Y AND T earthshaker UICY-20242

Shaking the Earth: Y&T’s ‘Earthshaker’ on SHM-CD (UICY-20242)

Today’s entry highlights a definitive album from the American hard rock legends Y&T. We are looking at the 2011 Japanese reissue of their 1981 classic, “Earthshaker,” released on the A&M Records label (Universal Music) with the catalog number UICY-20242. This particular copy includes the original obi strip.

Released as part of the “My Generation, My Music” series, this edition is pressed on SHM-CD (Super High Material CD). This high-fidelity format is designed to be playable on standard CD players while using higher-quality materials to improve audio transparency, making it an ideal way to experience the raw energy of this landmark release.

Originally released in 1981, “Earthshaker” was a turning point for the band. It was their third album overall, but the first released under the shortened name “Y&T” (previously Yesterday & Today). This change accompanied a shift in sound, moving away from the looser 70s rock style to a sharper, heavier, and more energetic hard rock sound that ignited their popularity in Japan and beyond.

The album is widely regarded as a masterpiece of the genre with no filler. It opens with the hard-hitting “Hungry For Rock” and features the band’s signature anthem, “Rescue Me,” which is famous for Dave Meniketti’s emotional vocals and “crying” melodic guitar work. Other highlights include the driving “Hurricane” and the epic ballad “I Believe In You.”

UICY-20242 is a fantastic high-quality reissue that captures Y&T re-defining themselves for the 80s. It is an essential item for collectors, offering a pristine listening experience of a historical hard rock classic.