Sadistic Mika Band - Black Ship - Japan 180g Vinyl 2 LP Record+7inch Bonus Track Limited Edition

Credits:

Sadistic Mika Band

Description:

★ Limited-edition release with serial numbers ★ 45 RPM 2LP + 7" single ★ Uncolored virgin vinyl ★ 180-gram heavyweight vinyl ★ Metal master pressing ★Features the latest WAV master derived from 192kHz/24-bit files transferred from the original analog tapes in 2023 ★Goss-lined gatefold jacket + special soft vinyl outer sleeve ★Includes lyrics and liner notes ● This is the Mika Band’s second album, released in 1974, which brought to life the concept created by Kazuhiko Kato and his close ally Takeshi Matsuyama. Produced by the masterful Chris Thomas and featuring a rock-solid band ensemble that included the newly added Yutaka Imai (keyboards), this overwhelming masterpiece—which garnered attention in both the UK and the US under the title *BlackShip* and remains a landmark in Japanese rock history—is now available on the super-high-end analog series “100% Pure LP”! ● “100% Pure LP” is a Made in Japan special product introduced in 2012 and a pioneer in modern high-fidelity records that has garnered significant attention worldwide. One of its key features is the use of “uncolored virgin vinyl,” which eliminates all coloring agents—such as carbon—commonly used in standard vinyl records that can affect sound quality. By using only pure, straight polyvinyl chloride as the raw material, it ensures significantly higher molding stability. ● Another key feature is the use of "metal master pressing." Unlike standard vinyl production, which involves a metal master and a stamper, this process omits those steps and presses directly from the metal master, enabling overwhelmingly faithful groove reproduction. However, due to its lower durability, the number of pressings is strictly limited. ● Furthermore, this release uses a 45 RPM speed—typically used for 12-inch singles—rather than the standard 33 RPM for LPs. While this results in a two-disc set due to the shorter recording time per side, it allows for wider and deeper grooves. The higher rotation speed also improves stability, creating significant advantages in detail reproduction and the richness of the sound. ●The source material consists of 192kHz/24-bit WAV files transferred from the original analog master tapes in 2023 (the two tracks on the 7" single are 96kHz/24-bit WAV files transferred in 2026). These were mastered as flatly as possible to preserve the freshness and dynamic range of the sound, pursuing a natural sound that remains faithful to the original recording. ● Through this meticulous attention to every step of the process—from selecting the master and vinyl materials to the pressing—"100% PureLP" maximizes the true value of the record. While retaining the grit and warmth unique to analog, it delivers a sound that is literally pure and clear, completely free of any muddiness or harshness. ● Also included is a bonus 7-inch single on uncolored virgin vinyl, pairing “High Baby”—released the previous year as a standalone single—with “Hanami Boogie,” an unreleased track from the album sessions that was later included on a greatest hits compilation (this is not a heavyweight vinyl pressing from a metal master).