on David Sylvian

[terebi_me]

I've spent the last couple of days wolfing down an impulse checkout from the library, "David Sylvian: The Last Romantic", the only book I've ever seen on the enigmatic composer, artist, and famous beauty who has inspired me more than almost any other artist, when I come to think about it.

Comments

[doronjosama]

YES! Finally! Someone else understands my weird obsessive love of David Sylvian! I first noticed him because my pop was a big electronic music fan (who coincidentally started my interest in Duran Duran...), and he had all these great albums, by Japan, and David Sylvian, and Yellow Magic Orchestra. When I expressed interest in Nick Rhodes, my dad scoffed and said that David Sylvian was better, and made me a tape of Gentlemen Take Polaroids. It didn't hurt that Sylvian and Rhodes were cut from the same sort of beautiful cloth, either! ^_~

You must get me more information on this book. I must find it. And then I must read it. Because while I will listen to Brilliant Trees over and over again obsessively, I know next to nothing about the man himself. I'm dying to read the book now!

Duran Duran --> David Sylvian -->Japan -->Can and YMO

[terebi_me]

It's the schizny - the author is obviously a slavering Sylvian fan, who has some trouble resolving his love of the music with what a vexing person David Sylvian is. He's incredibly frustrating in a way that throws some light onto my own way of dealing with my creative output - he pretty much dislikes almost all of the music he's ever done and craps on it nonstop. Also he really does things exclusively on his own terms - he stole Mick Karn's girlfriend, breaking up Japan the first time, then fucked over the other three guys when they got together for Rain Tree Crow, effectively killing off the if he doesn't want to make an album for 12 or 18 years he just won't do it. Gar

Re: Duran Duran --> David Sylvian -->Japan -->Can and YMO

[doronjosama]

Hooray! I am heading to Amazon.com right this minute, because honestly, I know no bookstore here in Texas is going to have this thing... ^_^;

I can't wait to swoon over the photos!

[marymayblood]

Secrets of the Beehive is my favorite album of all time, ever.

[terebi_me]

it is by far the best, and was my favorite for many years until I got Brilliant Trees. I always like the rarest stuff the best because I get to keep learning it - though I do hear something new every time I hear Beehive. Obviously I just need to have all of this in a headphone-worthy format, and also a big wad of opium to smoke while I listen.

A quote that pretty much encapsulates my philosophy:
"If it weren't for people like David [Sylvian], Brian Eno, Jon Hassell and Harold Budd, what would this business be worth?" - BJ Cole, "the Paganini of the pedal steel"

[squeakymonkey]

That picture is very Rhodes-ian. I was going to say Rhodesian, but that was only funny to me for about 10 seconds.

I think the only thing I have of Sylvian's is the 'World Citizen' single.

I just picked up a Giles Giles Fripp album though, I guess that's kind of exciting.

[radiantbaby]

I absolutely adore David Sylvian and I read that book years ago and found it to be quite amazing.

As for YMO, I actually finally got some of their material a few years ago when they reissued a lot of stuff. It was funny, I had heard so many things about them, but I had no idea where to start with their material. Usually in this case, I would ask a fan what album I should start out with. So, I asked around and no one seemed to know anything about them. In fact, the only person I could think of that liked them and new their material was John Taylor.

So, what did I do? I emailed him with my dilemna and honestly didn't expect him to write back. He surprisingly emailed me back a few hours later and suggested I start with X Infinity Multiples. It was very surreal.

I have a new love.

[radiantbaby]

They're called 'Art Brut.'
Best thing in YEARS.
Go go go go go!

You'll freak out. It's the freest, most exuberant art bastard music in forever. Maybe since The KLF/JAMMs. AND I just found out Graham loves them. Even better.

-Bee-tell-bomb (K)

p.s. "I formed a band!" "Top of the pops!"
Read about their franchises if you can find the information...good god, it's the 'correct' sort of modernity washing over us like a tepid sugarwater tide. I think we've been waiting. I've been waiting.

the loveliest man in all of europe - and they say it's not natural!

[the_automatik]

Excellent stuff. I recently read that the Sylv has divorced Ingrid. I didn't know about the no-sex business. I was surprised to find that he was a cokehead at one point.

Secrets of the Beehive, Sylvian's third solo album and easily the most coherent and beautiful thing he's ever done (to date, as far as I know)

Yes, it is a lovely album. I would have to agree with your assessment above.

Dali's Car, which - I don't give a shit what Murphy and Karn and the rock music press say - is one of my very favorite recordings of all time

HELLZ YEAH! I frequently tell my husband that I must have this on CD as I haven’t heard it in at least 5 years. FIVE YEARS. So wrong. “Cornwall Stone.” I get shivers just thinking about it.

I just Googled it and this is the first thing that popped up. A video! My word. I must watch.

http://www.beggars.com/banquet/index.htm?../artists/catalogue/dalis_car/index.htm&0