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Home , Brilliant Trees, Danny Thompson, David Sylvian, Gentlemen Take Polaroids, Mick Karn, Nightporter

Remake/Remodel

Although technically re -issues, Caroline's release of David Stories of "Achtung Baby" running out of record stores have Sylvian's "" and Japan's "Tin Drum" and been spreading, and with U2 in front of the chart pack, its "" mark their first appearance here dominance throughout the crowd uncontested. Nirvana in the States. Epic did release an simply called "Japan" remains Miss Congeniality, with "Come As You Are", "On A in 1982, which contained most of "Tin Drum" and three cuts Plain", "In Bloom" and "Lithium" emerging as some of the from "Gentlemen", but it was largely ig- depth cuts. Teenage Fanclub has the tenacity to prove to nored. That's really a shame, since this their critics and fans alike that you don't have to be one of the pair of Japan outings show the band at beautiful people. Just jump on the "Bandwagonesque", which their peak form. After a shaky beginning inches along 6-5*. Dramarama's deeper in the Top Ten, 9-8*, followed by the Shamen (12-9*) and Matthew Sweet (15-10*), as sort of Dolls imitators, Sylvian and with new play for "Girlfriend" at KJQN, and "Divine" moving company re -invented their sound more up at WHFS, WVVV and KACV. Similarly, a bastion of along the style of later period Roxy Heavy Play is reported at CFNY, KTAO, KGRK, WFDU, Music. 's bass work is par- WKNC, WRAS and WWCD for the "I'm Your Fan" compila- ticularly impressive, as is his partner in rhythm (and Sylvian's tion makes headway at 22-14*, and Lloyd Cole moves up 19- brother) 's drum technique. Tracks like "Methods 18*, while This Picture keeps the momentum healthy with a Of Dance" (which even had a short series of U.K. compilations new single to add to their 20-19* position. Top goes that -a- named after it), "","Swing", a fine cover of "Ain't way at 25-23* and Enya is just behind them at 26-25*. Tin That Peculiar" and the title track of "Gentlemen Take Machine reassaults at 34-29* with 91X, The End, CIMX and Polaroids" revealed a completely different WHTG in those superlative rotations; My Bloody Valentine band. Once just another pose, Japan now shines the apple of the college eye with KCMU, KCPR, proved to be brimming with substance KGRK, KUCI, KUSF, WFIT, WKNC, WRAS, WRIU and and atmosphere, adaptable to both the WXCI calling in Heavy play, and the Banshees renews "Super- dance floor and ambient flight. stition" at 47-34*. Chapterhouse's new EP gives the Dedi- Caroline's release also includes "Swing", cated dudes fresh life at 42-37*. Ratcat's "Tingles" (preceding which was missing from some of the im- their "Blind Love" LP in February) makes the sole debut, at port CD versions. What the band hinted 48*. All in all, it's looking mighty staid out there in chartland, at with "Gentlemen" was brought to full fruition on "Tin Drum", pass the mistletoe and spike Aunt Lulu's punch with some which is easily the best work released under the Japan banner. brandy. And while you're at it, listen to these records that Not a single song on this set is anything short of brilliant. wholeheartedly deserve recognition: John Prine, Velvet Pressed for a few personal faves, I would have to offer "The Art Crush, Holy Love Snakes, Cop Shoot Cop and Drop Acid. Of Parties", the stunning "Ghosts" and "", but the rest are not far behind. 's first "solo" effort, MIKE MARRONE AND BETH RENAUD "Brilliant Trees" is another item available for the first time domestically. For a change it actually improves upon the im- port that was released back in 1984, by in- SUBSCRIBE cluding the 1985 "Words With The Shaman" EP. Although "Brilliant Trees" is a solo record, David gets help from all No his Japan mates, except Mick Karn. Other guests on the album show the diversity of Sylvian's COMPANY music; , , , Riuichi Sakamoto, and are all involved. STREET From the upbeat swagger of "" to the quiet title CITY, STATE, ZIP track, this is an album rich in delight. Highlights include "", "" (the first single) and "Back- waters". Those who have held off buying any of the above due to the hefty import price tag will be thrilled to find a more NAME & TITLE reasonable purchase price, those reading about them for the PHONE NO. first time here would do well to investigate their beauty imme- RADIO: $250.00 OTHER: $300.00 diately. Sylvian is currently in the studio with , at CANADIAN: $350.00 work on a collaborative effort, and there's always hope that another may eventually see the light of day. OVERSEAS: RATE UPON REQUEST (MM) THE HARD REPORT 4 TRADING POST WAY MEDFORD LAKES, NJ 08055

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THE HARD REPORT 36 DECEMBER 6, 1991