Album Info
| Artist: | Japan |
| Album: | Obscure Alternatives |
| Released: | Australia, Jun 1979 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | Automatic Gun | 4:07 |
| A2 | . . . . Rhodesia | 6:48 |
| A3 | Love Is Infectious | 4:12 |
| A4 | Sometimes I Feel So Low | 3:44 |
| B1 | Obscure Alternatives | 6:36 |
| B2 | Deviation | 3:23 |
| B3 | Suburban Berlin | 4:58 |
| B4 | The Tenant | 7:10 |
Info About Buying Vinyl From Our Record Store
- We are a small independent record store located at 91 Plenty Rd, Preston in Melbourne's North (Australia)
- We buy and sell new and used vinyl records - if you have a collection you'd like to sell please click here.
- All pictures of the second hand/used vinyl records are actual pictures of the album in stock.
- We ship Australia wide for a flat rate of $10 for standard shipping or $15 for express post.
- Free Shipping for orders $150 and over.
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- We also ship internationally - prices vary depending on weight and location.
- We ship vinyls in thick, rigid cardboard mailers with a crushable zone on either side, and for extra safety we bubble wrap the records.
- We almost always ship in stock vinyl next business day (excluding pre orders)
- We are strongly committed to customer satisfaction. If you experience any problems with your order contact us so we can rectify the situation. If the record arrives damaged or doesn't arrive we will cover the cost of replacing or returning the record.
- If you change your mind you have 30 days to return your record but you must cover the cost of returning it to the store.
- You can contact our Melbourne record shop at (03) 9939 3807 or at info@funkyduckvinyl.com
- Happy Listening!
Description
"Obscure Alternatives" is the second studio album by the British new wave band Japan, released in 1978. The album marked a significant shift in the band's sound, moving away from their earlier glam rock influences towards a more electronic and experimental direction.
The album received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics praising the band's musical evolution and experimentation, while others found the album to be too disjointed and lacking in cohesion. Despite the mixed critical reception, "Obscure Alternatives" has since gained a cult following among fans of the band and is considered a pivotal album in Japan's discography.
One of the standout tracks on the album is "Suburban Berlin," a haunting and atmospheric song that showcases the band's newfound interest in electronic music. The track features intricate synth melodies and David Sylvian's distinctive vocals, creating a sense of unease and melancholy that sets it apart from the rest of the album.
"Obscure Alternatives" also includes the single "Sometimes I Feel So Low," a more straightforward pop song that highlights the band's ability to craft catchy melodies and hooks. The song features a driving rhythm section and infectious guitar riffs, making it a standout track on the album.
In terms of critical reception, "Obscure Alternatives" was met with a lukewarm response from music critics at the time of its release. Some critics praised the band's willingness to experiment and push boundaries, while others felt that the album lacked focus and coherence. Despite the mixed reviews, "Obscure Alternatives" went on to become a cult classic among fans of Japan and is now considered a key album in the band's discography.
While "Obscure Alternatives" did not achieve the same level of commercial success as some of Japan's later albums, it is still regarded as an important record in the development of the band's sound. The album's blend of electronic music, new wave influences, and David Sylvian's distinctive vocals set the stage for the band's later, more critically acclaimed work.
In conclusion, "Obscure Alternatives" may not have been a commercial success upon its release, but it remains a significant album in Japan's discography. The album's experimentation with electronic music and new wave influences laid the groundwork for the band's later, more successful albums, and its standout tracks showcase the band's musical evolution and creativity. Fans of Japan and new wave music in general will find much to appreciate in "Obscure Alternatives."