30 Days of Music – Day 21

Today a song with [a] colour in the title. I have been a fan of David Sylvian since the 80’s. He has such a sorrowful tone to his voice, and his lyrics are at times pure poetry.  This song some may know from “Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence” starring the late David Bowie and Ryuichi Sakamoto.

David Sylvian and Ryuichi Sakamoto – Forbidden Colours

David Sylvian

Another incredible musical influence I discovered whilst babysitting in the 1980’s was Japan.  The couple had a rather amazing vinyl collection, which I was able to play when I sat for them.  The sound of David Sylvian’s voice was, and still is something of pure pleasure to listen to.  I took a few tapes with me when I sat for them and recorded the albums, and when home poured over them in an almost obsessive way.  I could not get enough of Sylvian’s voice, it was like listening to honey being poured.  Again avant-garde music, but with something else attached, maybe its an inner peace, or a deeper understanding of the lyrics?  I don’t know what it is, but his music, no matter who he collaborates with, be it Ryuichi Sakamoto, Ingrid Chavez, Robert Fripp or his solo compositions, I cannot find a track I do not like.

Nine Horses, another collaboration that produced an elequent jazz sound with very deep set of lyrics, and still is something that I listen to all the time.

In 1983, the film “Merry Christmas Mr Laurence” was released, the soundtrack was done by Sakamoto and Sylvian.  Again the music burned into my psyche.  I got a copy of the film on VHS, and quite literally wore it out listening to the music.  I later bought the soundtrack.

I have a love for electronic music including Jean Michel Jarre, Tangerine Dream & Bernard Szajner, but Sylvian manages to feeds that love, but like all good food, you want more.