Sony Music Japan have issued their first wave of Blu-Spec CDs, an improved version of a conventional audio CD. According to Wikipedia, "instead of a traditional infra-red laser, a blue laser is used for recording the pits on the CD master that is needed for disc replication. The blue laser creates more precise pits, causing less distortion in the optical read-out process and supposedly resulting in higher-quality audio." A Blu-spec CD can be played on all CD players and does not require a blue laser to be read. It is not a Blu-ray Disc.

The following titles were released on December 24th: OZZY OSBOURNE's Tribute (1987), AEROSMITH's Rocks (1976), JOURNEY's Escape (1981), BOSTON's Don't Look Back (1978) and JEFF BECK's Blow By Blow (1974).

On January 21st the following titles are being released: JUDAS PRIEST's Painkiller (1990), AEROSMITH's Draw The Line (1977), BOSTON's Boston (1976), CHEAP TRICK At Budokan (1979), MOUNTAIN's Nantucket Sleighride (1971) and JEFF BECK's Beck, Bogert & Appice's Live In Japan (1974).


Ozzy Osbourne - 'Crazy Train' live:




Judas Priest - 'Painkiller':