Japan - Tin Drum
Our Price: $11.98
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Buy Used: from $6.98 (click here)
Category: Music CD
See more new music releases
Buy this Music CD at online store in your country
Canadian Music Store
Canadian Music Store
Music CD Cover
Artist: JapanEdition: Music CD
Format: Original recording remastered
CD Release Date: 2007-04-24
Music Label: Caroline
Soundtracks:
- The Art Of Perties
- Talking Drum
- Ghosts
- Canton
- Sill Like In Mobile Homes
- Visions Of China
- Sons Of Pioneers
- Cantonese Boy
Free Music Notes for Tin Drum
Free Music Review: The best of Japan's material.
Hit: 5 Stars
Tin Drum" was the album where Japan finally hit their stride-- the two strongest forces in the band had found their own voices-- David Sylvian's compositions combined drastically separated influences like Roxy Music, Erik Satie, and Eastern Asian traditional musics to form something wholly other, supported in large part by the unique, rubbery fretless bass playing of Mick Karn. Even at this early point in his career, no one sounded like Karn. And with the departure of Rob Dean, there was little concession for guitar playing-- when its present, its more atmospheric and tasteful-- a radical departure from the N.Y. Dolls glam of their first album, which came out just three years prior.
But taste and atmosphere and arrangements are really the key here-- consider the album's standout-- "Ghosts". Steve Jansen (a master of understatement at the percussion chair) plays a simple marimba line, under which Sylvian and synth man Richard Barbieri play simple hazes. While Sylvian's voice had not yet finished developing, his passionate croon is emotional and effecting. Contrast this piece withe the traditional Chinese sounds of "Canton"-- which could have been written (and for that matter performed) centuries before were it not for the squeaky presence of Karn's bass.
Much of the rest of the album is dancey rhythmically, with Jansen maintaining understated pumped up beats and Karn digging way deep into a groove and producing several stunning bass lines ("Talking Drum", "Still Life in Mobile Homes", "Visions of China"). But to my ears, the other standout on the record is "Sons of Pioneers"-- similar in mood and feel to "Ghosts", cowritten by Karn and Sylvian, this one is driven by a haunting bass line and tribal percussion and again shows the band has mastered this dark mood. Its really quite a shame they split up after this one-- both Sylvian's "Brilliant Trees" and Karn's "Titles" and Dali's Car project would have benefited greatly from the other contributing.
This reissue was done fully under the control of David Sylvian. Sonically, its flawless-- the Virgin reissues of the Japan/Sylvian catalog could have been recorded yesterday in an all-digital studio. The only other comment I'd make is to say it might be worth digging up the limited edition release which contained a bonus disc-- if you're new to Japan, this one's fine, if you're an old hand with them, you'll probably want the limited edition (but then again, you probably have it).
Overall, "Tin Drum" is really a superb album-- definitely the best the band did in my assessment. This reissue only makes it sound better.
Tin Drum Poster
Digitally remastered reissue, in standard jewel case, of their ground breaking 1981 album features four bonus tracks: 'Art Of Parties' (Single and Live Versions), and single mixes of 'Ghosts' and 'Life Without Buildings'. 12 tracks total including 'Visions Of China' and more. Virgin.Alternative Rock Music CDs
Music Genres
Top music charts in My Top 5 Albums
Midlake - The Trials of Van OccupantherRelease date: 2006-07-25; Music CD
Best price: $8.00
Price in other shops:
Can - Tago MagoRelease date: 2008-02-05; Music CD
Best price: $8.16
Price in other shops:
Bob Dylan - Blonde on BlondeRelease date: 2004-06-01; Music CD
Best price: $7.00
Price in other shops:
The Smiths - The Queen Is DeadRelease date: 1990-10-25; Music CD
Best price: $7.09
Price in other shops:
Japan - Tin DrumRelease date: 2007-04-24; Music CD
Best price: $7.75
Price in other shops:
Top Rated Albums
Nine Horses - Money for AllRelease date: 2007-01-30; Music CD
Best price: $7.53
Price in other shops:
David Sylvian - Brilliant TreesRelease date: 2007-04-24; Music CD
Best price: $7.80
Price in other shops:
Nine Horses - Snow Borne SorrowRelease date: 2005-10-25; Music CD
Best price: $10.43
Price in other shops:
David Sylvian - Secrets of the BeehiveRelease date: 1992-06-29; Music CD
Best price: $6.77
Price in other shops:
Japan - Very Best of JapanRelease date: 2006-04-03; Music CD
Best price: $10.37
Price in other shops:
Japan - AssemblageRelease date: 2006-09-25; Music CD
Best price: $8.21
Price in other shops:
Japan - Adolescent SexRelease date: 2006-09-25; Music CD
Best price: $7.89
Price in other shops:
Japan - Obscure AlternativesRelease date: 2006-09-25; Music CD
Best price: $7.77
Price in other shops:
Japan - Quiet LifeRelease date: 2006-09-25; Music CD
Best price: $6.01
Price in other shops:
Japan - Gentlemen Take PolaroidsRelease date: 2007-04-24; Music CD
Best price: $8.49
Price in other shops: