Obscure Alternatives [ENHANCED]

Japan

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 4, 1994)
• Original Release Date: October 1978
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Enhanced
• Label: Blue Plate Caroline
• ASIN: B000000HQQ
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #429,487 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Track Listings

1. Automatic Gun

2. ....Rhodesia

3. Love Is Infectious

4. Sometimes I Feel So Low

5. Obscure Alternatives

6. Deviation

7. Suburban Berlin

8. Tenant

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Japanese 24-bit K2 remastered reissue of 1978 album. Packaged in a miniature LP sleeve reproduction of the original artwork. --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A step in the right direction., August 19, 2005

By	Michael Stack (North Chelmsford, MA USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Japan's debut album was an earnest but fairly weak glam record, showing some personality but lacking in originality and songwriting. One would fear that they'd fall into a sophomore slump from an already low point, particularly considering that their followup was released in the same year as the debut, but what a difference a few months can make. It could be that they had more confidence in what they were doing, it could be that their relative success had given them a bit of levity with the label, or it could be that songwriter/vocalist/guitarist David Sylvian had developed quite a bit. Regardless of what the reason, "Obscure Alternatives" is a much more satisfying listen than their debut album.

SO what makes this better? Certainly, the songwriting is improved, with Sylvian tackling everything from the sort of straightahead glam he did on the debut ("Automatic Gun", "Sometimes I Feel So Low") to reggae-inspired new wave ("... Rhodesia") to minimalist, moody instrumentals ("The Tenant"). Certainly the title track, uncategorizable musically, while still a far cry from what was to come, is odd, original, and unique. Or it could be the beginnings of development of the later Japan sound-- drummer Steve Jansen is still a lot busier than he would be in the future, but his work is starting to show a sense of subtlety and taste. Or it could be the emergence of Mick Karn, with his bass mixed way up front and his playing beginning to develop the watery feel he would become renowned for. Honestly, I suspect it's a little of all of these, and while some of the tracks have that sort of lifelessness to them ("Suburban Berlin"), by and large, its a good effort.


Fans are encouraged to check out the UK reissue of this album-- it features much improved sound and as a bonus the long out of print "Live in Japan" EP, making it an exceptional value.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Their Formative Years, April 2, 2001

By	JOHN SPOKUS (BALTIMORE, MARYLAND United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

On Obscure Alternatives, Japan had not yet matured into the great band that recorded Tin Drum, by far their best record, but the seeds are in place. Even at this stage , Mick Karn's bass playing, though not yet fully evolved into his famous fretless style, is still creative and captivating. David Sylvian's vocals owe more to Ziggy era Bowie than Bryan Ferry on this album. The guitar is more in the mix and funky than it would be in the later band, which completely did away with it by Tin Drum. Somehow this group's albums never sound dated, aging much better than similar bands from this era. Obscure Alternatives is not a bad artifact from an emerging band.

4.0 out of 5 stars For the Metal/Punk/Reggae Rock Lover in you., May 2, 2007

By	Mark A. Carter (New York) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Before Japan found their more recognizable smooth new romantic sound ala: `Quiet Life' they released this interesting little gem. Now if your musical tastes run to Punk tinged/Metal/Reggae Rock then you should enjoy this unusual record. I say unusual because you probably won't find another record out there that bears much comparison. Which is I think a good thing although I think that you'll probably either love this album or hate it. It has a uniquely gritty sound to it which suits the metallic tinged reggae riffs that permeate much of the album. `Sometimes I feel so low' was released as a single and has a great hook that grabs you're attention from the get go with Mr. Sylvians singing taking on a rougher edge that later Japan offerings. `Love is Infectious' has a very catchy hook (fortunately or unfortunately), depending on how you look at it whilst `Suburban Berlin' and `Obscure Alternatives' both slow things down somewhat. Now there are some comparisons to be made ala Bowie, Roxy Music but I think that undervalues this very unique album which grooves along in a style all its own. The album sleeve actually seems to fit the music you'll hear inside and don't go doubting the musicianship on display here. All top notch. This was one of my top 5 favorite albums back in the late 70's and I gave it a lot of airplay. If you ever wondered what was going on back in 78' aside from Punk Rock you could do worse than check this album out.