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ARTIST: Japan
ALBUM: Adolescent Sex
LABEL: Ariola
SERIAL: 50037
YEAR: 1977
CD REISSUE: 2004, BMG (UK), 82876 566932
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:
LINEUP: David Sylvain - lead vocals, guitars * Rob Dean - guitars, vocals * Mick Karn - bass, vocals * Richard Barberi - keyboards, vocals * Steve Jansen - drums, percussion, vocals
TRACK LISTING: 01 Transmission * 02 The Unconventional * 03 Wish You Were Black * 04 Performance * 05 Lovers On Main Street * 06 Don't Rain On My Parade * 07 Suburban Love * 08 Adolescent Sex * 09 Communist China * 10 Television
Background
Formed in 1974 at the height of glam rock, the press blew Japan off as a day late and a dollar short when their first album - the charmingly controversial titled 'Adolescent Sex' was released. Roxy Music, David Bowie and the New York Dolls which Japan borrowed liberally from, were passe in 1977 according to the elitist flavour of the month British critics who in their misguided wisdom thought punk was king. Little did these pin heads realize just how influential Japan would be on a new generation of frustrated punks that would later morph into 'New Romantics' and set the music world on its ear in the 1980's. Duran Duran cited them as a huge influence as did many chart toppers and scene makers of the Thatcher era and while the group would collapse early in the 80's decade, Japan's influence and style on modern music can still be felt today.
The Songs
At times sleazy but always artful, this is an impressive debut and in line with the first Ultravox album. Sylvain's vocals are Bowie influenced but not to the point where you would consider him a clone. The New York Dolls influence is more attitude than anything and I would guess these boys listened to Be Bop Deluxe and took notes since I hear a lot of Bill Nelson's work in the Japan brew. Special mention has to go to Mick Karn and his funky bass which is prominent on much of the record and would play an even bigger roll on later albums such as the classic 'Tin Drum'. 'Adolescent Sex' is chock full of good tunes and the opener 'Transmission', 'Wish You Were Black' with it's funked up groove and the danceable 'Lover's On Main Street' are all classics, but the best cuts are saved for last with the title track and 'Communist China' which uses the Be Bop Deluxe sound as it's blueprint. Closing out the record is 'Television' featuring cheesy synth and jazzy rhythms backing up avant-garde guitar work reminiscent of the '80s New York 'No-Wave' movement and way ahead of its time.
In Summary
Early support tours with Jim Capaldi and Blue Oyster Cult in the UK really didn't do much to help their cause and a short visit to the US with just a handful of club dates went unnoticed. They never returned to the States, but each album improved, breaking new ground as Japan grew in stature as an art rock band that still has very few peers.
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Posted by 
Eric
on February 03 2009 ·
7 Comments ·
2012 Reads ·
I was lucky enough to see them on the BOC tour and thought they were amazing although most of the audience didn't seem bothered. I went out the next day to buy the album and it remains on of my most played records ever.