Forbidden colours - David Sylvian and Riuichi Sakamoto

'Forbidden colours' is the vocal version of the track 'Merry Christmas mr Lawrence'. The lyrics were written and performed by David Sylvian, who had worked with Riuichi Sakamoto once before on the single release 'Bamboo houses'. This single peaked at number 16 in the UK singles chart.

Since the release of this single, both Sakamoto and Sylvian have recorded several interpretations of the song, both instrumental and vocal. An orchestral version featuring vocals by Sylvian was included on Sakamoto's 1999 album 'Cinemage'.

My collection: 7" single no. 2879

Found: House of Rhythm, London, October 28, 1997

Cost: 40p

Tracks: 'Forbidden colours' / 'The seed and the sower'

Bamboo houses - David Sylvian and Ryuichi Sakamoto

In 1989, I bought a 3" cd-single featuring Sylvian and Sakamoto's wonderful collaboration 'Forbidden colours', recorded for the movie 'Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence'. This cd-single also featured two further tracks: 'Bamboo houses' and 'Bamboo music'. I didn't know this, but these tracks were actually the first collaboration of the two. It was Sylvian's first 'solo' project, released while still in the band Japan, which he left two years later.

This single, featuring the same two tracks, was released in 1982 in a gatefold sleeve. The single peaked at number 30 in the UK singles chart.

My collection: 7" single no. 3630

Found: Record fair, Utrecht, April 18, 2009

Cost: 1 euro

Tracks: 'Bamboo houses' / 'Bamboo music'

Merry Christmas mr. Lawrence - Ryuichi Sakamoto

Not a Christmas song, but the theme from the movie of the same name. Ryuichi Sakamoto composed the soundtrack and this theme was released as a single. It didn't make the charts. However, a vocal version released after this, became a big hit. It was Sakamoto and David Sylvian's 'Forbidden colours'.

Although not a Christmas song, it is still a very beautiful melody which I like to play during this festive season.

My collection: 7" single no. 3111

Found: Big Company records, London, May 13, 1999

Cost: 2 pounds

Tracks: 'Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence' / 'Sowing the seed'

Download: here