Hoshino Michiru, who this year started her own label and released 4-song EP "gyakkō", is now back with a new full-length album! It's also her first album in her singer-songwriter style, which puts the focus on gentle and beautiful melodies. The whole is produced by Sally Kubota (SOLEIL) and arranged by Okada Yumi (arranger for SOLEIL), and the album has some lyrics contributed by Kiyoura Natsumi (Tweedees), Iizumi Yuko (microstar) and Tsujibayashi Miho, etc.
Among many new originals, there's one written by Ijichi Hiromasa, known for his production of 90's idol group Speed, and also covers of Pizzicato Five's "minna waratta (They All Laughed)" and Minamino Yōko's "hanashi kaketakatta". Musicians include Michiru's recent live support musicians (cello and percussion), as well as Sally Kubota on bass, keyboardist Nakayama Tsutomu (The Scooters), chorus group Smooth Ace among others. Shindō Mitsuo did the art direction.
The album's Japanese title, which translates to "The moon is beautiful, isn't it?", is a phrase that was once used to poetically translate "I love you" from English.
An abridged edition of the album is available digitally worldwide on iTunes, Spotify, etc.
Several in-store events will be held, including ones on October 22 from 19:30 at HMV & Books Shibuya, on release day October 23 from 19:30 at HMV record shop Shinjuku Alta, on October 25 from 19:30 at Tower Records Ikebukuro, on Sunday October 27 from 18:00 at Tower Records Shinjuku, and on October 28 from 21:00 at Tower Records Shibuya (5F).
Michiru's next solo show of her "Pororin" series will be held on October 27 starting at 12:30. Also on Wednesday November 20 (a day after her birthday) a special talk & live event titled "Michiru Best ~1985-2019~" will be held at Billboard Cafe & Dining inside Tokyo Midtown Hibiya. Check out her whole schedule and event details here.
Hoshino Michiru "Moonlight Confessions"
星野みちる 「月がきれいですね」
(Japanese title: "tsuki ga kirei desune")
(Japanese titles in parentheses)
1. I Love You (tsuki ga kirei desune)
2. Bon Voyage, Michiru! (Michiru no Taiheiyō kō)
3. Umbrella Waltz (amatsubu no Waltz)
4. They All Laughed (minna waratta)
5. Rock'n'Roll Apple Pie
6. Sweet Surprise (Surprise biyori)
7. My Dear (watashi dake no hito)
8. hanashi kaketakatta
9. Photograph (gyakkō)
10. Double Encore
yoi Record gaisha YRCD-0002
Out 10/23, ¥2800 (excl. 10% tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower Records †, , Spotify, YouTube Music
† Tower Records ships directly within Japan only. International orders are available via WorldShopping.
"amatsubu no Waltz (Umbrella Waltz)"
Sampler clip
the Tiger "Get Ready"
"Old rocker from California. I absolutely [...]" -Jeff
"Old rocker from California. I absolutely [...]" -Jeff
Gig report: Rocketman Summer Fes 2010 - thank you for the music!!
"Hello! I am currently trying to find two [...]" -jens
Konishi Yasuharu "Love, Lost And Found"
"I will always love Konishi-san, but God, [...]" -Damian
"I love the album. Konishi made a great selection [...]" -Jorge Cano
The Pen Friend Club "The Pen Friend Club"
"I LOVE your music!! Thank you all so [...]" -James Walden
"Oops! So sorry and I'm very embarrassed. [...]" -James Walden
Miki Hirayama & Maki Nomiya "Artist / Hot na chikyuu yo"
"I love the HEY GIRL track!! any idea of who [...]" -Damian
The Pen Friend Club "Back In The Pen Friend Club"
"Keep awaiting word for the vinyl release [...]" -Patrick
Ogura Yūko "onna no ko otoko no ko"
"en asturiano [...]" -pelayu
"I like Yuko because Yuko is a lovely..... [...]" -"O"
Various Artists "Tribute to yes, mama ok?"
"oh this is great. i'm a huge yes, mama ok? [...]" -oliver
"best track is either shoplifting blues, sun [...]" -aviston
The Highmarts "World Tour: Greatest Hits + Dodgy Demos" (12")
"Please come to Vienna/Europe aswell! [...]" -Eric Unbekannt
Interview: Izumi "Mimi" Kobayashi
"can i translate this into chinese?it [...]" -percy
"This was such a great interview, thank you [...]" -Blutsvater3
Wakita Monari "Take It Lucky!!!!" (Download)
"Rajamtaim please [...]" -Daison
Modern Choki Chokies "Kinkan" (Download)
"Wow! What a wonderful come back!! [...]" -Damian