Japan - Quiet Life (TOTP 1981)

[@nigelknight6688]

A very talented band brings back a lot of memories ...if only l could go back to those days😂

[@markcortis2348]

You and me both, best times,

[@edwardmulholland7912]

Mick Karn was an amazing bass player.

[@didinx8417]

And gone too soon.

[@veganandspicy765]

Yes agree so sad he died young too 😭

[@gilliebrand]

and sadly underrated, but those who know, know. He created the basslines for my formative years.

[@stevehill8657]

Yes Mick Karn. Such inspired bass playing. Instead of just following the chords, he makes it rumble, growl and squeal

[@MightyMerlin1]

Dalis car is awesome

[@user-jf5hl2ee3w]

I'm a 21 year old Japanese. I really like the music of this era.

[@damianmcdonagh7908]

Check out Tears for Fears Pale Shelter and The Human League Love Action.

[@colwynboy7279]

@@user-jf5hl2ee3w - Welcome aboard. Try Charlotte Sometimes by The Cure.

[@martin_minimalwave]

No wonder....pop was at the zenith

[@paulbellis1960]

Me and three other 60 year old male friends just chatting now about how brilliant Japan were.Quiet Life was my favourite track and Mick Karn’s fab bass play is much missed.

[@ajs41]

Tin Drum is my favourite album of all time. Funny because I was only 2 years old when it was released in 1981. I didn't listen to it until about 1998.

[@simongilbert2704]

am similar age , and like this 10 times more than when it first came out ;;;; bass player , -- another goodie gone ;;

[@Theoriginalbigbrillo]

You forgot Micks Lobster move ..............................🤭🤭🤭🤭🤭 RIP Mick Karn

[@cv507]

always had an imaginary (öc? eldäir?) brö... ? maybe:i:vvöz:ä:hät:^:^ among my best among hundreds... nö wöndäre flipp enweihtät äm ^?^ him -.- maybe sillyän stöle fröm bövvie?? whö stöle fröm pearlynne´scööl?xD ::: 8Dy greedinkce ;0-lwäyce sync a bävd shinink trädes´ jäcks the Fäynnöss persön mietz möhr zen the ´avG??

[@floriantrumpa5678]

@@ajs41 For the longest time I didn't like tin drum. I recently gave a quick listen through and it is amazing.

[@loldudeehdhgjgdhhhd]

I think David Sylvian is the most beautiful man I've ever seen, as well extremely talented! Love him still to this day!

[@sonyval1215]

Ultimately sexy

[@antrivers46]

So do I. And I’m straight lol!

[@theshadowxoxo]

David Sylvian and Nick Rhodes could pass as brothers back in the day 🔥

[@lovedicedtomatoes9653]

@@theshadowxoxo I always wondered if Nick Rhodes copied Sylvian's look. I know he was a big fan. When he and Simon were guest VJ's on Mtv one of the videos they showed was "Visions of China" and Nick talked a little about Japan.

[@theshadowxoxo]

Love DicedTomatoes Nick could’ve since he looked so much like David back in the day. I noticed that Japan had a huge influence on Duran Duran’s sound and style love them both! 🥰

[@JohnnyNation]

It's never too late to learn !!! Didn't know of this band till now/ quite good actually !!!

[@Baldieman1]

Keep listening,quite good will turn to indespensible brilliance!

[@colwynboy7279]

Still here 40 years later. 2021 & still sounds as fresh as the first time I heard it on the speakers throughout the park in Alton Towers.

[@patsystone34]

Totally agree! 🙏🏼❤️🔥

[@manonthesilvermountain2002]

Its so weird how alot of 80s songs aged so poorly. This album came out at a perfect time that it wasn't affected by the trendy production that would come later. Japan was highbrow but grooved hard as a motherfucker, true musicians and Sylvian could sing like he meant it. They kept their ballsy mentality from their punk days. Hanoi Rocks and Duran Duran were their spiritual successors.

[@damianmcdonagh7908]

I was 12-years-old and what an amazing song. Top of the Pops was simply unmissable on a Thursday night.

[@geekpie100]

can someone tell me the way back to the early 80s?

[@dawndixon8038]

Can I come too!

[@DaveLennonCopeland]

And me!

[@shaunpmarshall]

geekpie100... buy a delorian with a new flux capacitor

[@TJByrnesAudioVisual]

They're called the Killers

[@cmonmappleys]

Tommy Byrnes very close

[@georgiarose1576]

Great song. I also love it when men wore really nice suits with a tie. That's why the early 80s was amazing.

[@paolobenmore3504]

The pop stars also wore more make up than the girls ;-) true.

[@BruceLee-zd9bw]

Japan were without doubt one of the most underrated bands ever!! This song is just something else when you listen to how tight the rhythm section is, with Mick Karns legendary bass playing. Japan in my opinion eclipsed Duran Duran and most of the other bands in the 80's. They were the pioneers. R. I. P M Karn 🙏🙏🙏👏👏👏

[@stiofandundealgan1280]

Japan, one of the best New Wave bands between 79 and 82, so underrated in my opinion !

[@cv507]

yör nhärröw specktrümm is either fär narröwer than our ´99.9 ör häl you äre a spheremässtäiR€ ^?^

[@lunalure5045]

They were utterly big in Japan.

[@andreacarlini7069]

Anche the Sound è Chamaleons

[@asboukcomfortable1670]

I was obsessed with Japan back in the day, man. 80s rap N Japan. Bassist Mick was my boy! UK 🇬🇧

[@Stacity]

Yes me too lol

[@lupodelupis3672]

David was clearly one of the coolest guy that ever climb up on a stage....

[@hhaannnnaahh222]

literally

[@steelsorceress1984]

He's so damn fine ✨️

[@hunkhk]

Ill second that emotion

[@t.castro4493]

Mick Karn dancing with his feet is something special 😊

[@pinkpyjamas-ey6rw]

Yet kinda annoying and gimmicky too imo.

[@MilkAndCornbreadd]

This track is Japan's best track by far! The clarity in this video is superb, and on top of that, this video is top notch 80's!

[@Taffy84]

LOL, just Mick Karn on bass alone is more talent than Duran Duran.

[@MilkAndCornbreadd]

Rattus Norvegicus I love Duran Duran as well, but I don't really think Japan and Duran Duran are as similar as some folks think.

[@Taffy84]

***** I agree. Japan was quite a serious music band and DD was just pop music mostly.

[@MilkAndCornbreadd]

Rattus Norvegicus I agree with that assessment.

[@Taffy84]

***** David Sylvian went on to do some really good solo music too, working with people like Bill Nelson. Mick Karn went onto to do some solo stuff and also an album with Peter Murphy in the band Dalis Car.

[@andrew1212w]

Great track Japan were a very underrated band.

[@bluehorizon9613]

So talented and with such original music, their OWN sound.

[@Warp75]

All I hear is Bowie & Roxy Music

[@mayazzow2129]

I LOVE how David doesn't dance , just croons elegantly.

[@hughzapretti-boyden9187]

Bryan Ferry wannabe!😂

[@mharris1503]

@@hughzapretti-boyden9187 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@scottfischer8107]

Bryan Ferry set a good example for him to follow.

[@milannovakovic455]

@@hughzapretti-boyden9187yes I am glad you observed this wannabe bellend blitz was shit

[@darrenp2225]

Absolutely brilliant.

[@baggiemad]

The definition of cool David..

[@seanunderwood5508]

Brilliant ! Just played it on my 1981 vinyl

[@foofkanon]

On hansa quality vinyl.

[@stuarthandley7102]

the best of the 70s and 80s great group

[@rachelmorgan7751]

Agree

[@michaelkarlsson239]

Jeez. I wished i was so stylish like David Sylvian was back then. He looked bloody amazing.

[@stevepettit2064]

he defo was a stylist i went to the barbers with a picture of him i was 14 then i said i want my hair like this well of course it was nothing like after it was done!!

[@43painter]

When I discovered Japan in 1981 I was 17 years old and I found them magnifique and enormously intriguing. In the years that followed, I always played Japan / Ryuichi Sakamoto while working as an artist in my studio. And now when I hear them I immediately feel like getting back to work.

[@deirdrestewart4394]

Such a brill song loved it!🎵🎵👌

[@ashratempel5094]

Amazing masterpiece from the summer of my years.

[@cv507]

cözmiq jöGGäiR nügetz v?v

[@garypoole1658]

Loved this song when it was first released and still love it now. However, their other songs never really hit the spot for me like this one did.

[@mosemose3690]

It has to be their best song.

[@ianmatcham5998]

Mick Karn looks as cool as ****! Just forgot actually how good they were......... Play really loud, it's brilliant ❤️🙏

[@nervo6321]

So cutting edge then ....still love it 40 years on...

[@hviewstudio]

Magic :-) I was ten years hold at the time and never forgot this song Thank You and never will :-)

[@peterbrown5115]

Great editing there. You seamlessly added the last few seconds instead of the applause.

[@David-jb5dv]

So good

[@bink865]

Lady Diana flick. A good song, with a touch of Planet Earth.

[@mcguigan54]

More than a year before Planet Earth was released...just sayin’

[@35sixer]

Another great band from the 80's..

[@seanhazlewood634]

Great song reminds me of the late 70s Early 80s take me back to that era

[@jm252]

Only got to no 19 in th UK Charts!..... Should been much much higher!... Ahead of there time!

[@williammillington7955]

i remember watching this on TOTP as a 15 yr old as it was the first time seeing them and thought "wow" these guys are amazing, loved them and David ever since. Also remember Heaven 17 were on the same show doing Play to Win and got me hooked on them too🤩🥰

[@Stacity]

My favourite band of the 80s

[@DavidKirkbride-i2f]

Brilliant

[@gkgeezerguay]

Japan, were in a totally different league! Magnificent!!!

[@JasmineSurrealVideos]

I find this song very relaxing, yet its got an upbeat tempo, something languid and soothing about it, also David doesn't really move much to the rhythmic music, he just sort of turns a bit, and Mick does these little leg side kick things lol. I guess the band were all introverts and the song was a reflection of their private lives, they come across as such. I think David has a look of Marilyn Monroe at times and Mick would have looked good in silent films, both striking men in their own ways. Best song of theirs I think alongside Visions of China.

[@alwaysinseptember11]

private life? quiet life you mean lol

[@x4dd]

Absolute masterpiece

[@hanleyguy7967]

Pop-synth was more than just an era it opened the doors to better music - today's bands take heed

[@hughzapretti-boyden9187]

WTF is pop synth?🤡 It's new wave although he was a poor man's Bryan Ferry.

[@Custardpoint948]

Not only were they great musicians, they were cool.

[@jakegaming1235]

brilliant song

[@chrisscholes]

So cooool love the quiet life 🇯🇵

[@Phi1l]

Great time for fashion & classic songs. Sadly Simon Cowell has managed to brainwash the nation into accepting musical talent that couldn't lace the boots of these guys.

[@kevinprior3549]

And he's proud of it... maybe he is actually just a lazy s@#$

[@justinebourke9449]

You said it!!

[@myalfie]

How very true, cowell sells throw away pop for the socially dumb!

[@cmonmappleys]

Miles ahead of time

[@milannovakovic455]

LOL do your research

[@rosieday3259]

Happy 64th David yre an amazing talent x

[@tubetoneguitars112]

I would have bet $100 that this was a Duran Duran track I'd never heard before. Talk about heavily influenced, DD practically stole the look, style AND sound from this band. One of my new favorites now.

[@GorgeousRoy2024]

If you get chance listen to their back catalogue,

[@Normskiblue]

When this track came out I thought that it was Roxy Music

[@6581punk]

The Duranies didn't get this sophisticated until Rio, stuff like the Chauffeur.

[@lovedicedtomatoes9653]

Nick Rhodes and Simon were guest VJ's on Mtv back in the early 80's. They had 30 minutes to play whatever they wanted. Nick talked about Japan and played "Visions of China" so they were fans. That was the only time I saw a Japan video on Mtv.

[@girllionness5944]

As someone who's both a Japan and Duran Duran fan, I think people tend to exaggerate their similarities way too much. I can see some similarities in Duran Duran's first album, but from Rio on they have a completely different style, look, sound and not to mention stage presence, from Japan. People love to act like Japan are entirely original when really they, just like every other band, pull inspirations from other bands and musicians that came before them, otherwise David wouldn't sound so much like Bryan Ferry.

[@kevinmilbank4319]

Probably the best group of the 80s, but there were many great groups in the 80s.

[@danniifan3115]

David had a very dreamy voice. Plus he looked like Nick Rhodes too!

[@andyskelton7223]

Just love this track it stands above & beyond RIP Mick 🙏

[@TheAnnas4cats]

Mick Karn !

[@Tweetybird08]

You can hear where both Duran Duran and Kajagoogoo got their inspiration from! Sooo cool!!

[@danniifan3115]

The undercurrent of the music towards the ens sounds like Planet Earth!

[@Tweetybird08]

@@danniifan3115Yes🙌Very much so😺🎼

[@sallyanne8700]

One off the most underrated artists ever, and so damn stylish 💜

[@hughzapretti-boyden9187]

Roxy Music wannabes!🤡

[@UBZUKki]

Awesome early 80's sound... Love it

[@deirdrestewart840]

Love this bring back the 80s....😊👌🎶🎶🎶👃

[@steelsorceress1984]

David is just so 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@frankgoodall329]

Haunting classic.😊❤

[@hiro2199]

元祖ブロンド・ショタコンが・お好き❣。

[@dancing_on_the_valentine_83]

David Sylvian, Nick Rhodes nad John Taylor are my perfect type of man 😂😂😍😍

[@Livetowin65]

their best song!

[@Scotty-P]

Brilliant.

[@seanhickling7340]

Great back then and still are 👨🏻‍🦲👌🏻

[@alanfox7312]

I got Japan's album from a record stall holders at Hertford market in Hertfordshire Saturday afternoon

[@SeanTobin-i3t]

Saw a video clip with David Bowie being interviewed….. vaguely remember him mentioning how cool he thought Sylvian was 👍

[@AnalogueRecall]

Karn's movement across the stage was just mesmerising at the time. Such a brilliant and under-rated band. Such a shame they couldn't hold it together for a few more years as at this point, imo, was the point where they could have been catapulted to the stratosphere of success.

[@isabellesarahwood5005]

Amazing band ❤

[@jermaup02]

Really enjoy to listen them, they have inspired Duran Duran, they are very good too 😎👩👹👍👍

[@carolknight6998]

suits were in fashion then. no wonder I like them. snappy dressers.

[@neilbirch1802]

Paul I've found kearsley's file hidden in a bush.. Crompton st scows..lol Tune pal x

[@markottewell8897]

If there’s a song that sums up the best of the early 80’s…. Here you have it folks!

[@williamcoram6492]

When studying at Preston Polytechnic (now known as UCLAN) back in the early 80s, my next flat mate played this 24/7. What a racket. Hated then, but now.... wow, quite a stunning track.

[@koreantiger2233]

Great song

[@BARLEYSWORLDMANCHESTER]

Top tune, loved the 80s, I wasn't a New romantic more football casual but the music crossed over and mixed well with The Jam, Smith's, New Order, Loose Ends, SOS Band, Specials, Police. Ghost top tune, also have their albums.👍🏾 You're very welcome.👍🏾😀💫👋🏾⭐🙏🏾🌟

[@Russ453hgf]

Filmed at' The Venue', Victoria. ( Became Dickie Dirt's jeans emporium)

[@ピカモン-n7y]

JP 2:40 / 3:39 Japanの中でQuiet Lifeが一番好きです

[@moyajanko6642]

I remember playinig this album in the car until the tape wore out. Still as yummy as it was then.

[@jonathanlfccortis5006]

I'm pretty sure this song was released in late 1979 & peaked at Number 12 in the U.K. Charts in early 1980.

[@TopOfThePopsRedubbed]

The following are the three Top Of The Pops appearances made by Japan. They took place in 1981 and 1982. This video is their first appearance on TOTP despite having been formed as a group 5 years earlier. Quiet Life 24/09/1981 Ghosts 18/03/1982 Cantonese Boy 27/05/1982

[@sunshineofrays6977]

OH MY LORD...This man is just perfection...so god damn beautiful. ..I was so in love with him , had posters all over my bedroom walls...not an inch of paint showed...ahhh the days when the biggest decision was whether to backcomb or not...😊😊😊😊😂😂😂

[@michaelreilly2668]

I loved that band when I was a boy 😂❤

[@MrDaele65]

japan very good

[@deestewart4214]

Awesome...🔻🔥👍

[@koreantiger2233]

The best song of japan

[@Kevin-1969]

If this is the best, I would hate to hear the worst

[@AndZooom]

Quality 👌

[@juanpablojones]

Such talented musicians, great look. Duran Duran took this influence and made it big, but not a patch on them. Loved Dalis Car and much of Sylvian's solo work too.

[@sylviahalo]

Mick Karn is a genius and also artistic fashion icon...monochrome fluorescent yellow shirt/pants combo with red patent leather mary jane shoes?!? I love him

[@petecernan2568]

Just indulging myself watching some videos he is cool as hell and what bass player

[@StockholmNightlife]

AWESOME!!!! =)

[@mrc5653]

Everything here defines cool✌️

[@deestewart.4759]

Classic!!!!🙌🙌👋👌

[@pedrojak7]

Great band. Karn was a legend RIP. Methods of Dance was the best electro track of the Eighties.

[@alcugger3779]

You can hear John Punters production..."Early Roxy", superb track tho!!!

[@Celia-e5f]

🎉the most beautiful man ever still is celiaxx

[@jakobglocke7764]

God i so wanted to be him, ghosts was my fav song ever and anything by DS

[@damianbyrne1664]

Phenomenal. Not around long but such an influential band...

[@valley_robot]

Jesus Duran Duran nicked a lot of their sound from these guys , Japan were way more interesting though, on another point listen to black sabbaths “juniors eyes “ it sounds a lot like Duran Duran

[@FullbloomFreelance]

Am a duranie but will say this: Japan was a thinking person’s DuranDuran

[@bicj1179]

True, I believe Duran Duran admitted to being influenced by Japan, though in their defence they took it in a much more pop, mainstream way and I do think by the time of Rio, they had much more of their own sound. Then again, lots of people say Japan and Sylvain were heavily influenced by Bowie and Roxy Music. Guess that's the way it goes with music through the years, it influences and adapts.

[@MrDuncl]

This song is a oddity in that it was recorded in 1979 but didn't make the charts until the third attempt in1981. By that time Japan's sound had moved on, but not in a way I liked. In contrast Duran Duran were embracing this sound. They played Quiet Life on the Wave 105 Golden hour this morning which was 1981 and I was thinking "You don't get a more 1980s sound than this" so it was big surprise to me to read on Wikipedia when it is actually a 1970s recording.

[@lassie123456]

BOYS!

[@TweedSuit]

Originally released in late 1979. Re-released in 1981 to capitalise on the New Romantic movement. Ahead of its time.