I've noticed that this forum is growing and I'm interested in finding out how so many of you react when listening to the various musical phases that Sylvian has gone through since disbanding Japan. So below I've listed these phases as I usually frame them (some may categorize them differently and if so, please expand or contrast if you wish). I'd like to know which phase you find yourself gravitating towards most often, if there is any phase or phases that you particularly do not prefer, how you personally feel when listening to any recording from each phase. If you wish to single out any (or all) albums for comments, that would be even more interesting. And if you want to discuss certain musicians that Sylvian has worked with, their influence or what they brought to the music, that's great. Basically, I'd love to read some detailed thoughts and opinions. So feel free to wax poetic.
phase 1 :
BRILLIANT TREES / ALCHEMY - AN INDEX OF POSSIBILITIES / GONE TO EARTH / SECRETS OF THE BEEHIVE / IN PRAISE OF SHAMANS tour
phase 2 :
PLIGHT AND PREMONITION / FLUX + MUTABILITY / POP SONG / EMBER GLANCE - THE PERMANENCE OF MEMORY / RAIN TREE CROW
phase 3 :
THE FIRST DAY tour / THE FIRST DAY / THE ROAD TO GRACELAND tour / REDEMPTION - APPROACHING SILENCE / DAMAGE / SLOW FIRE - A PERSONAL RETROSPECTIVE tour
phase 4 :
DEAD BEES ON A CAKE / APPROACHING SILENCE / EVERYTHING AND NOTHING / EVERYTHING AND NOTHING tour / DAMAGE reissue / CAMPHOR
phase 5 :
BLEMISH / A FIRE IN THE FOREST tour / THE GOOD SON VS THE ONLY DAUGHTER / SNOW BORNE SORROW / MONEY FOR ALL / WHEN LOUD WEATHER BUFFETED NAOSHIMA