Giorgio Moroder and a group called Japan (1979)

[Marcio**]

Japan :o I never heard it :o


Commentary by fans --->


For the next single "Life In Tokyo" Japan chose a new producer, Giorgio Moroder.

During the Japanese tour, in March 1979, the group had introduced more synthesizers and dance beats into their set with "European Son":

David: "We chose to record with him (Giorgio Moroder) because we'd written about three songs in his style. After making contact I flew from Japan to LA to meet him. After playing the songs, he said that if he was going to produce us he'd like to co-write one, so that's how "Tokyo" came about. A lot of people thought that we were trying to cash in on his name, which wasn't true. You use a producer for his sound, and that's why we were attracted to Giorgio in the first place. There are still a few numbers around, one of which should be out on an EP soon, that were written before we met Goirgio and show that we were already getting into that style." (Melody Maker 16/2/80 - he must be referring to "European Son" which was first released in March 1980 on the Canadian "Special Edition" EP and in Japan as the b-side of "I Second That Emotion".)

http://www.nightporter.co.uk/pages/historyo.htm



Japan recorded Life In Tokyo with Moroder in early 1979. His trademark arpeggiated bassline can be heard throughout the track. It's likely they used the Oberheim mini-sequencer that Barbieri owned, instead of Moroder's MC-8, to trigger the OB-X or Prophet-5. The song Quiet Life, off the album of the same name, utilized the same arpeggiated bassline, and made the top 20 in the UK.


http://www.isatellite.info/lifeintokyo.html

[QUINNY]

Japan were a pretty big name for a short while. I think I may have played Life In Tokyo a few times, but it wasn't really my bag.

[ComputerDisco]

L.i.T. is a great song, and so's Quiet Life.

I remember first finding Japan when I was exploring some lesser known post-punk bands of that genre like B-movie.

I've liked those Japan tracks most of all since first hearing them, and still love them. At the time I didn't know much about Moroder, but in years hence I learned more about him and that he was the one who produced those records (or at least "Life in Tokyo").

They're definitely worth a listen for those into a more synthesized sound.

[Pizzazz]

You'll find the 12" of 'Life In Tokyo' on the expanded cd reissue of Japan's 'Assemblage' compilation (BMG UK) and the Various Artists 'Sound Of The Crowd' (Universal UK).

'Life' is a must for all Moroder fans who should dig 'Quiet Life' too.

[Bernie]

Japan has been in the Vault for some time...
http://www.discomusic.com/records-more/471_0_2_0_C/

[born2disco]

Japan were horrible!

[tony wong]

I'm a big Moroder fan and that's why I have the 12'' of Life in Tokyo and also some LP's. I'm not a really big fan of Japan, though, although there are many die-hard fans out there. I always get the feeling that Moroder is a bit underappreciated. For people who like Japan, I always suggest to listen to the early work of The Simple Minds.

[Bona boy]

I've just read the 'Black Vinyl, White Powder' book by Simon Napier-Bell who was Japan's manager & he reckons it was his idea for them to work with Giorgio Moroder. He also managed Wham & T-Rex & it's a very interesting insight into the music business (as it used to be!).

[born2disco]

I'm a big Moroder fan too, but will readily admit that he's done some really bad tracks amongst the good ones. No-one is ever 100% likeable if you ask me.