The Art of Parties

The Art of Parties is a song by the British band Japan.

It was released as a single in May 1981 and reached number 48 on the UK Singles Chart. A re-worked version was subsequently included as the opening track on the band's album Tin Drum released later in 1981, keeping parts of the original Punter-produced version including guitars. A live version of the song is included on Japan's 1983 album Oil on Canvas and on the DVD release The Very Best of Japan.

Personnel
On "The Art of Parties":
 * David Sylvian — lead vocals, guitars, treated piano, brass arrangements
 * Richard Barbieri — synthesizers
 * Mick Karn — fretless bass, brass arrangements
 * Steve Jansen — drums, percussion
 * backing vocals – Jay Yates, Pearly Gates, Ruby James
 * horns — Cliff Hardy, Martin Drover, Mel Collins

On "Life Without Buildings":
 * David Sylvian — lead vocals, synthetic brass
 * Richard Barbieri — synthesizers, tapes
 * Mick Karn — fretless bass, finger cymbals
 * Steve Jansen — drums, acoustic and synthetic percussion

Technical
 * John Punter — production, mixing
 * Andy Lyden — engineer

Track listings
7": Virgin / VS 409 (UK)
 * 1) "The Art of Parties" – 3.55
 * 2) "Life Without Buildings" – 6:40

12": Virgin / VS 409-12 (UK)
 * 1) "The Art of Parties" – 6.41
 * 2) "Life Without Buildings" – 6.40

7": Virgin / VS 409 / VIPX-1580 (Australia and Japan) 12": Virgin / VS 409-12 (Australia)
 * 1) "The Art of Parties" – 3.55
 * 2) "My New Career" – 3.52


 * 1) "The Art of Parties" – 6:41
 * 2) "My New Career" – 3:52

EP: Virgin / VEP 305 (Canada)


 * 1) "The Art of Parties" – 6:41
 * 2) "The Width of a Room" – 3:14
 * 3) "Life Without Buildings" – 6:40
 * 4) "The Experience of Swimming" – 4:06

7" Promo: Virgin / 0267 (Spain, 1982)


 * 1) "The Art of Parties" (album version) – 4:11
 * 2) "Visions of China" – 3:55