Burning The Ground Exclusive バーニング・ザ・グラウンド独占掲載
Released in 1980, “Turning Japanese” by The Vapors remains one of the most distinctive and enduring singles of the early New Wave era. Built on a tight, nervy guitar riff and an urgent vocal from David Fenton, the track perfectly captures the anxious energy that defined the shift from punk into more melodic, radio-friendly territory.
Formed in Guildford, England in the late 1970s, The Vapors emerged from the same fertile UK scene that produced bands like The Jam. In fact, the group got an early break when they supported The Jam on tour—an opportunity that helped them gain industry attention and ultimately led to a recording contract. Their sound balanced punk’s raw edge with a cleaner, more structured pop sensibility, placing them squarely in the first wave of British New Wave acts.
Produced by Vic Coppersmith-Heaven and released on the band’s debut album New Clear Days, “Turning Japanese” quickly became an international hit—reaching #3 in the UK and cracking the US Top 40. Its success was driven by its instantly recognizable hook and slightly offbeat character, setting it apart from more conventional pop releases of the time.
Musically, the track thrives on tension. The clipped guitar lines, driving rhythm section, and Fenton’s almost obsessive vocal delivery create a sense of unease that never fully resolves. That tension mirrors the song’s true subject: emotional fixation and the psychological spiral that can follow a failed relationship.
Despite long-standing rumors suggesting a more provocative meaning, Fenton has consistently explained that the song is about obsession and identity loss—the feeling of becoming someone else when consumed by thoughts of another person. That emotional core, paired with a deceptively simple arrangement, gives the track its lasting resonance.
The accompanying video—later picked up by MTV in its early days—helped introduce the band to a wider audience and cemented the single as a defining moment of early ‘80s pop culture. Although The Vapors released a follow-up album (Magnets) in 1981, they were unable to replicate the success of their debut, and the band soon faded from the spotlight.
Of note: the artwork featured here is taken from my personal copy of the U.S. white, rectangular-shaped vinyl edition. Interestingly, there was no standard picture sleeve issued for the regular U.S. 7″ release, making this version a unique and visually distinctive alternative for collectors.
Still, “Turning Japanese” endures. More than four decades on, it remains a sharp, catchy, and emotionally charged snapshot of a time when pop music embraced both vulnerability and eccentricity—hallmarks of the New Wave era at its very best.
SIDE A:
Turning Japanese (Edited) 3:20
SIDE B:
Talk Talk 3:50
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
| Chart | Peak Position | Date |
|---|---|---|
| US Billboard Hot 100 | #36 | 1980 |
| US Billboard Hot Dance Club Play | #34 | 1980 |
| Australia (Kent Music Report) | #1 | 1980 |
| Canada Top Singles | #6 | 1980 |
| Ireland (RMA) | #4 | 1980 |
| New Zealand | #9 | 1980 |
| UK Singles | #3 | 1980 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: United Artists Records – UA-X1364-Y
Format: Vinyl, 7″, 45 RPM, Single, Stereo
Country: US
Released: 1980
Genre: Rock
Style: New Wave, Punk
CREDITS:
Producer – Vic Coppersmith-Heaven
Written-By – David Fenton
NOTES:
From the United Artists Records LP “New Clear Days”
Buy the 7″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for BURNING THE GROUND
THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon Concorde Music Black
Phono Pre-amp: Pro-Jec Tube Box DS2
Tubes: Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7 ECC83/B759 Gold Pins Vacuum Tube – Matched Pair
Audio Interface: MOTU M4
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro Spin Acrylic Mat
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans: Epson Workforce WF-7610 Professional Printer/Scanner
SOFTWARE:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 25 (Recording)
Down Sampling/Dither: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator
RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
**24bit FLAC Only Available For Seven Days!
Password: burningtheground
You can help show your support for this blog by donating using PayPal. I appreciate your help.
This post kicks off our Mirrorball Memories series, where we’ll be spotlighting Disco and Hi-NRG singles that made dance floors light up. Think of it as the spiritual successor to Disco Friday, bringing vintage grooves and 12″ classics to the spotlight, one post at a time.
