Japan - Gentlemen Take Polaroids Vinyl

Artist: Japan

Title: Gentlemen Take Polaroids

Label: Virgin Records

Catalogue Number: V 2180

Country: United Kingdom

Original Release Year: 1980

Pressing Year: 1980 UK Original Pressing

Format: 12" Vinyl LP

Speed: 33⅓ RPM

Description

Gentlemen Take Polaroids is the fourth studio album by British new wave and art-pop band Japan, originally released in November 1980. It was the band's first album for Virgin Records and marked an important development in their increasingly sophisticated, atmospheric sound.

With David Sylvian's distinctive vocals, Richard Barbieri's synthesizers and Mick Karn's fretless bass, the album combines art rock, synth-pop, funk and experimental influences. It features Gentlemen Take Polaroids, Swing, Methods Of Dance, Nightporter and Taking Islands In Africa.

Pressing Notes

This is the original 1980 UK Virgin Records pressing, catalogue number V 2180. The original UK LP is documented as an original pressing, with early examples carrying matrix variations including V2180 A1 / V2180 B3, with STRAWBERRY stamped on Side One.

There is also an interesting early pressing variation where the sleeve and label incorrectly list “Some Kind Of Fool” as track A3, although the record actually plays “Burning Bridges”. Some copies have an erratum sticker explaining the correction.

Track Listing
Side One
Gentlemen Take Polaroids
Swing
Burning Bridges
My New Career
Side Two
Methods Of Dance
Ain't That Peculiar
Nightporter
Taking Islands In Africa
Additional Information
Original 1980 UK Pressing
Virgin Records
Catalogue Number: V 2180
12" Vinyl LP
33⅓ RPM
Original Picture Sleeve
Original Inner Sleeve
8-track album
Produced by John Punter
Features Gentlemen Take Polaroids, Swing, Methods Of Dance and Nightporter
Japan's first album for Virgin Records
Classic British art-pop / new wave release
Reached No. 51 on the UK Albums Chart
Highly desirable original UK pressing
Condition

Sleeve: Very Good Plus (VG+)

Record: Very Good Plus (VG+)

Inner Sleeve: Very Good Plus (VG+)

Rockabuy Records Grading Guide
Near Mint (NM)

Virtually flawless condition with minimal signs of handling.

Excellent (EX)

Lightly played and exceptionally well cared for, with only minimal signs of use.

Very Good Plus (VG+)

A well-preserved copy with light signs of use. Minor surface marks may be present but do not significantly affect playback.

Very Good (VG)

Noticeable signs of use with light surface marks and handling wear, while remaining enjoyable to play.

Good (G)

More pronounced wear and marks, with some background noise possible.

Poor / Fair (P/F)

Heavy wear and significant scratches affecting playback quality.

Shipping

All records are visually inspected and conservatively graded. Records are securely packaged in professional record mailers with protective stiffeners and dispatched via a fully tracked delivery service.