http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOM7N924Rls
Japan was a band from my youth, a British boy group whose music now seems so dated. There were synths, weird riffs and a desperation by David Sylvian, the band’s lead singer, to break into a new sort of music convention that was post-New York Dolls. His commitment to this style of music spiraled into the earlier “Adolescent Sex” and “Obscure Alternatives” albums, and the more brilliant “Quiet Life” and “Tin Drum” which began to etch the band’s reputation as musicians of modern art and sound with a heavy Asian influence.
Behind Sylvian’s brilliance and seductive vocals, however, was the incredibly talented musicianship of bass player Mick Karn, who passed away over a year ago. Karn began playing with both Sylvian and Steve Jansen (Sylvian’s brother) while they were all still young teenagers. In Japan, Karn played both bass and the odd sax, along with a few other instruments. Over time, he managed to perfect his craft to become arguably the best bass player in music. In this video for “Still Life In Mobile Homes,” Karn’s talent is so readily apparent, and it is easy to see why he set the rhythm and tone for so many of Japan’s best songs.
After Japan, Karn went on to work on independent projects. While he never dabbled in conventional rock music, Karn has been the reason why so many have been inspired to learn how to play the bass guitar.
I am very sad that he is gone. My friend Bertha and I spent many hours listening to Japan when we were young, and their albums were some of the first I’ve ever reviewed for a school paper. I even used “The Tenant” in my short film, the perfect setup music for my disjointed, Marguerite Duras-ish style mini-thriller. Karn’s saxophone haunted and lurked through the eerie calm of the piano and distant bell, just when my beautiful protagonist (Sabyl Myers) was being suffocated to death by a throw pillow.
Ultimately, While our attraction for Japan might have been part admiration/part young girl’s fancy, I was quick to understand that Karn’s outstanding talent, along with Jansen’s unique ability to find quick, original rhythms, were the reason behind the band’s ultimate appeal.
Apparently, Mick Karn has left behind a wife and child. There is some need for financial assistance, which has led to auctioning off of photos, costumes and other items. If you are interested in helping, please visit http://www.mickkarn.net/.
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