The last album with Rob Dean, Gentlemen Take Polaroids was also unquestionably the album in which Japan truly found its own unique voice and aesthetic approach. The glam influences still hung heavy, particularly from Roxy Music, but now the band found itself starting to affect others in turn. Even the back cover photo says as much – looking cool in glossy, elegant nightwear, the quintet had a clear impact on Duran Duran, to the point where Nick Rhodes obviously was trying to be Sylvian in appearance.
The Temptations - Get Ready - The Definitive Performances 1965-1972 features for the first time on DVD, 16 classic full-length performances from American television appearances during Motown's golden era. This is the first official DVD anthology of classic archival television performances by one of the most successful singing groups of all time. Beginning with a stunning 1965 performance of "The Way You Do the Things You Do" and concluding with the epic "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone," filmed in concert in September of 1972 (two weeks befor it debuted on the charts), this DVD includes a wealth of vintage performances with re-mastered sound and video.
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, on Tin Drum, made its most unique, challenging, and striking album. 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 tight, full, and active.
Roxy Music are an English art rock group formed in 1971 by Bryan Ferry, who became the group's lead vocalist and chief songwriter. The other members are Phil Manzanera (guitar), Andy Mackay (saxophone and oboe) and Paul Thompson (drums and percussion). Former members include Brian Eno (synthesizer and "treatments"), and Eddie Jobson (synthesizer and violin).
Roxy Music attained popular and critical success in the UK, Europe and Australia during the 1970s and early 1980s, beginning with their debut album, Roxy Music (1972). It was generally well-received by contemporary critics and made #10 in the UK charts.
David Sylvian's Brilliant Trees was his first solo album after having left the art rock band Japan back in the early 80's. For an album of only seven tracks, Brilliant Trees is an eclectic affair fusing funk, jazz, and ambient. Its best pieces are the moody jazz of "Red Guitar," the dusky atmosphere of "Weathered Wall," and "Brilliant Trees" itself, both of which feature the woozy trumpet of Eno collaborator and fourth-world pioneer Jon Hassell. The record also showcases guest players like Holger Czukay.