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Sony\u2019s revolutionary cassette player, the Walkman, debuted in the USA on 1st July, 1979, costing $150. It went on to shift a staggering 450m units.\nBoasting a classy aluminium chassis, audio splitter, and novelty \u2018Hotline\u2019 button for dance parties, the device took off after an advertising campaign featuring sexy models and an elderly Japanese monk.\nIn this episode, Olly, Arion and Rebecca reveal the genesis of the Walkman\u2019s brand name; consider whether it deserved an even HIGHER place in TIME\u2019s list of the Top 50 Most Influential Gadgets, and ask if, in 2021, we are living in the shadow of \u2018The Walkman Effect\u2019...\nFurther Reading:\n\n\u2018The History of the Walkman: 35 Years of Iconic Music Players\u2019 (The Verge, 2014): https://www.theverge.com/2014/7/1/5861062/sony-walkman-at-35\n\n\nThe original TV spots for the Walkman in Japan (1979): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrrTv_BzAAQ\n\n\nTIME\u2019s list of the 50 Most Influential Gadgets of All Time (2016): https://time.com/4309573/most-influential-gadgets/\n\n\n\nTo hear bonus material this and every week*, support the show NOW at\xa0Patreon.com/Retrospectors! (*top two tiers only)\nThe Retrospectors are Olly Mann, Rebecca Messina & Arion McNicoll, with Matt Hill.\nTheme Music: Pass The Peas. Announcer: Bob Ravelli. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Edit Producer: Emma Corsham.\nCopyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2021.\n#70s #Music #Inventions #Technology #US\n Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices