Japan were so much better than just another 1980s New Romantic band. Actually they predate New Romantics and were more an art/glam rock band influenced by Bowie (David Sylvain apparently named the band so people could call him “some cat from Japan”), the New York Dolls and Roxy Music.
Japan’s five albums divide into the two early funk-punk-glam albums Adolescent Sex and Obscure Alternatives, followed by three increasingly downtempo, studied albums with hints of the orient (Quiet Life, Gentlemen Take Polaroids and Tin Drum) that were like nothing else, with superb precise playing from bassist Mike Karn and drummer Steve Jansen. This track from Adolescent Sex builds slowly.
Ozrics were one of the key acid/stoner festival bands in the UK in the 90s, as I remember. Sort of Gong/Hawkwind meets rave and dubstep. Still going strong, I believe.
The future could be very different. Scientists at MIT claim to have made a key breakthrough in producing artificial photosynthesis, the process of converting sunlight into energy, by genetically modifying a virus.
We’re talking biomimicry meets genetic engineering meets solar power meets nanotechology. Who knows where it will lead us.
Here’s a clip from Forbidden Planet, not to be confused with Fantastic Planet which I mentioned in a previous blog. Both are well worth seeing, though. And check out the early electronic music.
One for the jazz mavericks. A small Japanese woman with big hair who plays piano with her fists. I’m no expert, but I’m guessing the bass guitarist isn’t a beginner either.
