New Wave/Synthpop songs ranked from #200 to #1, one per day.
Thursday, September 28, 2017
Number 31: Japan - Gentlemen Take Polaroids
My favorite Japan song of all time, "Gentlemen Take Polaroids" was the lead-off single from the 1980 album of the same name. Although it only reached #60 on the UK charts, many later New Wave bands - including Duran Duran - have stated that the song (and Japan in general) influenced them greatly. I have "Gentlemen Take Polaroids" in the #31 spot, the last of four Japan tracks on my Top 200.
The look, the wardrobe, the hair, the cinematography, the guitar chords ... all the way down to the song title structure's camera references (Girls/Film - Gentlemen/Polaroids). For shame !
Everything about this song and video is about as '80s as you can get. Fantastic cut - also my favorite from the band. If it had been released in 1983 or '84, it might have had a chance in the US.
I'm starting to think Duran Duran might need to get a good lawyer ....
ReplyDeleteNick Rhodes basically stole his whole look from David Sylvian.
DeleteThe look, the wardrobe, the hair, the cinematography, the guitar chords ... all the way down to the song title structure's camera references (Girls/Film - Gentlemen/Polaroids). For shame !
DeleteEverything about this song and video is about as '80s as you can get. Fantastic cut - also my favorite from the band. If it had been released in 1983 or '84, it might have had a chance in the US.
ReplyDeleteAgreed.
DeleteGreat song, but "Quiet Life" is my favorite Japan song.
ReplyDelete#123!
Delete