Obscure Alternatives = 苦悩の旋律 - Japan - LP - Pre Owned Vinyl (Arrives in 21days)

Japan’s 'Obscure Alternatives = 苦悩の旋律' stands as a testament to the band’s restless creativity before their transformation into synth-pop icons. Released in 1978, this sophomore effort captures the group at a fascinating crossroads: the glam-flecked echoes of their debut mingle with raw, angular guitar work and an unmistakable sense of noir. David Sylvian’s haunting baritone and Mick Karn’s fretless bass push boundaries, weaving post-punk minimalism with touches of funk and Eastern motifs. The album’s title nods to the band’s fascination with complexity and melancholy—a theme that runs through standout tracks like “Automatic Gun” and the brooding “....Rhodesia.” What makes this album particularly compelling is its refusal to conform; each track pulls listeners deeper into a world where experimentation is the norm. For collectors, 'Obscure Alternatives' is more than a transitional record—it’s a bold snapshot of a band forging their own path, setting the stage for the sophisticated soundscapes that would follow. For anyone curious about the roots of Japan’s artistry, this album offers a raw, intriguing listen that rewards repeated spins. Track List: A1 - Automatic Gun = オートマティック・ガン - 4:04 A2 - . . . . Rhodesia = 熱きローデシア - 6:49 A3 - Love Is Infectious = 愛の伝染 - 4:10 A4 - Sometimes I Feel So Low = 孤独な安らぎ - 3:44 B1 - Obscure Alternatives = 苦悩の旋律 - 6:49 B2 - Deviation = 若き反抗 - 3:23 B3 - Suburban Berlin = 郊外ベルリン - 4:59 B4 - The Tenant = 愛の住人 - 7:12