Monday, December 27, 2010

The Vapors: Turning Japanese


The Vapors were a new wave and power pop band from England, that existed between 1979-1981. Based in Guildford, Surrey, the band consisted of David Fenton (songwriter/guitar/vocals), Howard Smith (drums), Edward Bazalgette (lead guitar), and Steve Smith (bass/vocals). The band released two albums: New Clear Days and Magnets. The first album was more traditional with themes of social issues and love. The second album however was darker and included themes of alienation and psychotic characters. Sales of the second album were poor and the members disbanded shortly after its release in 1981. Fenton alleged in a later interview that lack of record label support was the chief reason for the split.

"Turning Japanese" was their big hit in 1980. The song managed to reach #3 on the UK Singles Chart and #36 in the corresponding U.S. Billboard Hot 100. This song was also very popular in Australia. "Turning Japanese" was believed euphemistically to refer to masturbation, but has been denied by the band.

Fenton has apparently retired from his days as a music creator and performer to concentrate on legal aspects of the music industry. Edward Bazalgette has since become a television director, credits including a 2005 BBC documentary about Ghengis Khan.

http://www.myspace.com/thevaporsuk

Smelly Dog

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