JapanSylvian.com

Don't let some music journalist tell you what you should like. If you like it great, if you think its awful then don't listen to it.

I'm not a big fan of Manafon but I do like this. But then again I also think The first day is a great record which puts me in the minority.

His lyrics have always been a bit hit and miss and I'd agree the hindu influenced material is an acquired taste.

I guess when the music is top-notch then you can live with the lyrics however vague/arty they are but when the music is so still/static the lyrics have got to hold your attention ...

I'm not saying it's awful for goodness sake - I judge a record on how many times I've returned to it and I'm rarely in the mood for this record.

I was going to add that I think Sylvian is a bit self-indulgent at times and it's all about "him" but then realised I'd have to justify my opinion and ...

"The best music works when it resonates with truth"

Care to elaborate on this? Not quite sure what you mean by it

Now that's a question!!! Well I'd list all the great music I like and it all has an emotional resonance (oh christ this sounds like one of Sylvian's interviews!!!) that creates an ...

Manafon just isn't that interesting IMHO, and much like Blemish it lacks musicality. The big down-side is that where Blemish was quite honest and open Manafon says nothing. The best music works when it resonates with truth (for want of a better word) and Manafon, well if you can tell me what's going ...

Or try Hamada by Nils Petter Molvaer - stunning production via Jan Bang. The Norwegian Jazz scence is producing some stunning albums at present and well worth investigating if you've enjoyed Jan's new album. If you're an audiophile you'll really appreciate the attention to detail.

For anyone interested in Arve Henriksen, his old band FOOD have recently released an album called "Quiet Inlet" on the fabulous ECM label. Doesn't feature Henriksen but does include contributions from Fennesz and Nils Petter Molvaer and is quite brilliant!