Japan - Swing (Old Grey Whistle Test, Dec. 1980)

© EMI - Virgin Records, 1980.
*Disclaimer: I do not own any clips or music. All clips and music belong to their respectful owners. I do not earn any money with this video. This video is for enjoyment purposes only and the video will be removed if requested to by the producer.
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.

[@sulk]

In the beginning, the way Mick just marches forward like the coolest fucking person who ever lived. Yes.

[@cmonmappleys]

eire s you got it so right ..dreamt of being that cool lol

[@mexicanson]

He is.

[@justinebourke2811]

Well he was absolutely one of the coolest dudes in music EVER! 👍

[@CRAIGSCHULER]

Cool as fuck in a sky blue jacket!

[@philipzimmermann5768]

Been listening to this song for 40 years and still never ever get tired of listening to it. Mick, you and your talent are sorely missed.

[@nutster9000]

Same here, every part of there music you can hear their individual skills shining through. Such talent, but sadly went to some individuals heads at the cost of others. Despite that, so many bands of their time & since owe a huge debt to them.

[@larsfillmore4765]

looking back, they were so talented it beggar's belief!

[@symbiat0]

Most probably the coolest band of all time.

[@jacksonmiked]

Over 40 years ago now but this still sounds like the future.

[@lawriecoombs6876]

Everything about this musically/aesthetically is fucking perfect.

[@ahmedvorajee2430]

Immaculate perfection of the fretless bass by the master Mick Karen RIP. You’re sorely missed Mick, left us way too soon.

[@mikebott6940]

It certainly all meshes perfectly, no ?

[@crystalwaters8852]

❤❤❤

[@HiGlowie]

My man was ahead of his time. Musically and visually

[@symbiat0]

Bought my first bass the week after he died… 🥲

[@markgreenhow7953]

Mick Karn. Not only one of the most innovative bass players of all time but also meticulous with the visual performance and image he created.

[@justinebourke2811]

The adonis of cool

[@kdp8133]

Can't believe he's been gone ten years

[@symbiat0]

Bought my first bass the week after he died…

[@gregroberts3403]

Technically, all over the place but a genius with it.

[@winstonschwarz1636]

They never played live properly. They just added the odd few notes on top of a backing tape. That's why they sacked the guitarist. Mick was a poseur back then. He only blossomed on the album with Terry Bozzio and David Torn.

[@IronBhoy]

Mick Karn made bass an art form. Like a story within a song all to its self.

[@Bricameron]

Barbieri’s synth lines are what pulls you in.

[@hawsrulebegin7768]

That’s how I fell in love with Japan. Every member of Japan was pioneering new ideas and techniques.

[@justinebourke2811]

Yea! He really doesn't get enough credit..I always picked out his keyboard playing as what would first hook me to my favourite tracks. 👌

[@user-jy3io4iz2p]

They all had stand out qualities. Just add Sakamoto 😉

[@grahamheard1102]

This track has a fantastic bass line by Mick Karn, what an underrated band they were.

[@ericlindsey3069]

They were the Beatles of art-rock and pop, for sure. They influenced so many bands. They quietly became musicians' musicians, loved by and influencing tons of artists who wouldn't always admit it...

[@Carlos-im3hn]

Japan a fusion of the Beatles, Roxy Music, and David Bowie.

[@vinto34]

They had a unique sound like no one else at the time. RIP Mick Karn.

[@scottcraig6381]

What a band ...so many cool tunes...bought all their albums as teenager....and still listening to this day....

[@steveosborne1007]

Man, what a savage introduction lol. That would make me feel well sketch just before playing

[@evanjamesquinn]

lmao

[@keithpasculli7465]

I was thinking the same thing; I thought that they were supposed to talk you up before you performed not talk you down. Ouch

[@tyroon81]

@@keithpasculli7465 From what I remember the presenters of this show were always critical of bands they didn't like. Annie Nightingale was already about 40 when this was recorded so what the hell would she know about a group like Japan. Just stick to what you know you old trout😃

[@jasefrazz07]

She was a supporter of japan, so basically what the fuck ,a world on NME pretentious writers who considered their opinions more important than the music

[@JasmineSurrealVideos]

@@tyroon81 40 is not old, 70+ is. Her opinion was erroneous but her age is irrelevant.

[@tamitami7225]

何これ！ミックかっこ良すぎ！ カッコ良くて涙が出てくる…もっともっと長生きしてほしかったな。

[@morticiaaddams9777]

Flawless performance. Such a polished band. Timeless

[@kdp8133]

One of my favourite tracks of theirs. There was - and never will be - anyone like them. New wave? New Romantics? Never. They were unique and way above either of those movements. My huge personal regret is not seeing them live. I can't remember why I didn't!!

[@alfredrutz7830]

Kdp, I second every word of yours!!! Seen so many greats; but never my all time favs!

[@stephenrowley6360]

Gentlemen take polaroids and Tin Drum 2 albums so diverse in their musical sound but equally superb

[@stevemckenna2401]

Brilliant just brilliant. They looked great but their music was greater. Mick Karn genius bass player R.I.P.

[@jimmorris848]

this man Sylvians a GENIUS

[@batphink2655]

Very slick band I bet the show were shocked at how good they were! RIP Mick!

[@Alix777.]

What a band my gosh..

[@cmonmappleys]

The good old days, and still listening now timeless

[@shadowplay5363]

Hugely underrated band, as shown by all that clowning in the introduction. By the time GTP was released they were already the best band in UK, and at a time we had the likes of Siouxie, Echo and the Bunnymen, Bauhaus, etc.. releasing brilliant albums.

[@alfredrutz7830]

Smack on 🎯

[@sphericalempirical9359]

Karn was ridiculously good wasn’t he. I mean, fk me, sheer class. Just seems to kiss Sylvians voice. What a band.

[@angiecuteass]

What a tragic loss, and almost penniless...thanks the music industry. Thank goodness we now have Katy Perry, Taylor Swift and fucking Ed Sheehran!

[@DroffilcRenevac]

Criminal

[@flintm6945]

All the boys in Duran Duran should be sending Japan a little money each month for all they borrowed from them.

[@patthewoodboy]

Karn was a very good musician , clarinet was also on the list of instruments as for his bass playing , sublime

[@IdeologieUK]

Karn’s genius and musicality left no space for any business acumen. Therefore, Sylvian sh@gged him on royalties. It’s an earlier Johnny Marr / Morrisey theft debacle. Sure Sylvian wrote the lyrics, but Karn made the melodies and complimented all those he never came up with. Sad indictment of greed, possession and preciousness. Sylvian is gifted, no doubt, and went on to create a huge body of work, but it’s Karn I’m talking about here...

[@martmako1]

flawless Mick Karns on that magical fretless, just magnificent, many thanks

[@DonHaka]

he played a couple of notes a bit off so i wouldnt call him flawless.

[@elpupogriton]

DIDUKNOWDAT .URANIDIOT? AN ABSOLUTE LEGEND.

[@DonHaka]

@@elpupogriton yes indeed. Love MK so much and his playing really opened a completely new door for bassplaying.

[@user-ed7gg3zz5r]

めちゃくちゃ映像綺麗ですね😃✨ ありがとうございます❤️

[@darrenwells2277]

I have only just discovered Japan... and I am obsessed with Mick Karn's Fretless playing... its unique and amazing. I wish I could play that good.

[@ewetoo]

What I love about Karn's bass here is that it's a horn line. He's playing bass like a sax.

[@ahumphr]

Karn is just 22 years old here.

[@susanlansdell863]

Aiden Humphreys He was amazing.xx

[@janedunk3773]

Oh what a band they were! Such memories of my younger days. Still exciting to listen too and watch all these years later. Mick Karn was sooo cool. Loved him x

[@kb7268]

Timeless classic. Only the enlightened appreciated this music - 🤓. Japan Was such a talented band. Just so amazing- this just transports me back to the 80’s - like magic. Was the greatest time to have experienced - for me - because of Japan. Listening to everything Japan & David Sylvian wrote & sang got me through LOCKDOWN. So glad I spent that time revisiting my love for Japan. & their magical music & songs ❤️ so many of their songs stand the test of time. Still sound good and fresh now. Just too good - it hurts

[@hausacat]

Agreed. Revisiting their work has been welcome escapism from the nightmare that is today.

[@margaretkiernan9957]

Funny you should say that I am spritually awaking alwayings loved then

[@margaretkiernan9957]

@@hausacat when you keep seeing them something good is going to happen it is a sign a manfestion

[@brad42948]

Nice to see the BBC managed just one shot of one of the world's most talented drummers right at the end! Top stuff all round.

[@philjenkins8718]

Thank you for saying that. I kept waiting to see the drummer.

[@esoxlucius7145]

Me voilà à 51 ans et tjrs un réel plaisir d'écouter .juste sublime et rip pour mister karn superbe bassiste et bien plus encore un grand merci.👍😎

[@indigojones8]

The twang of both Karn's bass and Sylvian's "swing" add such a standout element to this fantastic song.

[@madarab37]

I wonder if members of Duran Duran were at home watching this in 1980. They formed in May 1980. Love the rubbery sound of Mick's fretless bass. It's like he's playing slide bass.

[@helfmeyerglenn491]

Long after Japan was no more.. i followed Sylvians career... just love his voice !!!

[@macjones2988]

Love this, it shows all of the band at their best. There's nothing like the Karn/Jansen bass/drum duo. Epic. Oh and Annie Nightingale too was cool in the day much better than todays offerings such as Zoe (me,me) Ball.

[@michaelvronksy8748]

Just listen... a proper band playing live and sounding sublime. My favourite band of all time. And Annie Nightingale?! Dressed in a clown's outfit talking about dress! Ironic ain't she...

[@erickgabriellimadacosta182]

Annie was so bad??

[@mrp410]

Annie Nightingale aping the feeling at the time around Japan and the questions "can they play or are they just pretty?" Very short sighted and somewhat sad on her part.

[@susanmayo1176]

I thought the same. I bet Japan thought what the hell. Were more than pretty boys. And yes proved her wrong ❤️😘🎶

[@sphericalempirical9359]

Being a fan and considering this IS LIVE, it sounds, more or less, like the studio recording. These really were the real deal.

[@deathmetaldouglas69]

@lu_minous I got that as well. They went from being to being pretty crappy to incredible in a flash. They were worthless in 1979.

[@brettgustin9471]

Kind of like the attitudes of critics towards Duran duran

[@witchflowers6942]

deathmetaldouglas69 no art is ‘worthless’, even if you don’t like it.

[@michaellamneck2116]

I can hear how Simon Le Bon's singing style was influenced by David Sylvian.

[@samanthalewin4397]

Michael Lamneck As was Nick Rhodes entire image.

[@michaellamneck2116]

@@samanthalewin4397 Definitely!

[@hausacat]

Credit is also due to Bryan Ferry.

[@davidspears1452]

One of my all time favourite records by them….absolutely bloody brilliant 🥰

[@glennoc8585]

Was listening to nightporter the other day and forgot how much I loved the song. Japan were very different a few years before this ..more like Hanoi rocks

[@fyvoin6964]

Before Hanoi Rocks !!

[@noelmajers6369]

I'm embarrassed to say that I saw Japan on tour with Blue Oyster Cult (a tour mismatch if ever there was one) and I didn't care for them then. If I saw them now, I'd be hanging on every note. This is excellent...

[@ShiroiTengu]

That's a match made in heaven for me! My God what a show that would have been!

[@AnnaBarsegova]

Люблю и слушаю Sylvian'a с 19 лет, вот уже на протяжении 31 года ))

[@gregroberts3403]

It doesn't get any better than this. I wish I had appreciated it more at the time. What a time to be a teenager. God, do I feel nostalgic for those days. No sodding internet (ironically using it now).

[@malcolmclarke3033]

Mick Karn RIP. Such a great bass player.

[@TocadosNerds]

[Verse 1] Tell me when the work is done Tell me when the day is through And I'll drive safely inside my car Taking islands in Africa [Verse 2] Shout if someone gets too near I'll know just what I ought to do And I'll arrive safely in my car Taking islands in Africa [Chorus] Now your feet are back on the ground Again she'll say the weather's dim But relax my love Relax and swing And swing [Verse 3] Things you say are not too clear I'm someone you'll neither know nor care But I'll sit here and watch from afar Taking islands in Africa [Chorus] Now your feet are back on the ground Again she'll say the weather's dim But relax my love Relax and swing [Outro] Whisper in the wind Whisper in the wind

[@bastardbenno]

Speechless .... what.a .band

[@jon780249]

Serious Annie Nightingale dressed in a clown’s suit heaps contempt on Japan for their visual image. Hmmm...

[@therealpils]

hmmm, a littlelocaltalent response to immenseinterstellartalent methinks

[@parisstromatias637]

@@therealpils simple jealousy

[@therealpils]

@@parisstromatias637 indeed, forgive my hyperbole. :]

[@longstreet0163]

It's not so much what she's wearing for me....it's what she's saying. I don't think David and the boys would appreciate her introducing them like that. I bet they had something to say about it afterwards.

[@therealpils]

@@longstreet0163 This introduction, in all that she is saying and in all that she is wearing, sums up everything I've ever thought (intuitively from watching the TV from the sofa in my Tigger onesie :) about her.

[@glamnesianouveaux2039]

One of my very top Japan tracks is Swing. Mick Karn is just toooo cool and talented, the way he moves. Sigh x What a band xoxoxoxoxoxo

[@lindawinchcole9144]

A vision of beauty 😍😍

[@simonwilliams1238]

Monster Mick on that fretless bass is just sublime

[@nickthepostpunk5766]

Fabulous!

[@michaelfields1113]

Standing like Gods behind Anne Nightingale. Mick Karn and Steve Jansen's performance on this track is sublime. RIP Mick.

[@georgeashcroft9972]

Japan were way ahead of their time. Superb and fresh even today. I do like Durans The Chauffer though.👍

[@parisstromatias637]

Duran Duran copy japan

[@jamesortiz6312]

@@parisstromatias637 Nick copied Sylvian's hair, that's about all

[@stephenbennett1643]

@@jamesortiz6312 Duran Duran tried so to be the next Japan but failed. You can't say they're first hit single Planet Earth, didn't have a hint of Japan about it ! Early Duran was very trying to be Japan.

[@heathergeary2724]

However, Duran Duran has had more hit singles than Japan.

[@danielmarquis5258]

This Band is freaking amazing!! Many can argue that this is hardcore 80’s Alternative.

[@Oceanwireaudio]

Rob Dean scratching his head wondering when he can play his guitar again. Love this band. Karn looks like a Batman villain, he was an astounding bass player and performer.

[@Stacity]

Still sounds refreshing seen them at the hammersmith odeon in the 80s loved it. I liked the early stuff too .

[@MrDandan65]

Unique. Never bettered.

[@Chrisamusic1]

My fav bassist ever, totally unique. A brilliant musician, who hardly ever looks at his guitar!

[@PaulBarry.]

Just pure perfection.

[@jeroenfigee]

Always loveddd this song. Really one of my favorites ... and this is l i v e ?!!! :-) Brilliant.

[@polmartin7470]

La mejor banda de New Wave britanica con mucho. Sencillamente sublimo. De una complejidad ritmica armonica y lírica sin igual

[@helfmeyerglenn491]

Just.....Wow !!

[@judejongen987]

He is just perfection

[@darrylsalisbury9447]

Few bands evolve, that's not necessarily a bad thing, but Japan did. If you listen to the first two albums (New York Dolls anyone?) through to 'Gentlemen Take Polaroids' and then 'Tin Drum', there are some seismic changes there. Great band live too.

[@LazaroAmaralArt]

O.M.G!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love them all !!!!!

[@paulsj]

I've always thought David in this period would have made a great Dracula. Very beautiful, but with the dark eyes, mysterious look.

[@justinebourke2811]

Yes perfect ..the fragile, ethereal beauty he had with the type of makeup style reminiscent of early vampire films..he had that look for sure and the plush, polished style of the east Euopean aristocracy like any noble blooded count...

[@justinebourke2811]

I'd love if Japan had been involved in a vampire film similar to The Hunger.. it would have been better with some of their music and appearances..

[@JasmineSurrealVideos]

I have blonde poofy hair and dark eyes, pale skin, thin, and half Polish and I have been called a vampire lol, I think that type do.

[@joebloggs4807]

Unique genius never to be repeated

[@Zrourke]

Sweet memories

[@lucyiliffe1799]

Her introduction is so infuriating, and rude! It amazes me how they all keot their composure. I have been a fan since the beginning, and love seeing what they went on to achieve... Dolphin Brothers (Steve & Richard) JBK (Steve, Richard and Mick) and of course Porcupine Tree (Richard).

[@JasmineSurrealVideos]

I can't see many pre teen girls liking Japan, the way they look and their music, I was way too young when they were popular to be interested in them anyway, but as an adult I can appreciate their artistic aesthetic and thoughtful music, they aren't a boyband at all. Also I have to like someone like Sylvian as we share the same hair lol.

[@nilsbergea4757]

Best chorus to have in your ears when teeing up…

[@knarffit]

Incredible!

[@paulmcdonald8055]

A modern version of Roxy Music with a twist! 😎 Even though ten minutes between them!

[@PasseioNoturno666]

relax and swang

[@ajs41]

Watching this, you can tell David Sylvian is about to come up with something truly special, which indeed he did with Ghosts, The Art of Parties, Still Life In Mobile Homes and the rest of the Tin Drum album, followed by Oil On Canvas.

[@tommym1966]

Swing and Gentlemen take Polaroids were already special.

[@mikemccready1127]

He is a truly gifted artist. A masterful body of work attests to that. He was surrounded by some very talented artists as well, perhaps the best bass player of the day and by the way- his brother was a great drummer!! It was not just him, he gets a lot of the credit and most of the royalties. Unfortunately he was a self centered person who failed as a husband and father. This is not uncommon with gifted artist. I do hope that generations to come will appreciate this band! They never received the accolades of their contemporaries . They were in my opinion-miles ahead of any band of the time.

[@bovinedowie2803]

Fuck you to decide what Sylvian was. How fucking dare you believe you have any reason or right to decide Sylvian's legacy as a father and husband. You have zero real knowledge of what transpired in their lives to take these people to where they are. And absolutely NO reason to repeat your personal thoughts here besmirching him. Like most so called fans of Japan who I believe are now middle aged and mostly mentally ill, you thrive on shitty gossip and hearsay. You have angered me beyond all limits today. Your poisoned comment should be amended to remove that line. If you do I will remove my comment.

[@witchflowers6942]

Idrove30milestotestmyeyesight it looks to me that you’re the one not accepting her opinion on the other person’s opinion[assertion] about *someone they do not know at all’s* personal life and character.

[@witchflowers6942]

Mike McCready lol wait, r u THE Mike McCready??

[@Ghoulstille]

Nothing like insulting your musical guests before they play.

[@hawsrulebegin7768]

I often wonder what if about this band. What if they’d not split up, what if David had gone commercial or more pop in his solo work, what if they’d been just a year or 2 later would they have got swept along in the 2nd invasion of the USA, what if they’d all reunited before Micks sad passing. What if I was back in 1980 again to experience my first hearing of them. Oh well. Love this band.

[@mexicanson]

Sunday Times compared Japan to the Beatles? Really? I find that a little hard to believe. I'd much rather listen to Japan over the Beatles anyday. Hands down!

[@TweedSuit]

Japan and Gary Numan invented the 80's

[@BeardedFreakGaming82]

@@Cocolocas Apparently Japan influenced Duran Duran.

[@rojzo]

Bowie y Brian Ferry llegaron antes.

[@biancachristie]

@@rojzo Si!

[@tyroon81]

Class never ages. Just gets better every time you hear it. First half of the 80s was so much better than the 2nd musically imho

[@sirjellybeans1st19]

Classic Track

[@Kurzula5150]

I seem to remember a Japan song called; 'The Art of Remaining Totally Cool While Being Slagged Off by Someone Wearing Two Types of Tartan'.

[@raoulduke-k9d]

Absolutely classic..

[@simontroughton5309]

Japan,an absolute one off band,superb.

[@jamieburridge1498]

Ty analogue,just shows how much japan grew musically,better and better,moved out of glam into something deeper.sometimes darker.pushing boundaries,as ever.so missed,..

[@Eleventhearlofmars]

Bass line is excellent

[@duncan-rmi]

5000! me! r.i.p. mick k.

[@stuartwigmore3738]

Japan were absolutely superb. All massively talented musicians, but I'm convinced that Mick Karn's ability was given to him by God himself.

[@stephenbennett1643]

Mick karn the undisputed king of frettless bass! What great band Japan were. Well ahead of everyone at the time.

[@cnfuzz]

Jaco pastorious ran circles around karn to be fair , jaco could play the shoegaze sustained bends style of karn easily , the other way karn would never be able what pastorius could play

[@stephenbennett1643]

@@cnfuzz Two totally different styles ! Take Mick karn any day as he andJapan musically were more to my taste. Not a big Jazz fan which was Jacos field. I'm sure karn could have played some of the stuff Jaco did ! Both Pete Townshend and Elton John regarded him as the best around . Don't put him down

[@Pantokrator1]

An era when some real thought went into making music, suddenly followed by a bunch of crap. Its a tribute to these guys that we have to transport ourselves back 40 years for a decent buzz. Thanks for the music, Japan.

[@witchflowers6942]

That’s the natural cycle of pop music

[@Bowregard12341]

I got to see them live 5 times and they were awesome. Karn was incredible on the bass and Sylvian did some great early solo albums but I really don't like his latter work.

[@roymitchell4563]

Only three words to describe this....COOL AS FUCK

[@Coomberg]

The hack at the beginning with the snarky introduction has now departed this earth (lets mention her name) - fortunately Japan's music will always be remembered...

[@lifeson90]

still fresh as fck, transports you where the gods are

[@rosapang2386]

soo good

[@jake-fj2zi]

he could hit me with a car and i'd probably thank him

[@parisstromatias637]

I am not gay but what a handsome man

[@domb8448]

Record and release as an ambient piece... me too.

[@JasmineSurrealVideos]

Dalis Car lol

[@witchflowers6942]

@@domb8448 damn… that’s deep, brother

[@jennaleigh-raine]

Feb 2019 watching x

[@cynthianovoselsky3592]

My brother Matthew would love this miss U brother

[@blackpeter70]

It's a wonder why Japan weren't more popular. Duran Duran seems to be a more "dumbed-down" version, but were infinitely more successful. It's not a slight on the musicians in DD, as I think they had the best bass player of the 80's in the band.

[@ajs41]

Duran Duran themselves said in 1982 that if Japan had released a radio-friendly single that year it would have undoubtedly gone to number one in the charts. But David Sylvian was famously stubborn and refused to do anything commercial like he did with European Son and Life In Tokyo in 1979 with Giorgio Moroder. When the record company wanted to release a final Japan single in November 1982, David Sylvian chose Nightporter, which is a great song but not number one material.

[@whelant]

...god, the self-importance of the presenter, lordy lordy....

[@susanlansdell863]

whelanttt I never liked any of the R1 djs - including John Peel! They always played exactly what they were told to by the bosses. We had to find our music ourselves...xx

[@Eleventhearlofmars]

How tf she could get away with acting self important in that goggle eyed get up is beyond me?!!! 🤮

[@sphericalempirical9359]

She’s an 80 year old now, if you can believe it, probably why she was such a 40 year old bitch at the time.