my account at the fair and was returning home later that day so I got the store to hold it for me which they did and posted it to me the following week. It was my best buy of the whole weekend. I assume outside of albums you have dug deeper into his work, there are some superb b-sides and bonus tracks. "Earthbound" (from the Jean the birdman ep, features a fantastic acoustic vocal performance with a stunning ambient coda), all the bonus tracks on the "I surrender" double cd singlepack, "Blue of noon" (b-side to Let the happiness in), the bonus track/outtake "Promise". Then there is the superb 10" single "Do you know me now", one of the most treasured pieces in my whole collection. Delighted to see the "Weatherbox" collection - wow! I have never come across it and have only seen it shown once before on the VC. Lovely piece.

[@mazzysmusic]

Wow great story. Wasn’t sure Blemish came out on vinyl Nice lucky find

[@brentcunliffe745]

The UK music press labelled him “ the worlds most beautiful man “ but as you can see from this excellent overview there is much more to Mr Sylvian than chiseled cheekbones. Eno next ?

[@RighteousBrother]

That's not strictly true, Japans publicist Connie Fillipello put that story to the press, it was completely fabricated. It's amazing how it caught the interest if the press, and people still mention it today.

[@graemefarquharson465]

According to music magazine 'Smash Hits' he was voted most fanciable male in 1981.

[@iconicon5642]

Dingwall's spent a night under a table there haha - great artist our Dave

[@tomislavzdunic802]

Japan and solo carier.. David sylvian.. Most beatiful voice in solar system.. Esoteric diamond in music sky.. Mesmerising.. Haunting.. Evokative.. Love.. Mistery... Sakamoto.. Robert fripp.. And many... Adore.. Croatia..

[@ericarmstrong6540]

Nice overview of Mr. Sylvian. One of the things that guarantees an interesting listen when "Blemish" is on is Derek Bailey's extensive contributions on guitar.

[@mazzysmusic]

Agree. Love his playing.

[@iainholmes2735]

Very interesting appraisal. Cheers from London UK.

[@jroc2427]

I actually saw David sylvian on tour in 1987 for the album secrets of the beehive as it was called in praise of shamans featuring Steve Jansen tray gun David Sanborn And David torn. I even hung out with the live engineer as I was a recording engineer in the music business. I do have a a live mix board recording of that show absolutely stunning. Wish he would tour again someday as I now reside in Seattle area.

[@thelantern9075]

Awesome video.

[@BeyondDictation]

Quiet Life as an album blew me away in high school, I got the album in 2012 and just listened to it every day. From there I got into his work with Robert Fripp who at that stage, I had no idea who he was and some of his more accessible solo work. My favourites were and still are Fall in Love With Me, Rhodesia and Jean the Birdman

[@oddboxTopper]

Really enjoying this video of David Sylvian. I’ve been a fan for a long time but I do not have a collection near as good as the one you are showing here. I think I experienced another Kumbaya moment when I was talking about David Sylvian in my own video unaware that you had mentioned the same album in your video. Maybe there is a psychic connection because we are both Virgos or something! LOL! Scary! Thank you for another enjoyable and informative video. Peace.

[@sclogse1]

Nice to see you here, Oddbox. David's Nine Horses is a real stunner. Seems to have two names. Snow Borne Sorrow also. Get it, or at least check out it's cuts. Then check out Boz Skagg's Speak Low album.

[@Fairfaxcitymusic]

Excellent video. An interview with DS is coming very soon.

[@DJWerkz]

Blemish on vinyl was released the following year to the CD with a bonus track. It was limited to 2000 copies. I once collected everything by Japan, Sylvian and JBK and their individual solo works. Love all their music. The limited Manafon box set was a nice package

[@closedchannel2713]

Hey Mazzy , that’s super chill and I enjoy the ambiance of the sound. Some amazing collaborations and the weather box looks super cool almost like a 45 box. Take care and stay safe , Cheers Snowy

[@mazzysmusic]

Super chill moody crazy disjointed. Thanks Snowy. 🌟

[@danakimborowicz5812]

Hi Mazzy, great overview of Japan and David Sylvian. Love the special effects.

[@mazzysmusic]

Dana Kimborowicz what special effects 🤷🏻‍♂️🥺😳😎

[@danakimborowicz5812]

Norman Maslov when you got to the box set that had sealed rocks the vid went into slo-mo-shun for about a minute.

[@mazzysmusic]

Dana Kimborowicz ha I know. 🤠🥁😺🙉🙈

[@narasimha7187]

Yellow Magic Orchestra thankyou

[@twostikks1]

LOL Mazzy ... did you just drop that box in slow motion?? That’s hilarious! The only thing I have by Japan is the UK double-single “Gentleman Take Polaroids”. I also have Thousand Knives Of by Ryuichi Sakamoto, which is really good. Great video, Mazzy!

[@markkeogh18]

Pity you missed out on Quiet Life, the album that preceded 'Polaroids'. Amazing record. It was a huge leap forward from the glam rock/funk of the first 2 records. Also, the reissue of 'Beehive' actually keeps the original front cover with just a slight change in font I believe.

[@musiconrecord6724]

Sylvian is one of my favorites, and one of the most original musicians out there. I tried and failed with Blemish, but you have inspired me to give it another go...... One thing you didn't mention in your excellent survey is his lyrics, which are very unusual and quite special. There is a separate book published, collecting them all in one place, which I would love to own, but I believe the price has skyrocketed. Richard Barbieri, the keyboardist in Japan, went on to play with Steven Wilson and Porcupine Tree for years, and has released some very interesting solo albums. Also in Porcupine Tree during its latter years was the incredible drummer Gavin Harrison (who made an appearance in one of David Letterman's drum-offs), and Harrison is now one of the core members of King Crimson, whose catalogue Steven Wilson has remixed. Wheels within wheels - and really every road in this area of music leads back to Robert Fripp. (Are you up to date with Sakamoto? He released a gorgeous album a couple of years ago called async which moves in the same territory as Sylvian, and also reminds me of the work of my great new discovery - thanks to Four Corners - of Balmorhea. Try and find the vinyl edition - it's gorgeous).

[@TheCompleteGuitarist]

If you focus on the voice you'll find it's incredibly emotional and musical. The album seems to be about the speration from his wife and issues regarding their kids.

[@haroldsmith1213]

japan in 80s were always almost getting big in states but didnt, David Sylvian was always trying to push boundries, and tin drum was a good record ,weird because recently ive been thinking of his music,i liked him almost a poor mans bowie-eno stuff vision except Sylvian seemed to go deeper- also peter hammel,gong,edgar froese,klaus schulze all were similar . nice video always liked David Sylvian, i believe i know a record store where i might find some of his stuff, maybe will go into long beach and check it out. thanks for spotlighting his music. als this mortal coil ,is another i liked but had fogotten about,also scott walkers experimental work-- thanks for sharing , stay safe ktf.

[@mark-esper]

Great hi-fi setup btw. Really hear it despite the video/youtube bridge when looking at your blue speaker on the banality of evil.

[@michaeldavis1593]

I really love Tin Drum, and my favorite Japan song is the single version of The Art of Parties, not the album version. Quiet Life was my first Japan album... that's a great one too. RIP MIck

[@johnnyocvinylrecords1079]

Coincidence ... Picked up secrets of beehive and brilliant trees in hmv Uxbridge and spun beehive yesterday first listen for me

[@Claytone-Records]

Hey, hello neighbor. Great overview, Mazzy. I have had the Rain Tree Crow album for years now and I guess I didn’t realize it was Japan or forgot, but don’t see how I could have done that: ).

[@mazzysmusic]

Clayton Kusaj yeah I had forgotten too 😎

[@nows1567]

My top ten tracks of Japan as of right now: 1. Sons of pioneers (live) 2. Rhodesia (album) 3. Halloween (album) 4. Obscure alternatives (live) 5. Swing (album) Shared 6th: 6. Cantonese boy (live) 6. Still life ... (live) 6. My new career (album) 6. Fall in love with me (album) 6. Methods of dance (album) Dark horses: * Suburban Berlin (album) * Alien (album) * What kind of fool (album, late release but I think it's Japan) Would've made it if done with Japan: * Wave * River Man

[@shaunm1030]

Gone to earth is the pick for me, particularly the instrumental disc. 👍

[@andregutierrez566]

Tal vez soy el único comentario en español pero esta es la mejor música del mundo. Sylvian es un verdadero genio.

[@paulgardner5441]

Very good music indeed

[@markdarnell614]

a few things: the correct pronunciation - Rye-wheechie Sakamoto. John Hassell - 4th World Possible Musics...with Brian Eno. His brother is Steve JANSEN! They're last name is LaBat. Some glaring omissions: On "Secrets" - the electric guitar work, which really defines "Boy with a Gun" is the extraordinary David Torn. The trumpet is Mark Isham! On "Gone to Earth" - trumpet, and piano - 2 ECM musicians: Kenny Wheeler, and John Taylor. Both Fripp, and Bill Nelson play on this record as well. The 1st full album with Fripp was recorded at Kingsway Studio - Daniel Lanois atmospheric studio/mansion in New Orleans. "Dead Bees on a Cake" was basically a collaboration with his then Wife - the PRINCE protegee, Ingrid Chavez. Sylvian founded, and curated his own label - Samahdi Sound, which also released some wonderful music by other artist, including the Late, Harold Budd. One last thing: "Rain Tree Crow" is a reference to one of Sylvian's chief influences - the composer Toru Takemitsu. - There!

[@sclogse1]

Anja Garbarek on Slope!

[@scallahan77]

I'm one of those who Blemish resonated with deeply. Norman, I'm surprised that you didn't mention two major collaborators on this one, Derek Bailey and Fennesz. They might be not in the realm of your usual viewers. For those who do care both ‘Blemish’ and ‘Manafon’ were recently reissued on 180 gram vinyl, worth checking out. Oh, and "disjointed" is not how i hear any part of Sylvian's work, but we all approach art from different experience bases. Cheers

[@AdrianNicholls]

Just dropping in to say that I received the reissues of both Manafon & Blemish this week and they are truly stunning records. Whilst I paid Japan quite a lot of attention when they were active I missed most of David Sylvians solo work. I found Gone to Earth a few weeks ago, also excellent and with added Frippery, so wholly in my area of interest. I guess Dead Bee's is next unless there are other recommendations from the team? Blemish certainly requires deep listening, quite exceptional artistry. Reissues on vinyl of the two Sylvian / Fripp albums would be much appreciated as well.

[@christopherkibler511]

Weird. I was just listening to David Sylvian's album "Alchemy An Index of Possibilities" on the way to the grocery store today.

[@sacexlowcarboneconomy4424]

Rhodesia and obscure alternatives need addressing ! Incredible

[@33RPMVinyl]

Japan's producer at one time (John Punter) owned a bar/restaurant just north of my house. John kept his gold albums in a shopping bag in the back of the restaurant. You'd walk into the place and have no idea he was a producer/engineer for bands like Japan, Roxy Music, Procol Harum, etc.

[@RighteousBrother]

Mind blown!!!

[@Modbossvideo]

This collabration is the shiznet, as the kids say Jan Bang, Erik Honoré, David Sylvian, Sidsel Endresen, Arve Henriksen ‎- Uncommon Deities I don't know if David did the lyrics, it sounds like him . Stunning effort. Worth a listen.

[@mikaelvasararadiopromo9758]

Great record

[@DarranJHankey66]

Blemish, I nearly had to be sectioned, I sat through it too live, oh bud, my life is Japan, but I didn't even wanna shake David's hand that night in Cologne

[@nows1567]

I became a huge Japan and Sylvian fan when Visions of China was a bit of a hit. It was like from Bowie's Lodger album but way better and more interesting. I then bought both Tin Drum, which had just been released 'n the "Gentlemen ..." album, later on I bought their first 3 albums on Hansa. It was Quiet life and the Gentlemen-album that were my favorites along with the live one from the time they broke up. I followed him in his solo career also. Nowadays I've sold all my old records, but I still listen to Japan on YT every now and then. It's a bit strange but I do listen some to the songs from the 2nd album, "Obscure ..." nowadays. Their rythm section had started to work already and it's a more rough sound. I rarely listen to any of his solo-stuff anymore. I heard in an interview that he said all lyrics he wrote for Japan weren't genuine, he tried to follow the trends and succeed and he did. It's this kind of strange pop-music that sounds like little else. Well, speculative or not, it was in a class of its own, 'n of course his bandmates were something else too.

[@mazzysmusic]

I love all his solo stuff too

[@nows1567]

@@mazzysmusic Sure, I had many of his solo records too. When I sold them, they were all on vinyl, one of the solo albums turned out to be rare. Don't remember which one it was though, but that one basically paid more than all of the others together, including the ones of Japan.

[@slowfire71]

Enjoyed this little retrospective. I am pretty sure Czukay is pronounced shu-kai (with i like " I " ).

[@roygoad2870]

Did you ever go to the Roundhouse when you were in London in 1978, I saw so many bands there, can remember seeing bands like Talking Heads, Ramones, The Damned for example

[@mazzysmusic]

Roy Goad yes once. Saw Elvis Costello there

[@roygoad2870]

Norman Maslov cool Ian Dury and the Bolckheads was great live there as well

[@silkhead44]

He also did a few vocals with Tweaker....Linoleum and Pure Genius ...great songs

[@LaWendeltreppe]

It's Chuck-ki, Chuck like the Australia word for chicken and Ki like in kite. How lovely to arrive in London and first song on the radio was a Kate Bush song.

[@marcwilders8699]

David Sylvian is of course a brilliant musician with a golden voice and his lyrics are pure poetry. But above all an contrary and unconventional musician, at least in my opinion. But Sylvian has another great talent, namely finding the right musicians for his projects. As Mazzy points out, Holger Czukay, Jon Hassell, Robert Fripp and Sakamoto. But also jazz musicians such as Kenny Wheeler and John Taylor, they have released beautiful albums on the ECM label. Lesser known musicians who have worked with Sylvian but are certainly worth a listen are Arve Henriksen, Jan Bang and Stephan Mathieu. Check out their solo work, and you'll know why Sylvian wanted to work with these guys. Some of Sylvian's albums that are definitely worth listening to and have not been mentioned are: Flux + Mutability (together with Holger Czukay), Approaching Silence, Died in the Wool, When loud weather buffeted Naoshima and the album Wandermüde together with Stephan Mathieu. Jan Bang's album Uncommen Deities, with Erik Honoré, David Sylvian, Arve Henriksen and Sidsel Endresen. And if you like Snow Borne Sorrow (Nine Horses), listen to the album by his brother Steve Jansen, Slope. Meer over deze brontekst

[@mazzysmusic]

Thank you for the detailed suggestions. I love Arve Henriksen and have several of his Rune Gramophone albums. I keep meaning to check out David’s brother

[@marcwilders8699]

@@mazzysmusic Steve Jansen's album Slope was released on David Sylvian's record label, Samadhisound. The same label on which Blemish, Snow Borne Sorrow etc were released. Arve's productions for Rune Grammaphone are wonderful. He also released a fine album for ECM, Cartography. Steve Jansen has released a beautiful album under the name Exit North together with Thomas Feiner and others. This is an album that has been released independently and is difficult to obtain. It is probably available through Discogs and can be listened to on Spotify. Check it out!

[@sclogse1]

And Slope has Anja Garbarek!

[@nawtyturnipp787]

I think David Sylvian early solo albums are his best - Brilliant Trees, Gone to Earth, Dead Bees on a Cake and his greatest hits Everything and Nothing. Having said this his Nine Horses stuff is quite good too. His later stuff is more improvised and harder to listen to.

[@sclogse1]

Quite good doesn't quite do it. Fabulous cuts on it. His maturity...

[@Devjohn7]

Great vid. Listen to "Heartbeat" with Sakamoto & Chavez.

[@zenobowie]

sylvian learned playing and writing music during the Japan period so he said in his own words and Sakamoto was a great musician to learn from , lyrics with meaning is important to David and loves to improvise and change styles Robert Fripp his best time on stage was with Sylvian , David gets deeper and brillant albums like Blemish is well known and admired by the avant garde , Blemish was his own invention he got more minimalistic ( Virgin ended with Sylvian he was not interesting enough for the market so they thought and DS started Samadhi records ) Sylvian is called the master of silence ! There are books about Japan and Sylvian '' the last romantic '' and a biography '' on the periphery ''still available , in Europe and Japan he is very well known always sold out concerts all over Europe and Japan ! His last album is called '' their is no love '' where Sylvian works as a narrator which he did several years in concerts like the Punkt festival which is on cd taped and reworked with Jan Bang ,Erik Honore , Sidsel Endresen , and Arve Henriksen on the Uncommon Deities album a beautiful piece or art ! Hope this wil help ! David Sylvian is one of the best (the name Sylvian comes from Sylvain lead singer of New York Dolls they also looked like them in the beginning of Japan make up and long hair ! lol

[@haroldsmith1213]

also -merry christmas mr lawrence will fit in this vein somewhat.soundtract

[@gavinreid5387]

My version of Everything and Nothing has 3 CDs The packaging is the same as yours. Only two discs have their track listing shown on the cover and the third disc was in the same place as the slip of folded paper containing the credit information , behind the image of the path.

[@aaronhayman8558]

I dig DS's music... Surprised that you didn't mention that Robert Fripp and Bill Nelson appear together on the Gone to Earth LP. Also isn't it the Yellow MAGIC Orchestra?

[@keithsowerby8092]

Jon Hassell is known for his Fourth World music (not Wave) especially his collaborations with Brian Eno.

[@mazzysmusic]

Keith Sowerby that’s right. I knew is was something like that. Thank you. ⭐️

[@sclogse1]

The City.

[@MrMissingReel]

The re-issue of "Plight" is a completely different Mix.....keep the original...the original mix has never been re-released. Holger was more involved in the original mix....the new Sylvian mix first appeared on a instrumental compilation named "Camphor" from the late 90s and later on the re-issue of "Plight" (which includes the follow up "Flux") I knew Holger.....may he rest in peace 🙏🏻

[@haroldsmith1213]

one last thing i still like and buy cds some artisrs sound better on cds--my opinion,