The Methuselah tree is a phenomenon in the plant kingdom that has captured the attention of scientists and the public alike. This ancient tree stands as a testament to longevity and survival, defying the odds and surpassing the lifespan of most other living organisms. Located in the White Mountains of California, the Methuselah tree is a bristlecone pine, specifically a Pinus longaeva. These trees are known for their ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions and can be found primarily in the southwestern United States. What sets the Methuselah tree apart is its incredible age. Estimated to be over 4,800 years old, Methuselah is considered the oldest known living tree on Earth.

YELLOW MAGIC ORCHESTRA

This first YMO album was released in 1978 in Japan ('79 in Europe) and set a precedent in the music industry like never before. By releasing this daring album, YMO shook the world with their 'Synthpop', at the time a revelation as well as a revolution.Featuring the hit "Firecracker", an infectious and exotic Martin Denny cover, which became a staple in the early Hip Hop scene in New York.

• 180 gram audiophile vinyl
• Gatefold sleeve / 4 page booklet
• PVC protective sleeve

This first YMO album was released in 1978 in Japan ('79 in Europe) and set a precedent in the music industry like never before. By releasing this daring album, YMO shook the world with their Synthpop','at the time a revelation as well as a revolution.

YMO created their own sound, far ahead of its time. The band was amongst the first to use a "computer music composer", which was a programmed Roland MC-8 Microcomposer developed by Hideki Matsutake (composer, arranger and computer programmer). The trio mainly used electronic equipment on this album. The only acoustic instruments used were a piano and marimba percussion set. This type of production was never heard of before and set about a new movement within the music business.

Featuring the hit "Firecracker", an infectious and exotic Martin Denny cover, which became a staple in the early Hip Hop scene in New York.

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Deluxe reissue of Yellow Magic Orchestra's groundbreaking debut. The mega group of Haruomi Hosono, Ryuichi Sakamoto, and Yukihiro Takahashi have been highly influential to the development of electronic music (often called the Japanese Kraftwerk), and this is where their work together all began. Originally formed in 1978, Hosono brought the group together by hiring keyboardist Sakamoto and drummer Takahashi as session musicians for a one-off project that would utilize then-new electronics and video game samples to cover 50's exotica styles. Little did they know at the time that the project would prove to be wildly successful and result in long lasting solo careers for each of the musicians, as well as several group albums for decades to come! Includes the classic "Firecracker," "Computer Game," "Simoon," "Cosmic Surfin," and many more. This excellent edition Music On Vinyl reissue includes both the American A&M pressing (with slightly different mixes to appeal to US audiences) and the original Japanese Alfa pressing on clear 180 gram vinyl with gatefold sleeve and printed inserts. Limited, numbered edition in clear plastic sleeve, sealed with custom YMO sticker. Essential material, recommended.

• limited edition
• clear 180 gram vinyl pressing
• includes both USA and original Japanese versions
• gatefold sleeve with printed inserts
• numbered edition
• music label: Alfa 1978 / Music On Vinyl 2015

Six classic Yellow Magic Orchestra albums reissued as box set editions

Six Yellow Magic Orchestra albums have been reissued as collector’s edition vinyl box sets via Sony Music.

Spanning the band’s game-changing early years between 1978 and 1981, the reissue series includes both Japanese and US versions of their self-titled debut album, as well as 1979’s Solid State Survivor, Public Pressure and Multiples from 1980, and Technodelic and BGM from 1981.

All originally released on Alfa, the albums helped propel YMO to national and international acclaim, bringing an experimental use of synthesizers to electronic pop and machine funk.

Each album has been made available as both a standard and box set editions, with the latter including pixelated covers, new liner notes, unseen photos and studio ephemera.

Click here to find out more and check out some of the artwork below.

• Ryuichi Sakamoto
• Yellow Magic Orchestra

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Estimated to be over 4,800 years old, Methuselah is considered the oldest known living tree on Earth. Its exact location is kept secret to protect it from vandalism and damage from curious tourists. The ancient Methuselah tree has endured centuries of natural disasters, climate changes, and human activities.

A decade of hi-fi haven Brilliant Corners

Its survival can be attributed to several factors, including its unique adaptation mechanisms. Bristlecone pines have evolved to thrive in harsh conditions, such as poor soil quality and extreme temperatures. The slow growth rate of these trees also contributes to their longevity, as they invest energy into building a strong and sustainable structure. Studying the Methuselah tree and other bristlecone pines has provided valuable insights into the processes of aging and resilience. Scientists have been able to analyze the growth rings of these trees to reconstruct historical climate patterns and gain a better understanding of how ecosystems have changed over time. The Methuselah tree curse is a popular legend associated with this ancient tree. According to the curse, anyone who harms or takes a piece of the Methuselah tree will be cursed with misfortune and bad luck. This superstition serves as a deterrent against people who may have ill intentions towards this remarkable natural treasure. In conclusion, the Methuselah tree is a symbol of endurance and resilience. Its age and survival in the face of countless challenges make it a source of inspiration and fascination for both scientists and the general public. The legend of the Methuselah tree curse adds an air of mystery and caution around this ancient living wonder..

Reviews for "Myth or Miracle: Analyzing the Methuselah Tree's Mythical Reputation"

1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Methuselah Tree Curse". The plot was convoluted and confusing, with too many subplots that were never properly resolved. The characters lacked depth and I found it hard to relate to any of them. The writing style was also choppy and it felt like the author was trying too hard to be poetic, which made it difficult to stay engaged. Overall, I struggled to finish this book and wouldn't recommend it.

2. Emily - 1 star - I regret picking up "Methuselah Tree Curse". The pacing was incredibly slow and it took forever for anything interesting to happen. The story had potential, but it seemed like the author got lost in unnecessary descriptions and tangents that added nothing to the plot. I found myself skipping ahead just to get through it. The ending was even more disappointing, as it felt rushed and unsatisfying. Save yourself the time and skip this one.

3. Sarah - 2 stars - "Methuselah Tree Curse" had an interesting concept, but the execution fell flat for me. The world-building was confusing and inconsistent, making it hard to immerse myself in the story. The dialogue was also awkwardly written and didn't feel natural. Additionally, the romantic subplot felt forced and unnecessary, detracting from the main plot. I had high hopes for this book, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations.

4. Michael - 1 star - I found "Methuselah Tree Curse" to be incredibly boring. The plot lacked excitement and suspense, and I struggled to connect with the characters. The writing felt amateurish, with clunky sentences and awkward phrasing. It was a struggle to finish this book, and I felt no sense of satisfaction or closure by the end. I wouldn't recommend wasting your time on this one.

5. Rebecca - 2 stars - While "Methuselah Tree Curse" had an intriguing premise, it failed to deliver on its potential. The pacing was uneven, with long stretches of monotony followed by sudden, confusing bursts of action. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it difficult to care about their fates. The writing style was also overly flowery and overly descriptive, detracting from the overall story. I had high hopes for this book, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations.

The Longevity Paradox: How the Methuselah Tree Challenges our Understanding of Ageing