Review of Obscure Alternatives by Japan

Before Japan found their more recognizable smooth new romantic sound ala: `Quiet Life' they released this interesting little gem.

Now if your musical tastes run to Punk tinged/Metal/Reggae Rock then you should enjoy this unusual record. I say unusual because you probably won't find another record out there that bears much comparison. Which is I think a good thing although I think that you'll probably either love this album or hate it. It has a uniquely gritty sound to it which suits the metallic tinged reggae riffs that permeate much of the album. `Sometimes I feel so low' was released as a single and has a great hook that grabs you're attention from the get go with Mr. Sylvians singing taking on a rougher edge than later Japan offerings.
`Love is Infectious' has a very catchy hook (fortunately or unfortunately), depending on how you look at it whilst `Suburban Berlin' and `Obscure Alternatives' both slow things down somewhat.

Now there are some comparisons to be made ala Bowie, Roxy Music but I think that undervalues this very unique album which grooves along in a style all its own. The album sleeve actually seems to fit the music you'll hear inside and don't go doubting the musicianship on display here. All top notch. This was one of my top 5 favorite albums back in the late 70's and I gave it a lot of airplay. If you ever wondered what was going on back in 78' aside from plain old Punk Rock you could do worse than check this album out.