Very Best of Japan [IMPORT] [ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED]

Japan

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 3, 2006)
• Original Release Date: March 28, 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import, Original recording remastered
• Label: EMI Import
• ASIN: B000EIEJK0
• Also Available in: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #141,003 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Track Listings

1. Ghosts (Single Version)

2. I Second That Emotion [Single Mix]

3. Quiet Life (7" Version)

4. Gentlemen Take Polaroids

5. Art of Parties (Single Version)

6. Visions of China

7. Taking Islands in Africa [Steve Nye Remix]

8. European Son [Single Mix]

9. Cantonese Boy

10. Life in Tokyo, Pt. 1 [Special Remix]

11. Nightporter

12. Methods of Dance

13. All Tomorrow's Parties (7" Version)

14. Canton [Live]

15. Ghosts (Album Version)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

A superb comprehensive Best Of. A long time in the coming, this is the first time early Hansa tracks have run alongside the Virgin years on one CD, providing a tantalising career overview of one of the most intriguing, sophisticated and imaginative bands of the 80s. Japan's evolution from rather humble glam rock beginnings into stylish synth pop (and beyond) made the British group one of the more intriguing and successful artists of their era. Formed in London in 1974, Japan began its existence as a quintet comprised of singer/songwriter David Sylvian, bassist Mick Karn, keyboardist Richard Barbieri, drummer (and Sylvian's brother) Steve Jansen and guitarist Rob Dean. In their primary incarnation, the group emulated the sound and image of glam rockers like David Bowie and the New York Dolls; Sylvian's over-the-top vocals, much in the vein of Bryan Ferry, also earned Japan frequent (if derisive) comparisons to Roxy Music. EMI.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Classic electro pop, February 27, 2007

By	tnekuza "tnekuza" (Long Beach, CA) - See all my reviews

This is a tasty collection of the usual Japan suspects. A perfect primer for those not necessarily familiar with the legacy of Japan. For the experienced (like me) it's nice to have remastered takes on several of these cuts, especially 'Life in Tokyo'. Overall, I wish there'd been some more surprises, perhaps b-sides, videos or remixes. The liner notes are a serious disappointment with little to add to the history of this oft-maligned act.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Best Indeed!, February 20, 2007

By	G. Garcia - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I am a Mick Karn Fanatic! I first heard this guy's stuff on a Bill Nelson CD (Chimera), and had to get this album. His bass style is so evocative and unique amongst fretless players (a few of my favorite tracks: European Son, Life In Tokyo-Part 1 and Canton-Live). I highly recommend this CD to anyone who wants to hear something different from the usual.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars As close as you're going to get..., August 1, 2007

By	Dave Bara "db" (Auburn, WA United States) - See all my reviews

To a perfect Japan compilation, most probably. The problem is that any Japan "Best of..." is purely subjective; the band went through so many different styles in their all-too-brief incarnation (Roxy Music poseurs, eurodisco/New Romantic, and asian-influenced) that any list is inherently incomplete. This one comes close. For my tastes I would add "Adolescent Sex", "Stateline", and "The Unconventional" from their early years; swap out the live version of "Canton" for the studio version off of Tin Drum; add the album version of "Art of Parties" (they both deserve to be here); the long version of "Quiet Life"; and the 1982 remix of "Life In Tokyo". What would I drop? Maybe "Cantonese Boy" and "Methods of Dance". But you see? It's all subjective. I suggest you get a couple of compliations and make your own list! - db