Sylvian ∙ Sakamoto* – Bamboo Houses ∙ Bamboo Music

All time classic. Would love to hear a live recording of Sylvian & Sakamoto performing Bamboo Houses.

There is something very bleak, futile about 'Bamboo Houses'. It is unnerving, the song seems to have no sense of hope.

While its a mere two-song release, it's one in a row of many masterpieces the pair have delivered, either together or solo. The ghost of Japan is still very evident here - the group were still an ongoing concern, prior to their acrimonious split at the time, with individual members already taking part elsewhere, either in their solo projects or through collaboration with others, Sylvian being the most exposed of the lot. His approach (along with Sakamoto here, and once again brought in producer Steve Nye) is quite dangerously close to "Tin Drum". "Dangerously" can be considered either positively or negatively... depending on your personal view of the single. In all, it simply carries over from where "Tin Drum" left off - but what makes it a delightful oddity in its own right, is the way Sylvian and Sakamoto play with samplers and electronics, giving these more breathing space, complemented with Steve Jansen's discreet drumming style. Two complementary "twin-by-title" pieces can be considered leftover tracks, but crystal clear production marks this is another progress from the established formula. One presented as the opening number, the other as its closing accompaniment. Equally conceptual, this 12" continues daring the experimental/avantgarde area, bordering the Far East aesthetics, while the bizarre idea of a pop-song remains present in the shadows. This is the start of a beautiful solo career, by (once-presented as) the most beautiful man in rock