It’s hard for me to talk about David Sylvian without sounding like a total fanboy, which I suppose make sense because I kind of am. He has a fantastic, resonant voice, is a masterful lyricist, and has collaborated with an incredible array of musicians, including Burnt Friedman, Robert Fripp, the late Ryuichi Sakamoto, and his brother and former Japan bandmate Steve Jansen. He’s been one of my favorite artists for decades and a couple weeks ago, he announced a new limited edition box set called samadhisound 2003–2014 – Do You Know Me Now? that looks absolutely fantastic. The slipcased set was designed by the brilliant Chris Bigg (a design hero of mine and longtime Sylvian collaborator) and includes 10 CDs and a 100-page hardcover book filled with artwork and photography along with essays by David and graphic designer Adrian Shaughnessy on developing the samadhisound aesthetic.
In related news, Steve Jansen has also announced new LP pressings of Slope, Neither Present Nor Absent, and Tender Extinction, all of which are terrific.
ADDITIONAL LINKS
Playground Martyrs - From Steve Jansen’s record Slope. A terrific collaboration and a beautiful vocal from David.
Gone to Earth (playlist) - This is such a gorgeous record. Look for the 2 CD import version.
Do You Know Me Now? - The official video from samahdhisound.
Forbidden Colours - The vocal version of the theme song from the film Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence.
Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence - This is a beautiful instrumental that features Ryuichi Sakamoto at the piano.
Japan - Swing - From their fourth album Gentlemen Take Polaroids. Still one of my favorite Japan tracks.
New to me, added a few albums to my library to check out.