Mick interview

japan

This is just somewhere to keep a couple of off-radio recordings I made, related to the 1980s music group Japan.

Odd stuff related to Japan (the band)

Japan

To save money, I used to record off the radio, usually John Peel's show on BBC Radio 1. I was a big fan of Japan and also fed up of them being pretty much ignored in the UK. I think this was the first time I heard John Peel play any Japan and I was so gob-smacked, I recorded his thoughts. I found the cassette again and so here it is.

The first part is from The John Peel Show on 20.11.1978, after 'The Tenant' plays out: 

"Well that's a band described in the NME Book Of Modern Music as 'The most flamboyant, cosmetically-assisted bunch of poseurs this side of the New York Dolls. Their image is so over the top that they're almost entertaining. Lovers of heavy metal onslaught and visually-dynamic teen fantasy fodder have a rare treat in store. They clobber sensitivity but define difference.'

Well they've done a considerable volte face with this their second LP, the first was Adolescent Sex and this one's called Obscure Alternatives and the band of course are Japan and from the LP that was 'The Tenant' and I shall play you more from the album too, perhaps on tomorrow night's programme, perhaps later on in the week, I'm not sure exactly when. Anyway after Japan, we have Big In Japan." 

Then he played the awesome "Suicide A Go Go" by Big in Japan. I have to mention it because it's a favourite of mine....

The second part is from The John Peel Show, BBC Radio 1, 27.11.1978, after Love Is Infectious plays out:

"Well when I got hold of the LP, I must admit I thought 'Huh, Japan, that lot again'. I put the record on and as you can hear, well at least I hope you can hear, very good stuff indeed. It's called Obscure Alternatives, on Ariola Records and the three tracks there were Automatic Gun, Rhodesia and Love Is Infectious."

In't John Peel brilliant? Brilliant!!!

John Peel Chat On Japan's Obscure Alternatives (1978)

This is an interview that David Sylvian gave to Sarah Ward of London's Capital Radio, following the release of Quiet Life. I recorded it from the broadcast, I think in late 1979, but it could have been early 1980.

David Sylvian Interview 1979/1980 with Sarah Ward, Capital Radio

These are 3 audio examples of Mick Karn's Style on fretless bass.
The examples are the bassline of the song "Dalis Car" (taken from the namesake album album and project - both chorus and verse), and the main riff of the song "Visions of China" from Japan's last album "Tin Drum").
All tracks are showed at their normal tempo and than slowed down for better understanding. 
I recorded these tracks using my Wal Mk1 fretless, basically the same instrument Mick Karn used to play for the majority of his recordings after 1980.
The signal was recorded using a Tech 21 RBI preamp and a Universal Audio LA-2A opto compressor. 

Enjoy!

Fabio Trentini

Mick Karn's style fretless bass lesson - by Fabio Trentini

Radio Interview from 1981 for Tin Drum album and the then  forthcoming `Shit`  tour

David Sylvian & Mick Karn Radio Interview For Tin Drum

Cassette tape > mp3 recording.
Recorded probably on 16/5/81 halfway through the soundcheck at Hammersmith Odeon London. Following the release of their new single The Art of Parties.

David Sylvian, Mick Karn radio interview '81

Japan - David Sylvian, Mick Karn - Radio Interview 1981

cassette tape > mp3 
BBC Radio One 3/4/1983
Mick talking about 12 of his favorite songs at the time.

BBC Radio One

Mick Karn interview BBC Radio One 3/4/1983

cassette tape > mp3
Saturday Live 
(From 1983 Skinner presented the Saturday Live show from 4 to 6:30 pm alongside Andy Batten-Foster.)

David Sylvian & Steve Jansen with Richard Skinner 1983

Experimental track featuring Mick Karn on bass.

Mick Karn interview BBC Radio One 3/4/1983

Sascha