RAIN TREE CROW

CD

Rain Tree Crow – Rain Tree Crow (Canada CD • Virgin CDV 2659 • 1991)

This is the Canadian CD release of Rain Tree Crow, issued on 20 April 1991 on Virgin Records (catalogue number CDV 2659). Representing the highly anticipated reunion of David Sylvian, Mick Karn, Steve Jansen, and Richard Barbieri—the core members of Japan—the album stands as a one-off artistic statement where the musicians stepped away from their former identity and allowed the music to form organically through improvisation and atmosphere.

The Canadian pressing is regarded as one of the better early North American issues, featuring excellent mastering, clean print quality, and the original artwork restored in full. Because Rain Tree Crow was not heavily promoted in North America and later fell out of print, the Canadian CD has become increasingly collectable among Sylvian/Japan followers, ambient-rock listeners, and archivists of early-90s experimental releases.

About the Album

Rain Tree Crow weaves together elements of ambient, experimental rock, electronic textures, and atmospheric improvisation. The sessions encouraged spontaneity—musicians building entire pieces from live takes, minimal overdubs, and unusual instrumentation. The result is a deep, cinematic album often described as the most adventurous and emotionally resonant work the former Japan members created post-breakup.

Tracklist

1. Big Wheels In Shanty Town – 7:08
2. Every Colour You Are – 4:44
3. Rain Tree Crow – 2:03
4. Red Earth (As Summertime Ends) – 3:36
5. Pocket Full Of Change – 6:05
6. Boat's For Burning – 0:45
7. New Moon At Red Deer Wallow – 5:10
8. Blackwater – 4:18
9. A Reassuringly Dull Sunday – 1:20
10. Blackcrow Hits Shoe Shine City – 5:11
11. Scratchings On The Bible Belt – 2:45
12. Cries And Whispers – 2:29

Why This Edition Is Collectable

1. Official Canadian pressing issued during the album’s original 1991 run
2. Virgin Records catalogue number CDV 2659 – not a later reissue
3. Features the complete album artwork and booklet
4. Well-regarded mastering compared to some later editions
5. A key title for collectors of David Sylvian, Japan, progressive ambient, and experimental rock

A unique and visionary recording, Rain Tree Crow remains a defining art-rock statement of the early 1990s, and Canadian editions are becoming increasingly scarce.

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