"The Art of Parties" is a song by the British band Japan.
It was released as a single in May 1981 and reached number 48 on the UK Singles Chart.The Art of Parties Official Charts A re-worked version was subsequently included as the opening track on the band's album Tin Drum released later in 1981, keeping parts of the original Punter-produced version including guitars. A live version of the song is included on Japan's 1983 album Oil on Canvas and on the DVD release The Very Best of Japan.
Critical reception Upon its release, Smash Hits Mark Ellen described the single as "a safety shot"; "This keeps a finger in every pie known to modern music. A 12" with titles filched from the Talking Heads camp, the topside's technical funk with Sylvian's voice a rare bond of operatic Bowie and Ferry at his most plaintive. The reverse is a few of their favourite synths. Good."
The Rough Guide to Rock described the song genre as "white-boy funk".
Personnel On "The Art of Parties": David Sylvian — lead vocals, guitars, treated piano, brass arrangements Richard Barbieri — synthesizers Mick Karn — fretless bass, brass arrangements Steve Jansen — drums, percussion backing vocals – Jay Yates, Pearly Gates, Ruby James horns — Cliff Hardy, Martin Drover, Mel Collins
On "Life Without Buildings": David Sylvian — lead vocals, synthetic brass Richard Barbieri — synthesizers, tapes Mick Karn — fretless bass, finger cymbals Steve Jansen — drums, acoustic and synthetic percussionTechnical John Punter — production, mixing Andy Lyden — engineer
Track listings7": Virgin / VS 409 (UK)"The Art of Parties" – 3.55 "Life Without Buildings" – 6:4012": Virgin / VS 409-12 (UK)"The Art of Parties" – 6.41 "Life Without Buildings" – 6.407": Virgin / VS 409 / VIPX-1580 (Australia and Japan)"The Art of Parties" – 3.55 "My New Career" – 3.5212": Virgin / VS 409-12 (Australia) "The Art of Parties" – 6:41 "My New Career" – 3:52EP: Virgin / VEP 305 (Canada)"The Art of Parties" – 6:41 "The Width of a Room" – 3:14 "Life Without Buildings" – 6:40 "The Experience of Swimming" – 4:067" Promo: Virgin / 0267 (Spain, 1982)'
"The Art of Parties" (album version) – 4:11 "Visions of China" – 3:55
References