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.. .. Every few weeks I'm intending to dedicate this page to another Japan album/era/subject.Tin Drum is the fifth and final studio album produced by the British band Japan. Released in late-November 1981, the album continued their now developed use of electronic elements coupled with traditional instrumentation, but leans far more towards far-eastern influences than any of their previous albums. Guitarist Rob Dean had left the band by this point, with Sylvian taking on his duties which had become surplus to requirements in terms of their musical direction.Four of the album's eight tracks were released as singles in the UK ("The Art of Parties", "Cantonese Boy", "Visions of China" and "Ghosts"), whilst a live version of "Canton" was issued as a single to promote the Oil on Canvas live album in 1983. Of these, the most commercially successful was "Ghosts", a minimalist, drum-free song which reached No 5 in Britain. Visions Of China and Cantonese Boy also made the UK Top 40. The album itself peaked at 12 in the UK, and was certified "Gold" by the BPI in 1982.During the recording of Tin Drum, ex-Beatle Paul McCartney dropped-in on the band (as he was recording his Tug of War album in the same studios) and was said to have been astounded by the sounds they were generating