#tin drum

[sowhatifiliveinfukuoka]

Japan (1981)

[soapdispensersalesman]

[jt1674]

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[thedailydevoe]

𓍯𓂃 The Art of Parties, Japan (1981) 𓍯𓂃

“The Art of Parties” was originally released as a single in 1981 before being re-worked and released as the first track of the album Tin Drum in that same year. At its peak, the song was #48 on the British UK singles chart for 5 weeks in 1981. Japan (the band not the country) was different from most, as they were made up entirely of self-taught musicians. Their sound was not immediately crowd pleasing, and many saw them as an outdated glam act. The band stayed true to their aesthetics, with David Sylvian, the lead singer, proclaiming that glam was more authentic than the up-and-coming new romantics, since the way he dressed was his genuine everyday outfits, and they dressed up as a costume.

The song describes growing up, and emulates this awkwardness of this through lyrics which make it seem as though Sylvian is unravelling. More specifically, he describes the process of developing as a person as both burning and building, showing that it is both an emotionally draining period as well as one where a person builds up their personality and character. This ties in to the main theme of performativity, as is alluded by the title of the song being “The Art of Parties.” Sylvian explores how a person’s social life is largely artificial, and is used to hide the actual issues and feelings that person has.

Sources: “Japan - Tin Drum.” Discogs.“ Japan – the Art of Parties.” Genius. Smith, Jack Solomon. “The Art of Parties: Six Essential Songs by Japan.” Post-Punk.com. “THE ART of PARTIES.” Official Charts.

[palmeryyz]

The #Music I listened to from age 13-17 that left the biggest emotional impact Part 26. Japan, Tin Drum.

Halfway through this project it’s fitting that we finish 1981 with Japan’s last album Tin Drum.

Mick Karn’s beautiful, haunting fretless bass features prominently on this album, which is rich in full, almost meditative tracks. It’s a beauty. #vinyl #1981 #japantheband

[tigertailed]

Commission

[spilladabalia]

David Sylvian with Chairman Mao. Photo by & © Fin Costello, Tin Drum photo sessions 1981.

[downintheseine]

Steve Jansen, David Sylvian and Mick Karn photographed by Fin Costello for the release of Tin Drum, 1981.