Japan - Gentlemen Take Polaroids (1980) [Reissue 2016] PS3 ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Japan were an English new wave band formed in 1974 in Catford, South London. Initially a glam rock-inspired band, Japan developed their sound and androgynous look to incorporate electronic music and foreign influences, eventually becoming an influence on the UK's early-1980s New Romantic scene, though the band themselves were not a part of it. Gentlemen Take Polaroids was the band's first album for the Virgin Records label, after leaving Hansa-Ariola who had released their first three albums. The album was preceded by the release of the title track as a single, which peaked at number 60 in the UK Singles Chart. The album was moderately successful, peaking at number 51.

The last album with Rob Dean, Gentlemen Take Polaroids was also unquestionably the album in which Japan truly found its own unique voice and aesthetic approach. The glam influences still hung heavy, particularly from Roxy Music, but now the band found itself starting to affect others in turn. Even the back cover photo says as much – looking cool in glossy, elegant nightwear, the quintet had a clear impact on Duran Duran, to the point where Nick Rhodes obviously was trying to be Sylvian in appearance. Musically, meanwhile, the swooning, hyper elegant Euro-disco sheen of Quiet Life was polished to an even finer edge throughout, the title track and the obvious descendant of "Quiet Life" itself, "Methods of Dance," in particular sheer standouts. Sylvian's sighing, luscious croon is in full effect on both, and the arrangements are astonishing, Karn's fretless purring between Jansen's crisp, inventive, and varied drumming, Barbieri's icy keyboards filling out the corners. What makes Gentlemen Take Polaroids even more of a success is how the group, having reached such a polished peak, kept driving behind it, transforming their exquisite pop into something even more artistic and unique. "Swing," in particular, is an astounding showcase for the Karn/Jansen team; snaky funk at once dramatic and precisely chilled, brass section blasts adding just enough wry, precise sleaze, Sylvian delivering with focus and intensity while not raising his voice at all. "Nightporter," meanwhile, is a hyper ballad and then some; a slow-paced semi-waltz with Barbieri's piano taking the lead throughout with wonderful results. Further hints of the future come with the album closing "Taking Islands In Africa," which Sylvian co-wrote with future regular collaborator Ryuchi Sakamato, and which wraps up the whole experience with a gliding, supple grace.

Tracklist:

01. Gentlemen Take Polaroids
02. Swing
03. Burning Bridges
04. My New Career
05. Methods Of Dance
06. Ain't That Peculiar
07. Nightporter
08. Taking Islands In Africa
09. The Experience Of Swimming [Bonus Track]
10. The Width Of A Room [Bonus Track]
11. Taking Islands In Africa (Steve Nye Remix) [Bonus Track]

Personnel
David Sylvian - vocals, synthesizers (ARP Omni, Oberheim OB-X, Minimoog, Roland System 700), piano, electric guitar
Mick Karn - fretless bass guitar, oboe, saxophone, recorder
Steve Jansen - drums, synthesizer (Roland System 700, Sequential Circuits Prophet 5), percussion
Richard Barbieri - synthesizers (Roland System 700, Micromoog, Polymoog, Prophet 5, Oberheim OB-X, Roland Jupiter 4), sequencer, piano
Rob Dean - guitar, ebow
Additional personnel
Ryuichi Sakamoto - synthesizers
Simon House - violin on "My New Career"
Cyo - vocals on "Methods of Dance"
Barry Guy - double bass
Andrew Cauthery - oboe


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