David Bowie and Ryuichi Sakamoto. Still from Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence. Image credit: IMDB
Musically, I tend to focus on a song rather than an artist’s body of work. There are a few exceptions; Billy Bragg is one, Ryuichi Sakamoto is another.
I first discovered the Japanese composer, singer, producer and actor through the film Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence (1983), which was partly filmed in New Zealand and in which several acquaintances were cast as extras.
Sakamoto starred in the film alongside David Bowie and Tom Conti; and also wrote/performed on the score. The title track is an instrumental, but he also co-wrote (with David Sylvian) and recorded a version with lyrics — titled Forbidden Colours.
Here are both versions of this wonderful piece of music. Which do you prefer?
My dear friend Sarah at Art Expedition is hosting 30 Days, 30 Songs for the month of June. You can see her latest post here.
Zimmerbitch 
That is one of my favourite tunes, Su. I prefer it as an instrumental piece. In my piano phase, I managed to find some sheet music of it. I was only a beginner so I was never going to be able to play it, but I could dream. 🙂
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It is a wonderful piece, but I feel that way
about so much of his music.
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I was unfamiliar with this Su. Thank you for introducing me to it.
Leslie
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Hmm, don’t like the vocal version at all!
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😀 David Sylvian does have a very distinctive voice.
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I really couldn’t say because I actually like both versions! Sylvian has a very haunting voice that fits the music perfectly, but on its own it’s just as good. 😊
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I like them both too 😀
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