That Japan’s breakthrough record Quiet Life was released in both 1979 and 1980 is uniquely fitting for a band who were about to step out of the glam rock, post punk shadows of the late 70s and deliver a record with a brand new sound that would come to define the 80s. Quiet Life was the third, final and most successful release on the Hansa Records label. A forerunner for the alternative/new wave sound of the new decade, the album would become one of the great classic British albums. The record is now the subject of a major new reissue featuring a brand new half-speed remaster of the original album The release features newly restored original album artwork, exclusive new liner notes.
L**Z
Excellent release of an amazing album.
Back in the 80’s, I had to scour import stores to find Japan records. It was a giant pain for a girl who loved new wave, but lived in a city with few indie shops and didn’t own a car. Now here’s Quiet Life in red vinyl on Amazon and someone just delivered it to me with almost no effort on my part. 16-year-old me is filled with indignation, but 50-year-old me thinks the teenager should relax and enjoy the record.Unlike the colored vinyl of yesteryear, which sounded crap compared to regular vinyl, much of the new colored vinyl sounds pretty damned fantastic and this release proves it.I don’t think I need to do much to review the music because if you’re reading this, you probably know who Japan was and how fantastic this record is. Just in case you don’t, Japan influenced pretty much all of the synth based new wave/new romantic bands coming out of the UK in the 80s. No other band was as important outside of Roxy Music and Bowie. It’s an injustice that few Americans know who they are. If you loved Duran Duran, you’ll notice that Nick Rhodes not only stole his look complete from David Sylvian (it’s truly uncanny), but clearly hijacked Sylvian’s synth style - in the best way.Now would someone please (PLEASE) release Gentlemen Take Polaroids???? I know Sylvian still has a problem with what he considered a too commercial record, but it’s the best of the bunch, IMO, and I need a remaster vinyl release in my life now!
C**N
Don't Buy The Hype (Sticker)
This Quiet Life disc was described as being a remastered original album with all sorts of bonus tracks and a "Live at Budokan" concert. Not True..... I received one disc containing a remastered album with no bonus tracks whatsoever and no Budokan concert. The Hype Sticker seen in the advertising photo says contains bonus tracks and more. Apparently, someone put a picture of a deluxe version on the wrong item and didn't realize they were misleading innocent buyers by doing so. I enjoyed the remastered disc, but its not the product I was led to believe I was buying. Disappointed.
T**
Love the red vinyl
This is a great pressing I was so happy about getting it really love the album there’s 1 or 2 songs that aren’t great but listenable I like this better than the box set.
A**G
if you're just getting the cd...
get this one not the newest reissue. this is just as good and has extra tracks. Now if you want the vinyl and extra disc get the new deluxe edition
M**0
Could've Been So Much More!
This review is for the 2021 Quiet Life cd remaster. While the main album sounds fairly good, a second disc of worthy remixes would've been an ideal treat.. Instead record co. gimmicks compel you to buy the whole boxset with the vinyl LP to obtain all the bonuses. Furthermore a limited edition CD of the EP Life In Tokyo is virtually impossible to get too. So all i have to say is this to fans. If you have the 2003 version of Quiet Life, stick with it and avoid this unless they decide to release a proper 2cd version.
R**Y
Great album. Someone should 'remaster' it.
Another classic album by JAPAN. 5 stars for the music, 5 stars for the (original) artwork (photography by the great Fin Costello), 2 stars for the effort in re-releasing yet another 'digital remastered' version that sounds just like previous releases. We were unable to detect any improvements to the actual sound quality, so if you have ever bought a copy of the album before, there is no point in doing so again unless you would like to donate yet another fat royalty cheque to Mr. Sylvian and the record company, whilst the other members of the band get nothing. There's little to add that has not already been said about the music. Fantastic songs, beautifully executed by the greatest band ever. If you're new to JAPAN, get yourself a copy of their masterpiece...Gentleman Take Polaroids.
P**E
Their best :)
IMO Japan's best album. Had the original many years ago so jumped at the chance to own this Red vinyl. Must say it sounds superb. 140g of red lusciousness. With superb artwork.This really was a game changer in music all those years ago and still stands up now with the hit "Quiet Life" included with probably my favourite Japan song "Alien".If you're a fan then this should be in your collection :)
S**S
Excellent remastered rerelease. Just Wonderful.
Excellent remastering, along with Gentlemen take Polaroids and Tin Drum certainly in my personal all time top 10 records. Lovely to add this to my vinyl collection and the sound is fresh and crackle free (unlike my original copy!) high quality sleeve and lovely linear notes. Highly recommend.
M**I
Not as expected
The cellophane wrapper said it's a half speed remaster IT IS NOT it is a standard 33 rpm. There is no evidence on the label that it is remastered in any way and I couldn't detect any differences from the original It is red it does have some interesting notes.Still a great album but definitely not as advertised.
I**D
Excellent reissue
Excellent reissue of Japan's transitional third album, nicely packaged and remastered. Although I already had the previous reissue I was really glad I bought the new version too. Some of Japan's earliest classics can be found on here, from the title track (which belatedly became a hit in 1981) to the epic orchestral finale The Other Side Of Life.
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