Tokyo's Coolest Sound Japanese music and movie release and event announcement blog.Find out what's happening now in Tokyo and Japan's club, electro-pop, and Shibuya-kei-related scenes. Movable Type tag:coolestsound.jp,2024://4 Patrick http://coolestsound.jp/ 2024-04-19T04:25:59Z Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.48 tag:coolestsound.jp,2024://4.14771 2024-04-19T04:25:59Z 2024-04-19T04:25:41Z This is Tokyo's Coolest Sound's own radio show, which is featured on La Face B (Facebook page), an Internet radio based in Montréal (Québec, Canada). It brings you some favorite songs and artists that you've read about in these... Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B

This is Tokyo's Coolest Sound's own radio show, which is featured on La Face B (Facebook page), an Internet radio based in Montréal (Québec, Canada). It brings you some favorite songs and artists that you've read about in these pages. Tune in at the times below at https://lafaceb.live.

"Tokyo's Coolest Sound" (vol.48) was aired at https://lafaceb.live on April 18 from 20:30 (EDT = Montréal/New York).
* Japan time: April 19, 2024 from 9:30 a.m.

This episode is not archived as-is. Some replays are expected to be aired in the following weeks.

Listen to the Spotify playlist of some of the songs played (some replaced according to Spotify availability), or scroll down this page to find music videos and individual songs, and also listen to the narration.

Below is the full tracklist with liner notes, and narration parts which you can listen to.


1. Tetsuko "Holy girl Tetsuko" (2024)
(Japanese title: Tetsuko 「聖少女☆テツコ」)

Sweet punk trio Tetsuko (Instagram, 𝕏), a band formed in 1999, released in March a brand new album titled "Curl", on which appears the song "Holy girl Tetsuko" (Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music). The album takes some inspiration from their favorite bands such as The Beatles and The Hi-Lows, with touches of 70s music, 80s new wave, 90s Brit Pop and recent mild psychedelic bands from the UK, US and Australia, all turned into their signature Tetsuko sound. Check out the music video below!

Tetsuko has an upcoming show on May 5 at Akihabara Club Goodman. Find details here.


🎙 Listen to Narration I
Presenting: Tetsuko, Cocopuff Club

2. Cocopuff Club "My First Tattoo" (2024)

Cocopuff Club (Bandcamp) is the new solo project of COCO (𝕏, Instagram), guitarist and lead singer of THE LET'S GO's, has released a song under the name Cocopuff Club, her new solo project! The first song, released last month, is "My First Tattoo" (Bandcamp). COCO sings in English about her thoughts of getting a tattoo. The lyrics mention Nicky Corvette with who she toured Japan last year as a member of Nicky and the Tokyo Corvettes. There's word that Cocopuff Club aims at releasing a new song every month.

THE LET'S GO's can next be seen in Tokyo on May 3 at Nishi-Eifuku Jam, part of "Jam Fes 2024", and then on May 6 at Shibasaki Rathole. Find details and their full schedule on the official site.

3. Joe Nakamura & Eastwoods "Living Dead of Akatsuki" (2024)
(Japanese title: 中村ジョー&イーストウッズ 「暁のリビングデッド」 "Akatsuki no Living Dead")

Joe Nakamura & Eastwoods is a band that was formed in 2014, and has a concept of "garage soul meets city pop". They have just released their first album titled "Hello City Lights" (Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music). Check out the music video of the song "Living Dead of Akatsuki" below, a zombie feature directed and illustrated by Joe Nakamura himself.

The album is available as a limited LP, as well as digitally. It was mixed and mastered by Keiichi Sokabe (Sunny Day Service).

Joe Nakamura & Eastwoods can be seen live on May 17 at Shimokitazawa Live Haus. Find details here.

4. CHiLi GiRL "Secret Secret" (2024)

This is the latest song by CHiLi GiRL, the project of singer-songwriter and shamisen player Shinobu Kawashima mixing traditional sounds and city music. Titled "Secret Secret" (Spotify, Album by CHiLi GiRL - Apple Music, YouTube Music), the music production was done in collaboration with drummer & video director Shin Watanabe, who also shot and directed the song's music video. Watch it below!

This song was acclaimed by Reiji Okii (Tweedees, ex-Cymbals).


🎙 Listen to Narration II
Presenting: Joe Nakamura & Eastwoods, CHiLi GiRL, HALLCA & kukatachii

5. HALLCA & kukatachii "Romantic" (2024)

The new song of HALLCA is a collaboration with pop dance band kukatachii, titled "Romantic" (Spotify, Album by HALLCA & kukatachii - Apple Music, YouTube Music). Check it out on your favorite download/streaming platform. A music video should also be coming. This follows the release of three songs by HALLCA last summer: "Night Driver", "Sugar" and "Mind's Eye".

HALLCA, who has been broadcasting live on YouTube most Sundays since 2019, reached in March her 200th episode(!) and held a special event for it. The music & talk event can be watched on YouTube.

6. Maika Loubté "Shinsho Volcano" (2024)
(Japanese title: Maika Loubté 「心象volcano」)

Maika Loubté released this month a new song digitally, titled "Shinshō Volcano" (Bandcamp, Spotify, Album by Maika Loubté - Apple Music, YouTube Music). It is inspired by a visit she made to Nagashima Aiseien (National Sanatorium for Hansen's Disease Patients). You can read about her experience and the thoughts she put into the song, in a text in the song's description on Bandcamp.

Last month, Maika also released a 7-minute piano EP inspired by a novel from 1962, written by a 9-year-old girl named Megumi Takaku's "Sotetsu's Flute". The EP is titled "Sotetsu's Flute, Pebble of 2024 (Prototype)", and it's available for free on Bandcamp.

On May 25, Maika will be part of event "Deep Dive in sync with Ghost In The Shell" at Zepp Shinjuku. Find details here, and Maika's full schedule on her official site.

7. U-zhaan × Tamaki Roy × Chinza Dopeness "Bunka" (2021)
(Japanese title: U-zhaan × 環ROY × 鎮座DOPENESS 「BUNKA」)

Next is a collaboration by tabla player U-zhaan with rappers Tamaki Roy & Chinza Dopeness. "Bunka" gives respect to their various influences. It was included on album "tanoshimi" (2021) (Spotify, ‎Tanoshimi by U-zhaan×環ROY×鎮座DOPENESS on Apple Music, YouTube Music), and there's also a cool music video that you can watch below.

I went to U-zhaan and violinist Yuji Katsui (ROVO)'s regular event "Four Forty Lunch Live" the other day at Shimokitazawa 440, and that's what prompted me to play this song this time. The next of the series will be on June 1st. U-zhaan's full schedule can be found here.


🎙 Listen to Narration III
Presenting: Maika Loubté, U-zhaan × Tamaki Roy × Chinza Dopeness, Haruko Tajima

8. Haruko Tajima "Gal Ninja feat. Hatsune Miku" (2024)
(Japanese title: 田島ハルコ 「GAL NINJA feat. 初音ミク」)

The last song this time is a new one by Haruko Tajima (Instagram, 𝕏). Featuring Vocaloid idol Hatsune Miku, it's titled "Gal Ninja" (Spotify, Album by Haruko Tajima - Apple Music, YouTube Music). Check out the music video below!

Another new song ttiled "Who? (@Ri@N@ Gr@Nde)" was just released this week (Bandcamp, YouTube Music, Album by Haruko Tajima - Apple Music, Spotify).

Haruko Tajima will host an event titled "Disco 2001" on May 6 from 12:30 at Shinjuku Rock Cafe Loft, also featuring perfect young lady and DJ Buddha Limit, and of course a live performance by Haruko who will also DJ and do a pop-up of New Wave Gal Shop. Find details here.

Thank you for tuning in! Information about replays can be found at the top of the page.

Find previous radio shows right here. You can also listen to some older ones on Mixcloud.

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Cocopuff Club "My First Tattoo" tag:coolestsound.jp,2024://4.14781 2024-04-17T04:05:20Z 2024-04-17T04:05:12Z COCO (𝕏, Instagram), the guitarist and lead singer of THE LET'S GO's, has released a song under the name Cocopuff Club, her new solo project! The first song is "My First Tattoo", in which she sings in English about...

COCO (𝕏, Instagram), the guitarist and lead singer of THE LET'S GO's, has released a song under the name Cocopuff Club, her new solo project! The first song is "My First Tattoo", in which she sings in English about her thoughts of getting a tattoo. The lyrics mention Nicky Corvette with who she toured Japan last year as a member of Nicky and the Tokyo Corvettes. Watch the teaser video below, then go to Bandcamp for the full song.

There's word that Cocopuff Club aims at releasing a new song every month, and since "My First Tattoo" came in March, one might be coming in April.

THE LET'S GO's can be seen next in Tokyo on May 3 at Nishi-Eifuku Jam, part of "Jam Fes 2024", and then on May 6 at Shibasaki Rathole. Find details and their full schedule here.

Cocopuff Club "My First Tattoo" (2024)

Out now (3/15)
Sample/buy: Bandcamp

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Wednesday Campanella "Neon" (12"), "Rabbit Star ★" (12") tag:coolestsound.jp,2024://4.14730 2024-04-11T12:22:34Z 2024-04-11T12:26:09Z The two first EPs of Wednesday Campanella (aka suiyōbi no Campanella) with current singer Utaha, "Neon" (2022) and "Rabbit Star ★" (2023), have been released on vinyl! Grab them while you can. Since these two EPs, 4 new songs have... The two first EPs of Wednesday Campanella (aka suiyōbi no Campanella) with current singer Utaha, "Neon" (2022) and "Rabbit Star ★" (2023), have been released on vinyl! Grab them while you can.

Since these two EPs, 4 new songs have so far been released digitally: "Mermaid" (YouTube), "Prince Shoutoku" (YouTube), "Ghost and Writer" (YouTube) and "Tamamo-no-mae" (YouTube). A new EP titled "Pop Delivery" has been announced to be coming on June 5 and will include these plus 4 more songs. Stay tuned!

Also a tour in July for the release of "Pop Delivery" has been announced, to end at Zepp Haneda in Tokyo on July 31. Find details of this and other shows on the official site.

Wednesday Campanella "Neon" (12")
水曜日のカンパネラ 「ネオン」

A1. Orihime
A2. Himiko
A3. Edison
A4. Issunboushi
B1. Buckingham
B2. Alice
B3. Moyai
B4. Maneki Neko

Warner Music Japan WPJL-10196
Out now (3/13), ¥3500 (excl. tax)
Order: HMV, Tower, CDJapan, Amazon

Wednesday Campanella "Rabbit Sta ★r" (12")
水曜日のカンパネラ 「RABBIT STAR ★」

A1. Little Red Riding Hood
A2. Seven Lucky Gods
A3. Kongo Rikishi Statues
B1. Shadow
B2. Hot Pot Commander
B3. Tinker Bell

Warner Music Japan WPJL-10197
Out now (3/13), ¥3200 (excl. tax)
Order: HMV, Tower, CDJapan, Amazon

"Seven Lucky Gods"

"Kongo Rikishi Statues"

"Little Red Riding Hood"

"Tinker Bell"

"Himiko"

"Orihime"

"Maneki Neko"

"Edison"

"Alice"

"Buckingham"

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Haruko TAJIMA "Gal Ninja feat. HATSUNE Miku" (Download) tag:coolestsound.jp,2024://4.14773 2024-04-08T11:54:30Z 2024-04-19T04:20:06Z Haruko TAJIMA (Instagram, 𝕏) has recently released a new single titled "Gal Ninja", and which also features HATSUNE Miku as duet partner. Check out the music video below! Other of Haruko's recent songs are "Rougai Y2K" (YouTube) and "Max...

Haruko Tajima (Instagram, 𝕏) has recently released a new single titled "Gal Ninja", and which also features Hatsune Miku as duet partner. Check out the music video below!

Other of Haruko's recent songs are "Rougai Y2K" (YouTube) and "Max Princess II" (YouTube).

Haruko Tajima will host an event titled "Disco 2001" on May 6 from 12:30 at Shinjuku Rock Cafe Loft, also featuring perfect young lady and DJ Buddha Limit, and of course a live performance by Haruko who will also DJ and do a pop-up of New Wave Gal Shop. Find details here.

Haruko Tajima "Gal Ninja feat. Hatsune Miku" (Download)
田島ハルコ 「GAL NINJA feat. 初音ミク」

Haruko Tajima
Out now (3/6)
Sample/buy: Album by Haruko Tajima - Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY, Bandcamp

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<![CDATA[Maika Loubté "Shinsho Volcano" (Download)]]> tag:coolestsound.jp,2024://4.14770 2024-04-04T13:48:00Z 2024-04-19T04:08:46Z Maika Loubté has just released a new song digitally, titled "Shinshō Volcano". It is inspired by a visit she made to Nagashima Aiseien (National Sanatorium for Hansen's Disease Patients). You can read about her experience and the thoughts she...

Maika Loubté has just released a new song digitally, titled "Shinshō Volcano". It is inspired by a visit she made to Nagashima Aiseien (National Sanatorium for Hansen's Disease Patients). You can read about her experience and the thoughts she put into the song, in a text in the song's description on Bandcamp.

"Shinsho Volcano" will first be performed live at event "De-Silo Experiment 2024" to be held on April 13 at Wall&Wall Tokyo in Omotesando. Find details of the 2-day program (April 13 & 14) and tickets on the event's site.

Last month, Maika also released a 7-minute piano EP inspired by a novel from 1962, written by a 9-year-old girl named Megumi Takaku's "Sotetsu's Flute". The EP is titled "Sotetsu's Flute, Pebble of 2024 (Prototype)", and it's available for free on Bandcamp, and also can be listened to on Soundcloud and YouTube.

On April 7, Maika can also be seen DJing at event "Sukoken" presented by lIlI, to be held at Harajuku Space. Find details and tickets here.

Maika Loubté "Shinsho Volcano" (Download)
Maika Loubté 「心象volcano」

Water Records
Out now (4/3)
Sample/buy: Album by Maika Loubté - Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music, Bandcamp, OTOTOY

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hasirikomis "I Love you! next to music" tag:coolestsound.jp,2024://4.14765 2024-04-04T12:23:16Z 2024-04-04T14:43:48Z hasirikomis is a cool 3-piece band that was formed in 2019. This March they released their 3rd album, titled "I Love you! next to music". Check out the several music videos below! The album is available on CD and digitally.... hasirikomis is a cool 3-piece band that was formed in 2019. This March they released their 3rd album, titled "I Love you! next to music". Check out the several music videos below! The album is available on CD and digitally.

A solo show will be held on April 28 at Shibuya WWW, kicking off their tour for the release. Find details here. hasirikomis will also perform on April 14 at style festival "Synchronicity '24", to be held over two days (April 13 & 14) at various venues in Shibuya.

hasirikomis "I Love you! next to music"
ハシリコミーズ 「I Love you! next to music」

1. Tokyo city
2. ichinichi sūbyō no yoi Scene
3. Everything's gonna be alright!
4. hontō no kirei ga wakaranai
5. uranai
6. warui yō na koto bakari
7. yoyū ga moretara
8. kizukanai nante
9. tamani wa shita to kurabemashō
10. I love you! next to music

hasirikomis UXCL-320
Out now (3/13), ¥2500 (excl. tax)
Order: HMV, Tower, Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

"tamani wa shita to kurabemashō"

"Tokyo city"

"ichinichi sūbyō no yoi Scene"

"warui yō na koto bakari"

"kizukanai nante"

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the Tiger "Get Ready" tag:coolestsound.jp,2024://4.14749 2024-04-03T14:41:02Z 2024-04-03T14:55:14Z the Tiger is a soulful and funky rock band that was formed in 2014, and moved from their hometown of Nagoya to Tokyo in 2019. After having released four mini-albums independently, here comes a first full-length album titled "Get Ready".... the Tiger is a soulful and funky rock band that was formed in 2014, and moved from their hometown of Nagoya to Tokyo in 2019. After having released four mini-albums independently, here comes a first full-length album titled "Get Ready". Check out the music videos of "Kanamachi", "My town" and "Hard worker's song" below! The album is available on CD and digitally.

A 7" of "Hard worker's song" (Japanese title "hatarakimono no uta"), with for B-side a previously unreleased live cover of Yukadan's "osōji obachan", will be released for Record Store Day 2024 on April 20.

A show will be held on April 20 at Daikanyama Haretara sora ni mame maite. Tickets are on sale via Peatix.

the Tiger "Get Ready"

1. Kanamachi
2. My town
3. While smoking a cigarette
4. Tell me
5. Travelin'
6. Hard worker's song
7. A melody I can't remember
8. Last night
9. I can not stand it

Edoya EDCE-1045
Out now (3/13), ¥3000 (excl. tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower, CDJapan, Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music

"My town"

"Kanamachi"

"Hard worker's song"

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HALLCA & kukatachii "Romantic" (Download) tag:coolestsound.jp,2024://4.14764 2024-04-02T13:23:53Z 2024-04-02T13:40:10Z The new song of HALLCA is a collaboration with pop dance band kukatachii, titled "Romantic". Check it out on your favorite download/streaming platform. A music video should also be coming. This follows the release of three songs by HALLCA...

The new song of HALLCA is a collaboration with pop dance band kukatachii, titled "Romantic". Check it out on your favorite download/streaming platform. A music video should also be coming.

This follows the release of three songs by HALLCA last summer: "Night Driver", "Sugar" and "Mind's Eye".

HALLCA, who has been broadcasting live on YouTube most Sundays since 2019, reached in March her 200th episode(!) and held a special event for it. The music & talk event can be watched on YouTube. A new song titled "Wave of Love" was performed.

Those who want to hear more live music can find an online release of a show from last November, available for purchase in either video or audio. Find details here.

HALLCA & kukatachii "Romantic" (Download)

Magellan-Blue Records
Out now (3/14)
Sample/buy: Album by HALLCA & kukatachii - Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

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CHiLi GiRL "Secret Secret" (Download) tag:coolestsound.jp,2024://4.14763 2024-04-02T12:14:19Z 2024-04-02T12:20:50Z

CHiLi GiRL, the project of singer-songwriter and shamisen player Shinobu Kawashima mixing traditional sounds and city music, has just recently released a brand new song titled "Secret Secret". The music production was done in collaboration with drummer & video director Shin Watanabe, who also shot and directed the song's music video. Watch it below!

This song was acclaimed by Reiji Okii (Tweedees, ex-Cymbals).

Other recent songs by CHiLi GiRL include "strawberry chocolate night feat. MPC GIRL USAGI" (Album by CHiLi GiRL - Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music) and "Summer Romance Plan" (Album by CHiLi GiRL - Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music).

CHiLi GiRL "Secret Secret" (Download)

DOBEATU DBTU2705
Out now (3/20)
Sample/buy: Album by CHiLi GiRL - Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

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RYUSENKEI "Super Generation" (Download) tag:coolestsound.jp,2024://4.14766 2024-04-01T14:58:30Z 2024-04-01T15:00:19Z RYUSENKEI, the city pop group led by Cunimondo TAKIGUCHI, is back with a new song and also some big news. The group was joined by singer Sincere (Instagram, 𝕏) as an official member. Their first song "Super Generation" is...

RYUSENKEI, the city pop group led by Cunimondo Takiguchi, is back with a new song and also some big news. The group was joined by singer Sincere (Instagram, 𝕏) as an official member. Their first song "Super Generation" is out now digitally, and a brand new album titled "Illusion" will be coming on April 24. Check out the short version music video below, and find the song on your favorite download/streaming platform.

To coincide with this, the group which was until now known under its name in kanji (流線形), now stylizes it in all caps: RYUSENKEI.

In related news, two 7" cuts from the "Tokyo Sniper" classic album were released just recently and are still available at this time: "Time Machine Love / ame no Cinderella (radio edit)" (Amazon, HMV, Tower) and "Spring Rain (radio edit) / Tokyo Sniper" (Amazon, HMV, Tower).

For more of new singer Sincere, check out her latest single "Good Girl" released in February, of which the music is produced by Chocoholic: Album by Sincere - Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music.

RYUSENKEI "Super Generation" (Download)
RYUSENKEI 「スーパー・ジェネレイション」

Alfa Music
Out now (3/29)
Sample/buy: Album by RYUSENKEI - Apple Music, Spotify, OTOTOY

Music video (short ver.)

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sugar me "Super Me" (Download) tag:coolestsound.jp,2024://4.14748 2024-04-01T14:20:22Z 2024-04-01T14:23:05Z Singer-songwriter sugar me has just released a new mini-album, titled "Super Me". This follows album "Wild Flowers" (2020). The song "Slow Life" features Robert Kretzschmar. Check out the new music video of the song "Little Girl In Me" below! A... Singer-songwriter sugar me has just released a new mini-album, titled "Super Me". This follows album "Wild Flowers" (2020). The song "Slow Life" features Robert Kretzschmar. Check out the new music video of the song "Little Girl In Me" below!

A tour of sugar me and Robert Kretzschmar, titled "Long time no see!", will be held through April, starting on April 13 at Ark Hills Cafe in Roppongi in Tokyo (tickets). Find all tour details here.

sugar me "SUPER ME" (Download)

1. Super Me
2. Little Girl In Me
3. CANDY
4. Tokyo Tower
5. Anata No Kamisama Ga
6. Slow Life (feat. Robert Kretzschmar)

Wild Flower Records WFRSM-10004
Out now (3/29)
Sample/buy: sugar meのアルバム - Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

"Little Girl In Me"

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bala "Like That" (Download) tag:coolestsound.jp,2024://4.14760 2024-04-01T04:22:49Z 2024-04-01T04:29:12Z bala (Instagram, 𝕏, YouTube, TikTok) has released in March a 4th song, a catchy pop track titled "Like That". Coming just a year after their debut, this one features singing by MANON, SUNNY ONLY1 and KANO. Music credits include...

bala (Instagram, 𝕏, YouTube, TikTok) has released in March a 4th song, a catchy pop track titled "Like That". Coming just a year after their debut, this one features singing by MANON, SUNNY ONLY1 and KANO. Music credits include YHEL (𝕏), and also Lil' Leise But Gold (Instagram, 𝕏) who co-wrote the lyrics.

This follows the singles "Tokyo Survivor", "Heavenly" and "barla". A first EP by bala is expected to drop this spring. Stay tuned!

bala will appear at event "ASOBIZA" on April 26 at ZEROTOKYO. Detalis can be found here.

bala "LIKE THAT" (Download)

Asobimusic
Out now (3/13)
Sample/buy: balaのアルバム - Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music

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Hideki KAJI "Being Pure At Heart" (Download) tag:coolestsound.jp,2024://4.14762 2024-03-31T10:36:21Z 2024-03-31T13:32:40Z

Hideki Kaji released this month a brand new song digitally, a short & sweet summer track titled "Being Pure At Heart". This new song follows EP "We Are The Borders E.P." released last December. "Being Pure At Heart" again features backing vocals by Kanafun a.k.a. kiss the gambler. The song was co-produced by Hirohisa Horie (Neil and Iraiza) who also plays the keyboards. Other musicians are Reiji Onishi on additional guitars, and Hideki "Gen" Hara on drums.

"Being Pure At Heart" is also the title song of his upcoming new album to be released on April 24, 2024. A deluxe edition of the album, which includes an exclusive 7" and many goodies, is available for pre-order exclusively at official online shop fikarast (shipping within Japan). Pre-orders are available until April 5 only, and may end earlier depending on demand. Stay tuned for album details to be posted here soon.

A special edition of party "Blue Boys Club" will be held on May 12, shortly following Hideki's birthday (May 8), to celebrate the release of the album. The event held at Shimokitazawa Flowers Loft will also feature Maki Nomiya and Magic, Drums & Love, and also DJs Blue Boys Club (Hideki Kaji and Kink), guest DJ kimriri, and in the lounge "Bend It!" DJs (Melime, Yamada Yūko, Nutty Nuts and Carole Ai❣️ (Jenny Jenny/Childish Tones)). There's a special discount for students and people from overseas. Find all details here.

Hideki Kaji "Being Pure At Heart" (Download)
カジヒデキ 「BEING PURE AT HEART〜ありのままでいいんじゃない」
(Japanese title: "Being Pure At Heart ~ ari no mama de iinjanai")

Blue Boys Club / AWDR/LR2 BCC017_1
Out now (3/13)
Sample/buy: Album by HIDEKI KAJI - Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

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Tetsuko "Curl" tag:coolestsound.jp,2024://4.14759 2024-03-26T15:04:07Z 2024-03-26T15:20:40Z Sweet punk trio Tetsuko (Instagram, 𝕏), a band formed in 1999, has just released this month a brand new album titled "Curl". This album takes some inspiration from their favorite bands such as The Beatles and The Hi-Lows, with touches... Sweet punk trio Tetsuko (Instagram, 𝕏), a band formed in 1999, has just released this month a brand new album titled "Curl". This album takes some inspiration from their favorite bands such as The Beatles and The Hi-Lows, with touches of 70s music, 80s new wave, 90s Brit Pop and recent mild psychedelic bands from the UK, US and Australia, all turned into their signature Tetsuko sound. This is the follow-up to "Perfect" (2021) (Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music).

Disk Union, which ships directly within Japan only, gives away a promo keychain while supplies last.

A show in Osaka for the release will be held on April 14 at Umeda Hardrain. In Tokyo, Tetsuko's guitarist/vocalist Reiko will perform solo on March 29 at Higashi-Koenji UFO Club. Her other band Super Gentle also has a show planned at UFO Club on April 21. Details can be found here.

Tetsuko "Curl"
テツコ 「Curl」

1. Holy girl Tetsuko
2. Sad
3. Kyoto Girl
4. 15000 time
5. HELLO (album version)
6. Permanent
7. BABY BABY BABY
8. Stocking Lady
9. Spring a black hole
10. Mr.Thunder (album version)

Sazanami Label SZDW1112
Out now (3/6), ¥2273 (excl. tax)
Order: HMV, Tower, CDJapan, Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY, Amazon, Disk Union

"Holy girl Tetsuko"

"Hello" (Single version)

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Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B: "Tokyo's Coolest Sound" vol.47 tag:coolestsound.jp,2024://4.14758 2024-03-22T02:08:19Z 2024-03-24T07:23:22Z This is Tokyo's Coolest Sound's own radio show, which is featured on La Face B (Facebook page), an Internet radio based in Montréal (Québec, Canada). It brings you some favorite songs and artists that you've read about in these... Tokyo's Coolest Sound radio show on La Face B

This is Tokyo's Coolest Sound's own radio show, which is featured on La Face B (Facebook page), an Internet radio based in Montréal (Québec, Canada). It brings you some favorite songs and artists that you've read about in these pages. Tune in at the times below at https://lafaceb.live.

"Tokyo's Coolest Sound" (vol.47) was aired at https://lafaceb.live on March 21 from 20:30 (EDT = Montréal/New York).
* Japan time: March 22, 2024 from 9:30 a.m.

This episode is not archived as-is. Some replays are expected to be aired in the following weeks.

Listen to the Spotify playlist of some of the songs played (some replaced according to Spotify availability), or scroll down this page to find music videos and individual songs, and also listen to the narration.

Below is the full tracklist with liner notes, and narration parts which you can listen to.


1. xiangyu "michibata ni negi" (2023)
(Japanese title: xiangyu 「道端にネギ」)

We're starting with the most recent song by xiangyu (Twitter, Instagram), "michibata ni negi". It's from her latest EP titled "OTO-SHIMONO" (Spotify, Album by xiangyu & Gimgigam - Apple Music, YouTube Music) made in collaboration with trackmaker Gimgigam.

"Otoshimono" translates to "lost items" (or in a more direct translation, "dropped things"), as xiangyu's recent tracks were all about things found on the street are all in: shoes, gloves, and dentures... In this new song she sang about inadvertently dropped negi (green onion or Japanese leek). While not an everyday sight, it's also not a very rare one in Japan as these long veggies may be the most likely to slip out of a shallow shopping bag. Check out this cool video!

xiangyu will be part of the "Synchronicity '24" festival to be held in various venues in Shibuya on April 14. Tickets are available at Pia.


🎙 Listen to Narration I
Presenting: xiangyu, Voodoo Club

2. Voodoo Club "If You Fall In Love" (2024)
(Japanese title: 暴動クラブ bōdō Club 「恋に落ちたら」 "koi ni ochitara")

Voodoo Club (𝕏, Instagram) is an up-and-coming young rock band. "If You Fall In Love" is a new single released digitally on Valentine's Day. Check out its music video below! The release also contained a cover of "My Coo Ca Choo" originally by Alvin Stardust. Check it out here: Spotify, Album by VOODOO CLUB - Apple Music, YouTube Music.

Upcoming shows of Voodoo Club include event "Rock'n'Roll Circus" on April 4 at Ogikubo Top Beat Club, and label event "Beat East x Donut 'Beat Donut'" on April 25 at Shindaita Fever. A new 7" single has also be announced to be coming for Record Store Day on April 20.

3. THE LET'S GO's "boku wa Bandman" (2024)
(Japanese title: THE LET'S GO's 「ぼくはバンドマン」)

Girl rock trio THE LET'S GO's has recently released a 2-song single, of which the title song is "boku wa Bandman" (Spotify, Album by THE LET'S GO's - Apple Music, YouTube Music). Watch the song's teaser clip below.

The single is available digitally, and also on CD at their shows and at online shop (shipping within Japan).

THE LET'S GO's' upcoming shows include one at a release party of Akabane Vulgars on Strong Bypass, to be held at Flowers Loft in Shimokitazawa on March 20. Find all upcoming show info here.

"boku wa Bandman" teaser clip

4. IGUWANNAS "NingenDesu" (2024)
(Japanese title: IGUWANNAS 「人間です」)

IGUWANNAS is a rock band from Kyoto that was formed in 1994, and has released two albums in the 2000s before breaking up in 2013. 10 years later they're back with the digital release of two new songs. "NingenDesu" is a brand new one (Spotify, Album by IGUWANNAS - Apple Music, YouTube Music), while the other one "NandemoYokattaNoni" which was first played as a new song in their farewell show 10 years ago and found in a recording from back then (Spotify, Album by IGUWANNAS - Apple Music, YouTube Music).

A show will be held in Tokyo on April 6 at Top Beat Club, also featuring The Bawdies and Yoru no Strangers. Tickets are on sale via e+.


🎙 Listen to Narration II
Presenting: THE LET'S GO's, IGUWANNAS, °C-want you!

5. °C-want you! "Costello Megane" (2024)
(Japanese title: ℃-want you! 「コステロメガネ」)

This is the new single of singer-songwriter ℃-want you! (𝕏, Instagram) (also a member of Magic, Drums & Love). "Costello Megane" (megane = glasses 👓) was released on 7" and digitally (Spotify, ℃-want you!のアルバム - Apple Music, YouTube Music), with the 7" containing an exclusive B-side titled "Sugar Sugar". Both songs are originals written by ℃-want you!, and both were produced by Seiji Mutō.

℃-want you!'s upcoming shows include event "Gasoline Idol Rock Festival" on April 28 at Ogikubo Top Beat Club (info), and at event "Delicatessen Recordings presents Escapade!" on June 22 at Shibuya Under Deer Lounge, the latter where she'll be backed by band Meet the Hopes (info).

6. Tetsuto Yoshida "Kiefer Sutherland mitai na yatsu" (2023)
(Japanese title: 吉田哲人 「キーファー・サザーランドみたいな奴」)

Singer-songwriter Tetsuto Yoshida (𝕏) recently released a first solo album titled "The Summing Up" (CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower), which contains the song "KIefer Sutherland mitai na yatsu" in its latest shiny version. Also released at the same time is another 2-CD album titled "The World Won't Listen" of works consisting of acid/techno sounds.

While "The Summing Up" is available so far on CD only, a vinyl edition will also be released for Record Store Day on April 20. A release event will be held on April 27 at Shibuya La.mama, starting at 11:30, also featuring Shino Kobayashi and more (full details should be announced soon).

Album "The Summing Up" trailer clip

7. The Caraway "Fall in love again" (2024)

The Caraway (𝕏) is the guitar pop solo project of Osamu Shimada (Swinging Popsicle), and he has just released a brand new album titled "Our brilliiant weekend". It had been 18 years since the first self-titled album (2006).

Find the whole album on CD or digitally at Bandcamp. The CD is also available at disques blue-very, Amazon, Tower Records, and within Japan directly from The Caraway's official online shop.


🎙 Listen to Narration III
Presenting: Tetsuto Yoshida, the Caraway, The Second Waltz

8. The Second Waltz "suki ni nacchatta" (2023)
(Japanese title: セカンドワルツ 「好きになっちゃった」)

The Second Waltz (𝕏, Instagram) is the unit of Yūnosuke Kawamura (a.k.a. Chiyoji), and was until last year known as The Romans. Last year The Second Waltz released its first album titled "Telepath Girl" (Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music), on which is featured the song "suki ni nacchatta".

This song was also released recently on 7" via the San Francisco-based Tokyo Beatniks Record Label (Bandcamp), and can be ordeered via the label's Bandcamp. The 7" is a split-single and has on the flipside the song "Colours" by Ichiban (California) (Bandcamp, Instagram).

Thank you for tuning in! Information about replays can be found at the top of the page.

Find previous radio shows right here. You can also listen to some older ones on Mixcloud.

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Various Artists "seiki no uta, kokoro no uta -Ryoichi HATTORI Tribute-" tag:coolestsound.jp,2024://4.14707 2024-03-03T15:56:17Z 2024-03-03T15:16:15Z A tribute album for famous songwriter Ryōichi HATTORI (1907-1993), a pioneer of Japanese pop music, has been released. The album contains covers and reworks, performed by various artists including KONISHI Yasuharu feat. Miyako KŌDA (dip in the pool), Scha Dara... A tribute album for famous songwriter Ryōichi Hattori (1907-1993), a pioneer of Japanese pop music, has been released. The album contains covers and reworks, performed by various artists including Konishi Yasuharu feat. Miyako Kōda (dip in the pool), Scha Dara Parr, Keiichi Sokabe & Inokashira Rangers, Tjiros, Magokoro Brothers, and many more.

Aside from the CD and digital release of this album, two 7" cuts have of the first 4 songs been announced to be coming on April 20: "Oshare Middle / Tokyo No Yane No Shita" (CDJapan, Amazon, Tower) and "Hey Hey Boogie / Kaimono Boogie" (CDJapan, Amazon, HMV, Tower).

Various Artists "seiki no uta, kokoro no uta -Ryōichi Hattori Tribute-"
オムニバス 「世紀のうた・心のうた -服部良一トリビュート-」

(Title / Artist)
1. Hey Hey Boogie / Magokoro Brothers
2. Oshare Middle (Contains Samples Of "oshare musume") / Scha Dara Parr
3. Kaimono Boogie / Keiichi Sokabe & Inokashira Rangers
4. Tokyo No Yane No Shita / Konishi Yasuharu feat. Miyako Kōda
5. Wakare No Blues / Tjiros
6. Osaka Boogie Woogie / Hitomi Yaida
7. Aoi Sanmyaku / Kanji Ishimaru
8. Tokyo Boogie Woogie / Nozomi Fūto
9. Soshū Yakyoku / Yoshio Inoue

Nippon Columbia COCP-42193
Out now (2/21), ¥3000 (excl. tax)
Order: Amazon, HMV, Tower, CDJapan, Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music

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Iguwannas "NandemoYokattaNoni", "NingenDesu" (Download) tag:coolestsound.jp,2024://4.14753 2024-02-28T15:26:31Z 2024-03-03T14:28:22Z IGUWANNAS is a rock band from Kyoto that was formed in 1994, and has released two albums in the 2000s before breaking up in 2013. 10 years later they're back with the digital release of two new songs: one...

IGUWANNAS is a rock band from Kyoto that was formed in 1994, and has released two albums in the 2000s before breaking up in 2013. 10 years later they're back with the digital release of two new songs: one which was first played as a new song in their farewell show 10 years ago ("NandemoYokattaNoni"), here released as it was found in a recording from back then, and the other which is a brand new one ("NingenDesu").

Both of their previous albums are now also available digitally: "FALL iN LOVE WiTH EiGHT BEAT... " (2002) (Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music) and "Rock'n'Roll After School" (2009) (Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music).

A show will be held in Tokyo on April 6 at Top Beat Club, also featuring The Bawdies and Yoru no Strangers. Tickets are on sale via e+.

IGUWANNAS "NandemoYokattaNoni" (Download)
IGUWANNAS 「なんでもよかったのに」

DECKREC/UK.PROJECT DCRC-0089
Out now (2/28)
Sample/buy: Album by IGUWANNAS - Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

IGUWANNAS "NingenDesu" (Download)
IGUWANNAS 「人間です」

DECKREC/UK.PROJECT DCRC-0090
Out now (2/28)
Sample/buy: Album by IGUWANNAS - Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

"NandemoYokattaNoni"

"NingenDesu"

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NUBACK "Yuragi / Always Changing" (Download) tag:coolestsound.jp,2024://4.14740 2024-02-27T15:59:54Z 2024-02-27T14:59:26Z NUBACK (pronounced Noo-back), the solo project of singer-songwriter Dai NAKAMURA (also of Blank Music, BANK and Vacation Three, ex-Arch), has just released two new tracks on Bandcamp. The new songs should become available in a month or so on...

NUBACK (pronounced Noo-back), the solo project of singer-songwriter Dai Nakamura (also of Blank Music, BANK and Vacation Three, ex-Arch), has just released two new tracks on Bandcamp.

The new songs should become available in a month or so on Apple Music, Spotify, etc.

This NUBACK release follows "Kanata / Tagai Chigai" out in September last year. Dai Nakamura also released two songs in December under his own name: "Goodbye / for Alison".

NUBACK "Yuragi / Always Changing" (Download)

1. Yuragi
2. Always Changing

Too Young Records
Out now (2/25)
Sample/buy: Bandcamp

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Voodoo Club "If You Fall In Love c/w My Coo Ca Choo" (Download) tag:coolestsound.jp,2024://4.14739 2024-02-25T04:40:12Z 2024-03-07T14:08:12Z Voodoo Club (𝕏, Instagram) has released a brand new single digitally. Check out the music video of "If You Fall In Love" (Japanese title "koi ni ochitara") below! The B-side is a cover of "My Coo Ca Choo" originally...

Voodoo Club (𝕏, Instagram) has released a brand new single digitally. Check out the music video of "If You Fall In Love" (Japanese title "koi ni ochitara") below! The B-side is a cover of "My Coo Ca Choo" originally by Alvin Stardust.

This follows the 7" single "Theme of Voodoo Club" released for Record Day 2023.

A 2nd 7" single has also be announced to be coming for Record Store Day on April 20, titled "Cynical Baby c/w ki ni naru omae".

Upcoming shows include event "Rock'n'Roll Animal" on March 3 at Hatagaya Club Heavy Sick inn Hatagaya, "Rock'n'Roll Circus" on April 4 at Ogikubo Top Beat Club, and label event "Beat East x Donut 'Beat Donut'" on April 25 at Shindaita Fever.

Voodoo Club "If You Fall In Love c/w My Coo Ca Choo" (Download)
暴動クラブ
 
「恋におちたら c/w 俺のあの娘」
(Japanese title: "koi ni ochitara c/w ore no ano ko")

1. If You Fall In Love
2. My Coo Ca Choo

Beat East
Out now (2/14)
Sample/buy: Album by VOODOO CLUB - Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

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Air-Con Boom Boom Onesan "Air-Con Boom Boom Onesan Republic" (Download) tag:coolestsound.jp,2024://4.14729 2024-02-23T16:30:33Z 2024-02-23T15:32:45Z Air-Con Boom Boom Onesan (𝕏, Instagram), nicknamed Konneki, is known both as a comedian and musical artist. Here comes her first full-length album, titled "Air-Con Boom Boom Onesan Republic", and like her previous works it is produced by CMJK (Cutemen,... Air-Con Boom Boom Onesan (𝕏, Instagram), nicknamed Konneki, is known both as a comedian and musical artist. Here comes her first full-length album, titled "Air-Con Boom Boom Onesan Republic", and like her previous works it is produced by CMJK (Cutemen, ex-Denki Groove). The album has sounds of no wave, synth wave, jazz, ambient, heavy metal, hard electro, drum'n'bass, ballad, etc. Aside from CMJK's tracks, two were written/arranged by George (of MOP of HEAD) ("George JAZZ" and "Gam'n") and two (co-)written/(co-)arranged by Shintaro Yamaguchi (aka ShinYMG).

The album consists of original songs except for covers of "Since Yesterday" (Strawberry Switchblade) and "Time After Time" (Cindy Lauper). The songs "So" and "Since Yesterday" were previously released as a digital single, though these have been updated into album versions.

This also follows the release of "Air-Con Boom Boom Onesan E.P" digitally in January last year: Album by AIR-CON BOOM BOOM ONESAN - Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY.

A performance in Tokyo Tower was held on February 22, and a document movie of it can be watched on YouTube.

Air-Con Boom Boom Onesan "Air-Con Boom Boom Onesan Republic" (Download)

1. Democratic People Republic of KON NEKI
2. So (Album Version)
3. Since Yesterday (Album Version)
4. George JAZZ
5. Ami
6. Name In The Moon
7. Konya
8. WHITE WOLF
9. Time After Time
10. Gam'n
11. Junk
12. Riviera

22nd Century Tunes 22CT-73
Out now (2/21)
Sample/buy: Album by AIR-CON BOOM BOOM ONESAN - Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music, OTOTOY

"So" (Single version)

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