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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...
Tracklist Lyrics Samples and Videos
13 I Surrender (09:32)
I opened up the pathway of the heart
The flowers died embittered from the start
That night I crossed the bridge of sighs and I surrendered
I looked back and glimpsed the outline of a boy
His life of sorrows now collapsing into joy
And tonight the stars are all aligned and I surrender
My mother cries beneath a southern sky and I surrender
Recording angels and the poets of the night
Bring back the trophies of the battles that we fight
Searchlights fill the open skies and I surrender
Outrageous cries of love have called you back
Derailed the trains of thought, demolished wayward tracks
You tell me I've no need to wonder why I just surrender
I stand too close to see the sleight of hand
How she found this child inside the frightened man
Tonight I'm learning how to fly and I surrender
I've travelled all this way for your embrace
Enraptured by the recognition on your face
Hold me now while my old life dies tonight and I surrender
My mother cries beneath the open skies and I surrender
An ancient evening just before the fall
The light in your eyes, the meaning of it all
Birds fly and fill the summer skies and I surrender
She throws the burning books into the sea
"Come find the meaning of the word inside of me"
It's alright the stars are all aligned and I surrender
My mother cries beneath the moonlit skies and I surrender
My body turns to ashes in her hands
The disappearing world of footprints in the sand
Tell me now that this love will never die and I'll surrender
My mother cries beneath the open skies and I surrender
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Other reviews
By sylvian1982
The always warm and enveloping voice of David Sylvian accompanied by a soft kaleidoscope of sound resembles an inert tide that covers everything and provides a sense of absolute peace.
A good 60-70% of the setlist travels on levels of absolute excellence.
