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A superb comprehensive Best Of. a long time in the coming, this is the first time early Hansa tracks have run alongside the Virgin years on one CD, providing a tantalizing career overview of one of the most intriguing, sophisticated and imaginative bands of the 80s. Japan's evolution from rather humble glam Rock beginnings into stylish synthesizer Pop (and beyond) made the British group one of the more intriguing and successful artists of their era. Formed in London in 1974, Japan began it's existence as a quintet comprised of singer/songwriter David Sylvian, bassist Mick Karn, keyboardist Richard Barbieri, drummer (and Sylvian's brother) Steve Jansen and guitarist Rob Dean. In their primary incarnation, the group emulated the sound and image of glam rockers like David Bowie and the New York Dolls; Sylvian's over-the-top vocals, much in the vein of Bryan Ferry, also earned Japan frequent (if derisive) comparisons to Roxy Music. EMI.