Black Ship [Japanese Import]

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FEATURES

• Individually numbered, strictly limited edition of 1,000 copies
• 45RPM 2LP + 7" single
• Uncolored virgin vinyl
• 180-gram heavyweight pressing
• Metal master pressing
• Features the latest 96kHz/24bit WAV master newly transferred from the original analog master tapes
• Gatefold, high-gloss coated jacket + special soft vinyl outer bag
• Includes lyrics and liner notes

DESCRIPTION

The monumental second album by Sadistic Mika Band, released in 1974, arrives as part of the revived ultra–high-end 100% Pure LP series. Built upon the conceptual vision crafted by Kazuhiko Kato and longtime collaborator Takeshi Matsuyama, and realized through the masterful production of Chris Thomas together with the group’s rock-solid ensemble—now joined by Hiroshi Imai (key)—this landmark recording gained international acclaim upon its release as Black Ship in the UK and US, and remains one of the most iconic works in Japanese rock history.

“100% Pure LP” is a special Made-in-Japan product line launched in 2012, widely recognized worldwide as a pioneer of modern high-fidelity vinyl. One of its defining features is the use of uncolored virgin vinyl, completely eliminating carbon and other pigments commonly found in standard LPs—materials known to influence sound quality. By relying solely on pure, straight PVC compound, the pressing achieves exceptional consistency and stability.

Another hallmark of the series is its use of metal master pressing. By removing the conventional intermediate steps—metal mother and stamper—the grooves are pressed directly from the metal master, enabling extraordinarily accurate groove formation. Due to the lower durability of the metal master, however, the number of pressings must be strictly limited.

This edition further enhances fidelity through the adoption of 45RPM, a speed typically reserved for 12-inch singles. Although the shorter playback time per side necessitates a 2LP configuration, the wider and longer grooves—and the increased rotational speed—provide superior stability and significant advantages in detail, clarity, and dynamic richness.

The audio source is based on newly transferred 96kHz/24bit WAV files taken from the original analog master tapes, and has been mastered as flat as possible in order to preserve the freshness of the sound and its dynamic range. The result pursues a natural sound that remains faithful to the original source.

Through its uncompromising attention to every detail—from tape source and vinyl formulation to the pressing method—the 100% Pure LP series extracts the full potential of the analog format. The result is a sound that retains the punch and warmth unique to vinyl while eliminating all muddiness and coloration, delivering a truly pure and crystal-clear listening experience.

Also included is a bonus 7-inch single pressed on uncolored virgin vinyl, coupling the previously single-only track “Hi Baby” from the prior year with “Ohanami Boogie”, an unreleased session track later issued on a best-of compilation. (Note: this 7-inch is not a metal master–pressed heavyweight disc.)

TRACKLIST

1. Sumie no Kuni he
2. Nanika ga Umi wo Yattekuru
3. Time Machine ni Onegai
4. Kurofune (Ka'ei 6-nen 6-gatsu 2-ka)
5. Kurofune (Ka'ei 6-nen 6-gatsu 3-ka)
6. Kurofune (Ka'ei 6-nen 6-gatsu 4-ka)
7. Yoroshiku Dozo
8. Dontaku
9. Shiki Shoka
10. Hei made Hitottobi
11. Taifu Uta
12. Sayonara
13. Hi Baby (Bonus Track)
14. Ohanami Boogie (Bonus Track)

LISTEN

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