Oh ho ho, life can be cruel

Time's a scary thing.

The one-time "Most Beautiful Man in the World" is sixty years old today! I adored Mr David Sylvian (for it is he) and his band Japan in the early 80s - they were the coolest people on the planet, in my opinion - and I still adore him/them today.

As we hurtle towards the weekend [and my gawd! - it feels like it's been a long time coming; the first week back after the holiday is always the worst], we could do with a jolly number to get us into the party spirit. OK, OK, Japan were never exactly what anyone would describe as "jolly", but...

Produced by Giorgio Moroder, this is probably the nearest the boys ever got to "disco" - so this weekend, let's Thank David Sylvian It's Friday!

Japan - Life in Tokyo

David Sylvian (born David Alan Batt, 23rd February 1958)

A taste of honey is worse than none at all

The fact that today is the 59th birthday of the beauteous David Sylvian - apart from being a terrifying reminder of how time flies - provides me with an excuse (if any were needed) to wallow in a bit of 1980s fabulousness...

Here's David at his stylish peak, with his band the ultra-cool Japan, and their inimitable take on I Second That Emotion:

Japan - I Second That Emotion

Maybe you want to give me kisses sweet
But only for one night with no repeat
Maybe you'll go away and never call
And a taste of honey is worse than none at all
Oh little girl

In that case I don't want no part
I do believe that would only break my heart
So if you feel like loving me
If you've got that notion
I second that emotion
So if you feel like giving me
A life-time of devotion
I second that emotion

Maybe you think that love will tie you down
And you don't seem to like to hang around
Or maybe you think that love was made for fools
So it makes you wise to break the rules

In that case I don't want no part
I do believe that would only break my heart
So if you feel like loving me
If you've got that notion
I second that emotion
So if you feel like giving me
A life-time of devotion
I second that emotion

I second that emotion

Many happy returns, Mr David Alan Batt aka David Sylvian (born 23rd February 1958)

Ooh, life is juicy

Oh dear. The weather forecast for the weekend (understandably; this always happens during the Glastonbury Festival/Wimbledon Fortnight) is not so good - heavy showers expected.

We will have to invest in pink brollies for Gay Pride!

Rather than invoke the spirit of MegaBabs, and continuing our countdown to the big day, here's the ultra-cool boys of the faboo Japan with their inimitable version of our anthem for the Pride march:

Japan - Don't Rain On My Parade

Conchita Wurst won't be happy if she gets her frock wet - she's the headliner on the Trafalgar Square stage!

When my chance came to be king

I'm having a bit of a slow start today after the fantabulosa Big Bang Ball last night. Here's something soothing.

Today the one-time "Most Beautiful Man In The World" David Sylvian of Japan fame celebrates his 55th birthday [gulp!].

This magnificent number Ghosts remains the song for which he will most be remembered - and I adore it.

Japan - Ghosts

When the room is quiet
The daylight almost gone
It seems there's something I should know
Well I ought to leave but the rain it never stops
And I've no particular place to go

Just when I think I'm winning
When I've broken every door
The ghosts of my life blow wilder than before
Just when I thought I could not be stopped
When my chance came to be king
The ghosts of my life blew wilder than the wind

Well I'm feeling nervous
Now I find myself alone
The simple life's no longer there
Once I was so sure
Now the doubt inside my mind
Comes and goes but leads nowhere

Just when I think I'm winning
When I've broken every door
The ghosts of my life blow wilder than before
Just when I thought I could not be stopped
When my chance came to be king
The ghosts of my life blew wilder than the wind

Mr Sylvian, after Japan split up, carved himself a bit of a niche in arty circles, famously collaborating with the likes of Ryuichi Sakamoto, Holger Czukay, Robert Fripp and Talvin Singh. He was due to tour again last year, but this was cancelled due to his ill-health. David's latest "experimental" album in collaboration with Stephan Mathieu, Wandermüde was released at the end of January 2013.

David Sylvian (born David Alan Batt, 23rd February 1958)

Quiet Life ended

Another sad loss to report, as we learn of the death of founder member and bassist for the fabulous Japan, Mick Karn.

A very important influence on my teenage life is gone.

Once more, RIP.

Japan - Quiet Life

Article in The Guardian