Been playing Bass for 25 years, Mick Karn is still the most unique (and possibly hardest to mimic) Bassist I've heard. Absolute fretless giant, one of the best and an autodidact.

@allexisberry7367

Жыл бұрын

Dude from Kajagoogoo was something else too. Nick Beggs .

@WesleyWattley-xy4fg

6 ай бұрын

Nick beggs performs with Roger waters dave gil❤😅mour

@WesleyWattley-xy4fg

6 ай бұрын

David Sylvia's the man who fell to Earth 🌎 ❤😅

Japan is underrated genius, the bassist Mick Karn is so unique et missed ( and yes they have more ... a lot lol )

@ericlindsey3069

3 жыл бұрын

Yes. Totally agree.

Mick Karn on a fretless bass was one of the best bass players of a generation. In 79 Japan were the forefront of what music in the UK would become and stayed ahead of the curve for many years. One of my all time favourite bands.

Being a great fan, I am completely ecstatic that you have chosen to react to Japan. They were definitely innovators of their time. Signature voice, signature bass..as well, Nick Rhodes of Duran Duran emulated David Sylvian's signature look. Also, John Taylor of Duran Duran was a fan of Mick Karn's signature bass style. The most sincere form of flattery.

@annesmith2259

3 жыл бұрын

Groundbreaking band I agree !!

@rachelar

2 жыл бұрын

John Taylor paid some Mick's costs when he moved back to UK with cancer. Tribute indeed

@MoodScapesVideo

Жыл бұрын

Completely ahead of their time. So good to witness people experiencing them for the first time!

I'm 26 and I discovered Japan only 2 years ago. I felt in love immediately and I wanted to know more about them as a band and as a solo artists. I became a fan of David Sylvian solo career which I truly recommend you to listen as it's nothing like Japan. Thank you for that review. I'm so happy that younger generations still can find and enjoy Japan's music.

OMG !! Japan ! Amazing band and David Sylvian is so so talented...

Thank you thank you thank you! No one is reacting to Japan but they were huge in their day. Enjoy your journey of discovery!

Japan were the band of my teens and always have a place in my heart. Especially Mick 🌹

Nice to see your reaction to this song - I've had goosebumps from this song since I was 7 when it came out in 1979, it never gets old! It was so innovative and curious and still creates a feeling. It's lovely that you have such an open mind and love of all music, love from England😍💚

Love Japan, one of my favourite bands from the late 70’s/early 80’s era - David Sylvian’s voice is absolutely gorgeous & interesting how you immediately noticed the bass - a big part of the Japan sound - this great song is a mere appetizer, their best work was yet to come 😊

You need to react to Ghosts, my personal fave Nightporter both from 82, and Blackwater from when the reformed as Rain Tree Crow from 91, and if you like the bass you need to react to Dalis Car with The Judgement Is The Mirror from 84 which is Mick Karn the bass player & Peter Murphy lead singer of Bauhaus. David Sylvian & Steve Jansen are brothers their real surname is Batt, also try Ryuichi Sakamoto & David Sylvian with Forbidden Colours from 83 from the film Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence

Just love these guys, went to see them twice back in the day. Ahead of their time . Never got the recognition they deserved.

Try David Sylvian/Ruishi Sakamoto-Forbidden Colours.Its beautiful

@annesmith2259

3 жыл бұрын

Yes !!

@upfrontbear74

3 жыл бұрын

Always has me in tears

@Flo-mh3pz

3 жыл бұрын

One of my favourite songs of all time. 👍

@joannetyndall3625

3 жыл бұрын

@ Flo 101 mine too.

Rip Mick Karn! David was sometimes accused of sounding like Bryan Ferry but I can forgive him for that because his group, Japan was well ahead of their time. They combined Japanese instruments 🎹 with synths, and a distinctive visual look 👀 such as the pale make up. Really loved their album Tin Drum 🥁 especially the track called Ghosts.

Mick Khan on bass is genius. I've always loved Japan. Such a shame they broke up just as everyone started paying them attention. Other Japan tracks to consider are "Life in Tokyo", "Ghosts", "European Son". One final point, you mentioned a remaster, well "Quiet Life" remastered is about to be released in March 2021 so great timing!

Quiet Life peaked at number 72 in February 1980. It was reissued in January 1982, peaking at number 53. Upon re-release in March 2021, it peaked at number 13.

@scotsean

Жыл бұрын

It was released in 1979 and didn't chart it was re released in 1981 and got to number 19 (in UK)

Japan's album Tin Drum is a classic, so many good songs on it: Ghosts, Visions of China, Cantonese Boy and my personal favourite, the instrumental Canton. Well worth a listen. Mick Karn was a brilliant bassist with a unique style, very in demand on people's albums (Kate Bush etc). A great band.

@su7301

5 ай бұрын

YES

There was "Japan" before "Duran Duran". Please react to "Gentlemen Take Polaroids".

Great, great band!!!! When pop music was really interesting, love that era...

My sister top favorite back in the days. I've heard that band and singer so much times in the house, and loud xD Classic.

Thanks for the reaction. I get what you mean about Sylvian looking like a male version of Blondie. David was once voted the world's most beautiful man in pop. Think you've set yourself up for reacting to Life in Tokyo. There is an extended video version which seems to be a fan made video but it's so good!

Micks Basslines were so unique and almost nonsensical yet they gelled perfectly

Life in Tokyo or Ghosts you need to check them both out. Japan are well underrated but maybe they were just not pop enough. Human Leagues Being Boiled would be well worth reviewing also.

@mandylorien314

2 жыл бұрын

Being from Sheffield, the home of Human League, I have to agree, Being Boiled is an awesome song. I would also say Empire State Human. But any track from Reproduction or Travelogue are worth listening to on this channel.

@justinebourke9449

Жыл бұрын

Totally with your choices of songs.. Being Boiled was epic!

Been listening to Japan since I was 14 , I'm now 55.

Please react to "Gentlemen take Polaroids" by Japan also... very sophisticated, demanding, top class new wave band...

Japan were light years ahea of their time. Just superb. Great to hear younger generations enjoying the brilliant music that came out of Britain end of the 70s/ beginning 80s. It was truly a glorious time.

The sad thing about this group is that they were a little too early. If this song was released in 1982, they would have been huge!

@scotsean

Жыл бұрын

It got to number 19 in 1981

I cannot believe that I've discovered a channel reacting to my favourite band from those days. I thought the world had forgotten them! This album - Quiet Life? Listen to it all and be amazed by every track. Japan influenced everyone who (conveniently) came just after them in the British new wave/synth era. But they did not start out that way. Their first two albums (Adolescent Sex and Obscure Alternatives) are great for different reasons - Adolescent Sex in particular. And just you wait till you get to Gentlemen Take Polaroids (1980).

@kossemoore3342

2 жыл бұрын

i discovered japan and david sylvian about five years ago. i have to say davi sylvian is probably one of if not my favorite artist.

David Sylvian is the most beautiful man that ever lived! ;-)

If you like the bass, please check out more of Mick Karn’s work. He was an utter genius and played several instruments. Did some solo albums and collaborated with Peter Murphy from Bauhaus too.

Derrick, great reaction, thank you. Japan are a great band with many great tracks to react to, you won't be disappointed. Please, do check their stuff, for me their best album is 'Gentlemen Take Polaroids', tracks from that album that you should check out are: 'Taking Islands In Africa', Swing', 'Nightporter' and the title track 'Gentlemen Take Polaroids', the rest of the album tracks are great too. Other tracks by Japan are; 'Ghosts', 'The Art Of Parties', 'Visions Of China', 'Methods Of Dance', 'Sons Of Pioneers', 'My New Career' and many more.

One of the greatest and distinctive bass players. I loved this band so much and still play them now on vinyl. Try Ghosts.

We used to follow this with “ Life in Tokyo” made for a good two in a row dance set, these guys influenced Duran Duran. Agree totally that their videos warrant re mastering as their too good to be left. The more you listen to this the more you get taken in.

@rh8528

3 жыл бұрын

Yes deffo

@rh8528

3 жыл бұрын

This isn't new wave at all... sorry... go for jam, lambrettas etc

@rachelar

2 жыл бұрын

@@rh8528 I did. But that was mod revival. I had the lambrettas album so I know

C'est surtout qu'ils ne font pas semblant de jouer, que ce sont des artistes créatifs avec un son inégalé et un style Unique. 🌹🌹🌹

Great to hear these guys reviewed.. they are one of my favourite bands ever!!!

You mention Mick Karn's bass playing, he was massively influenced by a bassist called Percy Jones of the band 'Brand X' whose music is totally different to Japan's music, in that Brand X were (and still are) a jazz/rock/psychedelic(?) experimental improvising type band. In the off chance you were to react to Brand X, try 'Malaga Virgen'.

Having picked up on them around the release of tin drum I remember buying their early albums and being surprised how they were a completely different style, more like new york dolls..still liked them though..

I absolutely love love love this song 🤗 fab choice

All these years and I still get the shivers 😍🥰

Quiet Life, the album is a work of genius, years ahead of its time. 1979, amazing. It’s an 81-82 sound.

@heathergeary2724

3 жыл бұрын

Fall in Love with Me from Quiet Life sounds early-mid 90’s.

@nicolagianaroli2024

6 ай бұрын

"all tomorrow parties" cover sooo good

You really need to react to the song Swing by Japan. It really has an, "other wordly, atmospheric" sound to it.

OMG OMG OMG I think this is the first time a reaction channel did Japan. They were so great, getting even more experimental with the following albums. They definitely had a sound of their own, and David S's voice is indeed very interesting and a bit haunting in some other songs.

I'm extremely lucky to have worked with two members of Japan (Robert Dean, Steve Jansen) on my next release.

The sounds leading into the 🎵🎵 oohhhhhh hoooooooo always reminds me of the sounds of 16 bit games .

Japan is my second favorite band, right after the Pet Shop Boys. They're also the thieves who made me buy all their albums and the two compilations on vinyl ! They are amazing from A to Z, you should listen a bit more to them if you seem to like this title, you wont regret it.

Even though this is a couple of years old I need to make a comment - Japan was absolutely groundbreaking in so many ways - as musicians they were all amazing and David Sylvian is just killing it with his unique vocals. Check out some of their other material as well as their solo material - like Dolphin Brothers, Dalis Car and David Sylvians solo albums - all amizing stuff

Is this the only Japan song that you've reacted to??? CRIMINAL!

Japan and the musical off shoots/collaborations with other artists were, for me, the most interesting and engaging in the late 70’s through the 80’s to the present day. David Sylvian’s solo work and his collaborations with Robert Fripp (King Crimson) and Holger Czukay (Can) range from sparse ambient to intense innovative rock (verging on metal) jazz improvisation, soulful electronica. Spoken word/experimental. Sylvian should be recognised as one of the greatest talents/artists the U.K. has produced.

Welcome to the Japan party. I'm 59 and though a prog rocker of the 70s, in 79/80 Japan came, hijacked and skewed my vibe, starting with Quiet Life, and then on into Mick Karn's gorgeousness, fretless bass, playful stagecraft, and... all of the albums, especially Tin Drum, where Karn's bass underscores the far east psyche playing throughout the album.

One word - "Ghosts."

These inspired so many sounds and looks of the 80s here in the U.K. Duran Duran definitely based their sound on them.

One of my favorite bands... man I will send you a list of great stuff from this era on Patreon!

Life in Tokyo/ Still Life in Mobile Homes - JAPAN Also The Black Hit of Space/ Being Boiled / A Crow and A Baby- Human League Synthheaven 😎

This is the first I've seen reacting to this - kudos to you.

Late 70's to early 80's in the UK was a world in which bands were expected to experiment, and from which stemmed most of the non rock genres that dominated the next 20 years. It was a world in which O Superman by Laurie Anderson reached Number 2.

I was all about Japan back in the early 80s - a great band, shame they imploded like they did

@liv0003

2 жыл бұрын

David Sylvian solo career is amazing too. I suggest you listen to "Brilliant Trees" ,"Gone to Earth" and "Secrets of the Beehive" or the late "Japan reunion" album under the name "Rain tree Crow" .

RIP Mick Karn

Please make reaction to Diana Ankudinova - the most unique young talented singer. One of my favourite things to find and enjoy is music that gives me chills and goosebumps. I was cruising KZread recently and discovered a Russian talent show contestant that did just that, with one of the best, most unique voices I've heard in many years. Her delivery was nothing short of magical and I searched out more and more and more, and...more chills. I was stunned to find that the first performance I heard was when she was 14!!!! She's now 17 and still developing. She sings in Russian, French, English and Arabic. The covers she performed on that show are very popular on KZread. Many KZreadrs publish reactions on these performances, which include the ethnic song "River" (in a new musical arrangement), "Blizzard", "Wicked Game", "Human", "Derniere Danse", "Helwa Ya Baladi" and others. Please react to one of Diana's songs and I promise she will surprise you.

@stasmarine1638

3 жыл бұрын

1000000%!!!🔥🔥🔥🎤🎤🎤🎵🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶.......Diana-beauty in every minute!!!👏👏👏👏👏

@sergeykot8753

3 жыл бұрын

Diana Ankudinova 😊👍👍🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥💥💥💥🎉💫💯

'Ghosts' is an astonishing song, as far away from the UK pop charts as you can get, yet it made it, moody and experimental.

Edited version of the video, there should be a full version about somewhere. Tin Drum & Assemblage made Japan the longest stayer's on the U.K. album chart of 1982. With 85 week's on the chart. I was & am a total Japan & Sylvian & other member's work, still a fan of them all to this day.... Well done good post.

Japan were so innovative, and way ahead of their time. Please react to 'Ghosts' from this album. An underated all time classic.

Just stumbled upon your channel and I'm glad I did. Japan is definitely distinctive because of Mick Karn's bass lines. You should definitely check out Gentlemen Take Polaroids

@DereckReacts

3 жыл бұрын

Would love to react to again. Let me know what song is killer up in my wheelhouse!

@heathergeary2724

2 жыл бұрын

Please react to Adolescent Sex. That song has some great bass lines too.

My all time favourite group. David Sylvian is still making epic music. He was also my first confusing crush 🤷🏻 Japan started as a post “Glam” band, went onto become “new romantic” pioneers, and on to make stunningly orchestral epics such as when they came back under a pseudonym of “Rain tree crow”and released “black water”. My all time favourite Japan song is still “ghosts” though

This is the birth of New Wave, Duran Duran adopted many elements from them. Too bad they were very underground and did not breakthrough. Please react to more Japan, my favorite song is “Gentlemen take Polaroids”.

@pillmuncher67

2 жыл бұрын

Fun Fact: The named New Wave was invented to make Punk more palatable to the radio stations. Only later there was a distinction made that separated Punk from New Wave. The Talking Heads for example were originally considered a Punk band.

Maybe try them before Roxy Music's producer got hold of them. Their debut, Adolescent Sex is an amazing album. The title track is classic, and their look was much different.

@patsystone34

Жыл бұрын

Very glamrock, loved that incarnation of Japan too!

JAPAN started as a progressive "glam" band

Gary Numan loved these guys.

Prior to this album, Japan was definitely a Glam band. Starting with this album, David Sylvian started singing with this deep, soft, mellow baritone voice. On this record, I like "The Other Side Of Life" much better, and from their overall production, as it has been mentionned, "Nightporter", "Ghosts", "Visions of China" (if you like this tremendous fretless bass style), and "Swing" are MUST TO LISTEN !

@pillmuncher67

2 жыл бұрын

I looooooove Automatic Gun from the 1978 album Obscure Alternatives. Very Glam! On Quiet Life, I like their VU cover All Tomorrow's Parties. I also liked Dali's Car very much, Mick Karn's colaboration with Peter Murhpy from Bauhaus.

These guys presaged and influenced the new wave and new romantic scenes...

Derek, if you listened to this without doing much research into them, you have a real pleasurable adventure ahead of you investigating their "more" material. And their solo careers! These guys were all self-taught geniuses, school chums.

@ericlindsey3069

3 жыл бұрын

Legendary "musicians' musicians."

Pas mal du tout 👌 Je connaissais pas, j'aime bien 👍

@Alix777.

3 жыл бұрын

Ecoute le titre "Gentlemen take Polaroids", c'est sur l'album suivant...addictif ! De la new wave exigeante, sophistiquée, et un peu difficile aussi...mais ça reste un groupe unique, jamais un groupe français n'a sonné comme ça...

David Sylvian and Japan were icons of the New Romantic scene in the early 1980's.

Most accessible track on the album. But if you are intrigued by the bass guitar sound, then this album and their next 2 (Gentlemen Take Polaroids & Tin Drum) are also both great. Methods of Dance is probably their next most 'Main stream' track. Interesting comparison to Blondie - I feel that both display the Moroder influence very much

This was labeled “New Romantic”. Play Duran Duran’s Planet Earth right after this - the synth is almost identical. Both are great songs.

Omg I love how your channel goes from SOPHIE to Japan 💕

Go Mick with that base ❤️

They did enjoy popularity from the beginning in - Japan. They got three album contract in the beginning. But artists and bands are not given that kind of possibility anymore. One song at the time, pretty much like the singles way back in the 50's and 60's, hit or bust. From the album "Quiet Life" the song "Alien" really showcases Karn's bass, please do check that one. :)

Mick Karn was a fantastic bass player. Sadly, he's no longer with us. You should listen to Japan's album "Tin drum", which is an early 80s classic. All of the songs on it are good.

Leading lights of the "New Romantics" Era. Along with Duran Duran, Steve Strange, etc.

Damn that video cuts out before the amazing ending. Listen to the album version. Audio only! So many more good Japan tracks to explore👏👏👏

It’s so cool that you react to Japan👍 I loved them back in the days. My favourite album is Exorcising Ghosts💚 Have listen!💖

Great reaction. Japan are one of the most under rated bands ever. Please don't react to Life in Tokyo - probably the least Japan song they did (it's heavily influenced by Georgio Moroder). Instead, if you want killer Mick karn basslines, try 'Swing' or 'Visions of China'.

This didn't become a hit until 1981, David Sylvian and Steve Jansen are brothers

MY FAVORITE BAND JAPAN AND DAVID SYLVIAN. LISTEN TO "SUBURBAN LOVE"

Mick Karn was the bassist (RIP) and David Sylvian was the vocals etc etc ... they both defined the sound of the band 'Japan' (some characterized as the wave of 'new romantics' music ... or in pop ' new wave ' , like say Roxy Music). The album (with the distinctive cover) 'Gentlemen take Polaroids' ... Much later, in a later release, came (I think) from the B - side, 'Fool' kzread.info/dash/bejne/k4Znuq-rmqucirQ.html . Collaborating with Ryuichi Sakamoto, David Sylvian did the vocals for ' Forbidden Colours' from the soundtrack to the 1983 movie 'Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence' about a WWII Japanese POW camp, starring David Bowie (who's acting was very good), and Sakamoto (kzread.info/dash/bejne/hmx-xrmsY83ak9Y.html) . This movie was based off of a book by Sir Lawrens van der Post, called 'The Seed and the Sower' . Sakamoto later with David Byrne from 'Talking Heads' and Chinese musician Cong Su got an academy award for the sound track to 'The Last Emperor', a movie about the life of the 'last emperor of china' Puyi. In short, there was these connections, where pop music connected to music in general ... all of this, the art of it, and history of it, very very rich ...

Try their early stuff too.. "Lovers on Main Street is wicked' ,also if you like this you should likeall of "Gentlemen take Polaroids "( Mick's best basslines) "Life in Tokyo" is possibly my favourite though, I would love to hear an album from them with Moroder involved

Cocteau twins

Duran Duran managed to be hugely successful by being a simplier and pale imitation of Japan sound in Quiet Life

Japan was a huge deal in the early 80's. They seemed to have an inverse career, starting out as trashy glammy and poppy, then other than some success in Japan, doing nothing here in the UK. Then they got experimental, in part influenced by the sounds they heard when touring Japan, and started getting way more successful. Their commercial peak in the UK was when they were full art school synth, Nightporter, Ghosts are two absolute stella tracks. Tin Drum a top album if loaded with Chinese communist imagery... Then there was the (mostly) Live album, Oil on Canvas, a masterpiece memento of their last ever concerts and their greatest hit.

Japan are the Andy Warhols of the 80s in terms of how pioneering their music was,but without being shallow and at the same time they completely rejected the rock star attitude that Duran Duran( a copycat) embraced,fully aware for the consequences of their choice..their later individual course is a testament to their unique artistry..Collaborations with A PLETHORA of the most intresting musical giants in their field proves it beyond a shadow of a doubt..here is something so unique and beautiful live at RAI David Sylvian released right after Japan.. kzread.info/dash/bejne/q6yrw857mta_e6Q.html and here is a studio version.. kzread.info/dash/bejne/jHiZ2LRrhtrdfKQ.html Just like that and you have Robert Fripp,Phil Palmer(studio version),David Tort and Mark Isham(live version) , Ian Maidman on the bass with Barbieri and Jansen his brother from Japan in one sublime , spiritual journey of a song....amazing!!!!!

Try japan gentlemen take Polaroids

The Blondie comparison is very interesting!

Mick on fretless bass..should listen to the whole tin drum or gentlemen take Polaroids albums. Loads of good tracks

Fiction Factory Fells Like Heaven,Japan I Second that Emotion or Soft Cell Say Hello Wave Goodbye.

David Sylvian was absolutely gorgeous, but they were nothing like Blondie at all!...also check out Phil Oakey and Pete Murphy for unique voices......I love a lot of the music you select but find it off putting that you seem to be 'reacting' more to whatever it is you are reading from than the actual music /video itself...not a lot of emotional connection just false 'orgasmic' noises for ,what seems like, effect.

@tomsaunders5332

2 жыл бұрын

It’s not that deep calm down

@lynnhamps7052

2 жыл бұрын

@@tomsaunders5332 just my opinion deary, and aimed towards the reactor, no need to add your pennyworth....

I was listening to this album only yesterday. Great song. If you get a chance can you react to Scritti Politti, please? I’d suggest their song, Brushed With Oil, Dusted With Powder.

Got into this in 2002 when gta vice city came out, I love the muffled synths and new romantic hangover vocals with this record. Flash fm in vice city as a reference

And Cantonese boy

I'd like to suggest that you listen to the title track from "Obscure Alternatives" next, and then take a step back to their first album "Adolescent Sex"; take your pick from that LP. then check out the "Tin Drum" LP, before moving past Japan to the solo careers.

David was voted the beautiful man