David Sylvian
Everything and Nothing

It would take entire web pages to fully describe the greatness of David Sylvian (and just as many for his Japan...). Some find him terribly annoying, others a genius. Personally, I lean towards the latter. Instead of dwelling on explanations that would be futile, I recommend and comment on a well-chosen collection that deviates from the usual "Best of..." and offers, besides some classics of the artist, unreleased tracks and various "rediscoveries".
In this way, this anthology manages to offer a comprehensive and articulated sonic image of the lofty Englishman.

"Scent of Magnolia" (mysteriously left out of Dead Bees on a Cake), is immediately sonic genius. A "brushed" rhythm with echoes of drum&bass (on drums, his brother Steve Jansen, fantastic!), piano, and that ever-present voice: warm, enveloping, sometimes monotone but always fascinating.
"Heartbeat" shows what two geniuses in a state of grace can produce (Sylvian & Sakamoto). "Ride", another track resurrected from the takes of Secrets of...: it's rare to come across genuine musical gems like this in an anthology. Sylvian may well be monotone, he may evoke sadness, but... find me another artist capable of crafting such lyrical (and never banal) and singable melodies.
"Blackwater" and "Every colour you are" are two episodes revisited from the reunion with his former Japan members (Rain Tree Crow): as if to say, listen to what we can still achieve...
The famous (!) "Jean the Birdman" is also revisited, from that great album produced with Bob Fripp: mid-tempo chills, the usual enveloping voice embroidering melodies over Fripp's crystalline Gibson. I'd also like to highlight, as evidence of the unique nature of this anthology, two very rare episodes: "Buoy," which appears in a hard-to-find album by former bandmate Mick Karn, and "Bamboo Houses," the first single demonstrating the partnership with Sakamoto. Two clear examples of absolute musical genius. Unconventional settings and arrangements, yet featuring the trademark voice and harmonies sung by Sylvian. One of the few singers who can be recognized at first listen, even though he doesn’t fit the "easy" listening mold. And excuse me if that's no small feat.

Newbies, skeptics, poorly advised: grab this collection. You'll thank me for discovering a new musical world...