Japan - Tin Drum Vinyl

Artist: Japan

Title: Tin Drum

Label: Virgin Records

Catalogue Number: V 2209

Country: United Kingdom

Original Release Year: 1981

Pressing Year: 1981 UK Original Pressing

Format: 12" Vinyl LP

Speed: 33⅓ RPM

Description

Tin Drum is the fifth and final studio album by Japan, originally released in November 1981. It represents the band at the height of their sophisticated art-pop and synth-driven sound, combining David Sylvian's distinctive vocals with Richard Barbieri's atmospheric keyboards and Mick Karn's unmistakable fretless bass.

The album reached No. 12 on the UK Albums Chart and features the celebrated singles Ghosts, The Art Of Parties and Visions Of China. It remains one of the defining albums of the British New Wave and art-pop era.

Pressing Notes

This is the original 1981 UK Virgin Records pressing, catalogue number V 2209. The UK edition was released on 28 November 1981 and was pressed by CBS at Aston Clinton, with lacquer cutting at Utopia Studios.

Original UK copies are known with different matrix variations. The standard release is identifiable by the Virgin V2209 catalogue number, with early examples including A1/B1 and later A4/B4 and A6/B4 variations.

Some original copies were also issued with a limited fold-out poster, so if your copy includes the poster, this is worth highlighting in the listing.

Track Listing
Side One
The Art Of Parties
Talking Drum
Ghosts
Canton
Side Two
Still Life In Mobile Homes
Visions Of China
Sons Of Pioneers
Cantonese Boy
Additional Information
Original 1981 UK Pressing
Virgin Records
Catalogue Number: V 2209
Original Picture Sleeve
Original Inner Sleeve
33⅓ RPM
Stereo
8-track album
Pressed by CBS, Aston Clinton
Lacquer cut at Utopia Studios
Produced by Japan and Steve Nye
Features Ghosts, The Art Of Parties and Visions Of China
Japan's fifth and final studio album
Classic British art-pop / synth-pop / New Wave
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. The record and packaging show little to no signs of handling and have been exceptionally well cared for.

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. The sleeve remains clean and structurally sound, while the vinyl may show minor surface marks that 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.