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.
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
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