Everyone talks about fretless players like Paladino and Pastorius but Mick Karn revolutionized fretless with his unbelievable innovative style and technique that nobody to this day has come close to emulating. A truly wonderful player:) Sadly underrated and sorely missed by those who had the great fortune to witness him live or on record.
I used to listen to this track around my gran's house when I was a kid as I didn't have a record player. I saved my pocket money for months to buy Tin Drum..I was obsessed with that album. My gran thought I was weird as hell and possibly communist :)
Mick’s Bassline is so incredible, in the original recording I was confused on if that riff was even coming from a bass because it sounds so foreign and otherworldly in terms of bass. This whole composition is absolutely breathtaking as a whole.
I bought this album when I was a preteen in the '80s and despite listening to it fairly regularly since then, it's only been more recently that I realized all of those unusual sounds were a fretless bass and Mick showing off his genius. Now, decades later, I listen in awe.
I know everyone's talking about Mick Karn's bass line here but I am equally impressed with the synthesizers. The whole Tin Drum album features some of the most unique and evocative synthesis I've ever heard.
What a bass line!!!! Got to be one of the top bassists ever, let alone one of the greatest fretless ever!! I couldn't stand this kind of music back then, but through a set of circumstances I went to one of their last ever gigs and was blown away by how good they sounded live, and especially Mick Karn. Karn had this kind of robotic pigeon step walk, never seemed to look where he was going, but seemed to know exactly where to be for visual effect on stage. Looking at this video you can see he hardly ever looks at the fingerboard, something that many fretless guys do because you don't have a point of reference like with frets. I doubt there is a bass player on the planet that can recreate what Mick was capable of live...and of course he was a multi-instrumentalist...a very clever and unique human, and one I sadly miss.
A real loss to the bass playing community. Mick had a unique style helped by his wanting the bass to be a stand out instrument. He was taken from us far too soon and had so much more to give
monster mick's massive bass-line warped n twisted notes are just superb, his trademark bass basslines will echo throughout eternity - truly amazing and multi-talented genius.
MICK KARN HAS LEFT US, & HAS LEFT AN ACHING VOID IN MUSIC. MICK KARN JULY 24TH 1958-JANUARY 4TH 2011 REQUIESCAT IN PACE (MAY HE REST IN PEACE). HE'S GONE, BUT WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
I was at Lancaster Uni in I think 1980/81 and again in 82 in 80/81 I’d never actually heard of em , by 1982 I was a massive fan , I can still see Mick gliding across stage to this in his own inimitable way , still makes the hairs stand up on the back of my neck …….absolute LEGEND!
I have huge admiration for Mick Karn RIP. He was the most talented bass player, multi instrumentalist and artist ! So sad he is not with us but his music lives on! He is mind blowingly gifted and a total legend!
This band is underrated, especially Mick Karn. I don't understand why I've never heard of these guys before. I guess too weird and experimental for America.
Plus Tin Drum had too many communist China references- got it banned in Singapore and South Korea, those Liberal bastions of free speech (not then anyway)
@@devinthierault i once heard that being a greek cypriot, he grew up secretly listening to turkish radio transmissions. as dalis car, they've re-imagined a turkish folk song.
Mick Karn..it almost seems like the bass is possessing him here so it can speak its story....his leg stomping to the beat, the twitches and jerks he makes while plucking each chord..it's something very dark and not of this dimension but absolutely brilliant and beautiful.
This right here with the instrumental track " Canton " is still light year's ahead of its time & even todays music & for me a lot of that was because of how Mick Karn played the fretless bass guitar... I'm not disrespecting the other members as they were amazing players also but the Rythm Section in that band of David Jansen & Mick Karn are in my all time rythm section list of my favourite bands... The fretless bass line of " Canton " is & always will be one of the most unique bass lines (especially on the fretless) that i've ever heard & Pino Palladino is also one of my all time favourites players but I'm talking about Mick here & this bass line is still off the charts & when you take in how he shuffled around the stage & if you couldn't see his feet it looked like he was floating along on air on as he moved around the stage & that to me was amazing to watch & even though i believe it did cause him pain at times he still did it & that is dedication for you... I'm probably going to get negative or smart arse remarks when using this as a particular " analogy " when i say that watching Japan playing Live was akin to watching Cream playing Live & something truly amazing was happening in front of your eyes & ears that at times way beyond just music that your were listening to... Of course Cream & Japan come from 2 very different musical genres but as far as musicianship & what they were creating was similar to Cream because of their musicianship was beyond those around them & what they were doing no one else could create or sound like & sadly only those that listened & became fans really got to hear this as it was difficult to put (which i hate anyway) Japan in a specific genre but for them i felt it was we will shut up & we will let our music do the talking and even the critics & music talk show hosts who had them on their show Live in the UK just werent sure how to describe them just before they played Live as they didnt fit into any specific genre as you could name them one & many more could name them as a different type of music & style of band & that makes them truly a one off & unique group even up to today & i still never label a genre on to them & just call them Japan... The amount of family members & friends that i got them into listening to & then following Japan was due to letting them see & listen to this instrumental & at times even i was puzzled as most people introducing someone new to a band would pick a song with lyrics but there is something about " Canton " played Live just more often than not won over listeners i knew that would never have listened to them before & i used " Canton " as a gateway introduction to let others hear who would never had ever bothered to listen to Japan & once that instrumental won them over more often than not they were along for the ride with their songs that David put his unique voice to... Its knocks me off my feet as does all there other music though at first they were going & sound more like a punk pop fusion band but once that phase was over & the overall sound that they went on to create as a band was & still is so out there & amazing... RIP Mick Karn In light of this still ongoing coronavirus outbreak stay safe and healthy wherever you are in this this world & together we will bear this Covid-19 & my thoughts go out to those who have lost loved one's/family member's or friends to this virus... Stay Strong & Take Care One & All... Ps To those fighting this virus on all fronts i cant Thank You All enough & how everyone is still working (if possible) to allow us to get what we need to get by each day is also going way above & bejond in these uncertain dark times & i Thank You All as well... .....
This brings back so many memories. I remember seeing this at Hammersmith Odeon, particularly this track, great bass and drums and just amazing lighting, this was one of my favourite tracks they played in the concert! Steve Jansen, one of the best drummers ever!
First came across them in the 'Dolls' era, when they supported Blue Oyster Cult here in Manchester (UK) ..... loved them ever since in all their stages .... Always superb live..... Tin Drum was the peak .... Karn is sublime ..... sadly missed. R.I.P. ....
These guy played a big part in my youth, I loved their stance, their way, the music is mind blowing. What was their live like, In my mind it must have been like drugs without the drugs at first. Their combination of lyrics with their musical machines is to be admired. Lots of us still love them.
Mick Karn just casually leading the whole song! ;) Even with Steve's drums, Mick could have easily been the only focus of this video. Brilliant! A close up just of him like the Mr. No Problem video by The D.E.P. would be the damn holy grail.
Seen them live at manchester apillo about 1987 or 88 remember steve on drums and david s vocals mock.karn gteat bass player andrichard my partner and both shared a love of japan till he passed away 2 yrs ago my partner loved micks guitar olaying
While Japan and Sakamoto-san were pure genius, that was not Sakamoto but Tsuchiya Masami of Ippu-Du--a great singer-songwriter and musician. Great guitarist.
Not my favourite song by Japan or my favourite bass line from Mick, but..., the unique sound he’s creating and the work he appears to be putting into this is just amazing. The sound is so distinctive ❤️❤️❤️
Yeah I saw this at the Hammersmith odeon went bought a fretless bass from the bass centre in Romford the next weekend could never master his style of playing he was a one off Rip fellow lowender
Hi Eddie, is your video the Oil on Canvas concert at Hammersmith? How good is the quality of your video? What format was the original release? I have checked out every video I can find on RUclips and all of the uploads are terrible quality. This one of Canton is about as good as they get. Most are very blurry - I assume the originals were sold on VHS? I have also looked online and not found an original copy of the concert video. Would you consider having your copy digitally transferred and uploading it?
Amazing bass guitar. I used to be an electric fretted bass guitar player, but influenced by Jack Bruce, John-Paul Jones and Jean Jack-Burnell. I will do more research on Mr. Karn. He did play on a Bill Nelson song in 1982/3. Worth listening to - He is fantastic!
Mick Karn just casually reinventing the entire bass guitar - incredible skills and innovation
mick for president
just the occasional glance ... I bow down :)
and not even when he's shifting notes drastically! I think he looks just to make others feel slightly less inferior. ;)
The best bass player who ever lived. R.i.P Mick Karn
Your right there never gets mentioned as one of the all time great bass/ fret less bass players absolutely criminal
100% agree
Absolutely
Everyone talks about fretless players like Paladino and Pastorius but Mick Karn revolutionized fretless with his unbelievable innovative style and technique that nobody to this day has come close to emulating. A truly wonderful player:) Sadly underrated and sorely missed by those who had the great fortune to witness him live or on record.
A unique talent.
I used to listen to this track around my gran's house when I was a kid as I didn't have a record player. I saved my pocket money for months to buy Tin Drum..I was obsessed with that album.
My gran thought I was weird as hell and possibly communist :)
Are you a communist?
My nan thought I was weird too. 50. Still weird and listening to Japan lol
Lol that is so funny I'm crying
I love your gran, lol
That's super funny. This music is called real art, kids! GREAT stuff
So much talent on display here .Great musicians ❤
The joy of a band that can play instrumental songs effortlessly.
7 years today since you sadly left us
Adonis Micheledes aka MICK KARN
Mr Fretless Bass
WE SALUTE YOU!!
Mick’s Bassline is so incredible, in the original recording I was confused on if that riff was even coming from a bass because it sounds so foreign and otherworldly in terms of bass. This whole composition is absolutely breathtaking as a whole.
I bought this album when I was a preteen in the '80s and despite listening to it fairly regularly since then, it's only been more recently that I realized all of those unusual sounds were a fretless bass and Mick showing off his genius. Now, decades later, I listen in awe.
I know everyone's talking about Mick Karn's bass line here but I am equally impressed with the synthesizers. The whole Tin Drum album features some of the most unique and evocative synthesis I've ever heard.
Rich, Mick, and Steve combined made this song a masterclass. A true work of art.
I just love Janson’s drums
The rhythm section of the band was excellent ; the proof with this great live performance, Mick and Steve !
probably one of the most unique rhythm sections in pop music history
I totally agree.
Engine room of dreams
*in music history
Only one person on that stage, Mick Karn. God rest his beautiful soul!
What a bass line!!!!
Got to be one of the top bassists ever, let alone one of the greatest fretless ever!!
I couldn't stand this kind of music back then, but through a set of circumstances I went to one of their last ever gigs and was blown away by how good they sounded live, and especially Mick Karn.
Karn had this kind of robotic pigeon step walk, never seemed to look where he was going, but seemed to know exactly where to be for visual effect on stage.
Looking at this video you can see he hardly ever looks at the fingerboard, something that many fretless guys do because you don't have a point of reference like with frets.
I doubt there is a bass player on the planet that can recreate what Mick was capable of live...and of course he was a multi-instrumentalist...a very clever and unique human, and one I sadly miss.
+ReligionSux without a doubt. You are 100% on the money.
Mick Karn is absurdly good!
Shockingly good, dumps on sooo many 'innovative' bassists around these days
A real loss to the bass playing community. Mick had a unique style helped by his wanting the bass to be a stand out instrument. He was taken from us far too soon and had so much more to give
@@Toby_the_Glen I agree
He is the best bassist ever
I am from Canton and this is just beyond perfection
😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😍😍😍😍😍
Una delle migliori band..innovative. del panorama new whave..
Luo,
I am not from 'Canton'
but a very different Kanton
and still relate to the song as much as you do!!!
I doubt they knew anything about cantonese culture. They just found a scale that sounded Oriental and went with it.
You da man!
ベースもさることながらドラムの悠然さと壮大さがたまらんな
monster mick's massive bass-line warped n twisted notes are just superb, his trademark bass basslines will echo throughout eternity - truly amazing and multi-talented genius.
MICK KARN HAS LEFT US, & HAS LEFT AN ACHING VOID IN MUSIC. MICK KARN JULY 24TH 1958-JANUARY 4TH 2011 REQUIESCAT IN PACE (MAY HE REST IN PEACE). HE'S GONE, BUT WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
Karn didn't play bass lines. He created magic with a bass.
I was at Lancaster Uni in I think 1980/81 and again in 82 in 80/81 I’d never actually heard of em , by 1982 I was a massive fan , I can still see Mick gliding across stage to this in his own inimitable way , still makes the hairs stand up on the back of my neck …….absolute LEGEND!
I never knew until now Richard Barbieri was also in this band in the late 70s through to the early 80s. The vibe of Porcupine tree himself. Awesome!
Mick Karn = genius.
Probably my favorite of all their instrumental tracks. Man, that bass-line...
❤🙌
Tenant and a Foreign Place are fantastic as well. But I agree with you.
This album and live show changed my musical life forever, thank you.
Lewisham's finest band - and the best rhythm section in the world at one time.
finally a decent video showing monster Mick's superb fretless technique in its full glory, massive respect Mick gone but never ever forgotten.
Not actual soundtrack. Soundtrack was entirely re recorded in studio. Best to look for actual live bootlegs here on YT.
I have huge admiration for Mick Karn RIP. He was the most talented bass player, multi instrumentalist and artist ! So sad he is not with us but his music lives on! He is mind blowingly gifted and a total legend!
This band introduced me to so much. Ryiuchi Sakamoto, Masami Tsuchiya - who is in this video. They broadened my mind.
I’ve always loved Japans singles but just discovered this classic piece of music 🎶 love 💕 it ! 🎉
Japan were most elegant, talented, innovative, sophisticated and intelligent that we can find in the music world
This band is underrated, especially Mick Karn. I don't understand why I've never heard of these guys before. I guess too weird and experimental for America.
They were huge across the pond. Probably a bit too off the wall for the US!
They were about to tour the US in the late 70s but David Sylvia’s got scared off by it and had stage fright so that tour was cancelled
They played a few dates in LA, San Fran, Boston and New York back in 1978 when they had a completely different look and sound.
An incarnation of the band toured the US in 88 to support David Sylvian’s In praise Of Shamans tour.
Plus Tin Drum had too many communist China references- got it banned in Singapore and South Korea, those Liberal bastions of free speech (not then anyway)
This song was an opener! Most groups nowadays would base their whole performance around a song of this quality
The bass guitar in this song is exceptional
I was there and it was fabulous!!!
The band is excellent here, but its Mick's insane bass line which stands out. How in the world did he come up with this? R.I.P.
Well he started playing trombone so the slides are there. R.I.P.
It also has a Turkish feel to it. Listen to some of their marching music its similar.
Gangster of the dad guitar!
@@devinthierault i once heard that being a greek cypriot, he grew up secretly listening to turkish radio transmissions. as dalis car, they've re-imagined a turkish folk song.
ミックカーンのベース ぷ～～～ん ってのが好き
Fucking hell, Mick Karn.Insane bass playing with 3 motor fingers,looking straight ahead.Incredible.
Such smoking drums and bass! Brilliant!
What a track to open a show ! Mick Karn so majestic on stage. Saw them in '81 . Lots of Sylvian lookalikes. 3rd favourite gig EVER ! 👍🏽
Mick Karn..it almost seems like the bass is possessing him here so it can speak its story....his leg stomping to the beat, the twitches and jerks he makes while plucking each chord..it's something very dark and not of this dimension but absolutely brilliant and beautiful.
You do NOT play chords on a bass guitar.
@@bovinedowie2803 Who told you that? :-D
Slave To Love Tell that to Jaco
@@bovinedowie2803 yes you do, dumb bounty hunter droid.
Well said
This is one of best music saved my life during younghood. RIP ingenious Mick.
that bass is so good
love this band
This right here with the instrumental track " Canton " is still light year's ahead of its time & even todays music & for me a lot of that was because of how Mick Karn played the fretless bass guitar...
I'm not disrespecting the other members as they were amazing players also but the Rythm Section in that band of David Jansen & Mick Karn are in my all time rythm section list of my favourite bands...
The fretless bass line of " Canton " is & always will be one of the most unique bass lines (especially on the fretless) that i've ever heard & Pino Palladino is also one of my all time favourites players but I'm talking about Mick here & this bass line is still off the charts & when you take in how he shuffled around the stage & if you couldn't see his feet it looked like he was floating along on air on as he moved around the stage & that to me was amazing to watch & even though i believe it did cause him pain at times he still did it & that is dedication for you...
I'm probably going to get negative or smart arse remarks when using this as a particular " analogy " when i say that watching Japan playing Live was akin to watching Cream playing Live & something truly amazing was happening in front of your eyes & ears that at times way beyond just music that your were listening to...
Of course Cream & Japan come from 2 very different musical genres but as far as musicianship & what they were creating was similar to Cream because of their musicianship was beyond those around them & what they were doing no one else could create or sound like & sadly only those that listened & became fans really got to hear this as it was difficult to put (which i hate anyway) Japan in a specific genre but for them i felt it was we will shut up & we will let our music do the talking and even the critics & music talk show hosts who had them on their show Live in the UK just werent sure how to describe them just before they played Live as they didnt fit into any specific genre as you could name them one & many more could name them as a different type of music & style of band & that makes them truly a one off & unique group even up to today & i still never label a genre on to them & just call them Japan...
The amount of family members & friends that i got them into listening to & then following Japan was due to letting them see & listen to this instrumental & at times even i was puzzled as most people introducing someone new to a band would pick a song with lyrics but there is something about " Canton " played Live just more often than not won over listeners i knew that would never have listened to them before & i used " Canton " as a gateway introduction to let others hear who would never had ever bothered to listen to Japan & once that instrumental won them over more often than not they were along for the ride with their songs that David put his unique voice to...
Its knocks me off my feet as does all there other music though at first they were going & sound more like a punk pop fusion band but once that phase was over & the overall sound that they went on to create as a band was & still is so out there & amazing...
RIP Mick Karn
In light of this still ongoing coronavirus outbreak stay safe and healthy wherever you are in this this world & together we will bear this Covid-19 & my thoughts go out to those who have lost loved one's/family member's or friends to this virus...
Stay Strong & Take Care One & All...
Ps
To those fighting this virus on all fronts i cant Thank You All enough & how everyone is still working (if possible) to allow us to get what we need to get by each day is also going way above & bejond in these uncertain dark times & i Thank You All as well...
.....
Think that would be Steve Jansen hun
Beautiful words
Totally agree x
beautiful words.
This brings back so many memories. I remember seeing this at Hammersmith Odeon, particularly this track, great bass and drums and just amazing lighting, this was one of my favourite tracks they played in the concert! Steve Jansen, one of the best drummers ever!
Did they open the concert with this?
@@sturs100 Sons Of Pioneers
First came across them in the 'Dolls' era, when they supported Blue Oyster Cult here in Manchester (UK) ..... loved them ever since in all their stages .... Always superb live..... Tin Drum was the peak .... Karn is sublime ..... sadly missed. R.I.P. ....
Strange how I love heavy rock and love Japan
God Bless you mick...Absolute Genius.......
The first time I heard this and any time since, I feel that I have always known this tune...so engaging, moving, edgy and sweepingly gorgeous.
Insanely awesome bass line!
Brilliant piece of music that captures a British notion of Oriental Music
These guy played a big part in my youth, I loved their stance, their way, the music is mind blowing. What was their live like, In my mind it must have been like drugs without the drugs at first.
Their combination of lyrics with their musical machines is to be admired.
Lots of us still love them.
A musical masterpiece and visual perfection.
A sad loss as Karn was a hugely influential bass player !!! Japan never fully got the credit they deserved !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Agreed
I agree. They were unique.
Thanks for bringing me back to the 80s Hong Kong!
Great musicians, kept evolving after separation.
Perfect opener for a concert.
The ease in which mick plays is mesmerising
The genius of sound and vision that is Mick Karn.
That man is stealing my heart with his bass
best bass player bar none
Karn and Jansen -2 of the world's most talented musicians that no one knows about.Shame.
Couldn’t agree more! What a Rhythm section
I could just sit and watch Mick Khan all day......... He makes the bass 'sing' like no one else....
one of the best keyboardists of ever...... and drummers.....
デビットの声には癒される。
坂本龍一さんのプロデュースが入ってから曲が好きになりました。
Mick Karn just casually leading the whole song! ;) Even with Steve's drums, Mick could have easily been the only focus of this video. Brilliant! A close up just of him like the Mr. No Problem video by The D.E.P. would be the damn holy grail.
still blown away by steve,s super sized drum sound - flawless production by john punter engineered nigel walker
Mick Karn was absurdly good!!!!
Seen them live at manchester apillo about 1987 or 88 remember steve on drums and david s vocals mock.karn gteat bass player andrichard my partner and both shared a love of japan till he passed away 2 yrs ago my partner loved micks guitar olaying
you know, Steve is a pretty good drummer,
Oh duh
Steve is a fantastic drummer, i seen him play with David & Robert Fripp & he was mesmerising.
Still listening in 2021.
Where have I been all these past 40 years???? I've just discovered this and I am in shock
Japan & Sakamoto.......a meeting of genius.
YMO electronic giants
While Japan and Sakamoto-san were pure genius, that was not Sakamoto but Tsuchiya Masami of Ippu-Du--a great singer-songwriter and musician. Great guitarist.
Beautiful! Mick Karn was other worldly!
RIP Mick Karn - a childhood hero..
听咗好多次啦，真系非常中意呢一首曲
Not my favourite song by Japan or my favourite bass line from Mick, but..., the unique sound he’s creating and the work he appears to be putting into this is just amazing. The sound is so distinctive ❤️❤️❤️
Well I was moved to tears by this sublime melody
Me too🙌🔥
Wonderful tune always loved it
Monster Mick was so mesmerising on that bass, I am playing along always on by fretless air bass guitar, when I listen to this masterpiece.
Love Tin Drum. Voted best album of 1981 by BBC 6 Music.
Yeah I saw this at the Hammersmith odeon went bought a fretless bass from the bass centre in Romford the next weekend could never master his style of playing he was a one off Rip fellow lowender
Music speaks when the heart and soul can't ...
Few of the video shots are my current living area in the 1970s
Briliant, Mick Karn projects immense power from the stage
This is sooo good! Can't get enough of it.
wish more people my age would listen to them. so goddamn underrated
I was there and have the video of it superb band always my fav to this day.
Hi Eddie, is your video the Oil on Canvas concert at Hammersmith? How good is the quality of your video? What format was the original release? I have checked out every video I can find on RUclips and all of the uploads are terrible quality. This one of Canton is about as good as they get. Most are very blurry - I assume the originals were sold on VHS? I have also looked online and not found an original copy of the concert video. Would you consider having your copy digitally transferred and uploading it?
Mick Karn was the god of bass......such a beautiful heart!
The is nothing to compare this with then and now, innovative.
Just for viewers info., that city in the video is Hong Kong.
p.s. It's one of the best music in the last century
Love you for saying that!
I came to Canada from Hong Kong in 1985. I actually went to see Japan in live concert in Hong Kong in 82. Such an unforgettable concert.
such an amazing song, and Mick Karn's bass playing is remarkable
Fantastic fret-less bass sound of the 80's
Sons of pioneers also
Mick karn on bass....omg the best ever
if perfection in music exists, it's this song
🙌
a masterpiece.
that lick at 4:29 by Karn is just mindblowingly genius!
Always incredible.
Neil Peart was a big fan of Steve Jansen.
This album really needs the deluxe expanded reissue treatme with additional tracks from the full show (Alien, Falll in Love w/ Me, etc)
The mv itself revealed what it’s like in Hong Kong in 70’s. Lots of memory play back.
Amazing bass guitar. I used to be an electric fretted bass guitar player, but influenced by Jack Bruce, John-Paul Jones and Jean Jack-Burnell. I will do more research on Mr. Karn. He did play on a Bill Nelson song in 1982/3. Worth listening to - He is fantastic!
Glow World
Pure artistry at its finest😎