About the band: Japan were an English New Wave / New Romantics band formed in 1974 and broken up in 1982, with the members (most notably lead singer David Sylvian) pursuing different careers (a brief reunion occurred in 1991 under the name Rain Tree Crow). They released five studio albums, of which the latter three are among my favourites. Japan currently have three songs in my list of about 200 best pop/rock songs of all time.
About the song: one of the signature tunes by the phenomenal New Romantics band Japan is the marvelous Nightporter from the 1980 album Gentlemen take polaroids. Lead singer David Sylvian has never made a secret of the fact that he was inspired by classical composer Erik Satie when he wrote this ballad. The haunting composition, considered by many to be Japans best effort, brings the listener under the spell of Davids unique 'love it or hate it' voice. Run time 6:57.
