“Swing” (1980)

Appearing on “Gentlemen Take Polaroids” (the 4th album by Japan), “Swing” has been called an “astounding showcase” for the band’s smooth yet funky rhythm section.

Relax and Sway

By 1979, after the post-punk glam-rock of their first 2 albums, Japan had moved on to create wonderfully polished and relaxing music. The silky rhythms provided by the excellent bass and drum work were complemented by the lush vocals and the brilliant work on guitar, sax, and synthesizer.

The result is a magnificent multi-layered mix wherein the various sounds of the contrasting instruments blend together into a seamless, luxuriant whole. Both lyrically and musically, it’s essentially an invitation to dance – not to hop and bop, but to sway gently and peacefully. _{(Image source)}

It’s enough to ensure that all girls and boys keep swinging.

Japan

A new-wave/punk-era band that had formed in 1974, Japan’s first 2 albums featured atmospheric gloom-glam rock, in the mold of Bowie and Roxy Music. But the band quickly evolved and transcended their early sounds.

Around 1980, one of the members stated that they had not been satisfied with the sound on those first 2 (great) albums. He explained that they had not managed to create the sound they ultimately wanted.

By their 3rd album, however, they were making the type of music they had always aspired to make. And by their 4th album (on which “Swing” appeared), they had perfected their signature sound – “dense, polished and panoramic.” _{(Image source)}

Tell me when the work is done
Tell me when the day is through
And I'll drive safely inside my car
Taking islands in Africa
Shout if someone gets too near
I'll know just what I ought to do
And I'll arrive safely in my car
Taking islands in Africa
Now your feet are back on the ground, again
She'll say the weather's dim
But relax my love, relax and swing
And swing
Things you say are not too clear
I'm someone you'll neither know nor care
But I'll sit here and watch from afar
Taking islands in Africa
Now your feet are back on the ground, again
She'll say the weather's dim
But relax my love, relax and swing
Whisper in the wind _{Lyrics by David Sylvian, courtesy of – Genius.com

Reference – AllMusic.com

Reference – ClassicPopMag.com

Reference – EscapistMagazine.com

Reference – Wikipedia

Into your ears … through 5 channels
The various posts are categorized into 5 channels _{(Right-Click to see details)}

         1 – “Music to Your Ears” (MTYE)

         2 – “Cover Versions”

         3 – “Honor Roll”

         4 – “Documentaries”

         5 – “Mock’n’Roll”

More “Music to Your Ears” ...
          Previous posts in this series – "MTYE posts 1–20"

Links to my other series ...

          Lou Reed – "Anthology of Memorable Lyrics, Part 1"

          Lou Reed – "Anthology of Memorable Lyrics, Part 2"

          Great Lyrics, a compilation – “Part One – My Lyrics Posts 3~30”

          Great Lyrics, a compilation – “Part Two – My Lyrics Posts 31~60”

          Vocab-Ability – "Introduction to Vocab-Ability"

          Vocab-Ability – "Index" to all Chapters and Sections

          Notes from Under the Tatami Mats – "Part One – Notes 1~50"

          Notes from Under the Tatami Mats – "Part Two – Notes 51~87"}