Japan Archives - A Pop Life

Apr 08 2026

Rain Tree Crow, Japan part II?

By A Pop Life (Erwin Barendregt) in Review

In 1991 Japan Japan returned one last time under the moniker Rain Tree Crow: the story of a beautful, but doomed album.

David Sylvian, Japan, Mick Karn, Rain Tree Crow

Apr 07 2023

Japan and the story of Adolescent Sex

By A Pop Life (Erwin Barendregt) in Review

In 1978 Japan debuted with Adolescent Sex, an album the band seemed to be ashamed of later on. Rightfully so? A look back.

Japan

Mar 14 2023

Birthday gifts

By A Pop Life (Erwin Barendregt) in List

Through the years I have been given many (musical) presents for my birthday. My sincere gratitude to all who have blessed me with their gifts!

A Tribe Called Quest, Angie Stone, Astor Piazzolla, Black Crowes, Boney M, Brothers Johnson, Bruce Springsteen, Bryan Ferry, Common, Cult, David Bowie, Dead Prez, Doors, Elvis Presley, Eruption, Exploited, Fleetwood Mac, Foals, Funkadelic, George Michael, Japan, Jeff Buckley, Joe Jackson, Karajan, Kendrick Lamar, Lana Del Rey, Leonard Cohen, Madonna, Marinierskapel, Mendelssohn, Mick Jagger, Mozart, Neil Young, Neneh Cherry, New Power Generation, Peter Gabriel, Pharcyde, Pink Floyd, Prince, Ride, Roger Daltrey, Rolling Stones, Selah Sue, Sezen Aksu, Sheila E, Sonny Rollins, Soundtrack, Tears For Fears, Thundercat, Tom Petty, U2, xx, Yeasayer

Jan 04 2021

In memoriam: Mick Karn 1954-2011

By A Pop Life (Erwin Barendregt) in In memoriam

In memoriam: Mick Karn 1954-2011

Japan, Mick Karn

Oct 24 2020

Japan – Gentlemen Take Polaroids

By A Pop Life (Erwin Barendregt) in Review

Japan released their fourth album Gentlemen Take Polaroids in 1980. An album without any weak links. The story behind another classic Japan album.

Japan

Dec 20 2019

Quiet Life: Japan changes direction

By A Pop Life (Erwin Barendregt) in Review

With the release of Quiet Life Japan went into new musical territory. The story behind the pivot point in the career of the vastly underrated band.

David Sylvian, Japan, Mick Karn

Mar 09 2019

The best live albums

By A Pop Life (Erwin Barendregt) in List

What are the best live albums of all time? A selection from my personal collection. My most played, sometimes with the most childhood memories, concert recordings!

AC/DC, Aretha Franklin, Bauhaus, Bob Marley, Bruce Springsteen, Cheap Trick, Chuck Brown, David Bowie, Donny Hathaway, Earth Wind & Fire, Frank Zappa, Grand Funk Railroad, Herman Brood, Ike & Tina Turner, Japan, Kiss, Led Zeppelin, Lou Reed, Michael Schenker Group, Miles Davis, Motörhead, Neil Diamond, Neil Young, Nick Cave, Nirvana, Peter Frampton, Peter Gabriel, Ramones, Roger Waters, Roxy Music, Saxon, Simon And Garfunkel, Simple Minds, Siouxsie And The Banshees, UFO, Underworld, Waterboys, Who

Oct 27 2018

Japan – Obscure Alternatives

By A Pop Life (Erwin Barendregt) in Review

The second Japan album signals a change in course. The band itself doesn’t like looking back on it, but the album holds up surprisingly well.

David Sylvian, Japan, Mick Karn

Jun 15 2018

Japan – Oil On Canvas

By A Pop Life (Erwin Barendregt) in Review

Japan – Oil On Canvas: 35 years later still a monumental goodbye to one of the greatest bands of the early 1980’s. A review of one of my all time favorite albums.

David Sylvian, Japan, Mick Karn

Nov 12 2017

Mick Karn – Titles

By A Pop Life (Erwin Barendregt) in Review, Tribute

Mick Karn’s first solo-album coincided with the unfortunate disintegration of Japan. Karn makes his bass talk on the album and that makes for an astounding result.