CD: CDVR2209
RELEASE DATE: 2006
LABEL: Virgin

2006 digitally remastered reissue of Japan's most popular album - Tin Drum. Japan's fifth album Tin Drum found them more into Eastern imagery and sound than ever before. From the portrait of Chairman Mao gazing inscrutably over ever-lovely ans ever-melancholy David Sylvian on the album sleeve to the synthesized oriental orchestration it's a cultural exchange all the way. Young English Romantics find art, success and escape in the land of the rising sun; and returned home to find that changeing fashions have softened the critics' and public's hearts to their indulgences. Percussionist Steve Jansen and bassist Mick Karn weave complicated patterns that sound almost free form at times - but they aren't. Mick Karn plays a fretless bass and uses a flanger, giving a sort of rolling sway to the music. On top of this we have the many synthesizers of Richard Barbieri and David Sylvian used, at times, percussively, at times to create moods, and at all times with taste. Essential stuff ...

Influences / Similar Artists:
Roxy Music, Brian Eno, David Bowie, Can, Not Drowning, Waving, Talk Talk