World Citizen [SINGLE] [IMPORT]

David Sylvian

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 20, 2003)
• Original Release Date: November 25, 2003
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Single, Import
• Label: Wea Japan
• ASIN: B0000C4GFS
• Also Available in: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #264,491 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

About the Artist
David Sylvian formed Japan in 1974 and served as their primary singer/songwriter throughout the group's eight-year existence. Following the 1982 dissolution of Japan, Sylvian staked out a far-ranging and esoteric career which encompassed not only solo projects but also a series of fascinating collaborative efforts and forays into filmmaking, photography and modern art. Just prior to Japan's break-up, Sylvian began working with composer Ryuichi Sakamoto, with whom he released the single "Bamboo Houses" in 1982, marking the beginning of a long-standing musical relationship. Sylvian released his solo debut, Brilliant Trees, in 1984, marking the first step in his music's evolution from Japan's post-glam synth-pop into richly-textured, poetic ambience, the album featured contributions from Sakamoto as well as Jon Hassell and Can alumnus Holger Czukay.

A founding member of Yellow Magic Orchestra, Sakamoto's impact on the electronic music scene was solidified with his second solo release in 1980, B2-Unit, which included the seminal single Riot in Lagos, that has had a lasting influence on hip hop producers, remixers, and club crowds to this day. His career in film launched with the score for Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence, and his 1987 score for Bertolucci?s The Last Emperor won him an Oscar and a Grammy. In 2003, Sakamoto explored a new electronic collaboration with German artist/musician Carsten Nicolai (a/k/a alva noto) for the release Vrioon, and continued his exploration of bossa nova with the release of Morelenbaum2/Sakamoto?s A Day in New York. In May, 2004, Sakamoto will release his 15th solo record, Chasm. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Product Description
"Its skewed pop recalls Bowie?s Hunky Dory, and pinpoints the human cost of superpower recklessness, prompting a standing ovation for pop music?s most mercurial refusenik-turned-prodigal son? THE GUARDIAN (on a live performance of World Citizen). Longtime friends and collaborators David Sylvian and Ryuichi Sakamoto work together again on this latest release, 'world citizen'. There are five tracks included on ?world citizen?, in a different running order and with completely different artwork to the package that was released late last year by Warner Music Japan. Also included is a remix by acclaimed remixer Ryoji Ikeda.

The songs were recorded in New York and New Hampshire, USA in the summer of 2003.

Sylvian and Sakamoto have not released a record together for 21 years, which makes this a very special release. ?world citizen?, with its powerful lyrics and excellent melody, is a must have for all Sylvian and Sakamoto fans. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Review & Corrections To Editorial Review:, January 15, 2008

By	Derek Currie (Syracuse, NY USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: World Citizen (Audio CD)

If only homo sapiens could evolve beyond their tribal mentality. If only we could follow the sixth commandment and stop killing our own species. If only Christians could be free of the lunacy of the anti-Christian book of 'Revelation'. (Who allowed that paganist, divisive hallucination into the New Testament?!) If only we could all be World Citizens.... The two variations on Sylvian's lyrical theme of 'world citizen' are beautiful must-have songs for anyone who can see and dream beyond the madness.

The Amazon Editorial Review for 'World Citizen' sez: "Just prior to Japan's break-up, Sylvian began working with composer Ryuichi Sakamoto, with whom he released the single "Bamboo Houses" in 1982, marking the beginning of a long-standing musical relationship."

This is wrong. The first Sylvian & Sakamoto collaboration was 'Taking Islands In Africa' from the 'Gentlemen Take Polaroids' album (1980) a full three years before Japan broke up. They met while Japan was touring with Yellow Magic Orchestra, of which Sakamoto was a member. Since that time they have consistently collaborated. Sakamoto describes Sylvian as a 'brother'.

The Amazon Editorial Review for 'World Citizen' sez: "Sylvian and Sakamoto have not released a record together for 21 years, which makes this a very special release. 'world citizen', with its powerful lyrics and excellent melody, is a must have for all Sylvian and Sakamoto fans."

This is very wrong. Tsk tsk. Their released singles together, in order: 'Bamboo Music/Houses' (1982), 'Forbidden Colours' (1983), 'Heart Beat (Tainai Kaiki)' (1992), 'Zero Landmine' (2001), 'World Citizen' (2004).

Looking for impossible-to-find Sylvian, Sakamoto, YMO Family music? I invite you to check out the YMO RARE group at Yahoo. :-Derek

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Waiting for More, November 2, 2006

By	Kurtis R. Reed (California, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

An excellent collaboration. My third favorite collaboration from these two. Forbidden Colours and Heartbeat really is thier best work but this peice is well written, arranged and produced and can be played over and over. I bought the Russian Import with 10 tracks including older collaborations from these two artists. I have been a fan for about 18 years and David Sylvian does an amazing job on this. This is a much stronger and prettier comp than the previous Zero Landmine, No More Landmines, which was also a pleasant suprise. Strongly recommended for the listener.

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A master piece!!!!!, October 19, 2003

By	Modesto (Spain) - See all my reviews

A great great song...un soplo de aire fresco en este mediocre mundo de la musica con un mensaje antibelicista que deberia hacer recapacitar a los dirigentes de este podrido mundo.
Solo los grandes genios como Sylvian y Sakamoto pueden hacer una y otra vez una obra maestra como esta

Gracias maestros!!!! Thanks masters!!!!!