title: The Art of Parties
text: # 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-recorded version was subsequently included as the opening track on the band's album Tin Drum released later in 1981. 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
  
  ## Track listings
  
  7": Virgin / VS 409 (UK)
  
  * "The Art of Parties" – 3.55
  * "Life Without Buildings" – 6:40
  
  12": Virgin / VS 409-12 (UK)
  
  * "The Art of Parties" – 6.41
  * "Life Without Buildings" – 6.40
  
  7": Virgin / VS 409 / VIPX-1580 (Australia and Japan)
  
  * "The Art of Parties" – 3.55
  * "My New Career" – 3.52
  
  12": Virgin / VS 409-12 (Australia)
  
  * "The Art of Parties" – 6:41
  * "My New Career" – 3:52
  
  EP: Virgin / VEP 305 (Canada)
  
  * "The Art of Parties" – 6:41
  * "The Width of a Room" – 3:14
  * "Life Without Buildings" – 6:40
  * "The Experience of Swimming" – 4:06
  
  7" Promo: Virgin / 0267 (Spain, 1982)
  
  * "The Art of Parties" (album version) – 4:11
  * "Visions of China" – 3:55
  