U.S. Disco Explosion - Disco Hits - Sharp Optonica BSLT Demonstration Disc - Japan (Sharp - 1982)

Demo disc for Sharp Optonica BSLT - both sides play linear tracking - turntables, Japan, 1982. The ‘performance’ is credited to ‘U.S. Disco Explosion’, though the tracks appear to be cover versions of songs that were hits in Japan.

Side 1
00:00 Bette Davis Eyes
03:41 Rapture
07:15 Don't Stop The Music
11:19 All American Girls
15:04 Only The Music's Changed
17:55 Modern Girl
21:02 Foxy
25:21 Midnight Dancer

Side 2
29:01 Who's Gonna Rock You?
32:00 Fade To Grey
35:12 Looking For Clues
39:10 Stars On 45
43:52 Can't Live Without Your Love
47:31 Morning Train
50:42 Sexy Music
53:54 Marigot Bay

Optonica was a range of high-quality hi-fi equipment designed and made by Sharp in Japan from the mid-1970s onwards.

The sleeve notes explain the novel new turntable technology:

"Sharp advances in digital technology and audio equipment design have made it possible for us to introduce a new and exciting player that lets audiophiles enjoy automatic playback of both sides of the disc without ever having to turn it over. A micro-processor-controlled vertical turntable with twin tonearms provides cassette-easy disc insertion and removal, one-touch playback and repetition of Side A, Side B or both sides, while at the same time preventing damage to valuable discs. The micro-processor instantly instructs the unit's tonearms to return to their resting positions at even the slightest jar that could cause a disc to be scratched. This versatile, space-saving player is available on our Carrying-Type Stereo, as well as on our 3-in-1 Stereo System and top-of-the-line Stereo Component System. All from Sharp and all products of Sharp digital technology."

Although attractive as a coloured picture pressing, this demo disc was perhaps something of a letdown sound-wise (and maybe content-wise, depending on your opinion of cover versions!):

"Note: The enclosed picture record was made according to a process somewhat different from conventional record pressing. The slightly curved surface of the disc may result in some reduction in sound quality and signal-to-noise ratio."

The record's audio does indeed lack the volume and crisp clarity of regular vinyl pressings, but is nevertheless an interesting relic for audio technology buffs and cover version fanatics.

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