Search - Rain Tree Crow :: Rain Tree Crow

Flawless gem.

Michael Stack | North Chelmsford, MA USA | 04/11/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In 1989, the four members of Japan came back together to record a reunion project-- largely against the will of the record label, the album was released by a band of the name Rain Tree Crow. This was a long time coming-- with Jansen and Barbieri working together and appearing on both Sylvian's and Karn's solo records, and finally Sylvian's contribution to Karn's most recent record, the stage was set. Unfortunately, during their time in the studio, the band fell apart and the reunion project, largely finished by Sylvian, proved to be a one-shot.



While Sylvian finished the record, it is not, by any stretch of the imagination, a solo record-- the input from the rest of the band is pretty obvious, and the material succeeds at its best when the band's contributions are largely greater than the individuals-- the haunting "Every Colour You Are", the achingly beautiful ballad "Pocket Full of Change" (which shows the depth and range of Sylvian's voice better than anything else he's ever done), the longing bass clarinet strains on "New Moon at Red Deer Wallow", or the relatively straightforward pop of "Blackwater".



The real point is, there's some many moods, so much ground covered on this record that it is far more than any of the individual contributors have any precedent for on thier own, and quite honestly, its an extremely accessible record-- I'd be shocked if anyone listening to this wouldn't find something that didn't really excite them in some way.



Perhaps most amazing is that there really is nothing on this that doesn't live up to the expectations-- the whole record, start to finish, is superb. This reissue adds pristine sound, and like the entirity of the Virgin Japan/Sylvian catlog, sounds like it was recorded on state-of-the-art equipment yesterday and tags another piece from the sessions, the brief "I Drink to Forget", originally a b-side from when the album was released.



Its also quite a good introduction to the music of any of its contributors, certainly some of the best work they've done is on here. Bottom line, this album is essential listening-- of the thousands of albums that I own, this is one of the three or four best."

More Crow please.

Dan A. Bobrowski | California | 01/12/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Japan reformed for this one off collaboration of stunningly beautiful tunes created from studio improvisations, full of slow, groove inflected pieces with sensual vocals by David Sylvian, a plethora of percussive instruments by Steve Jansen, synth ambience courtesy of Richard Barbieri and the slippery slide fretless bass playing of Mick Karn. A concoction reminiscent of Sylvian's solo music, but with more experimentation and mood.



Sylvian's voice is in the "love it, or hate it" category. Personally, I find his voice soothing, yet dreamy and seductive. This is music to get laid to. Subtle and suggestive. Songs of love lost and dying, pain and ache. No new territory, just music done well. Karn and Sylvian also add a bit of multi-instrumental flavor with sax, clarinet, harmonium and other devices. A unique mix.



Stand out tracks include the opener "Big Wheels in Shanty Town" with it's swirling percussive mix and African backing vocals and pulse bass. Hypnotic. "Blackcrow Hits Show Shine City" with Bill Nelson (Be-Bop Deluxe) playing a wonderful bluesy solo. "Blackwater" is a radio-friendly tune that is achingly plaintive and emotive.



Porcupine Tree fans may be interested to hear pre-PT music from Richard Barbieri, as well as aspiring bass players who should check out fretless master, Mick Karn and those who enjoy more ambient fare would find plenty to muse over with Rain Tree Crow."