JAPAN – Tin Drum – CD – 094636306124

Partially growing out of their success in the country they were named after, as well as growing friendship and affiliation with such bands as Yellow Magic Orchestra, Japan made their most unique, challenging, and striking album in Tin Drum. It was also the final full studio effort from the group, and what a way to bow out — there was practically no resemblance to the trash-glam flailers on Adolescent Sex anymore. Rather than repeat the sheer restraint on Gentlemen Take Polaroids, Tin Drum is an album of energy, Sylvian’s singing still the decadently joyful thing it is, but the arrangements and performances are tight, full, and active. The fusion of exquisite funk (courtesy of Karn and Jansen’s joined-at-the-hip rhythm section) and a range of Asian music influences, from instrumentation to subject matter, combined with an even wider use of technological approaches to create the dramatic, sly songs on offer.

Ned Raggett / AllMusic