David Sylvian : “Red Guitar”, (1984).
Found this gem in our 7” single collection, today.
At the time, was a huge fan of Japan.
When they disbanded, eagerly awaited what followed next. This debut single from Sylvian was released early June 1984. His debut studio album “Brilliant Trees” followed not long after, during ‘84.
I’d forgotten we have this single. What a treat.
A side is “Red Gutiar”
B side is “Forbidden Colours”.
We listen to his albums a lot. Whilst I’ll happily listen to both pieces, my preference is with Forbidden Colours, (appearing on the later “Secrets of the Beehive” album, as CD bonus track), which is much more musically interesting. The piano work is just sublime.
For Red Guitar, there is a fascinating back story - here in this link
Brilliant Trees is probably in my top 100 albums. (Impossible to do a top 10). It gets played a lot in our house. Along with Secrets of the Beehive (1987) and Dead Bees on a Cake (1999). All much loved.
I liked Japan when they were around and think the Raintree Crow is excellent but didn’t look into David Sylvians solo music unti a few years back. Can’t believe how I missed them as they are excellent and have some on vinyl and cd.
Those first three albums : (1) Brilliant Trees (1984) ; 2) Gone To Earth (1986) ; (3) Secrets of the Beehive (1987), form an exquisite trilogy. An astounding body of work.
I also like really like “Dead Bees on a Cake”, (1999).
There are so many life long favourite pieces within these albums. Too many to mention.
Alchemy - An Index of Possibilities was in that early period and is rather good too. I remember listening to Gone To Earth endlessly during my first year at Polytechnic.
The collaboration group Nine Horses should not be overlooked if you prefer his early solo period.
New CD Box set "Do You Know Me Now?’ coming later this year. There are way too many of these. Disappointing. Retired as I understand it so no new material coming. There is some stuff that he did with Joan Wasser (Joan As A Police Woman) that is available if you search the auction site.
