Japan - Quiet Life (TOTP 1981)

[@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

[@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,

[@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! 🥰

[@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

[@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! 🙏🏼❤️🔥

[@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 🙏🙏🙏👏👏👏

[@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!

[@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

[@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!!

[@t.castro4493]

Mick Karn dancing with his feet is something special 😊

[@pinkpyjamas-ey6rw]

Yet kinda annoying and gimmicky too imo.

[@ianmatcham5998]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@kevinmilbank4319]

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

[@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!

[@darrenp2225]

Absolutely brilliant.

[@deirdrestewart4394]

Such a brill song loved it!🎵🎵👌

[@andrew1212w]

Great track Japan were a very underrated band.

[@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.

[@baggiemad]

The definition of cool David..

[@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

[@stuarthandley7102]

the best of the 70s and 80s great group

[@rachelmorgan7751]

Agree

[@dancing_on_the_valentine_83]

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

[@bluehorizon9613]

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

[@Warp75]

All I hear is Bowie & Roxy Music

[@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’

[@Tweetybird08]

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

[@andyskelton7223]

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

[@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.

[@Stacity]

My favourite band of the 80s

[@ashratempel5094]

Amazing masterpiece from the summer of my years.

[@cv507]

cözmiq jöGGäiR nügetz v?v

[@Custardpoint948]

Not only were they great musicians, they were cool.

[@michaelreilly2668]

I loved that band when I was a boy 😂❤

[@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🤩🥰

[@nervo6321]

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

[@gkgeezerguay]

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

[@35sixer]

Another great band from the 80's..

[@seanunderwood5508]

Brilliant ! Just played it on my 1981 vinyl

[@foofkanon]

On hansa quality vinyl.

[@cmonmappleys]

Miles ahead of time

[@hviewstudio]

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

[@isabellesarahwood5005]

Amazing band ❤

[@TheAnnas4cats]

Mick Karn !

[@peterbrown5115]

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

[@sallyanne8700]

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

[@hughzapretti-boyden9187]

Roxy Music wannabes!🤡

[@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...😊😊😊😊😂😂😂

[@markottewell8897]

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

[@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.

[@steelsorceress1984]

David is just so 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@hiro2199]

元祖ブロンド・ショタコンが・お好き❣。

[@x4dd]

Absolute masterpiece

[@carolknight6998]

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

[@deirdrestewart840]

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

[@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.

[@jakegaming1235]

brilliant song

[@rosieday3259]

Happy 64th David yre an amazing talent x

[@jermaup02]

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

[@UBZUKki]

Awesome early 80's sound... Love it

[@Livetowin65]

their best song!

[@David-jb5dv]

So good

[@alanfox7312]

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

[@Russ453hgf]

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

[@kaori_kanzaki]

David Sylvian is so hot 😍

[@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

[@chrisscholes]

So cooool love the quiet life 🇯🇵

[@mrc5653]

Everything here defines cool✌️

[@paulkillick527]

Mick Karn smashing that bass 👍🙏🙏

[@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.

[@shamsoni]

I’m Indian and nearly 60 - I wore the make up n glam clothes got the stares n laughs in 86 had a son whose nearly 36 called him Sylvian

[@layditms2]

Millenials

[@moyajanko6642]

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

[@damianbyrne1664]

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

[@lassie123456]

BOYS!

[@SeanTobin-i3t]

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

[@callumcc8897]

Ob-X and a Prophet 5! JAPAN were ahead of their time!

[@jm252]

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

[@MrDaele65]

japan very good

[@koreantiger2233]

The best song of japan

[@Kevin-1969]

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

[@garethjones6566]

Mick Karn, Bass legend who is sadly missed.

[@jakobglocke7764]

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

[@dawnballard6448]

Beautiful man. The ultimate band of the 80 s

[@sandraleal9882]

Mick karn forever❤

[@Scotty-P]

Brilliant.

[@biggtom1999]

Mick Karn..What a Bass Stud..

[@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.

[@dadaflux1]

Rob Dean disappeared. He was at the beginning of the video. This was obviously two videos edited together. David's hair changes and so does Steve's clothing.

[@mikedla8577]

The TOTP studio footage is from the 17 second mark until approx 3:07. Before and after those two time markers is footage from a completely different gig. As you say, Rob Dean disappears, David's hair changes as does Steve's clothing. Mick Karn is also in a different outfit. Not sue why TOTP spliced in other footage. The end of the song fades which is always hard to do in a TV studio. Not sure about the beginning.

[@deestewart.4759]

Classic!!!!🙌🙌👋👌

[@Scotty-P]

Mick Karn;s moves!

[@alcugger3779]

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

[@colinnewing3175]

I miss mick Karn so much and his brilliant bass playing

[@koreantiger2233]

Great song

[@joyouslife4all]

Such brilliant band. They should’ve done concert with YMO.

[@toriaridgway3501]

Mick Karen looks amazing in them clothes...👌

[@deestewart4214]

Awesome...🔻🔥👍

[@ピカモン-n7y]

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

[@DoroteoVilla]

So it was like 1987 and I was at a record store and I saw a record titled Quiet Life and I naturally thought to myself “Nick Rhodes started his own band in Japan?”. I had fallen for the obvious David Sylvia’s/Nick Rhodes visual illusion. I asked the guy who worked at the record store whether he knew when Nick Rhodes had started his own band and whether this meant Duran Duran were officially splitting up. This was during their hiatus after their live album Arena. The guy who worked there which I swear knew more about music, musicians, influences than anyone I had ever heard of said “sit down, I’m going to tell you about Japan, David Sylvian and how they begat Duran Duran”. I listened to an abridged version of Nick Rhodes and the rest of DD going to their first Japan show and voila. He sold me the record and I did as he suggested and went straight to the title track. I had never heard one band sound so much like another and still be a different band. Simon Lebon had been heavily influenced if not straight lifted David Sylvian’s vocal style (to be fair, both lifted Bryan Ferry’s) and Nick Rhodes stole raided Sylvian’s wardrobe and stole his make up kit. Quiet Life is DD’s template but then to their credit created their own sound since, although Nick Rhodes’ look keeps dining out on Sylvian’s wardrobe. I will say though that Duran Duran did surpass Japan ,or rather evolved from that synth-heavy New Romantic incubator that hatched them. But must give credit where credit is due.

[@johndonaldson3619]

Great little story! Thank you for sharing it!!

[@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

[@desertrose1226]

He's pretty..he looks like Nick Rhodes and Richard Darbyshire put together! 80s men were just gorge!

[@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.👍🏾😀💫👋🏾⭐🙏🏾🌟

[@marcotacconi1630]

Funny thing is Rob Dean completely disappeared from tv appearances. Wonder why